SSL UF8

USB DAW Controller

Image SSL UF8

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Latest User Reviews

2 years ago

Amazing

If you’re thinking of getting this get it now it’s AMAZING. I’ve only had it a few days and it’s already speeding up my process. So much control and so well made. Truly fantastic bit of kit. Works really well with 3rd party plugins etc. Not sure you need the UC1 or UF1 with it though as it does almost everything they do. - I may be wrong on that - anyway, all very exciting

2 years ago

Nice piece of hardware

Seems a robust construction that will last... Working well with windows and cubase 13. Only downside is that having 2 units I have to press bank button twice to see next 16 tracks. It is scrolling 8 tracks at a time. Maybe is cubase and studio one problem. I don't know if it is the same on all Daw.

3 years ago

Solid and professional!

I own three of these UF8 controllers, together with the UC1, build in a custom made SSL desk. The UF8 and UC1 are high quality build, user friendly and integrates into every DAW, in my case Logic Pro X.

I highly recommend these controllers when you’re looking for a professional solution. Besides the SSL controllers i also want to mention the SSL plug-ins which work fantastic with these controllers (also any other plugin will work) and sound ridiculously good.

3 years ago

Just as expected, amazing !!!

I have owned a couple of DAW controller such as the Digidesign C24 (back in the days lol) but the SLL UF8 is more appropriate for the evolving workflow in a smaller and more practical studio.

Great purchase!

3 years ago

Flexible and have a great updated feature

Great product from SSL. super flexible and sturdy. And some of firmware improvement doing a lot of helpful feature. I use cubase and fl studio. in cubase it is works flawlessly and very seamless workflow.

But this one is sucks in FL Studio, the tracks name won't appear in the LED strip display. which makes me to always take a look to the screen, otherwise I get lost.

4 years ago

The Ultimate DAW controller

I've been eyeing this controller since it was released to add to my Logic Pro setup and have had it now for about a week.

As someone who came up in the music production world with large format desks such as the SSL and Neve mixers, working in the box always felt like something was missing.....knobs and faders you can grab and change values without mousing around.

The SSL UF8 is an awesome DAW controller that is very nicely constructed and feels solid, with clear and bright color displays. The 100mm motorized faders are smooth and precise, and their touch‑sensitivity was flawless for me and not to forget the smooth rotary encoders.

It was a breeze to set up and easy to use with the SSL 360 software and

the Soft Keys offer a great deal of control to enhance my workflow.

Pros: Friendly to set up and breeze to use.

Cons: Although the Soft Keys can operate DAW transport controls and act as modifier keys, they’re not ideally positioned for this, but I'm sure SSL is working on a separate transport control unit - they should!

I'll revisit this review if needed once I've worked on some productions and mixes, to give more feedback.

4 years ago

One of the best controllers in the market

SSL UF8 is an excellent quality controller. It's built like a tank. The enclosure is all metal. I use it for mixing with Cubase but it works with other DAWs too. It's got 8 high quality faders, 8 endless rotary encoders, 8 displays and lots of soft keys. All you need to do is connect it to a USB port on your computer, download the SSL 360 app from SSL's website and you're ready to go. It works great on controlling plugin parameters too! The only problem is that it doesn't have an on/off switch. If you want to turn it on/off all you got to do is to unplug the power supply, or use an external power strip with a switch. I think that pairing UF8 with the UC1 is the the total combination for fast and reliable mixing and if 8 faders aren't enough more units can be added to someone's setup for a total of 4 UF8s (32 faders) and one UC1 unit.

5 years ago

It works as advertised

I use this DAW controller in my home studio. I use it mainly to mix songs in Logic Pro, not so much to record.

The initial setup and configuration of the software layer was pretty straight-forward. No complains at all. The default setup, even if it can be altered completely, is simple and useful enough to start working right out-of-the-box.

For the basic stuff (faders, pans, solo, mute...) the unit is very useful and works as smoothly as expected from an SSL product. A minor complain is that the resolution of the faders is "larger" on the UF8 so, even if you move the fader "a lot", at lower volumes, it takes a bit to reflect on the Logic fader. Nothing to worry about, though.

Dealing with sends is a delight, either using the VPOTS or the faders in flip mode. Nothing compared to the smallest-known-to-man Logic control.

At the same time, I use it a lot to manage and fine tune plugin parameters. So far, all parameters from all plugins appear correctly as parameters in the UF8. In this case, though, learning which VPOT does what is a bit frustrating and a bit of a try and error experience.

All in all, I highly recommend this unit if only to avoid being a mouse control freak as I usually am. It helps me focus on listening instead of seeing the mixes.

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Technical Data

  • Manufactured by SSL
  • Released in 2021
  • Average price : $1207
  • 8 Touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders
  • 8 + 1 Rotary control with push function
  • 8 TFT LCD colour displays
  • Illuminated RGB "Soft Feel" button
  • Up to 4 UF8 can be cascaded via USB (32 faders maximum)
  • Control of up to 3 different DAWs at the same time
  • DAW communication: HUI / MCU
  • Multifunctional, rasterised master encoder for navigation
  • Track banking and mouse-wheel emulation
  • 43 Individually assignable buttons for frequently used shortcuts / macros (5 x 8 plus 3 quick keys)
  • Programming via SSL 360° software for Mac and PC
  • Metal housing
  • Dimensions : 431mm x 62.7mm x 266mm
  • Weight : 2.9kg
  • Includes Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins (download after registration)
  • Includes external power supply
  • USB-C
  • USB thru
  • 2 Foot switch inputs 6.3 mm jack
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