Designed to be the perfect partner in crime for the new SSL 18 interface, the SSL ALPHA 8 expands your analogue I/O via ADAT and S/PDIF.

The ALPHA 8 is the latest iteration of the Alpha Link series digital converters. While eight preamps might be enough for some recording projects, the ALPHA 8 expands your current interface, giving you more routing capabilities from your DAW.

SSL ALPHA 8

First and foremost, the ALPHA 8 is an 8-in/8-out 32-bit 182 kHz AD/DA converter with four operating level settings (+9, +18, +20, or +24 dBu). In addition, it can also function as your primary 18×18 audio interface via USB-C, with 8 channels of ADAT and 2 channels carried via S/PDIF.

The layout and metering are all in a similar theme to the SSL 18, and the ALPHA 8 also offers DC-coupled outputs for sending CV signals (hello modular!), and a high-quality headphone output on the front panel. With its flexible routing, the ALPHA 8 presents a great deal of possibilities in terms of the different workflows you can create around it.

From using outboard gear as DAW channel inserts to routing multiple channels into a console or summing mixer, the ALPHA 8 can fit easily into your current setup as your new primary interface, or as an expansion system. This makes it equally useful, both in studios and in live sound environments.

Yes, it doesn’t have preamps, but the SSL PureDrive series already has this well covered. Instead, this is a great companion for the new SSL 18, and an excellent conversion stage if you already have analogue preamps in your setup.