Honestly that is so true. I've heard very talented people make album quality stuff with older interfaces than these. Also knowing what you are doing production-wise. Better gear makes no difference if you don't know how to use it.
@@bitshred In some cases I'd challange that. For example I'm looking for a new interface to swap my presonus audiobox, because that little piece of sht is so noisy, it is straight up impossible to record anything decent with it, and the signals bleed into each other that should not. And while I get the whole "good performance is the key", yes, this is true, but once you have that down, the equipment in some cases can be an issue.
@@LortOfTheStones yes, get the best quality interface you can afford. But if you have something that "works" more or less (low noise, doesn't crash), don't stress out about whether or not it's good enough.
Really helpful video! The SSL2+ costs approx £75 more (£225 vs £150), but side by side it sounds clearer to me. Pre-mixed almost. I think it will annoy me long term if I don't opt to spend that tiny bit more and choose the SSL product.
Yeah that was kind of my opinion too, I liked the 4k mode more and figured for ad much as I'd be using it I'd be upset with myself if I didn't spend a couple extra dollars now.
Great comparison. I use the scarlet 2i2 3rd gen but after watching this, I'm definitely getting the SSL2+. The 4k button that emulates the original SSL console sound is awesome.
I love how detailed this comparison was. I own the Scarlett 2i2, and while I really like the Air circuit, It is easily replicated in my DAW with the help of Julian Krause's Channel. However, the Harmonic distortion in the 4K switch adds a little more grit to your guitars I think, and it had a similar "air" frequency that I liked in the Scarlet. That being said, I think the SSL2+ has a better character to its sound and it also had a cleaner noise floor - I think you were using an amp sim for one of the guitar tracks and the Scarlet couldn't keep up with the SSL2+. Much respect for breaking all the tracks down and doing a really thorough A/B. I think I have decided on the SSL2+ to replace my (currently dying and glitching) Scarlet 2i2. Thank you for helping me hear the difference and I think I will be happy with the 4K replacing the Air switch as they do sound quite similar but that 4K just has that little bit of something that I really like.
Hmm the SSL 2+ sounds better for my ear, even with vocals alone. The scarlett sounds a little muddy when mixed with the instruments. It felt like it was in the mid frequency with the acoustic. That SSL 2+ has those distinctive vocal frequencies that can be distinguish in the track. Great video by the way! Jist exactly what I was looking for!
They are both really good interfaces. but… The SSL 2+ is warmer and more pleasing to the ear the the Focusrite. Now, maybe it’s an intended “analog” distortion, but it does just sounds good to me. I have owned and used both interfaces, and I am very happy with the SSL unit. What really like, more than I expected, is the layout of the UI on the SSL 2+. The Focusrite’s controls are smooshed so close together, it was too easy to hit the wrong knob, button, or switch. The included Vocalstrip and Drumstrip plugins are really sweet, too.
Thanks, glad you liked everything! I agree, the 4K mode really brightens everything up. I probably wouldn't use it on backing/supporting tracks or low frequency tracks like backing vocals or bass, but for lead vocals or lead guitar it certainly adds a nice shine.
They are both sims of the real Pres, FYI the sims are based on: Focusrite IAS pres (aggressive mic pres good for dynamic voices) and The SSL 4000 Series ( Amek pres), in fact the real amek 4k are not he SSL 6 or Audient interfaces, what's good about both the scarlet and SSL+ is that you can have decent pres that are transparent as well as add the harmonic distortion with the Air or 4K buttons on. SSL will indeed release a SSL2+ 9K, this will be the one you all want to own to get the real SSL plat record sound.
You're right, they are both simulating the iconic sounds of the older analog hardware for a fraction of the price. They are a lot easier to deal with too. If SSL releases a 9k edition I'm sure it will blow the 4k out of the water, but until then I think the 4k does a fine job.
@@CloudRunners SSL24k is too flat and thing, just like its 400 console, was cr@p..Peter Gabriel owns this company, they are indeed releasing a 9K, but wanted suckers to go down the same rabbit hole the industry did using the SSL4000 consoles when there where not enough Neve boards in studios. I have both a focusrite 2i2 gen3 and SSL2plus, the focusrite sounds much rounded and warmer during recording, it sort of boxes the sound tightly like the Yamaha HS7-8s monitors, even the Mackie monitors, that sort of Neve sound (not true ISA but closer then anything at the price range) The SSL on the other hand gives you the impression it can clean up and record its crappy 4000 series sound (which everyone on the planet switched from to 9000 for) including Peter Gabriel. I advise you to record a guitar or bass with a pick and listen carefully how the plucks are lost in the SSL..its equivalent to a M Audio interface from the 1990s..im serious. On the other hand the SSL plug ins suit is amazing.
@@mikehunt576 I'm not familiar with all the history of the company and their previous hardware. All I can really say is I thought that the SSL sounded a little more full than the Scarlett did when recording without the 4K or AIR modes, and I thought the 4K mode beat the AIR circuit in the brightness of the sound. Obviously neither of these units are going to compare to the top of the line boxes. These are the budget boxes for people who don't have a lot of cash to burn and still want to start recording music. I don't consider myself a guitarist, and I didn't compare a picked guitar solo or bass line here. If the SSL does indeed lose some of the subtleties about the picking, it's certainly something for people to consider. However, I think most people looking at units in this price range probably won't see that as a deal breaker, and for all the reasons I mentioned in the video, I personally think the SSL still wins out at the end of the day.
@@CloudRunners its not true, it does not sound more full, it sounds wider, and when you spread the bandwidth wider stuff falls out of the mix, the focusrite was designed to sound more full if anything, the history of the company and legacy of the 4k or 9k sound is also vital to understanding you have a cr@py legacy 4k sound, Facts: SSL shipped the 4k series consoles with the idea people can swap them with NEVE ISA mix pres, these ISA mic pres are what are used in focusrite, get it now? , series scarlets (which are a gimmick version of iSA but closer) exactlyoppositebroadcast
Ssl 4K harm. dist. In low and lower mids and with the bosting around 8kh and dicret dot at the high top also boosted and dist. it ronds up the sound in to really nice US brodcast kind of flavor that we heard so often from back in the days in music, tv and movies. Listen to a singinc chorus on SSL with 4k. Scarlet by dist. slightely emphasise barely audible 40 up to 60Hz, also high fq, some mid high and it kind of harm dist. more of a mid range, but it also slightly brings the gain up, you can here it at 9 because the hf noise from 10 starts being audible when you turn the AIR on at 9 and saturation sounds like softube tube saturation. It sounds crispy and shimmery, prity nice also, it sounds like it opens up more tha ssl, but it's a trick, thats because it gains up slightly and it has more going on in mid and mid high.. bought are good. Watch the test with 500x AD conversion trough and back trough and you'll know why I like SSL.
Very interesting analysis! I've compared (on specs, reviews, videos) Motu M4, Scarlett 2i2 and SSL 2+ to update my audio interface, and last week I bougth the SSL2+. What I like more about it are clean sound, 4K effect, easy of use, nice led meter (even if Motu's display is better), monitor mix and the great option of double headphone output. Not yet tested everything, but I'm very happy of the choice. A question, if I can: in case of acousting guitar DI recording (I have a Taylor, with active pickup, I suppose, but not 100% sure) which is in your view better setup: Hi-Z active or not? With electric guitar (passive pickup) it must be activated, but with Taylor both options sound. Thanks
I leave the Hi-Z off but I haven't actually messed around with it too much. It's used for passive pickups in guitars or basses, or signals coming from certain effects pedals used with a guitar or bass. It was off for all the takes in the video and I thought everything sounded pretty spot on, and I didn't notice any signal degradation issues. You should be able to tell right away if you need to use the Hi-Z switch because the signal will be degraded without it and sound fine with it. Your Taylor is most likely an active pickup if it sounds fine without the Hi-Z active.
@@CloudRunners Thanks, yes I confirm that also with active pickup it's better to enable Hi-Z, even if this is not so mandatory as per passive standard electric guit pickups. Also supported by direct SSL staff comment: "You will want to have the Hi-Z enabled for active pickups. They do have a lower impedance than passive pickups but not as low of an impedance as line level." After further tests I am really satisfied with SSL 2+
can anyone hear the buzzing in the first take of the acoustic guitars? Is it because of the strings touching the frets down the mast or because of the Audio Interfaces? I mean, I can hear It in both interfaces, so I guess It is coming from the guitar?? I don´t know, man
Neither box has built in pre-fx (unless you count the 4k and AIR modes) or compression, but both come with free intro versions of DAWs you can use. Looks like currently both come with the same two options: Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tool First. Turns out you don't have to worry about the bundled DAW when deciding between the two. There are other bundled plugins that are also available with each unit including things like reverbs, guitar amp simulators, equalizers, gates, etc. If you're interested you can look up the comprehensive list each comes with, and some retailers will even throw in bonus plugins too!
Hello! I have a question I'm very stupid when it comes to sound techs, but I sing Frank Sinatra songs. Which preamp should I get? I also just purchased a Shure SM7B yesterday and it should be on the way.
The audio quality wasn't astoundingly different, but that's not the only difference between the units. The 2+ has 4 outs to the Scarlett's 2, has 2 headphone jacks to the Scarlett's 1, and has a built in line vs. mix adjustment for the monitoring headphones. If you need or want those additional features, there ends up being roughly no cost difference for the difference in recorded audio timbre.
I show the input knob levels around 4:00. The mic was at about 30% and the guitars were about 50% but neither was too close to clipping. Are you using anything between the source and the box that is adding to the signal, like a preamp or a stomp pedal?
Great video! I love my SSL2! Huge fan of how clear it sounds. I feel you can't go wrong with either or. I went from the Audient ID22 to SSL2 which surpringly enough, I felt haven't downgrade. The SSL2 is that good! Thank you for the head to head samples.
Yeah certainly both units I compared, and the Audient, are pretty dang good for the price. It's really kind of nit-picking to choose between the two, and depends on what style you want to use it for.
Okay. I am battling back between these two interfaces. I am just starting out and the reason I want the interface is because I want to be able to play my guitar through the computer and make adjustments through a program on the computer that adjust parameters of the effects, amps, and so on. I'm thinking about recording some of the tracks that I do. That being said I want to use my amp instead of using monitor speakers because I really don't have the room for it on my desk. As long as I got a single path to the DAW to record a guitar track I don't think it really matters does it?
I don't quite follow what you're trying to do. If you want to record direct input guitar (guitar cable from guitar to 1/4" in on the box) either one will do the trick, but the sound will be very slightly different similar to the guitar comparison in the video. Once you add a digital amp and other post processing to the recordings they will sound nearly identical. If you have a physical amp that you want to mic, your comparison would be more between the vocal takes in the video, where I thought the SSL 2+ sounded better. If you're talking about using your physical amp as a speaker, you can do that by plugging the interface out into the amp in, but I wouldn't recommend it. Your amp is probably meant to give the guitar a unique tone and feel, not really to give an accurate representation of the incoming sound. I'm guessing you'd get your mix sounding the way you like it, but then when you listen through headphones or your computer speakers it would be pretty different, making it tough for you to mix and balance your tracks. I use my monitors to mix and balance about 90%, then listen to the tracks on about 5 different output devices to make sure it sounds ok on all of them, and make the last 10% of tweaks based on notes I jot down while listening on all of the other devices.
@@CloudRunners ok, thanks. For right now I may use the headphones to make the adjustments. I don't have room for monitors on my desk. However, I may mic a amp in the future. I like the double headphone option on the ssl2+ also and other options which I am leaning toward the ssl2+.
There is. The 2+ is the newer version which I would assume has better audio quality, although I haven't used it myself. The 2+ also has a couple additional features such as an additional headphone out and 2 unbalanced stereo RCA outputs.
I remember when the scarletts first came out I actually bought one to upgrade from my tascam us-122mkii and I returned the Scarlett with in an hour lol they don’t sound good period. The pres on all 3 of their releases are just sibilant and foggy mids with no detailed low end, my old tascam was a serious piece of gear I tell ya, the ssl 2 wasn’t harsher it was more open which smoothened the high mids just a tad but not to much Also take note man you’re using the c214 get much closer to the mic, it’s a very harsh bright mic so singing at such a distance it’s going to just get harsher, I’d change mics, you’re voice would sound actually good with say an at4040 or at4050 , it’ll give you more body and a smoother high end Thanks for the video btw, was very well put together
Hey, I had a similar situation. I was recording with my Tascam US-122 mk2 and "upgraded" to a Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen (mainly because of latency) and noticed that my voice sounded "weaker" somehow on the focusrite, so I switched back. Now I'm considering the SSL 2 as an upgrade. Would you recommend it? If not, which interface would you go for in the 200$ range to replace the Tascam? Some people laughed at me for saying that the US-122 mk2 had better preamps than the Scarlett and I'm glad that I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
@@star_pilgrim_music you know what let them laugh at you , because they clearly don’t know what sounds better lol , the ssl 2 is quite good for it’s price but I still don’t like it better then my old tascam , the only interface I like more is the duet 2, you can get one that actually works for windows it has to be the ones released 2013 and up , the rme babyface is the other but that’s like $1200 CAD, but in the mid priced you can find the duet 2 for $300-$500 other then that I wouldn’t upgrade from the tascam, EVERY interface copied the scarlett on the preamp quality that I was mentioning above except for Audient, but then that is also an interface I do not like AT ALL , the grey ones and the new released ones, they sound nice and clear but BORING because of their preamps, they are not made for vocal recordings , their mids are pinched around 1k - 7k and then a weird boost in the top around 10k and the low mids are smeared , everything I record with energy just sounds like 10% of the energy , I switched interfaces and viola you can hear my vocals with energy, stick to the tascam , get a duet later or if you get the big bucks to spend go for babyface or a lynx hilo
@@rylandweet7750 Thanks for the advice. I'll look into all the interfaces you mentioned, but for now I'll stick with the Tascam. So basically you just saved me 200$ :D Thanks, brother!
@@star_pilgrim_music yeah man I’m proud to say that the tascam was my first interface and it still sounds better then new interfaces, another thing to try with the tascam is buy an art tube mp ( the one with no meter on it) and change the tube for a groove tubes ECC83S, can buy them at you’re local music store for pretty cheap , don’t get any other tubes no other brands either , and hook it up to the tascam ( you can’t bypass the pres completely on the tascam) but keep the gain down and use the gain on the tube MP and that external preamp mixed with a touch of the tascam is pure gold for vocals , I use it with the at4040 and it’s the best sound I’ve ever gotten, I’ve used the universal audio 610 tube pre and multiple preamps in the mid price even the art pro mpaii and none of them give me the same quality , at4040 and the tascam is made for each other , which mic do you use?
@@rylandweet7750 I was using a Behringer B-1 for a long time and I liked the way it captured my voice. But then it stopped working and I read a lot of online reviews praising the Warm Audio WA-47 jr and I found a used one for about 200$. I guess it's ok but to be honest I think I preferred the sound of the Behringer. The WA47jr has just too much bottom end and I have to do much more eq-ing on my vocals now than when I was using the Behringer. The B-1 doesn't have that fat bottom end so I can get really close to it without sounding boomy, which creates (at least to my ears) a nice, intimate vocal sound, and it also captures less ambient noise that way. I remember listenining to a big vocal shootout including the AT4040 and liking it the most, but unfortunately I couldn't find a used one (and I can't afford a new one) so I went with the WA-47jr instead. But I might consider getting one in the near future. You obviously aren't someone who is blinded by online hype so I really take your advice to heart. I'll definitely look for an Art Tube MP and try the setup you suggested.
It sounds like the Scarlett had more preamp/converter “hiss” than the SSL during the electric guitar part. I’m assuming this is an amp sim? I too have a Scarlett interface and find that DI guitars have a super annoying background his with the Scarlett.
Yeah it's an amp simulator, one of the default presets in Amplitube 4. You can probably get rid of any background hiss/noise by adding a simple gate to your guitar tracks, but that will only take it out when you aren't playing anything. Some DAWs have built in de-noise functions you could try too. Hopefully the levels are such that you can't hear the hiss when you have the guitar actually playing notes and a gate will do the trick for you.
@@CloudRunners I still hear the audible hiss in between when you are not playing in the first part of the song. That is the exact same thing I hear and I’ve always wondered if upgrading my interface would help. When you switch to the SSL it seems like that completely disappears. Just curious if you are noticing less noise floor with the SSL vs the Scarlett when using Amp sims. Thank you for comparison, it does make me think this may be a noise issue due to the Scarlett.
Listening again with studio headphones, it seems like that background preamp/converter noise all but disappears with the SSL. I’m assuming you gain matched the input gain on the way in between the two interfaces as well?
@@jaredholton3145 Yeah I did my best to match the levels going into the DAW. I actually had to add a little more gain to the SSL than to the Scarlett on the units themselves. I was not using any gates to try to knock out the background noise here. I didn't actually use the Scarlett to do much recording so I don't have much experience comparing the noise floors between the two units. I just bought both to compare them and then returned the Scarlett. Considering you say the SSL beats the Scarlett in the takes from the video, I'd have to assume the SSL has a better handle on the background noise. Especially since the video uses the exact same takes that were split to both boxes.
I didn't specifically test the latency when doing this comparison. I had my DAW set to the same buffer length for both and didn't notice any difference between the two. You can probably find the exact latency numbers online somewhere but for most intents and purposes either will perform fine for you in that respect. In my experience latency issues are 95% caused by the computer or effects setup and 5% from the audio interface.
That's odd to hear, my headphone out on the SSL 2+ is great. I usually don't have to turn it up past 25%. Perhaps there's something wrong with your setup, or maybe you got a lemon unit.
@@CloudRunners here : Originally Posted by ➡️ I posted yesterday about the issue I was having with my SSL2+ unit. I also shared some bode plots showing the terrible frequency response and distortion. After doing some digging and ordering some new parts, I fixed the issue. U25 on the PCB needed to be replaced. U25 and U26 are JRC8080 IC's and responsible for the balanced outputs on the unit. After replacing the faulty IC the unit is in tip top shape again. I have included the new plots showing the flat frequency response and THD. For any one looking for a good internal tear down on the SSL2, here is a great link: www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Soli...eardown/135354
The quality of performance is the secret. If you perform your piece:
- on time
- in tune
- with the right emotion
Your equipment will sound amazing
Honestly that is so true. I've heard very talented people make album quality stuff with older interfaces than these. Also knowing what you are doing production-wise. Better gear makes no difference if you don't know how to use it.
💯agree....
Good
@@bitshred
In some cases I'd challange that. For example I'm looking for a new interface to swap my presonus audiobox, because that little piece of sht is so noisy, it is straight up impossible to record anything decent with it, and the signals bleed into each other that should not.
And while I get the whole "good performance is the key", yes, this is true, but once you have that down, the equipment in some cases can be an issue.
@@LortOfTheStones yes, get the best quality interface you can afford. But if you have something that "works" more or less (low noise, doesn't crash), don't stress out about whether or not it's good enough.
This is that dam video I have been looking for 1 month, thanks man.
Really helpful video! The SSL2+ costs approx £75 more (£225 vs £150), but side by side it sounds clearer to me. Pre-mixed almost. I think it will annoy me long term if I don't opt to spend that tiny bit more and choose the SSL product.
Yeah that was kind of my opinion too, I liked the 4k mode more and figured for ad much as I'd be using it I'd be upset with myself if I didn't spend a couple extra dollars now.
Great comparison. I use the scarlet 2i2 3rd gen but after watching this, I'm definitely getting the SSL2+. The 4k button that emulates the original SSL console sound is awesome.
I love how detailed this comparison was. I own the Scarlett 2i2, and while I really like the Air circuit, It is easily replicated in my DAW with the help of Julian Krause's Channel. However, the Harmonic distortion in the 4K switch adds a little more grit to your guitars I think, and it had a similar "air" frequency that I liked in the Scarlet. That being said, I think the SSL2+ has a better character to its sound and it also had a cleaner noise floor - I think you were using an amp sim for one of the guitar tracks and the Scarlet couldn't keep up with the SSL2+.
Much respect for breaking all the tracks down and doing a really thorough A/B. I think I have decided on the SSL2+ to replace my (currently dying and glitching) Scarlet 2i2. Thank you for helping me hear the difference and I think I will be happy with the 4K replacing the Air switch as they do sound quite similar but that 4K just has that little bit of something that I really like.
Thumbs up but please tune the guitars
Apreciate you time ! This was exactly what i needed. The SSL2+ in my opinion is better.
Hmm the SSL 2+ sounds better for my ear, even with vocals alone. The scarlett sounds a little muddy when mixed with the instruments. It felt like it was in the mid frequency with the acoustic. That SSL 2+ has those distinctive vocal frequencies that can be distinguish in the track. Great video by the way! Jist exactly what I was looking for!
Glad you found the video helpful! We thought the 2+ was just a bit better overall too, but both are really solid interfaces.
I like that the ssl2 has all connections in the back.
Makes it easier to have it closer, and no cable mess
They are both really good interfaces. but…
The SSL 2+ is warmer and more pleasing to the ear the the Focusrite. Now, maybe it’s an intended “analog” distortion, but it does just sounds good to me.
I have owned and used both interfaces, and I am very happy with the SSL unit. What really like, more than I expected, is the layout of the UI on the SSL 2+. The Focusrite’s controls are smooshed so close together, it was too easy to hit the wrong knob, button, or switch.
The included Vocalstrip and Drumstrip plugins are really sweet, too.
The SSL 2 + so sonically wonderful.
with ssl 4k the voice is like already had mixed.
I agree, I think the 4k mode really shines on a vocal take. It bumps the mids and trebles just enough to really cut through and sound nice.
Nice track dude! Listening to the tune right now on spotty! Cheers from Campinas - São Paul. Brazil!
Thank you for the demo ... good video, and I hope there will be more videos👍👍
The SSL with 4K mode one the fill song was perfect! No EQ No nothing.
Great video and Great performance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks, glad you liked everything! I agree, the 4K mode really brightens everything up. I probably wouldn't use it on backing/supporting tracks or low frequency tracks like backing vocals or bass, but for lead vocals or lead guitar it certainly adds a nice shine.
They are both sims of the real Pres, FYI the sims are based on:
Focusrite IAS pres (aggressive mic pres good for dynamic voices) and
The SSL 4000 Series ( Amek pres),
in fact the real amek 4k are not he SSL 6 or Audient interfaces, what's good about both the scarlet and SSL+ is that you can have decent pres that are transparent as well as add the harmonic distortion with the Air or 4K buttons on.
SSL will indeed release a SSL2+ 9K, this will be the one you all want to own to get the real SSL plat record sound.
You're right, they are both simulating the iconic sounds of the older analog hardware for a fraction of the price. They are a lot easier to deal with too. If SSL releases a 9k edition I'm sure it will blow the 4k out of the water, but until then I think the 4k does a fine job.
@@CloudRunners SSL24k is too flat and thing, just like its 400 console, was cr@p..Peter Gabriel owns this company, they are indeed releasing a 9K, but wanted suckers to go down the same rabbit hole the industry did using the SSL4000 consoles when there where not enough Neve boards in studios.
I have both a focusrite 2i2 gen3 and SSL2plus, the focusrite sounds much rounded and warmer during recording, it sort of boxes the sound tightly like the Yamaha HS7-8s monitors, even the Mackie monitors, that sort of Neve sound (not true ISA but closer then anything at the price range)
The SSL on the other hand gives you the impression it can clean up and record its crappy 4000 series sound (which everyone on the planet switched from to 9000 for) including Peter Gabriel.
I advise you to record a guitar or bass with a pick and listen carefully how the plucks are lost in the SSL..its equivalent to a M Audio interface from the 1990s..im serious.
On the other hand the SSL plug ins suit is amazing.
@@mikehunt576 I'm not familiar with all the history of the company and their previous hardware. All I can really say is I thought that the SSL sounded a little more full than the Scarlett did when recording without the 4K or AIR modes, and I thought the 4K mode beat the AIR circuit in the brightness of the sound.
Obviously neither of these units are going to compare to the top of the line boxes. These are the budget boxes for people who don't have a lot of cash to burn and still want to start recording music.
I don't consider myself a guitarist, and I didn't compare a picked guitar solo or bass line here. If the SSL does indeed lose some of the subtleties about the picking, it's certainly something for people to consider. However, I think most people looking at units in this price range probably won't see that as a deal breaker, and for all the reasons I mentioned in the video, I personally think the SSL still wins out at the end of the day.
@@CloudRunners its not true, it does not sound more full, it sounds wider, and when you spread the bandwidth wider stuff falls out of the mix,
the focusrite was designed to sound more full if anything,
the history of the company and legacy of the 4k or 9k sound is also vital to understanding you have a cr@py legacy 4k sound,
Facts: SSL shipped the 4k series consoles with the idea people can swap them with NEVE ISA mix pres, these ISA mic pres are what are used in focusrite, get it now? ,
series
scarlets (which are a gimmick version of iSA but closer)
exactlyoppositebroadcast
@@mikehunt576 You have bad hearing? There’s always one guy. You’re simply wrong.
SSL2 + the best. If you know about this world, you surely understand what I am saying
i watched all 30 min ), great work!!
Ssl 4K harm. dist. In low and lower mids and with the bosting around 8kh and dicret dot at the high top also boosted and dist. it ronds up the sound in to really nice US brodcast kind of flavor that we heard so often from back in the days in music, tv and movies. Listen to a singinc chorus on SSL with 4k. Scarlet by dist. slightely emphasise barely audible 40 up to 60Hz, also high fq, some mid high and it kind of harm dist. more of a mid range, but it also slightly brings the gain up, you can here it at 9 because the hf noise from 10 starts being audible when you turn the AIR on at 9 and saturation sounds like softube tube saturation. It sounds crispy and shimmery, prity nice also, it sounds like it opens up more tha ssl, but it's a trick, thats because it gains up slightly and it has more going on in mid and mid high.. bought are good. Watch the test with 500x AD conversion trough and back trough and you'll know why I like SSL.
thx
SSL 2+ sounds neater than than the Focusrite 212 3rd gen.
The Scarlett sounds more flat compared to the SSl2+ which has more of a smile eq. Consequently the Scarlett was more audible in the full song mix.
Lo más importante es crear una buena canción. Cualquier hardware decende te servirá.
Very interesting analysis!
I've compared (on specs, reviews, videos) Motu M4, Scarlett 2i2 and SSL 2+ to update my audio interface, and last week I bougth the SSL2+.
What I like more about it are clean sound, 4K effect, easy of use, nice led meter (even if Motu's display is better), monitor mix and the great option of double headphone output. Not yet tested everything, but I'm very happy of the choice.
A question, if I can: in case of acousting guitar DI recording (I have a Taylor, with active pickup, I suppose, but not 100% sure) which is in your view better setup: Hi-Z active or not?
With electric guitar (passive pickup) it must be activated, but with Taylor both options sound.
Thanks
I leave the Hi-Z off but I haven't actually messed around with it too much. It's used for passive pickups in guitars or basses, or signals coming from certain effects pedals used with a guitar or bass. It was off for all the takes in the video and I thought everything sounded pretty spot on, and I didn't notice any signal degradation issues. You should be able to tell right away if you need to use the Hi-Z switch because the signal will be degraded without it and sound fine with it. Your Taylor is most likely an active pickup if it sounds fine without the Hi-Z active.
@@CloudRunners Thanks, yes I confirm that also with active pickup it's better to enable Hi-Z, even if this is not so mandatory as per passive standard electric guit pickups. Also supported by direct SSL staff comment:
"You will want to have the Hi-Z enabled for active pickups. They do have a lower impedance than passive pickups but not as low of an impedance as line level."
After further tests I am really satisfied with SSL 2+
can anyone hear the buzzing in the first take of the acoustic guitars? Is it because of the strings touching the frets down the mast or because of the Audio Interfaces? I mean, I can hear It in both interfaces, so I guess It is coming from the guitar?? I don´t know, man
probably guitar itself, almost all guitars buzz unless you have super high action
For your DI’d guitars and your voice, I think the Scarlet sounded better. But normally I choose anything over Scarlett.
man, so amazing singing from sould I heard only from Corey Taylor, your voice is INCREDiBLE!!
I think scarlett had more low end and ssl had more high end and big sound
I agree on the SSL sounding a bit more showy, so that's the one I kept.
Ssl2+
Great video! I think you played "Despacito" right? hahaha
the air is noisier/hissier than 4k hmm I noticed it when you switched the ending of the guitar
Yeah just a little bit, and if you are trying to record anything fairly quiet that will add up on you pretty quick.
Since they sound almost identical, which has the best monitoring features and software? Can either do pre efx or comp? Thanks
Neither box has built in pre-fx (unless you count the 4k and AIR modes) or compression, but both come with free intro versions of DAWs you can use. Looks like currently both come with the same two options: Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tool First. Turns out you don't have to worry about the bundled DAW when deciding between the two. There are other bundled plugins that are also available with each unit including things like reverbs, guitar amp simulators, equalizers, gates, etc. If you're interested you can look up the comprehensive list each comes with, and some retailers will even throw in bonus plugins too!
Hello! I have a question
I'm very stupid when it comes to sound techs, but I sing Frank Sinatra songs. Which preamp should I get? I also just purchased a Shure SM7B yesterday and it should be on the way.
Considering there is a 70 USD difference the SSL 2+ had better have stomped it into the ground for that much of a price difference.
The audio quality wasn't astoundingly different, but that's not the only difference between the units. The 2+ has 4 outs to the Scarlett's 2, has 2 headphone jacks to the Scarlett's 1, and has a built in line vs. mix adjustment for the monitoring headphones. If you need or want those additional features, there ends up being roughly no cost difference for the difference in recorded audio timbre.
SSL is best
What microphone is suitable for SSL2+ and what microphone is suitable for Focusrite?
My scarlett clips very fast. Even when gain is low. On what level did you record?
I show the input knob levels around 4:00. The mic was at about 30% and the guitars were about 50% but neither was too close to clipping. Are you using anything between the source and the box that is adding to the signal, like a preamp or a stomp pedal?
Since the SSL2+ has rca’s… can it be connected straight to a mixer?
Great video! I love my SSL2! Huge fan of how clear it sounds. I feel you can't go wrong with either or.
I went from the Audient ID22 to SSL2 which surpringly enough, I felt haven't downgrade. The SSL2 is that good!
Thank you for the head to head samples.
Yeah certainly both units I compared, and the Audient, are pretty dang good for the price. It's really kind of nit-picking to choose between the two, and depends on what style you want to use it for.
Should i get Ssl2+or audient id14 mkii?
nice one
you're doing good man...keep it up... i think SSL is a better one in terms of using its additional functions between the two I mean the 4k mode?
Thanks! Yep I agree, that's why I opted to keep the SSL.
Feels like SSL2 scoops down mids and boosts high mids...
scarlett has a lot of inconsistencies in the audio, like it has hardly any power behind it.
Battle of the brits 🇬🇧
Okay. I am battling back between these two interfaces. I am just starting out and the reason I want the interface is because I want to be able to play my guitar through the computer and make adjustments through a program on the computer that adjust parameters of the effects, amps, and so on. I'm thinking about recording some of the tracks that I do. That being said I want to use my amp instead of using monitor speakers because I really don't have the room for it on my desk. As long as I got a single path to the DAW to record a guitar track I don't think it really matters does it?
I don't quite follow what you're trying to do. If you want to record direct input guitar (guitar cable from guitar to 1/4" in on the box) either one will do the trick, but the sound will be very slightly different similar to the guitar comparison in the video. Once you add a digital amp and other post processing to the recordings they will sound nearly identical. If you have a physical amp that you want to mic, your comparison would be more between the vocal takes in the video, where I thought the SSL 2+ sounded better. If you're talking about using your physical amp as a speaker, you can do that by plugging the interface out into the amp in, but I wouldn't recommend it. Your amp is probably meant to give the guitar a unique tone and feel, not really to give an accurate representation of the incoming sound. I'm guessing you'd get your mix sounding the way you like it, but then when you listen through headphones or your computer speakers it would be pretty different, making it tough for you to mix and balance your tracks. I use my monitors to mix and balance about 90%, then listen to the tracks on about 5 different output devices to make sure it sounds ok on all of them, and make the last 10% of tweaks based on notes I jot down while listening on all of the other devices.
@@CloudRunners ok, thanks. For right now I may use the headphones to make the adjustments. I don't have room for monitors on my desk. However, I may mic a amp in the future. I like the double headphone option on the ssl2+ also and other options which I am leaning toward the ssl2+.
Please tune your guitar next time,it's hard to focus on the comparison...
quick question, is there a difference between ssl 2 // ssl 2+
There is. The 2+ is the newer version which I would assume has better audio quality, although I haven't used it myself. The 2+ also has a couple additional features such as an additional headphone out and 2 unbalanced stereo RCA outputs.
The only difference is that the SSL2+ has midi I/o and the SSL2 does not. Same exact drivers and mic preamps etc
@@KBizzy if im buying the ssl2 just so i can power a dynamic microphone (se electronics v7) and thats it, does the midi I/o matter?
@@SunFlower-jo2vn no. Midi I/o only matters if you’re using midi. A microphone will work just fine on any interface at all.
@@KBizzy great! thank you so much :D
scarlet melhor
I remember when the scarletts first came out I actually bought one to upgrade from my tascam us-122mkii and I returned the Scarlett with in an hour lol they don’t sound good period. The pres on all 3 of their releases are just sibilant and foggy mids with no detailed low end, my old tascam was a serious piece of gear I tell ya, the ssl 2 wasn’t harsher it was more open which smoothened the high mids just a tad but not to much
Also take note man you’re using the c214 get much closer to the mic, it’s a very harsh bright mic so singing at such a distance it’s going to just get harsher, I’d change mics, you’re voice would sound actually good with say an at4040 or at4050 , it’ll give you more body and a smoother high end
Thanks for the video btw, was very well put together
Hey, I had a similar situation. I was recording with my Tascam US-122 mk2 and "upgraded" to a Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen (mainly because of latency) and noticed that my voice sounded "weaker" somehow on the focusrite, so I switched back. Now I'm considering the SSL 2 as an upgrade. Would you recommend it? If not, which interface would you go for in the 200$ range to replace the Tascam? Some people laughed at me for saying that the US-122 mk2 had better preamps than the Scarlett and I'm glad that I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
@@star_pilgrim_music you know what let them laugh at you , because they clearly don’t know what sounds better lol , the ssl 2 is quite good for it’s price but I still don’t like it better then my old tascam , the only interface I like more is the duet 2, you can get one that actually works for windows it has to be the ones released 2013 and up , the rme babyface is the other but that’s like $1200 CAD, but in the mid priced you can find the duet 2 for $300-$500 other then that I wouldn’t upgrade from the tascam, EVERY interface copied the scarlett on the preamp quality that I was mentioning above except for Audient, but then that is also an interface I do not like AT ALL , the grey ones and the new released ones, they sound nice and clear but BORING because of their preamps, they are not made for vocal recordings , their mids are pinched around 1k - 7k and then a weird boost in the top around 10k and the low mids are smeared , everything I record with energy just sounds like 10% of the energy , I switched interfaces and viola you can hear my vocals with energy, stick to the tascam , get a duet later or if you get the big bucks to spend go for babyface or a lynx hilo
@@rylandweet7750 Thanks for the advice. I'll look into all the interfaces you mentioned, but for now I'll stick with the Tascam. So basically you just saved me 200$ :D Thanks, brother!
@@star_pilgrim_music yeah man I’m proud to say that the tascam was my first interface and it still sounds better then new interfaces, another thing to try with the tascam is buy an art tube mp ( the one with no meter on it) and change the tube for a groove tubes ECC83S, can buy them at you’re local music store for pretty cheap , don’t get any other tubes no other brands either , and hook it up to the tascam ( you can’t bypass the pres completely on the tascam) but keep the gain down and use the gain on the tube MP and that external preamp mixed with a touch of the tascam is pure gold for vocals , I use it with the at4040 and it’s the best sound I’ve ever gotten, I’ve used the universal audio 610 tube pre and multiple preamps in the mid price even the art pro mpaii and none of them give me the same quality , at4040 and the tascam is made for each other , which mic do you use?
@@rylandweet7750 I was using a Behringer B-1 for a long time and I liked the way it captured my voice. But then it stopped working and I read a lot of online reviews praising the Warm Audio WA-47 jr and I found a used one for about 200$. I guess it's ok but to be honest I think I preferred the sound of the Behringer. The WA47jr has just too much bottom end and I have to do much more eq-ing on my vocals now than when I was using the Behringer. The B-1 doesn't have that fat bottom end so I can get really close to it without sounding boomy, which creates (at least to my ears) a nice, intimate vocal sound, and it also captures less ambient noise that way. I remember listenining to a big vocal shootout including the AT4040 and liking it the most, but unfortunately I couldn't find a used one (and I can't afford a new one) so I went with the WA-47jr instead. But I might consider getting one in the near future. You obviously aren't someone who is blinded by online hype so I really take your advice to heart. I'll definitely look for an Art Tube MP and try the setup you suggested.
Никакой разительной разницы по звуку, поэтому брать нужно ту, что стабильнее работает.
ssl 2 more musical sound
steinberg ur44c vs focusrite 4i4c???
Very difficult to judge
Doesn't he need a windscreen?
And more…
Don’t believe the hype 2i2 and 2i4 and down are worthless just a bunch of followers buying them
It sounds like the Scarlett had more preamp/converter “hiss” than the SSL during the electric guitar part.
I’m assuming this is an amp sim?
I too have a Scarlett interface and find that DI guitars have a super annoying background his with the Scarlett.
Yeah it's an amp simulator, one of the default presets in Amplitube 4. You can probably get rid of any background hiss/noise by adding a simple gate to your guitar tracks, but that will only take it out when you aren't playing anything. Some DAWs have built in de-noise functions you could try too. Hopefully the levels are such that you can't hear the hiss when you have the guitar actually playing notes and a gate will do the trick for you.
@@CloudRunners I still hear the audible hiss in between when you are not playing in the first part of the song. That is the exact same thing I hear and I’ve always wondered if upgrading my interface would help. When you switch to the SSL it seems like that completely disappears. Just curious if you are noticing less noise floor with the SSL vs the Scarlett when using Amp sims.
Thank you for comparison, it does make me think this may be a noise issue due to the Scarlett.
Listening again with studio headphones, it seems like that background preamp/converter noise all but disappears with the SSL. I’m assuming you gain matched the input gain on the way in between the two interfaces as well?
@@jaredholton3145 Yeah I did my best to match the levels going into the DAW. I actually had to add a little more gain to the SSL than to the Scarlett on the units themselves. I was not using any gates to try to knock out the background noise here.
I didn't actually use the Scarlett to do much recording so I don't have much experience comparing the noise floors between the two units. I just bought both to compare them and then returned the Scarlett. Considering you say the SSL beats the Scarlett in the takes from the video, I'd have to assume the SSL has a better handle on the background noise. Especially since the video uses the exact same takes that were split to both boxes.
lol cool. But u look like u just went canoeing and didnt dry ur hair or change yet
😂😂😂😂
Did you test latency with these units?
I didn't specifically test the latency when doing this comparison. I had my DAW set to the same buffer length for both and didn't notice any difference between the two. You can probably find the exact latency numbers online somewhere but for most intents and purposes either will perform fine for you in that respect. In my experience latency issues are 95% caused by the computer or effects setup and 5% from the audio interface.
The 2+ is dope but that vest though.....
I got both, the ssl2plus main headphone stinks, too low
That's odd to hear, my headphone out on the SSL 2+ is great. I usually don't have to turn it up past 25%. Perhaps there's something wrong with your setup, or maybe you got a lemon unit.
@@CloudRunners here : Originally Posted by ➡️
I posted yesterday about the issue I was having with my SSL2+ unit. I also shared some bode plots showing the terrible frequency response and distortion. After doing some digging and ordering some new parts, I fixed the issue. U25 on the PCB needed to be replaced. U25 and U26 are JRC8080 IC's and responsible for the balanced outputs on the unit. After replacing the faulty IC the unit is in tip top shape again. I have included the new plots showing the flat frequency response and THD.
For any one looking for a good internal tear down on the SSL2, here is a great link:
www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Soli...eardown/135354