SSL UF8

52

USB DAW Controller

  • 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 (W x H x D): 431 x 62.7 x 266 mm
  • Weight: 2.9 kg
  • Includes Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins (download after registration)
  • Includes external power supply

Connections:

  • USB-C
  • USB thru
  • 2 Foot switch inputs 6.3 mm jack

Note: 19"/ 6 U rack mounting bracket optionally available (not included)

Available since February 2021
Item number 508557
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
USB Yes
Bluetooth No
5-pole DIN MIDI No
Ethernet No
Fader 8
Rotary Encoders 8
Audio I/O No
Transport Function Yes
Footswitch connection Yes
Foot Controller Connection No
Bus-Powered No
Jog Yes
Joystick No
Additional Features Display
$1,098
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The Nucleus successor for up to three DAWs

The UF8 from SSL is a DAW studio controller with eight touch-sensitive 100mm motorised faders with 10-bit resolution, which can be used to operate up to three DAWs simultaneously. MCU or HUI protocols are used to communicate with the DAW, while the connection is made via USB-C. The device management is handled by the new SSL-360° software. Each channel has an encoder with push function, a high-resolution display, and RGB backlit buttons. Also included are extensive presets for Ableton, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, and Pro Tools. The scope of delivery includes an external power supply and two USB A/C cables.

Controls of the SSL UF8 USB DAW Controller

Simple DAW operation

The larger channel encoder offers mouse-wheel emulation, allowing you to scroll and control plug-in parameters on the unit - nudging and navigation modes are also available. Another cursor button allows for vertical and horizontal zooming in the DAW. Depending on the DAW, you can address sufficient sends and edit the channel settings in channel mode. There are a total of 43 individually assignable RGB buttons that can be used for frequently used shortcuts and macros. Eight high-resolution full-colour displays provide clear, visualised feedback on all key track information such as level, pan, routing, and name at all times.

Controls of the SSL UF8 USB DAW Controller

Cascading for a total of 32 faders

If eight motorised 100mm faders are not enough, the SSL UF8 comes with the option of cascading up to four units. For this purpose, a USB-A-Thru port is located on the rear panel. Particularly noteworthy are the DAW presets, which allow for uncomplicated adaptation of the scripts. Only commands that can actually be used in the DAW are displayed on the controller. In addition, setting up the UF8 is considerably easier than with previous units: All you need is the installed SSL-360° software, a USB connection, and the relevant protocol settings in the DAW.

Controls of the SSL UF8 USB DAW Controller

About SSL

Solid State Logic (SSL), is a renowned British manufacturer of high-end mixing consoles and hardware. It was founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders and is based in Begbroke, Oxfordshire. Initially the company developed transistors to control church organs, hence the name Solid State Logic. At the end of the 1970s they made huge advances in the domain of large mixing consoles with the 4000 series which pioneered the oncoming era of the "super" consoles. Later, the 6000 and 9000 series also proved to be a great success and are still being used in countless recording studios all over the world. In 2005, Peter Gabriel and David Engelke took a majority stake in the company and then sold it to the Audiotonix Group in 2017.

Suitable for desktop and rack use

Unlike many of its competitors, the UF8 does not have dedicated transport keys: Instead, they are found on the menu. In addition to saving space, the keyboard is often used for this purpose anyway. For customised positioning on the studio desk, the UF8 can be set up at six different angles. Its solid metal feet have adjustable, rubberised supporting surfaces - so there's no need to worry about unwelcome scratches. The optionally available rack-mounting brackets provide an additional setup option. With these, the UF8 can be mounted in a space of six height units in a rack.

SSL UF8 USB DAW Controller

52 Customer ratings

4.6 / 5

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handling

features

quality

38 Reviews

OS
It works as advertised
Orion Studios 06.04.2021
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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9
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R
The Ultimate DAW controller
RalphDD 19.07.2021
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.
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5
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J
One of the best controllers in the market
Jimi4482 26.06.2021
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.
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S
Just as expected, amazing !!!
Shawnce 10.10.2022
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!
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