Solid State Logic

Active

Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Founded: 1969
HQ: Begbroke, Oxfordshire, England
Employees: ~160
Parent: Audiotonix Group (acquired in 2017)

Indexes

Audio Interfaces MIDI Controllers

Overview

Solid State Logic (SSL) designs and markets audio mixing consoles, signal processors, and audio interfaces for music recording, post-production, broadcast, and live sound industries. Known for its SL 4000 series consoles that dominated professional studios, with 83% of 1996 Billboard number-one singles produced on SSL equipment, the company has expanded into consumer audio interfaces since 2020 while maintaining its professional heritage.

History

Founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders in the United Kingdom, SSL revolutionized professional audio with the SL 4000 B series in 1976 and SL 4000 E in 1979. By 1996, 83% of Billboard chart number-one singles were produced on SSL consoles, leading to over 3,000 equipped facilities worldwide by 2004. In 2017, SSL was acquired by the Audiotonix Group.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
SSL 2 Series Audio Interfaces	Entry-level professional sound for creators	$200 - $300
SSL 12 Audio Interface	Mid-range USB interface for project studios	$500 - $700
SSL 18 Audio Interface	High-end rackmount interface with 32-in/18-out	$1,000 - $1,300
SL 4000 Series Consoles	Legendary professional mixing consoles	$50,000+
AWS Studio Consoles	Digital/analog hybrid workstations	$100,000+

Manufacturing

SSL designs products in the UK at its Begbroke headquarters. Manufacturing details are not specified, but the company maintains in-house engineering for its professional consoles and interfaces.

Notable Products

SL 4000 Series - Iconic mixing consoles used on 83% of 1996 Billboard #1 hits, inducted into TECnology Hall of Fame in 2004.
SSL 2 - Compact 2-in/2-out USB audio interface bringing SSL console sound to home studios.
SSL 18 - Rackmount 32-bit/192kHz interface with 120dB dynamic range for professional tracking.
SSL 12 - 4-in/4-out audio interface targeted at project and home studios.
AWS Console - Hybrid analog/digital workstation console, TECnology Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.

Reputation

SSL is highly regarded by professionals for its console sound quality and reliability, with a legacy in top studios. Enthusiasts praise the audio interfaces for delivering authentic SSL character at accessible prices. Some employee reviews note management issues despite strong products.

Sources (6)