Universal Audio Volt 476P VS Solid State Logic SSL12...FIGHT! 

Yes I know…Snape not Black, please… no more! 😂

I own the SSL12 and the sound is so clean without being sterile, the ADAT ability and seperate mixes and very flexible software packages really sold it for me though, allowing me to send seperate headphone mixes was a must for recording with others, and this interface allows that with perfect workflow! I definetly will be picking up a preamp for that ADAT

The biggest advantage the Volt has is mobile compatibility, SSL 12 requires their software. The “throttling” that you described is more likely a limitation necessitated by making it compatible with iOS/Android. While the SSL is a great product, it loses a bit of flexibility in that regard. I do use an iPad to do quick things on the go when traveling, and for users like myself, that’s definitely something to consider as well.

I had both. The SSL is dope you can add more channels to it via adat and can use the talkback mic in the recording like a room mic. The volt is cool but the volume for the monitoring is kinda iffy. Both are dope interfaces depending on what you need them for input wise.

Great review! The SSL is the clear winner, but I use an Apollo x4 and UAD plugins in Console. The x4 addresses the 476P short-comings. Independent headphone cues, 3 output pairs, ADAT ins/out, 48v per channel, etc. I use a MOTU 8 pre with the Apollo x4 for 12 inputs in total. I’d like to know more about the SSL software versus the UA Console, which I use for everything. Loopback, virtual channels, system & DAW audio mixing for video, classic Chanel strips, compressors, eq, etc.

Thanks for this. Earlier today (before watching this) I ordered an SSL 12, after carefully looking at the UA 476P (and everything else on Sweetwater Sound [US]). I liked the per- input 48v and high-pass across the top, with fairly granular signal meters in-line, and that 32-bit should be more valuable than than the UA compression. ADAT was also a big plus. These were super helpful reviews.

The 4K button makes his voice sound like the back of his tongue is lifted. I think that’s where there’s some increase in energy - along with the increase on the top end.

Great comparison - thank you for this work. I think it’s such a great time to be a musician or recording engineer… so many great gear choices at such affordable prices. It’s hard to go wrong with even a little research and thought. I’m personally looking to finally upgrade my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd gen interface to one of these, and I’m happy knowing either choice would serve me really well for years and years to come. I’m also pondering the UA Apollo Solo, since it’s around the same price point. Thanks again for such a great video and work done here!

I would really like the SSL 12 because I see in other review it’s extremely low noise, one of the best performing interfaces and it has some excellent high level features. I need SPDIF though , I wish the direct monitoring blend knob also had a button on/off option.

If the ssl had adat out as well it would have been truly great! No option to go out of the daw into external fx or an analog mixer/summing in this day an age is a leaving money on the table.

SSL has the PureDrive preamps now to connect to that ADAT port. Audient has a few mic preamps too for adding extra ADAT channels with some colour.

You speak very intelligently about music.

Thank you for this video. I was waiting for this comparison. Lovely video

I would never record with the 4k button activated, however its super useful when I have video calls or similar settings - where I won't do post production on my voice and just want to have a little more presence and clarity in my speaking voice :)

The "upgrade path" point is an excellent one! And SSL does make outboard banks of pres for ADAT expansion with the PureDrive Quad and Octo - also at 32bit! 😊

Awesome video!!!! thanks a lot!. Have you tried as "stand alone" ? I mean turning the mac off and listening what's coming from the inputs. This is for live monitoring or just listening external instruments. I have a digital mixer that got broken so thinking to buying this.

I own the VOLT 476P and don't want to change for the SSL because one thing: SOUND. The preamps give my synths a hot analogic color without to lost hours to set a compressor. An another point i can check easily all signal levels during the jam session. If i want a good interface for the connectivity my first priority will be a Dante option 🤷‍♂

For mic pre expansion, the Pure Drive Quad and Pure Drive Octo are obvious choices if you want to stay in the SSL camp.

I absolutely love the design of the SSL. I just think it takes me back to the old console style. I agree with you in this, and your review video of the SSL, the 4K button is just pointless really. Also, I didn’t realize that the volt didn’t give all the UAD features in terms of software compatibility, super disappointing, as I’m using Luna as my main DAw right now. Anyway, I also think that the SSL, without the 4K button switched on, has the better sound. I just like a truer, and cleaner sound. It’s just a better base to work from. Thanks for the reviews, thanks for the comparison , it has given me confidence in my choice.

SSL-12 (4 channels) connected via ADAT to the SSL Puredrive Octo (with 8 channels) gives you a total of 12 preamps/channels! 🎉

Great comparison.

I’m looking at something to replace my Apollo Arrow (which is now the solo I think?) You are spot on about upgrades, there’s nothing UA that makes sense for me to buy even though I love the plugins and software. I’m glad the volt has midi, I have to keep my old Audiobox plugged in just for midi but the Volt doesn’t make sense to me without the same mixing software console for routing Apollo interfaces have. Add the inputs being at the front and it just feels intentionally designed not to be a viable option compared to their more expensive options. I’ve been thinking about either an EVO 16 or SSL 12 now I’ve been reading more about them.

32bit as great, but sharing files with band mates is - yah, they all use 24bit 96khz - so it becomes a sample mess. With the standards all over the place, & a ton of added gimmicks, I'm sticking with the "lower standards " for now. I hope all the units make it to 32bit. Most everything over 96khz is overkill anyway, so along as they atleast go to 96khz. Great video, thanks for sharing.

I went with the UA volt, but I appreciate the honesty.

Vintage preamp on the UA sounds awesome by itself but I would keep the SSL as well.

I've also seen comments about the SSL 12 having too much gain to record louder sources. Was wondering your thoughts on that as well. Thanks for the comparison video, it's helpful.

UA 476P with vintage and comp circuit on introduced some phase-y sounds as well. Can't quite say "phase discrepancies" as it appears you are only using a single microphone source.

That's not Sirius Black. It's Professor Severus Snape. Also, as others have already pointed out, SSL makes the Pure Drive Quad and Octo preamps.

This is annoying. The Volt sounds better to me, but the layout of the SSL works so much better for me.

The UA preamps sound smoother and a little more natural to my ears. Considering they’re at the same price point, the SSL is a clear winner with better features, design, and user interface.

What about your thoughts between SSL2+ VS UA 276 VOLT, IS THE SSL2+ BETTER?

SSL pretty bright clean sound. UA color a bit (in a good way), add more body & punch to the sound with still clean sound. I pick UA

Something to mention is that the SSL cable (at least the 2+ I own) keeps disconnecting from my laptop at the slightest movement, to the point I’m now considering buying another audio interface. It’s that bad

Apollo X4 seems your taste.

The volt sounds like an orange product to me and also the compressor adds way too much noise and overall some love it but I don't like that volt 276 much prefer ssl 2 or Apollo Twin I would bake it

Level matching…….?

"Is that legal?" 🤣

There is no fight. SSL12 is just better.

Is it just me or does the Volt boost plosives? Lip smacky.

I would really like the SSL 12 because I see in other review it’s extremely low noise, one of the best performing interfaces and it has some excellent high level features. I need SPDIF though , I wish the direct monitoring blend knob also had a button on/off option.