ALPHA 8

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The Ultimate Audio Interface Expander

Building on the acclaimed Alpha Link range, Solid State Logic introduce ALPHA 8 - an 8-in/8-out professional-grade analogue to digital, digital to analogue converter, perfect for expanding your audio interface via ADAT and S/PDIF. Alternatively, you can configure ALPHA 8 to address all analogue and digital I/O simultaneously via USB, giving you an 18-in, 18-out audio interface. Featuring class-leading conversion, flexible routing, and impeccable audio performance, ALPHA 8 unlocks the full potential of your setup.

Next-Gen Converters

Accurate, transparent recording and sound reproduction

High-Performance

Class-leading audio performance in every area

8 x Balanced Analogue I/O

Professional-grade analogue I/O

10 x Digital I/O

8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels of S/PDIF

+9, +18, +20, or +24 dBu

Individually adjust I/O operating levels

18-in / 18-out USB Audio Interface

Use ALPHA 8 as your primary interface via USB-C

High-Current Headphone Out

Confidence monitor your conversion paths

DC-Coupled Outputs

Use analogue outputs to send CV to synths, drum machines and more

SSL Production Pack

A unique collection of inspiring software

Compatible with Mac and Windows

Plug and play on Mac, ASIO/WDM driver for Windows

The Compromise Is Over

Using next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters, Alpha 8 brings SSL-grade audio performance to your studio. With huge dynamic range, stunningly low THD+N, unmeasurable crosstalk and an exceptionally low noise floor, Alpha 8 delivers line-level heaven for your analogue outboard processing, samplers, synths and drum machines. The compromise is over – capture your sound with the quality it deserves.

Input Dynamic Range: 120 dB / Output Dynamic Range: 123 dB

Input THD+N: -110 dB / Output THD+N –108 dB

Analogue Agility And Digital Dominance

ALPHA 8 is capable of many different AD/DA routing configurations to suit your specific needs, making sure you can get the most out of all the digital and analogue I/O it offers. Whether you need a simple bidirectional Analogue <> ADAT/SPDIF converter, an aggregate 18-in/18-out USB audio interface, or a mixture of the two, ALPHA 8 provides extremely flexible routing options for its analogue and digital I/O.

Flexible routing configurations / 18-in 18-out USB Audio Interface

The Great Connector

The operating level of each analogue input and output can be individually adjusted to +9, +18, +20 or +24 dBu operating levels, ensuring optimal signal integrity and maximising headroom for devices connected to ALPHA 8. Whether it’s 19” rack gear, vintage synthesisers, analogue mixers, 500-series modules, or monitor controllers, ALPHA 8 ensures every connection to your equipment is fully optimised. On the digital side, Word Clock in and out, ADAT, and S/PDIF clocking options ensure ALPHA 8 provides outstanding digital audio handling, guaranteeing jitter-free, rock-solid integration in your studio environment whilst elevating the performance of your creative space.

+9, +18, +20 or +24 dBu Operating Levels / Word Clock

SSL 18 + ALPHA 8

While ALPHA 8 is the ultimate audio interface expander for producers and engineers looking to bring SSL sound and quality to their existing set-up, ALPHA 8 is also the perfect companion to SSL 18. Instantly expand SSL 18’s I/O via ADAT adding 8 channels (1 x ALPHA 8) or 16 channels (2 x ALPHA 8s). Perfect for effortlessly integrating additional analogue outboard processing, analogue mixers and more.

Expand your workflow

ALPHA 8’s flexible analogue and digital routing unlocks a multitude of workflow possibilities. Create hardware insert paths for 500 Series modules, outboard EQs, compressors, or hardware FX. Use the S/PDIF I/O for external metering or amp simulators. Alternatively, make ALPHA 8 your primary interface, seamlessly connecting analogue and digital devices to your DAW via USB-C. For electronic music producers, ALPHA 8’s outputs are capable of outputting Control Voltage to control synthesisers, modular rigs and CV-enabled FX pedals.

ALPHA 8 Connection Examples

Here are just a few examples of how you might use ALPHA 8 in your setup:

SSL Production Pack FREE with ALPHA 8 Interface

We’ve been helping world-class artists, producers and engineers make great music and audio for decades. It's crucial to have the right tools for the job, so we’ve partnered with some of the industry's key brands to offer you the SSL Production Pack, bundled free with your ALPHA 8 audio interface.

Featuring a selection of must-have virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples and DAW, let your creativity shine and bring your productions to life with the SSL Production Pack.

Key Features

The ultimate audio interface expander

Premium, next-generation 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion

Class-leading dynamic range, THD+N and crosstalk audio performance

8 balanced line inputs and outputs

Up to 8 channels of analogue to ADAT and ADAT to analogue conversion

Configurable operating levels for each input and output to best match your external equipment: +24/+20/+18/+9 dBu

DC-coupled outputs are perfect for sending control voltages to synthesisers and modular rig

10 digital inputs and outputs (8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels of S/PDIF)

Up to 2 channels of analogue to S/PDIF and S/PDIF to analogue conversion

Up to 2 channels of S/PDIF to ADAT and ADAT to S/PDIF conversion

S/PDIF available on coaxial or optical connectors

Flexible conversion configuration

The physical outputs can be fed with a mixture of analogue, digital and USB audio signals, providing a great level of flexibility

18-in, 18-out USB audio interface

Use Alpha 8 as an aggregate USB audio interface

Record and playback to all 8 analogue and 10 digital I/O via USB.

High-current front panel headphone confidence check – audition any individual input or output (or stereo pair)

Choose from 3 different settings to optimise for your headphones – Standard, High Impedance, High Sensitivity

Dedicated front panel input and output meters

Wordclock in and out & input termination switch

Clock internally, or from incoming ADAT, S/PDIF or wordclock

Software Included

The SSL Production Pack includes:

6-months free Complete Access subscription.
3-months free access to Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription.
3-months free access to Arcade by Output subscription.
Perpetual licenses for SSL Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins.
IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 SE.

Celemony Melodyne Essential.
Native Instruments Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start.
Ableton Live 11 Lite.
AAS Session Bundle plug-ins.
1.5 GB Samples from Loopcloud.

Learn more about the incredible SSL production pack here.

Tech Specs

System requirements and Specs:

Mac OS 13 or later | Class-Compliant, Plug-and-play

Windows 10, Windows 11 | Install included ASIO/WDM driver

Connectivity

USB 2.0 Type C Connector (Box includes Type C to C and Type C to A)

Line Inputs

8 x Line Inputs

Max input level: 24 dBu

Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 120 dB

THD+N: -110 dB

Crosstalk: -140 dB

*Specs (Measured to AES17 Standards)

Line Outputs

8 x Line Outputs

Max Output Level: +24 dBu

Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 123 dB

THD+N: -108 dB

Crosstalk: -140

Headphone Output

1 x ¼" Ouput

Dynamic Range: 120 dB

Max Output: +18 dBu (High Impedance Mode) / 24 dBu (Balanced Line Output Mode)

Output Impedance: <1 Ω

Digital Inputs

2 x Optical (ADAT) I/O

1 x S/PDIF I/O

Sample rates

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

For the complete list of technical specifications please refer to the user guide.

Downloads & Documents

ALPHA 8 Windows ASIO/WDM Driver

Download

SSL Studio Tools Brochure