So, I have an SSL 2+ at the moment.
Before that I had a UMC1820. It’s not that I experienced any problems with sound or function from it. But because it’s a Behringer product and scores mid ways in very detailed YouTube comparisons, whereas the SSL 2/2+ and Audient ID14 (my 1st interface) scores significantly higher.
UMC doesn’t sound bad to me at all, and I’m well aware that Behringer have upped their game significantly. Not sure if Midas designed preamps are just a marketing stunt.
So, but still it made me very insecure about the interface I used. At the time I also went away from the thought of multitracking and just overdub record track after track in the daw. So I thought to just get rid of my 24 channel Mackie mixer, UMC1820 interface (also had an ADA8200 at one time) and AR mk1. And instead get a ZED14, SSL 2+ and DT (+ a few other instruments and effects).
I couldn’t be much happier about the ZED14. The best for me that I’ve tried between VLZ (older generations), EPM and ZED series. So that’s a keeper.
DT only annoys me with not having at least 4 physical mono outs. But the better stuff over AR mk1 for me is more useable overdrive, the ease of use, better screen, higher parameter resolution, significantly more options for sample start, the significantly extended lower pitch range, base-width filter and a little better sample options. So overall better for me than AR mk1.
The 4K buttons on SSL 2+ are cool and really works great on most stuff, except for DT a lot of times, because it already adds little extra highs.
But most important mentally is that it has the SSL name slapped on it and scores high in the comparisons I’ve seen. And in terms of sound and quality I don’t feel any doubt.
My only problem with it right now is that I’ve realised that one of the main reasons for me to use hardware is to dubmix, because I tend to be lazy itb and use rigid automations instead of recording it in live with my Novation LaunchControl XL. But I do also prefer the fx I have in hardware, which I can just not get in the same way itb, + being hands on with them is less tiresome for my brain.
I also prefer to have 4 sends that I can see at the same time and having to shift between with buttons.
What I want to do is to multitrack record the DT via OB. Then mix in the box (since ZED14 don’t have direct outs, only inserts) and going back out from the daw and into the mixer, where I’ll dubmix and do final mixing of the stereo file after.
Obviously I can’t do this with the SSL 2+. Maybe using the 2 outs from that while using DT in OB to run 2 mono tracks out at the same time?
I would still prefer 8 outs, since that’s also what I’ve reserved on the mixer (6 monos + 1 stereo track).
Obviously the UMC1820 has the upper hand in terms of functionality.
I just haven’t noticed any significant sound difference between the two. I probably would, if I had them site by site and tested them while recording the same.
Of course, finding an interface with similar functionality of the Behringer but with similar sound quality of the SSL isn’t hard. The problem for me is the very significant price difference. And I don’t have the money for that at the moment or the whole next year at all (at least).
So my actual question is, have anyone in their own personal user experience noticed any significant quality difference in sound between the UMC’s and SSL 2+?
I don’t need any recommendations for any other interface. It’s just between these two, so please stick to that. This is also why I came with such a long and detailed explaination before getting to the actual question 
To try and avoid to tickle the itchy urge to come with unasked-for advice that users in forums seems to have a tendency to do a little too much of 
(I’ve probably been guilty of that a bit too, but without realising it. None of us are perfect of course 
). So now that I have explained in detail beforehand in terms of why and how, your urge should be settled I hope 