Product Overview & Features
9
SSL 2 User Guide
Front Panel Controls
Input Channels
This section describes the controls for Channel 1. The controls for Channel 2
are exactly the same.
+48V
This switch enables phantom power on the combo XLR connector, which will
be sent down the XLR microphone cable to the microphone. Phantom power
is required when using condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones do not
require phantom power to operate.
LINE
This switch changes the source of the channel input to be from the balanced
Line input. Connect line-level sources (such as keyboards, synth modules)
using a TRS Jack cable into an input on the rear panel.
HI-Z
This switch changes the impedance of the Line input to be more suitable for
guitars or basses.
This feature only works when the LINE switch is also engaged.
Pressing HI-Z on its own without LINE engaged will have no effect.
LED METERING
5 LEDs show the level at which your signal is being recorded into the computer.
It is good practice to aim for the '-20' mark (the third green meter point) when
recording. Occasionally going into '-10' is fine. If your signal is hitting '0' (top
red LED), that means it is clipping, so you'll need to lower the
GAIN
control or
output from your instrument. Scale markings are in dBFS.
GAIN
This control adjusts the pre-amp gain applied to your microphone or instrument.
Adjust this control so that your source is lighting all 3 green LEDs most of the
time whilst you are singing/playing your instrument. This will give you a healthy
recording level into the computer.
LEGACY 4K - ANALOGUE ENHANCEMENT EFFECT
Engaging this switch allows you to add some extra analogue 'magic' to your input when you need it. It injects a combination of
high-frequency EQ-boost, together with some finely tuned harmonic distortion to help enhance sounds. We have found it to be
particularly pleasant on sources such as vocals and acoustic guitar. This enhancement effect is created completely in the analogue
domain and is inspired by the kind of extra character the legendary SSL 4000-series console (often referred to as '4K') could add
to a recording. The 4K was renowned for many things, including a distinctive 'forward', yet musical-sounding EQ, as well as its
ability to impart a certain analogue 'mojo'. You will find that most sources become more exciting when the 4K switch is engaged!
'4K' is the abbreviation given to any SSL 4000-series console. 4000-series consoles were manufactured between
1978 and 2003 and are widely regarded as one of the most iconic large-format mixing consoles in history, due to
their sound, flexibility and comprehensive automation features. Many 4K consoles are still in use today by the world's
leading mix engineers like Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Muse, Keith Urban), Andy Wallace (Biffy Clyro, Linkin Park,
Coldplay) and Alan Moulder (The Killers, Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures).
