Short answer: the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #14 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 2.9/5, at $199.99; the Behringer Studio XL ranks #17, rated 1.6/5, and costs $239, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 17 audio interfaces, so if measured performance matters, consider the Topping M62 instead, ranked #1 at $249.
The Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII is the better-sounding option. It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. The catch: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it.
What the Behringer Studio XL does well: It packs a lot of connectivity into one box: two combo mic and line inputs, ten balanced TRS line outputs, two headphone jacks and a hardware volume control. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured just 55 dB SINAD, a serious audible weakness, and found it clips easily in ways that are hard to diagnose, so it gave no recommendation.
Buy the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII. It is rated higher than the Behringer Studio XL and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII | Behringer Studio XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #14 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #17 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 55 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), USB-B (6 inputs total) |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone | 10 x 6.35 mm TRS line outs, 2 headphone |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob (VCA) |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) | 12.9” x 3.1” x 6.4” (328 x 80 x 163 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII:
- Topping M62 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- Topping E2x2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- MOTU M2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- MOTU M4 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII: $199.99 Amazon $199.99 eBay
Pros: It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and liked its appearance and ergonomics.
Cons: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it. SSL doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher for a similar price.
Full Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Tascam Series 102i
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M4
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping E2x2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping M62
Behringer Studio XL: $239.00 Amazon $239.00 eBay
Pros: It packs a lot of connectivity into one box: two combo mic and line inputs, ten balanced TRS line outputs, two headphone jacks and a hardware volume control.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured just 55 dB SINAD, a serious audible weakness, and found it clips easily in ways that are hard to diagnose, so it gave no recommendation. Behringer doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD rates far higher for much less.
Full Behringer Studio XL review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 12.9” x 3.1” x 6.4” (328 x 80 x 163 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), USB-B (6 inputs total) |
| Outputs | 10 x 6.35 mm TRS line outs, 2 headphone |
| SINAD | 55 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (VCA) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons