SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL2+ VS AUDIENT ID14 MKII

Summary

In this video, Jacob Dark compares the Solid State Logic SSL 2 Plus with the Audient ID 14 Mark II audio interface, evaluating them across six key factors. He highlights the build quality, user interface design, connectivity, and sound performance. While both units offer solid features, the SSL 2 Plus stands out for its superior sound quality, reliability, and low-latency performance, making it Jacob's top choice for vocal recording. The Audient ID 14 Mark II excels in dynamic range and connectivity, but Jacob ultimately prefers the SSL 2 Plus for its overall performance, despite the Audient's stronger DAC and connectivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The SSL 2 Plus and Audient iD14 Mark II are compared based on six key factors to determine which audio interface is better overall.
• 😀 Both interfaces are designed with desktop users in mind, featuring similar layouts but differing in build quality and functionality.
• 😀 The iD14 Mark II has a more durable, heavy-duty gunmetal frame, while the SSL 2 Plus offers a more hands-on design with tactile knobs and buttons.
• 😀 The SSL 2 Plus has a better desktop form factor with a lower front, making it easier to see and operate when sitting at a desk.
• 😀 The iD14 Mark II wins in terms of connectivity with features like RCA outputs, MIDI, and ADAT expansion, while the SSL 2 Plus has only ADAT for expansion.
• 😀 The SSL 2 Plus allows for headphone outputs at the back, offering more flexibility in setup, while the iD14 has front-facing outputs, which require repositioning the unit.
• 😀 The sound quality comparison reveals that the SSL 2 Plus delivers a fuller, more pleasing sound, while the iD14 has a slightly hollow, tin-can quality in comparison.
• 😀 The iD14 Mark II has better converters and a wider dynamic range, providing a clearer and more immersive sound experience than the SSL 2 Plus.
• 😀 The SSL 2 Plus offers louder output levels, with a volume control that can go up to 11, whereas the iD14 requires higher volume to match the SSL's output.
• 😀 The SSL 2 Plus excels in stability and latency performance, with no dropouts or crackles on Windows, unlike the iD14, which occasionally experiences rare pops during playback.
• 😀 In the final verdict, Jacob chooses the SSL 2 Plus for its superior vocal quality, stability, and usability, despite the iD14's advantages in converters and connectivity.

Q & A

What are the key differences in build quality between the SSL 2 Plus and the Audient ID14 Mark II?

The ID14 Mark II stands out with its heavy-duty gunmetal frame and metal knobs, giving it a more durable, rugged feel. In contrast, the SSL 2 Plus is less 'armor-clad' but offers a hands-on approach with more buttons for control, making it more accessible for direct interaction.

How do the user interfaces of the SSL 2 Plus and Audient ID14 Mark II compare?

The SSL 2 Plus has an LED meter that only shows input levels, while the ID14 provides both input and output level monitoring. Additionally, the ID14 uses a white LED color scheme, moving away from the traditional green-yellow-red, which some users may find visually appealing.

Which interface is preferred for convenience in headphone output placement?

The SSL 2 Plus is preferred by the reviewer due to its rear-facing headphone outputs. This design allows users to easily run an extension cable and connect headphones without disturbing their setup, while the ID14 places the headphone outputs at the front, requiring repositioning of the unit.

Why does the reviewer favor the Audient ID14 Mark II over the SSL 2 Plus in terms of connectivity?

The reviewer appreciates the additional monitor outputs on the ID14, as it allows for the potential to expand audio setups with two sets of monitors, which can provide a more accurate and clinical mix. The SSL 2 Plus does not include this feature.

Which interface has better specs in terms of gain range and noise levels?

The SSL 2 Plus has a gain range of 62 dB, while the ID14 Mark II has a slightly lower gain range of 58 dB. The higher gain range of the SSL 2 Plus is expected to result in less noise, making it slightly superior in terms of cleaner signal quality.

How does the sound quality compare between the SSL 2 Plus and the Audient ID14 Mark II?

In the direct comparison of vocal samples, the SSL 2 Plus is favored for producing a fuller, more well-rounded sound, while the ID14 was described as having a more hollow and somewhat tinny quality.

Which interface provides a better dynamic range, and what does this mean for audio quality?

The Audient ID14 Mark II has a dynamic range of 125.5 dB, significantly higher than the SSL 2 Plus, which has a dynamic range of 112 dB. A higher dynamic range means the ID14 provides a cleaner, more detailed sound with less background noise.

How does the output volume comparison between the two interfaces affect their performance?

While both interfaces reach high output volumes, the SSL 2 Plus is noted for achieving the same output volume at a lower knob setting (around 4), whereas the ID14 needs to be set to its maximum to reach a similar volume. This suggests the SSL 2 Plus has a louder output at lower levels.

Which interface has better stability when it comes to driver performance?

The SSL 2 Plus has been praised for its flawless driver performance, with no crackles, pops, or dropouts during use on Windows 10. The ID14, although generally reliable, occasionally experiences minor audio issues like pops or crackles during playback.

Which interface did the reviewer ultimately choose to keep, and why?

The reviewer chose to keep the SSL 2 Plus due to its superior vocal sound quality, better driver stability, and more reliable latency performance. While the ID14 offers better connectivity and a stronger DAC for monitors, the SSL 2 Plus provided a better overall experience.