SSL CONNEX User Guide
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RoHS notice Solid State Logic complies with and this product conforms to European Union’s Directive 2011/65/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10, 25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code.
Table of Contents What is SSL Connex? 4 Features 4 Getting Started 5 Unpacking 5 Safety Notices 5 Setting Up 5 Connecting Your SSL Connex Hardware 5 USB Hubs 5 System Requirements 6 Software Drivers 6 Using Your SSL Connex 7 Controls 7 Mic Mute 7 Headphone Level 7 Audio Processing Modes 8 USB Audio Configuration 8 USB Input Channels 8 USB Output Channels 9 Loopback Mode 9 SSL USB Control Panel Application (Windows only) 10 Block Diagram 11 Setup Menu (Audio Settings)
What is SSL Connex? SSL Connex is an advanced USB microphone from Solid State Logic (SSL); the world’s leading manufacturer of mixing consoles and audio tools for music professionals. Drawing on SSL’s 50 years of innovation in audio production, the SSL Connex sets a new standard in USB microphones and is bristling with useful features that come from our deep understating of audio and music production.
Features • Professional quality quad microphone array for recording and video conferencing applications • Optimised digital signal processing (DSP) modes using SSL EQ and dynamics algorithms • Four preset DSP modes: – Solo (directional; e.g. individual use for conference calls, podcasting) – Group (e.g. round table, multiple directions) – Vocal (e.g. recording singing, narration) – Music (e.g.
Getting Started Unpacking The unit has been carefully packed and inside the box you will find the following items: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. SSL Connex unit ¼” to mic stand thread adapter (securing the SSL Connex unit to the packaging - do not discard!) 2 m USB Type C to Type C cable USB Type C female to Type A male adapter Quick Start and Safety Guide Safety Notices IMPORTANT: Please read the safety notice information included in the Safety Guide supplied inside the box before using your SSL Connex.
USB Hubs Wherever possible, it is best to connect SSL Connex directly to a spare USB port on your computer. If you do need to connect via a USB 2.0 compliant hub, then it is recommended that you choose one of high enough quality to provide reliable performance - not all USB hubs are created equal. With SSL Connex, we optimise the audio performance of the USB interface and as such, some low-cost self-powered hubs might not always be up to the task.
Using Your SSL Connex Controls The top of SSL Connex features touch-sensitive buttons to control the mic mute state and headphone level. Mic Mute • • • Tap the Solid State Logic (SSL) logo to toggle the mic mute state. The SSL logo will turn red when the mic is muted.
Audio Processing Modes SSL Connex is designed for a variety of applications. Pick from one of the four optimised audio processing modes from the device’s Setup menu (see below). The SSL logo colour indicates the selected audio mode. • White: Solo mode o Designed for picking up a single sound source from the front of the unit, e.g.
Immersive Mode Audio Channels Enabling Immersive mode activates the four discrete mic signals on USB Channels 3-6* (see the Setup section below to activate Immersive mode). These can be used for creating immersive/advanced recordings. The SSL logo on top of the unit will pulse yellow every 8 seconds when the mic is unmuted, to indicate that Immersive mode is enabled.
SSL USB Control Panel Application (Windows only) If you have installed the ASIO drivers for Windows (see Software Drivers section), double-click the icon in the notification area of the taskbar to open the SSL USB Control Panel application. The Status tab shows the currently selected device (if more than one SSL USB audio device is connected, e.g. an SSL 2+ audio interface) and the current sample rate. The sample rate can be changed from the Windows Control Panel or your recording application.
Block Diagram Note that the EQ and Dynamics Processing and Mixer settings will vary based on the audio processing mode selected.
Setup Menu (Audio Settings) SSL Connex has several different audio processing options. These can be accessed by entering the device’s Setup menu: Press and hold down both - and + buttons together for about 1 second, until the SSL logo starts to pulse. To exit the Setup menu, press and hold down both - and + buttons again until the SSL logo stops pulsing. The device will automatically exit the setup menu after 20 seconds of inactivity.
Troubleshooting Observation Possible Cause(s) Suggested Solution(s) No lights on device SSL Connex is not powered. Ensure the device is connected to the host device using the supplied USB cable (use the USB A to C adapter if required). If using a USB hub, try bypassing the hub and plug SSL Connex directly into the host device. No sound from SSL Connex (e.g. cannot be heard on video calls, signal not present in DAW software). SSL Connex is muted (red Solid State Logic logo).
