Ghost Train RadioSSL2 vs. UA Volt276
The SSL is clean, clear and beats the UA Volt 276 by a big margin. The Volt 276 has better ergonomics and is much nicer looking, but it’s all about the sound. In this regard, the SSL2 also beats the MOTU M2 and Focusrite Scarlett – (at least to my ears and when playing back mixes on my cheap cell phone in mono). On good systems, the mix always sounds really great once I know it passes the smell phone test.
I might upgrade to the SSL2+ and then just have one interface that can switch between the Avantone Mixcube and Yamaha HS-5’s.
Check out my last two songs for a full audio comparison. Now my two mics and monitors and interface are all dialed in.
My mixes are light years better. Finally – the techie stuff is out of the way – I know exactly what to do now that I took time to really test stuff.
One last word – the ribbon microphones – for my ears – are the best of all mics. They work in any situation and give the most realistic sound. I can add effects, EQ and basically add the “coloring” later – during the mix. The SSL2 can be cool and crisp or warm and I can control it. There seems to be a lot less noise with the SSL2.
UPDATE:
I did purchase the SSL2+ and its fantastic. I use a Royer R10 ribbon Mic with d booster and an SM57 on my Fender Mustang GTX-50 amp and that combo is great.
After much experimentation, I found that using an SE Electronics Voodoo ribbon Mic with a Rode NT-1 going into the United Audio interface was excellent for vocals.
I now believe both of these interfaces are a great purchase if you experiment by trying many combinations of microphones through them. I don’t record anything direct, maybe I should as a reference but since its all just for fun, and at my age I don’t plan on becoming a pop star its fine as it is.
I do plan on replacing both of these interfaces with the new SSL12 that has just been announced. I will be selling the two in this review soon.
Ghost Train Radio 