I really really love my SSL 12. Set up was easy, and the tone I get out of it is wonderful. Ive owned 3 other Audio interfaces, and have always stuck with Scarletts once I discovered them. While this doesn't have as many in and outs as my 18i20, its my go to for recording vocals and guitar.

Clear audio, good computer side interface, easy to use. I have issues with occasional popping in my headset while using one of my computers that isn't present in the mix or on any of my other computers, so I'm not going to lay the blame on SSL.

Important to note, the volume for the monitors goes up to 11- this is good, as it's one more than 10.

Upgrading from a Axe IO to this SSL 12 is amazing. I needed flexibility in my home studio with routing into DAW and with multiple outputs for monitors, ramping, and two headphones and several devices in without frequent cable swaps. This nailed it. The latency also cut in half. There is also enough juice to power my higher impedense headphones. It's USB powered which makes config simple on the Mac and saves a power cable on my desk. High end quality of SSL that can be trusted.

I was looking for a supplemental audio interface to my UA Volt 2. The Volt 2 is extremely good for the price, but I needed two more channels for tracking, and I don't any longer need interfaces like the 18i20 or similar -- as I don't track drums at home anymore.

Positives:
- SSL 360 is great, and it makes configuring the interface a snap, in particular if you need stereo inputs or other gain profiles.
- At a base level it sounds like SSL wherein you get a nice, clean input.
- It's super easy to set up and use.
- SSL 360 and its base feature set made it way more attractive than the next step up upgrade to UA Volt whatever-model.
- The talkback function wasn't something that I thought I needed for a small home studio, but it's proven to be very useful if everyone is using phones.

Negatives:
- The 4k mode is hokey, and I'm being kind. I didn't buy the interface for this "add on", but it imparts a color for (some) vocals and acoustic guitars that I then need to EQ around later. Not worth the squeeze. There is a definite difference between 4k mode and what you hear for similar SSL-related channel strips.
- The headphone levels are way too quiet.

I replaced my 4 year old Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Gen 3 interface, which worked okay for the first 3 years of its life, with the Solid State Logic SSL12 interface. Connecting the SSL12 is a breeze, since it draws power through its included USB-C cable. My PreSonus Eris E5 5.25-inch Powered Studio Monitors plug right in, and the mixer's MIDI In and Out are easily accessible. With 4 input channels, this interface is a step up from the singer/songwriter mixers.

I had been using M-Audio's Air 192|6 until it's driver stopped working and no one could fix it. I spent a little extra on its replacement, the SSL 12, and this thing rocks! ÀLL of my audio apps are working and can be used simultaneously. Life is good again!

Yes this interface is super clean and quiet. Built well. Knobs feel very nice. If a clean, solid interface is what you want then this is highly recommended.

I am loving my new SSL12 a great upgrade from my first audio interface. The console itself is larger than I was expecting but it's worth the added power. The 2 headphone outputs and 4 preamps were a huge addition to my setup. I had to save up money for a long time in order to fund my purchase but it was well worth the price tag and wait

Got my SSL 12 last week. Paul Lea said it would be an upgrade from my previous interface. He wasn't kidding!

The sound of the Pre's made it more than worthwhile! And tons of headroom for recording in Cubase 13.

Did Back up vocals on 8 songs this week, 3 singers. Performed flawlessly!

This unit is price competitive with other 4 channel interfaces, but there IS a difference in the sonic quality! Won't regret getting this one!

This interface works well. The knobs, buttons, and inputs are laid out clearly and they're predictable in their functions. If you're on Mac and using the Sonoma OS, MAKE SURE YOU VIEW THE MICROPHONE ICON IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER OF YOUR SCREEN, AND MAKE SURE THE MIC MODE IS ON "STANDARD" INSTEAD OF "VOICE ISOLATION". My fault, but this cost me a headache I don't wish on anyone. Luckily, Luke helped me figure out the quick fix.

First of all.... This interface is incredible! Love the simplicity of the layout. But don't for a second think "simple" means without options. The SSL12s 360 software makes this unit a real player! First of all, the builtin preamps are fantastic! Clean with loads of gain. All the buttons are digitally controlled, so you can control them on the interface, or via 360. BUS Powered - Huge plus right there. No additional power cable needed, which came in really handy in the spring when I recorded a choir on location via the SSL12 and my laptop. I really love the "Big Knob". Smooth operation of my monitor levels. I also love the "assignable" buttons on the right. Although they are by default Cut, Alt and Talk, each can be reassigned to different functions within 360 (perhaps worth renaming them F1, F2, F3 since they can be assigned to a number of functions). 4K button is nice. Adds to air and subtle harmonics to the top end. It's not for everything, but can be useful. Builtin Talkback has been SUPER handy for me. I the love the ability to build different mixes for my different headphones. I use sends 3&4 to feed a headphones amp in the tracking room, which allows me to built a unique mix for the artist separate from my own. Expandable via ADAT! I also purchased the SSL Pure Drive OCTO Pre, and have it connected via ADAT for a total of 12 inputs, which is fantastic as I am a drummer and track a lot of projects.

Now for a few things I would love to see improved or added.
1) Another set of outputs would be amazing. Although you CAN use your headphones outs as Line outs (switchable in 360) it would be nice to have dedicated 5/6 outs on the back to run external processing without stealing headphones outs.
2) PADs on the mic inputs. Mic pres are pretty hot, and would be nice to tame loud sources.
3) Line signal in on the XLRs. While they are combo jacks, which have TRS inputs in the centre of the jack, if you are wired in via XLRs, and you want to send line level into one of the channels, you have to re-patch to a TRS cable. The XLR feed preamp only.
4) to piggyback on the last comment, perhaps analog 5/6 & 7/8 Line INs (SSL 16). It would be great to see an
8 analog in version of this interface at some point (SSL16??? - 16 in/16 out).

Final thoughts.... It's really hard to beat this interface. The top notch AD conversion, 32bit, expandable, and simple operation make it a no brainer. Should cost why more than what it's going for.... oooops... I've said too much ;)
BUY ONE, you won't regret it.

I owned the Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 and 4i4. They started out okay but I started having connectivity issues and I wasn't able to figure out why. I decided to purchase a new interface and did a lot of research. I ended up purchasing the SSL 12, and I could not be happier. The preamps on this unit are fantastic. The interface is simple and the software is a huge upgrade from my previous interface. I LOVE the built-in talk back mic. I have had zero connectivity issues with it. If you're in this price range, I don't think there's anything better out there.

This interface truly is plug and play for my Mac. Once plugged in, all I had to do was change the in and out sound to the SSL interface, plug in a mic some headphones and an instrument. It comes with some software but will work with other 3rd party software. At the moment, I am just using GarageBand to make simple recording samples since I am still learning the recording side of the business. It seems like a solid built unit even the plastic used in it's construction seems solid/thick. Another important feature I wanted was to be expandable. At the moment I am only using headphones for recording, and with a quality set of headphones there seems to be more than plenty of gain/volume.

ON MY UNIT THE OUTPUTS HAVE A LOT OF DIGITAL NOISE ONLY WHILE MONITORING ONLY

I am using Cubase 3 on the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the SSL 12 and couldn't be more pleased. The audio interface powers up and just works! No additional cords or power supply was needed. I couldn't stop smiling after recording my first track with a condenser microphone powered only by the iPhone 15 usb-c port. While the SSL 360 software may give additional programming and routing features, it is not essential to using the SSL 12 because it is class compliant. I can see 16 input channels to choose from in Cubase 3. Channels 1-4 are the main inputs. Channel 5 and 6 are the talkback mic. 6-16 must include the ADAT. I currently don't have a way to test these though. It works great with my older iPad running Auria Pro with the Fab Filter plugins too; but this setup requires the apple camera adapter and a usb-c hub to power the audio interface. I am excited and extremely pleased with my purchase. I also want to give a thumbs up for SweetWater's Sweet Track. I stumbled across it several days after placing my order and wondering if my order had shipped.

This is a great audio interface. I was a long-time user of the FocusRite Scarlett 18i8 and was looking to upgrade with better pre-mics. I was wavering between this, the FocusRite Clarett, and the UA Apollo. I have to give a HUGE thank you to my long-time Sweetwater sales engineer, Kurt Martin, for his advice on this one. He walked me through the pros and cons of each option, and why the SSL 12 might be the best fit for me. The SSL 12 absolutely rocks. I did a side-by-side test with my old interface, and this one blows the other one out of the water. The pre-amps are powerful and clean. I love having a high-pass filter and a 4k boost. The boost adds a nice sheen to vocals in particular. Another bonus is that you can select phantom power (+48V) on each individual track. On the 18i8, you had to use it for 2 inputs at a time. The monitor controls are nice with individual adjustment ability for each headphone out. The form factor is fantastic as the controls are similar to SSL's mixing boards. At just over $, this didn't break the bank, either. This was an immediate upgrade to my rig and is worth considering for musicians who want an improved sound from their interface over less expensive options.

I purchased this SSL 12 wanting a solution that would have flexibility and be portable. Really I had no idea the purchased was going to exceed all of my expectations. The connection points are truly rugged and the output potential absolutely amazing! I use it playing on a worship team with some amazing musicians. I'm able to utilize my MK 88 controller and play with Komplete Ultimate in live performance! At home in my studio the sound is very very clean and honest. I can see why the 4K set the industry on its head when the large format console was introduced. I've used it briefly on some vocals and was blown away by the achievable rates and gain. You would not be disappointed with this wonder box in your studio!

I've been trying to find a desktop audio interface for some time that didn't make me feel limited or like I was using a little 2i2 or similar. This was the answer. The two separate HP sends are amazing to have in such a small package. The 4K analog option is crispy and adds a lot of character. I've actually used them as an analog insert by looping old stems back through for flavor. Cool to have. Built in talkback is a huge plus. This thing is ideal for a small production studio with outboard gear and a lust for analog (me) or a songwriter looking to graduate from something more vanilla. SSL is incredible. You won't regret it.

I've purchased it all. In the span of 30+ years in music, I have probably bought most of everything cool, popular, whatever. The Solid State Logic SSL12 USB Audio interface is my favorite DAW because it is portable, Mac friendly, and I can take it gigs and use it as a DI for a keyboard, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and electric. I can't say that any other DAW on the market is capable of doing that at the footprint or price point of this DAW. The audio quality is AMAZING. Much better than the Focusrite Scarlett that I replaced it with. Why? How? Because the clarity of the music comes through in many more transparent ways than the Focusrite, which seems to distort the signal at higher studio volumes. This ones a keeper.

This interface was exactly what I needed! My tracks are so much richer and detailed than before. I've gone from a Presonus interface, UA infinity preamps... those tools are now obsolete. For my home studio this is all I need. I also got The Spark subscription from Universal Audio and along with SSL 12 I'm completely happy with my recordings now!

The ssl 12 is such a great interface. The software allows you to customize the hardware buttons, create custom headphone mixes from your daw and adjust input levels on a finer scale. I'm loving this interface so far!

You can forget you even have an interface. I researched and SSL came up over and
again-with good reason. Its not a "cheap" version
of the big SSL big boards. Solid build. Completely discreet. Sure it seems pricey compared to others, but it's the center of your system, so you should skimp on that?
I don't know if this'll last forever, but it's a sure bet it'll outlast me!
This is PRO gear-worth every dollar.

My co-engineer ordered this for the studio we work out of with the intent to expand it via ADAT to 8 more focusrite inputs, all monitoring through the SSL mix software. The preamps in this interface are so hot that you can't even mic a 40 watt tube amp with the volume at 2 and an sm7 without clipping. Our preamp gains on the interface are constantly at zero any time we want to record anything louder than a soft female vocal or a shaker. Don't even think about ever miking a kick drum because there's no world in which that would be usable even with the lightest drummer without purchasing excess gear to reduce input gain. This is really a product for producers who make music in the box and vocalists and rappers - not for people who record a variety of audio sources. Shocked at how many good reviews this has given that iv seen that other people have the same gain issue.

Hands down the best compact audio interface I've used. I traded my Apollo for this and it's better imho. I looked at tthe SSL+ and the Steinberg UR44C and finally bought the UR44C as it was bus powered and had 4 inputs. It was just ok. When the SSL12 came out, I didn't blink. The sound is so much clearer and it makes it much easier to clearly hear each track when mixing. I felt the Steinberg and similar Focusrite, MOTU, and M-audio gear I've used is too muddy in the mid/mid-high range to clearly hear each part. SSL12 is sooo much nicer and the plug-ins are the most useful I've used. I like them a lot more than the Apollo ones. Also, you can expand this in your studio using the ADAT pipe, adding at least 8 more inputs.

If you want the best 4 channel bus powered interface that mortals can afford, this is your new gear!

Customer Service went above and beyond for me on this one, BIG Thanks to Jeremiah (sales rep) and Logan (customer service email) for making things easy and accommodating me...... story:

-

I had a other audio interface that had a power brick fail, I contacted Sweetwater Customer Service and explained how I was upset with the audio interface and if there was any way I could switch it out for a completely new brand (even though I was well past my return window).... THANKS LOGAN for the first contact!!

The sales rep had to go further up the line to see if that was possible and I was VERY VERY happy to know that they would let me do this this one time, which was great!!

Sales Rep (Jeremiah) confirmed that my audio interface was sent back and he sent the new ssl12 to my address.... however..... the product never arrived, checked the tracking and it was stuck somewhere for days and days (UPS)

So I contacted Jeremiah again and he confirmed that UPS had misplaced the package, Homeboy Jeremiah sent me a NEW one with overnight delivery with FedEx this time and I got the audio interface I was hoping for rather quickly.

-

BIGS Thanks to Jeremiah for making this whole thing easy and bending over backwards for me, also shoutout to Logan for being my first contact..... although the customer service can be a bit intrusive, for my case I was 100% glad they were there for me.

-

Audio Interface works GREAT!! so far

This is such a great preamp and converter... Get one and be happy...

The sound is an improvement . Quality interface

This unit is really good! No power cord to worry about! Plug in any type of instrument, gain stage, and capture on IPad. That simple!!
What came out was incredible. Exactly what we heard live and it played back just as good. Engage 4K button second time around and sounded better then live.
The guys were so impressed, one of them purchase a unit right on the spot.
A slight learning curve with the 360 software for routing stems out and then loop back. But once I understood, wow.
The adat option is a plus.

I picked this up to do some mobile audio recording for a YouTube channel. This thing sounds amazing, especially for the price! The converters are stellar, the pres sound clear and full and it's simple to use. When we are not mobile I use it with our studio interface as a monitor controller.
I sure hope that SSL is working on a rack mount interface with more ins and outs with these converters and pres. I would happily swap out our interface in the studio with that. If you need a very high-quality interface this is it, almost at any price!

I studied computer music and digital audio recording in the early mid 90's when Digital audio was spreading its wings. Then life happened and raising the kiddos. Now that the house is mostly empty I'm able to put some more time back into having fun with recording and creating music. I use this interface to connect with my Native Instruments set up for live performance and I can attest to the Sonic fidelity that it provides. I've been performing with Emus and Muse Receptors. The output change is real.
I can't wait to work on a few projects coming up this Fall.

SSL is killing it with their new equipment like this. It works beautifully in conjunction with the others. High quality in every aspect.

In my VO studio I had 3 mics I was running through 2 SSL2's. When I saw the SSL12 would give me 4 XLR inputs, the headphone ports were on the front with a High Pass Filter for each input and a Cut Key which I haven't used yet but think I may be able to use as a Mute Button in Source Connect on Live sessions plus the same great preamps, HECK Yeah I upgraded and it was worth every penny and even got some prime desk real estate back.

I love the functionality of the unit but can't understand why it doesn't match the UC! and the UF8??? Still looks nice and works well. I'm disappointed the Evan Mehre did not follow up on his call to me for a problem I was having when I first received the unit. I, in time, figured out the problem myself and still never got the phone call he said he would. Support after the sale is extremely important to establish returning customers. I'm sorry this had to happen.

I tested this agains the apolo. And I'll be damned if it didn't sound better. No emulation now hype no large price and a million plug-ins. Just good input converters. Real pre and post amps. And real solid state hardware! These little gems will make your sound leap off your speakers and surround the room.

I am a producer here out of Henderson NV and have used many interfaces doing my productions. The Audient iD44 was the last one I used and still is a great audio interface imho but I tried the SSL 12 this past week and must say it's awesome in it's class and price point. It's very quiet for being bus powered and I feel the 32 bit ad/da converters are doing something special with it's clarity.
I haven't recorded with it yet just listened to tracks I've already mixed or still mixing it sounds great. The 360 app is a nice feature digging it so far I like the feel of it, so with that said i give it a high recommendation to use in your studio to be a part of your productions!

I record in my home studio and use SM-57, Royer R10 with dBooster, SE VR2 and Golden Age R1. I recently switched to miking a Yamaha THR-5 7 watt stereo amp and its the best setup I've had. I also use the Yamaha HS-5 monitors and an Avantone Mixcube. I do a mono mix before the stereo mix.

The SSL12 is by far the best interface Ive used. I have tried Scarlet, UA Volt 276, Motu M2 and a couple Prosonus, but none come close to the SSL12.

I say this because its layout, ergonomics and sound quality fit my personal needs in every detail. This is highly subjective.

I had an SSL2 and 2+ and had written mixed reviews because while their sound quality was tops, the headphone and mic in ports were not on the front panel and they didnt have led lights for input mic switching - nearly deal killers for me. On top of that, the monitor outputs are exactly what I need.

SSL totally nailed it with the SSL12. Ergonomically and sound quality wise its a great piece of gear and well worth its price.

Love this clean but warm sounding interface for my ProTools system. Easy setup and very useful for setting up more than one headphone mixes for other musicians. Very NICE!!

The clarity from 160 hz down is beyond anything I owned previously, namely a Steinberg UR824. It doesn't make bad recordings sound better, it makes it easier to tell why bad recordings sound bad. Definitely a step up from entry level gear.

I learned on the SSL 4056 G+ and have sought that SSL sound for more than a decade. I had the SSL 2+ and liked the preamps, but eventually sold it, due to no expansion capabilities. I ended up getting dual MOTU 8Pre-ES units, connected together via AVB. And I'm very happy with that setup. When I heard that SSL made the SSL 12 and its price was reasonable, I was curious to try it. When I plugged it in and ran audio through it, there was an unexpected and noticeable difference from my MOTU converters. There was a clarity in the midrange and top end that I was missing. Maybe it has something to do with 32-bit vs. 24-bit converters, I'm not sure. I've only mixed through the SSL 12, but I'm also going to track through it. Whatever SSL is doing with their converters, keep it up! Now, if only SSL would make an 8-channel ADAT rack unit preamp with "4K" to compliment the SSL 12, that would be amazing! Great job, SSL!

We need to work fast and get jobs done with world-class quality. Previously, we were using a much more expensive interface; it had great quality, but used software and a touchscreen rather than physical controls. This means to change any settings, we had to navigate through menus, which takes time. We also had a failure in the touchscreen that had to be replaced (under warranty), which caused quite an inconvenience in the middle of a job. We had been looking for something with physical controls, but there is so little to choose from in this price range. In particular, we needed an interface that could control multiple headphones and monitors. Then the SSL 12 came out. We bought it day one.

The SSL 12 does everything we need and more. This interface was clearly designed by and for pros. Everything about it is intended for pro use. There is nothing wrong with consumer interfaces and software, but that is not our need. The SSL 12 is very sophisticated, especially at this price, and it works the way a pro works.

Audio quality is exceptional. What more do you want?

Build quality is exceptional. We would not hesitate to take this on the road, whereas our previous interface felt like a piece of expensive jewelry; pretty, but not durable, and we certainly would not take it on the road.

We love having buttons and pots! The layout is totally logical and we mastered it in minutes. Now we don't even have to look at the interface to make changes; muscle memory makes things fast and easy. Now we can work faster, without struggling through menus and touch screens.

There is software to control everything too, and it is very easy to use. Since we also use the SSL UC1 and UF8, it is convenient to have everything visible and integrated in one app.

Thank you SSL, we love our SSL 12.

My first piece of SSL goodness and i must say they did not disappoint! The SSL 360 software is a massive plus specially for tracking, headphone amps have tons of headroom, preamps are crispy clear, I highly recommend it

I had the SSL2+ for the last year and it was great for on the go mixing in headphones and some small mobile recording. But I feel like SSL made some awesome upgrades to allow for this interface to be the centerpiece of my workflow.
Having 4 preamps is real nice but the ADAT capability to add more inputs is a game changer.