SSL CONNEX User Guide

What is SSL Connex?

The SSL Connex is an advanced USB microphone from Solid State Logic (SSL), a leading manufacturer of mixing consoles and audio tools for music professionals. Leveraging 50 years of innovation, the SSL Connex sets a new standard for USB microphones, offering features derived from a deep understanding of audio and music production. Designed for modern digital workflows, it delivers pristine audio quality suitable for home use, mobile setups, or boardroom environments.

Featuring a quad microphone array with four capsules positioned on each side of its pyramid shape, the SSL Connex provides tailored audio processing modes for various applications. These include making calls in video conferencing, podcasting, or recording vocals and instruments. The microphone array is automatically mixed down for standard video conferencing, while discreet capsule signals are available for immersive recordings.

The SSL Connex can be placed on any flat surface or mounted to a microphone stand or camera tripod using its 1/4" thread. The included two-meter USB cable allows for flexible placement. A front-mounted stereo headphone output is ideal for video calls, monitoring recordings, or enjoying music through SSL's studio-quality audio converters.

The audio processing in the SSL Connex is based on the same technology found in SSL's large-format mixing consoles, which have been instrumental in countless hit records. It incorporates SSL's expertise in studio-quality mic preamps, EQ, and compressor circuit design within a unique form factor.

Features

• Professional quality quad microphone array for recording and video conferencing applications.
• Optimized digital signal processing (DSP) modes using SSL EQ and dynamics algorithms.
• Four preset DSP modes:
  • Solo: Directional, for individual use in conference calls or podcasting. Utilizes only the front mic capsule, optimized for speech.
  • Group: For picking up multiple sound sources in a space, like a round table discussion or video conference. All four mic capsules are mixed to a mono signal, optimized for speech.
  • Vocal: For picking up sound sources from the front, like singing. Utilizes all four mic capsules mixed to a stereo signal focused forward, optimized for relatively quiet sources.
  • Music: For picking up louder sound sources, like musical instruments. Utilizes all four mic capsules mixed to a stereo signal focused forward, optimized for louder musical sources.
• Automatic smart mixer for picking up multiple room sources on group calls.
• Enhanced dual-mono, stereo, and quad signals for video conferencing, stereo, and immersive recording applications.
• High-quality 3.5 mm headphone output with mic Loopback option for ambient monitoring.
• Touch-sensitive controls for headphone level and mic mute.
• 'Cough Switch' and 'Push To Talk' features for temporarily muting/unmuting the mic.
• Backlit RGB illuminated Solid State Logic logo indicates mic mute state and DSP mode.
• 1/4" camera tripod thread in the base with an included mic stand thread adapter for flexible mounting.
• 2 m USB Type C to C cable and a USB Type C (female) to Type A (male) adapter included.
• USB powered.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS*, and Android*.

Getting Started

Unpacking

The SSL Connex package typically includes:

• SSL Connex unit
• 1/4" to mic stand thread adapter (do not discard, it secures the unit to packaging)
• 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

[Read instructions] [Keep instructions] [Heed all warnings] [Follow all instructions]. [No water] use. Clean only with a dry cloth. [No heat sources] installation. Install according to manufacturer instructions. Use only recommended accessories. [No modifications] to the unit. Ensure no strain on cables. SSL is not liable for damage from unauthorized maintenance or repair. ⚠️ WARNING: To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for extended periods. Ensure you can still hear your own voice when speaking normally while using headphones.

Setting Up

The SSL Connex can be used on any flat surface or mounted via its 1/4" thread to a camera tripod or microphone stand using the included adapter. Ensure the front of the unit (with the headphone socket) faces the main sound source. For multiple sound sources in a meeting room, the unit can automatically mix signals for intelligibility, or be configured to 'Group' mode.

For loud sound sources, select 'Music' mode and place the unit sufficiently far away to prevent distortion. Monitor audio levels to avoid clipping (exceeding 0 dBFS).

Connecting Your SSL Connex Hardware

1. Connect the included USB cable to the SSL Connex unit's rear USB socket.
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to your PC, Mac, iOS*, or Android* device. Use the supplied USB A to C adapter if needed.
3. Connect wired headphones to the 3.5 mm jack socket on the front. Note: any built-in microphone on headphones will not be operational.
4. The SSL Connex is USB powered; no other connections are required.

Connectivity and System Requirements

USB Hubs

It is recommended to connect the SSL Connex directly to a computer's USB port. If using a USB 2.0 compliant hub, ensure it is of high quality for reliable performance, as some low-cost hubs may not adequately support the audio interface's performance.

System Requirements

The SSL Connex is tested and supported on Windows and Mac OS. For the latest compatibility information, consult the 'SSL Connex Compatibility' section in the online FAQs.

While not officially supported on iOS or Android, the SSL Connex functions as a class-compliant USB audio interface and should work with devices supporting such standards. Additional cables or external power sources may be required for iOS/Android devices.

Software Drivers

Mac: As a Core Audio compliant device, SSL Connex is automatically recognized by Apple Mac computers running OS X 10.14 (Mojave) or later, requiring no additional drivers.

PC: As a USB Audio 2.0 Class Compliant device, no drivers are needed for Windows 10 (release 1703 and above) for mono or stereo use. For earlier Windows 10 versions, or to access raw mic signal channels for immersive recording, download and install the SSL USB Control Panel application and ASIO drivers from www.solidstatelogic.com/support/downloads.

Using Your SSL Connex

Controls

The top of the SSL Connex features touch-sensitive controls for mic mute and headphone level.

Mic Mute

Tap the Solid State Logic (SSL) logo to toggle the mic mute state. The SSL logo turns red when muted. When unmuted, the logo color indicates the selected audio processing mode: White for Solo, Green for Group, Magenta for Vocal, and Blue for Music.

Push To Talk (PTT)

This feature allows temporary mic activation. While the mic is muted, tap and hold the SSL logo to unmute temporarily; release to re-mute. This is useful for occasional input during calls.

Cough Switch

Similar to a broadcast cough switch, tap and hold the SSL logo while the mic is unmuted to temporarily mute it; release to unmute. This is useful for clearing one's throat during calls.

Headphone Level

Tap the '+' or '-' buttons to adjust the headphone output level. The headphone symbol flashes when a button is pressed. The symbol turns red if the headphone level reaches 0%. The operating system's volume slider can also be used for finer control.

Audio Processing Modes

Choose from four optimized audio processing modes via the device's Setup menu. The SSL logo color indicates the selected mode:

• White: Solo mode: Picks up a single sound source from the front. Uses only the front mic capsule, optimized for speech.
• Green: Group mode: Picks up multiple sound sources. Uses all four mic capsules mixed to mono, optimized for speech.
• Magenta: Vocal mode: Picks up sound sources from the front. Uses all four mic capsules mixed to stereo, optimized for quiet sources.
• Blue: Music mode: Picks up louder sound sources from the front. Uses all four mic capsules mixed to stereo, optimized for loud sources.

Solo and Group modes are for simple conferencing/podcasting. Vocal and Music modes are for advanced users recording to a DAW, allowing for later processing. The selected mode is stored by the unit.

USB Audio Configuration

The SSL Connex supports the following sample rates, matching the operating system's setting:

• 44.1 kHz
• 48 kHz
• 88.2 kHz
• 96 kHz

USB Input Channels

The SSL Connex provides six audio inputs over USB. The signals on these channels vary by mode:

• Solo mode: Front mic capsule only (USB Channels 1 & 2, dual mono).
• Group mode: Mix of all four mic capsules for a mono signal (USB Channels 1 & 2, dual mono).
• Vocal & Music modes: All four mic capsules mixed to a stereo signal focused forward (USB Channels 1 & 2, stereo).

USB Output Channels

Two USB audio output channels feed the high-quality stereo headphone output. Their level is controlled by the headphone level controls.

Loopback Mode

Loopback mode mixes a portion of the microphone signal into the headphone output, allowing users to hear themselves and their surroundings without overcompensating volume. The amount of mic signal can be adjusted between three levels or turned off. This feature is adjusted via the Setup menu. ⚠️ WARNING: Placing headphones on or near the SSL Connex with Loopback enabled could cause feedback. Mute the mic or move headphones away if this occurs.

SSL USB Control Panel Application (Windows only)

After installing the ASIO drivers for Windows, the SSL USB Control Panel application allows management of device status, sample rate, ASIO buffer size, input/output latencies, and input/output levels. The 'Volume' tab's 'Input Volume' window is used to adjust relative levels for immersive channels when Immersive mode is enabled.

Block Diagram

The block diagram illustrates the signal flow within the SSL Connex. Microphone signals first pass through EQ Processing, then a Mixer, followed by Dynamics Processing. The processed signals are routed to the USB output (Channels 1-6) and the Headphone Output. A Loopback path mixes microphone signal into the headphone output. Note that EQ, Dynamics, and Mixer settings vary based on the selected audio processing mode.

Setup Menu and Factory Reset

Setup Menu (Audio Settings)

Access the Setup menu by pressing and holding the '-' and '+' buttons simultaneously for about 1 second until the SSL logo pulses. To exit, press and hold the buttons again until the logo stops pulsing. The menu also exits automatically after 20 seconds of inactivity.

Audio Processing Modes (in Setup Menu)

While in the Setup menu, tap the SSL logo to cycle through the audio processing modes (Solo, Group, Vocal, Music). The logo color changes to indicate the selected mode.

Immersive Mode (in Setup Menu)

To enable or disable Immersive mode (accessing discrete mic signals on channels 3-6), press and hold the SSL logo for 5 seconds while in the Setup menu. The logo turns yellow when enabled and red when disabled.

Loopback Mode (in Setup Menu)

Use the '-' and '+' buttons in the Setup menu to adjust the Loopback level. The headphone symbol indicates the level (off, dim to bright). The selected Loopback level is stored.

Factory Reset

To reset SSL Connex to factory settings:

1. Enter the Setup menu (press and hold '-' and '+' until the logo pulses a single color).
2. Press and hold the SSL logo, '-' and '+' buttons for at least 7 seconds until the logo cycles through all colors.
3. Release buttons; the unit will reboot with default settings: Mic unmuted, Headphone level at -42 dB, Solo mode engaged, Loopback mode off, Immersive mode off.

Troubleshooting

No lights on device

Cause: SSL Connex is not powered.

Solution: Ensure the device is connected via USB. If using a hub, try connecting directly to the host device.

No sound from SSL Connex

Cause: SSL Connex is muted (red logo).

Solution: Tap the SSL logo to unmute.

Cause: Video conferencing application is muted.

Solution: Check application's mute status.

Cause: Incorrect input device selected in the application.

Solution: Set the audio input to "Microphone - SSL Connex" in application settings.

Cannot hear others through headphone output

Cause: Incorrect output device selected in the application.

Solution: Set the headphone output to "SSL Connex" in application settings.

Cause: Headphone output muted or too low.

Solution: Ensure the headphone symbol is not red. Tap '+' to increase volume or use the OS volume slider.

Poor audio quality

Cause: Recording application set to low sample rate/bitrate.

Solution: Set sample rate to at least 44.1 kHz and bit-depth to at least 16-bit (or bitrate 192 kbps+).

Cause: Immersive mode enabled, but application sums channels causing artifacts.

Solution: Use an application that allows selection of discrete channels and choose only the desired ones (e.g., Ch 1 & 2 for stereo).

No signal on discrete mic channels (Ch 3-6)

Cause: Immersive mode is not enabled.

Solution: Enable Immersive mode from the Setup menu.

'No SSL Connex sound' warning in video conferencing application

Cause: SSL Connex is muted (red logo).

Solution: This is normal behavior for some applications when the device is muted. No action is necessary.

For further assistance, contact SSL Support at www.solidstatelogic.com/support.

Warranty and Returns

Warranty

Warranty claims are valid only if the product is used for its intended purpose. Claims must be submitted within two months of detecting a lack of conformity, with proof of purchase.

• Within the EU: Purchasers have statutory warranty rights for two years from the date of purchase, subject to applicable EU law adoption by member states.
• Outside of the EU: A 12-month warranty from the date of purchase applies.

All Returns

No unit will be accepted for repair without a valid RMA (Return Material Authorisation) number obtained from Solid State Logic prior to shipping. Units must be shipped in suitable rigid packaging. Solid State Logic is not responsible for damage caused by inadequate packaging.