Engineered to deliver more cost-effective connectivity for touring, fly pack, and installed systems, Solid State Logic’s new plug-and-play IP-native MPL 16-8 stagebox is making its global debut, as the company also announces SSL Live V6.1, the latest update to its live sound mixing platform. The new version introduces support for the new MPL 16-8 mic/line stagebox, while delivering powerful enhancements designed to expand immersive mixing workflows and enable even greater flexibility, control, and performance for live sound professionals.
The SSL MPL 16-8 is designed to deliver streamlined audio connectivity for SSL Live and System T mixing platforms. Engineered with affordability and flexibility in mind, the device offers 16 mic/line inputs and 8-line outputs, making it an ideal solution for budget-conscious applications that still demand SSL performance.
Optimized for single console SSL Live L100 Plus, L200 Plus, and System T TCA-based configurations, the MPL 16-8 provides reliable and high-quality I/O in a rugged, portable format. It also offers robust Dante connectivity with redundant network support, using EtherCON RJ45 connectors, ensuring reliable performance in mission-critical environments.
The new Stagebox features 16 mic/line inputs with high-quality, high-density mic preamps, a gain range of +5dB to +60dB in precise 1dB steps, 48kHz or 96kHz operation for integration into a range of installations, and 8-line outputs for clean, reliable signal distribution. The unit also offers Dante Primary and Secondary ports for network redundancy, and single-console control support, simplifying operation for dedicated systems.
“The MPL 16-8 broadens access to SSL digital consoles, and it’s a great option for live sound engineers and broadcast teams working with the L100 Plus, L200 Plus, or System T TCA who want a more economical way to expand their I/O,” explains Tom Knowles, Director of Product Management at SSL.
The new Stagebox will be available through SSL Live & System T distributors and resellers starting October 2025 and will be on display at IBC 2025 Show in Amsterdam (alongside System T V4.2) and at the 2025 PLASA Show in London (with Live V6.1).
More Integrations
SSL is also introducing its native ST2110 networking card at IBC 2025. Delivering more flexible audio workflows and simplifying IP connectivity with automated signal discovery and management, the new card enables connectivity with ST 2110-based environments as well as hybrid ST 2110/Dante setups, with minimal investment in hardware. SSL’s native implementation also simplifies integration, leveraging NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 for automated discovery and signal management, and making it easier for SSL users to integrate all their signals directly into the System T Tempest engine, irrespective of audio and video production workflows and without any need for conversion.
The new SSL Live V6.1 update will be available soon as a free download for the entire console range. SSL Live V6.1 features a major update to the SSL Live generic Open Sound Control (OSC) interface, including a new PAN graphic that enables X-Y or X-Z touchscreen interaction, as well as encoder and fader control for up to 8 faders and 8 switch functions. This ensures deeper integration with OSC-enabled immersive processing systems – including those using published OSC profiles or the ADM-OSC standard, in addition to SSL’s existing OSC external pan implementations.
From an AoIP perspective, SSL’s live built-in Dante routing allows an audio network based on the industry standard technology to be part of the console. Resource shared outputs and mic gain control are owned and arbitrated with first-in-wins logic, preventing consoles on the network from accidentally stealing resources. A Showfile ‘Load with Owner Override’ feature can be used to defeat this safety mechanism when required, making moving I/O or console surfaces across systems quicker and easier.
When updating any SSL Live mixing console to V6.1, users will notice a significant improvement in Channel View and Detail View responsiveness, enhancing usability during critical tasks. Meanwhile, an additional option for infinite peak hold and overload metering, with a manual clear, provides a history of audio events so a mix engineer can easily track issues down across very large input counts.
A new expansion capability means also that compact SSL Live L100 consoles now support the TCM1 device, bringing hardware MIDI, LTC, and GPIO connectivity to the entry-level model for the first time.
SSL is also showcasing its System T Cloud NDI update at IBC for the first time. The update supplements System T Cloud’s established Dante Connect audio transport with native support for NDI to enhance agility in virtualized production, introducing cost savings and increasing flexibility. It allows broadcasters to natively process audio from a range of NDI-enabled devices such as cameras and replay sources, lowering deployment costs and expanding the range of connectivity options available to SSL customers operating in the cloud.
Furthermore, enhanced support for NDI simplifies signal acquisition by adopting an array of NDI-enabled devices, as well as enabling broadcasters to service content tiers that may have previously been cost-prohibitive.
Visitors to the SSL booth during the Amsterdam show will also be able to preview a comprehensive v4.2 upgrade to its System T, which introduces a raft of technology updates that include new integrations with Jünger Audio, Dolby, New Audio Technology, and TiMax. With these developments, SSL is combining its established System T user interface with external processing platforms to simplify a variety of complex Next Generation Audio immersive production tasks. Meanwhile, new Open Sound Control (OSC) support promotes easy integration for external pan control with third-party systems. The development means users can define OSC commands to communicate with a particular piece of equipment so it will work with any compatible system right out of the box.
Other updates include improved Channel and Detail View GUI performance and support for the new MPL 16-8 stagebox.
www.solidstatelogic.com
