RECORDING January 2023 - 46

REVIEW
Solid State Logic
SSL CONNEX
An advanced multimode USB microphone
REVIEW BY ALEX HAWLEY
olid State Logic (SSL) continues expanding its home and project
studio offerings with the new SSL CONNEX-the first-ever SSL
microphone in the form of an intelligent and portable USB mic.
The SSL CONNEX is a multifaceted modern solution for the new age of
working from home, podcasting in the field and recording on the go.
Operation
phone amp boasts audiophile specs,
with a DAC which supports up to 24-bit
/ 96 kHz for high-resolution playback
and streaming.
In addition to desktop use, a 1
/4
"
thread on the unit's base works for
mounting a camera, or you can use the
included adapter to mount a camera on
a mic stand.
High Tech
There's quite a bit of technology built into
the SSL CONNEX. A minimalist interface
performs most of the heavy lifting. The integrated
DSP handles everything from setting
gain, adding built-in SSL-based EQ and
compression, and subtle noise reduction.
It can even handle intelligent mixing/summing/ducking
of the mics based on who is
speaking when multiple sources are present.
When plugged into a device/session,
SSL CONNEX also automatically sets its
sample rate to match (up to 96 kHz).
46 RECORDING January 2023
The SSL logo on the top panel acts as a
touch-sensitive control surface, glowing in
different colors based on the current mode
of operation. Tapping the SSL logo automatically
mutes the mics (and turns red to
indicate it is muted). This is helpful during
web calls or remote podcast recordings. It
also supports push-to-talk functionality.
The other controls are touch-sensitive
+/- buttons next to the logo. These adjust
the headphone or loopback levels and toggle
through various user modes, including
Solo, Group, Vocal, Music and Immersive.
Flying Solo
Solo Mode is designed for a single
source or speaker and only utilizes the
front capsule. In this mode, the SSL logo
illuminates white, and the DSP optimizes
the sound for speech intelligibility. The
processed signal is available on USB
channels 1-2 in dual mono.
Solo captures spoken word with mild
compression and an overall transparent
response. The mic sounds a touch
mid-forward, depending on placement.
I set SSL CONNEX at a gentle distance
in front of me on my desk to test video
calls and streaming. It has a natural top
end, which doesn't sound overly emphasized,
and a lighter low-end response to
not sound muddy. It captures voice with
plenty of clarity, though it also captures
a fair amount of the room.
S
Overview
SSL CONNEX is a tabletop USB-C mic
with a quad microphone array, different
modes of operation and a literal plug-andplay
workflow. The pyramid-shaped metal
enclosure houses four mic capsules (one
in every direction), allowing you to capture
multiple discrete sources around its
perimeter. It can be used with any USB-C
equipped tablet for further portability (older
tablets will need a powered USB-Hub).
The great sounding integrated headEverybody
Now: Group Mode
Group Mode is indicated by a green
SSL logo and utilizes all four capsules in
the array. This mode is ideal for roundtable
meetings, podcasting with multiple
in-person guests and live streaming with
multiple presenters. Again, the DSP is
optimized for speech intelligibility. In this
mode, SSL CONNEX intelligently sums
the four capsules again to dual mono
(USB 1-2) to prioritize the speaker at
all times while minimizing background
noise in the others.
Group Mode seems to share the same
vocal processing as Solo Mode, with a
modest amount of compression and EQ.
Again, it captures vocals with plenty of
detail, and it also captures a fair amount
of the environment. If your aim is to capture
a roundtable podcast with tight,
close-miked guests, it may be difficult
to achieve with SSL CONNEX. That being
said, if you set up in an acoustically
friendly and quiet room, the sound quality
is excellent, and the automatic mixdown
to mono makes sharing a review
file quick and easy on the backend.
Vocal Mode
Vocal Mode is displayed with a magenta
color and prioritizes the front capsule-though
all four mics in the array
remain active. Vocal Mode is optimized
for quieter sources; the DSP will mix all
four capsules into a stereo input on USB
1-2 (not dual mono), with a heavy emphasis
on the front capsule.
RECORDING January 2023

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