Really great walkthrough! I should be getting my UF8 tomorrow! Thanks! I've smashed all the smashers! Salutations from astonishingly windy, wet & kinda back to normal Ireland! ☘☮🤘🏽🤠👍🏽☮☘
@@magnuseriksson8081 You would still need your audio interface since the SSL UF8 is just a DAW controller. It doesn't process any audio. Hope that helps!
Really great walkthrough, thanks! I tried some different set-ups over the years but I'm old school so I never liked to mix with the mouse. One quite good set-up was the M-Audio Project mix but I had problems keeping track of where my channels/instruments were. And too many buttons. If I understand you right, the SSL gives me an option to ”slide” the 8 channels one channel at the time meaning I don't have to shift from bank 1-8 to 9-16? I also never liked the small display on the P-mix, the SSL seems to be more informative/bigger though I never realized that It is the Mackie protocol that limits the text to 6 digits (or?)
Yea it is limited but the Mackie protocol, but I don't find that to be a problem with the right labelling. For example, VOX for lead vocals, BVG for background vocals, DRUMS, GTR for guitar, SYNTH, PIANO, FX, etc. I think with the right labelling the Mackie protocol limitation is not that bad!
I had the same project mix IO controlller for last 15 years and with the new OS X the controlller became useless . Im planning to switch now to SSL uF8 . Have you made the change already ?
Q: I see a lot of people on the demos hitting “v-pot >> sends” (5:21min), but can you just hit the “1” button and be in that send straight away? Personally I don’t like *any* menu diving for commonly used actions, so curious if you can do it that way?
I borrowed a FaderPort 16 for a few months and it worked surprisingly well with Logic. The SSL UF8 is a newer design, but did you consider the FaderPort before you bought the UF8?
@@Semyon_Music Good point. The FaderPort has been around for a while and it’s overdue for a refresh, but since Fender bought Presonus last year, there’s some uncertainty about what product lines will get R&D dollars. The real limitation with all Logic control surfaces is the Mackie or HUI driver standard. No vendor is willing to leap outside that standard for DAW compatibility, even though it would open up such greater capabilities and features. Kinda need “Mackie 2.0”
Great video only thing I never see or hear people talk about when they give their reviews on the ssl uf8 is the master fader. Is the 8th fader assigned as the master automatically or you have to map it yourself ?
Great review man! Quick question: when you're in channel mode viewing the send slots in your track, are you able to put 1 send level per row? So at 5:40, for example, you'd have the faders being: Send 1, Send 2, Send 3, Send 4.... till Send 8. That would be great to automate the send levels of a lead vocal, for example, in a single take. Thanks!
yup you can do that! although it only shows about 2 sends at a time in each bank because it displays each send as follows: Send Bus Select (1, 2, 3, etc), Send 1 level, pre or post and whether it is active or not. Then the same repeats for Send 2, etc. If you find a way to remove some of the unnecessary categories and just show send levels let me know!
@@Semyon_Music thanks for the reply mate! I’ve been considering purchasing a UF8 for mixing in Logic but I find all these send categories in the channel mode don’t make too much sense. I’d rather have only send levels so that I can automate multiple delay throws and reverbs in a vocal track (for example) in a single performance, just like you can do in Pro Tools with an Avid Artist Mix, for example. Funny thing is that I’m almost certain that in Pro Tools the UF8 send channel mode defaults to send levels only, which is what I wished happened to Logic too. If you find a way to do that, please let me know if you can! Thank you so much!
Nice video! I use the SSL UC-1 with its SSL Native plugins for a while and love the workflow. So I think to purchase an UF8 too. But one feature I missed that my Mackie Control offers me. Where can I see the actual song position (time code or bars) of the DAW project? (The Mackie Control shows this on a separate display.) Is there a scrub wheel too?
@@Semyon_Music Yeah, I’m truly considering getting one and it coming with the SSL plugins also makes the $849 price tag an easier pill to swallow. SSL also announced they’re making more channel strips to go along with the UC1! I just have way too many plug-ins and want to streamline my workflow so I can spend less time tweaking and more time making.
That’s great that they offer plug-ins with the SSL. I think setting up presets for your plugins that are your go-tos helps a lot too. Even if they’re just starting points to get you 70% there. Also helps with streamlining workflow to focus on creating and easy mixing while you’re producing
Yea it does, SSL posted really informative videos on their UA-cam channel on how to setup the UF8 in each DAW, including Ableton. Would highly recommend you check out their Ableton integration video
Your explanations were clear and understandable. Up until last week i was using the Steinberg CC121, then i saw your review i knew i had to get it. Ordered it on Saturday arrived on Monday. Will use your video as a starting point. Just wondering if it's too much though, this is way above the CC121. Once again, great video, maybe you can do another one on different setups. Two thumbs up!
I think having the 8 faders on the UF8 is definitely a nice upgrade to the CC121! Glad you enjoyed the review, let me know what other videos you'd like to see!
Not officially supported on console (only on LUNA), but I’ve seen people post on forums on how to make it work with 3rd party apps that enable midi control in console to make the UF8 work there
I used to mix in a console 20 years ago. I've been mixing with just my mouse for at least 12 now. Frankly, I've never found it tedious and I have never seen a real need to spend money (that I do have) in a DAW controller. They look cool though.
I agree that not everyone needs a DAW controller, it’s more a personal preference! For me, I like having a few faders available especially as I’m songwriting and producing because I usually rough mix throughout the process
Looks like a nice controller but damn they want an arm and leg for it. When you have controllers like the x-touch or Faderport it’s hard to justify spending $1300.
Yea it’s definitely on the pricey side! I never tried faderport, but I did hear that the sensitivity of the faders on the UF8 is extremely high compared to other controllers (and it’s true, I will move things by 0.1db with VERY minor movements)
Your paying for the ssl name/hard wear so now you can con people telling them you have an ssl console, what they left out is a dedicated transport control and have licensed avid Econ software
The big knob adds as a timeline scrub with the Nav button engaged, and I end up using the space bar on my keyboard along with the R key for play, pause and record, so it’s actually not that bad!
You don't want metal knobs on those old consoulse. They are designed to stay on and generate massive amounts of heat. Metal knobs would get hot and make it harder to keep the console from over heating. Trust me they didn't make things out of plastic or rubber because it was cheap. If you work on one for a few years you'd understand. They don't turn them off ever. Some boards have been on for over 10 years easy. I worked on a couple that were on at least the 5 years straight I spent at the studio. Never turned off not once. Just on sucking massive amounts of electricty.
These kind of things are very gimmicky , I have a Yamaha pro mix o1 which I can use as an 18 Channel motorised fader controller , but I just don't bother with, I've also got a motorized fader on my keyboard and one on my presonus Io24 soundcard .. but again I just don't really use them .. these things look cool, but the novelty soon wears off imho .. bottom line this is a nice bit of kit but way overpriced and I just wouldn't use it enough to justify buying it
I think it really depends on one's workflow. Definitely for some it's not useful and the mouse click/drag option works, but for me personally I like to have the faders there and just listen to the music while I'm mixing! All depends on preference!
It looks cool but way overpriced. I had it for a day and realized I couldn't use a lot of the functions because I wasn't using Protools. Also didn't work well with Big Sur. It would have been nice if they told you that from the beginning. Plus I hate reading the track displays. They are are too flat. Makes it hard to see.
What DAW did you try it with? I use mostly Logic Pro X and sometimes Ableton and it worked really well it both those DAWs. I also have Big Sur and don't see any issues with it and the UF8, what problems were you seeing? The UF8 comes with legs that are mounted on the back so that helps a lot with providing an angle to the screens. Agreed though that is is very expensive for what it is!
@@Semyon_Music I'm using Cubase. It worked for the most part but every time I banked back and forth the faders would lose there values. I spoke to SSL. They didn't have much to say other than sorry its not Big Sur compatible.
The UF8 is a major disappointment: (1) When you get beyond the hype you find that SSL have programmed the UF8 so that the plugin parameter names disappear when faders are flipped so it is ABSOLUTELY USELESS for writing automation in flip mode! It's such a basic requirement to know what a fader controls! (2) There no track colours! - They are essential and this has been requested time and time again by users. It's impossible to navigate a project easily when there are no colours to differentiate tracks AND made worse because ... (3) Track names are truncated so short. (Note to SSL: EDM track names are not simple scribble strips like "GTR 1" - Know your users please!). The truncation has to do with the Mackie legacy I understand but what I don't get is that Softube Console 1 pulls the full track names from Ableton. Hey SSL coders ... just copy the way Softube do it SSL - PLEASE! I'll happily add a track name copying plugin on each channel to pull the track name through in full if it makes the UF8 actually a usable tool. (4) Worst of all is the ridiculous amount of time it is taking SSL to go M1 native. My companion UC1 is redundant next to the UF8 when using the latest version of Ableton. If things don't improve both the UC1 and UF8 are going up for sale because it's just a frustrating waste of money on good hardware with underwhelming implementation. I've spoken with SSL and made them aware of these issues in a constructive way saying "hey guys, we need this and it'll make the products really usable". They just ignore my emails now and won't comment on whether any of this is coming. It's so frustrating to support them to be better but then see SSL releasing new plugins over sorting out major usability issues for existing customers. What incentive is there when they already have our money? Do better please
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve watched a lot of videos on the UF8 and this was the best by far. Really clear explanations of the features thanks!
Thank you!
Really great walkthrough! I should be getting my UF8 tomorrow! Thanks! I've smashed all the smashers! Salutations from astonishingly windy, wet & kinda back to normal Ireland! ☘☮🤘🏽🤠👍🏽☮☘
Thank you ! 🔥 Enjoy the UF8
I'm sold. Trying to get one for Christmas.
Good choice! 🔥
Out of all the reviews on this unit... this one made me pull the trigger. Simple and practical!! Thanks so much.
Glad you liked the review and good choice on getting the UF8! Let me know how you like it once you get it 🔥
Do you see I can I get rid of my mixer and my sound interface SSL2 if I buy this one?
@@magnuseriksson8081 You would still need your audio interface since the SSL UF8 is just a DAW controller. It doesn't process any audio. Hope that helps!
Great review of the SSL UF8, Good Luck with the channel!
Thank you!
very good video - content and production values ---- I just purchased a UF8 - quite promising
Thanks! How are you liking it so far?
@@Semyon_Music wonderful ----- I use it with my SSL Big Six, Fusion, Bus+ and UC1---- Lots of things these can do.
Wow lots of SSL gear!
Best review of the UF8 so far.
Thanks!
Great video!
Thank you!
Big thanks !
Really great walkthrough, thanks! I tried some different set-ups over the years but I'm old school so I never liked to mix with the mouse. One quite good set-up was the M-Audio Project mix but I had problems keeping track of where my channels/instruments were. And too many buttons. If I understand you right, the SSL gives me an option to ”slide” the 8 channels one channel at the time meaning I don't have to shift from bank 1-8 to 9-16? I also never liked the small display on the P-mix, the SSL seems to be more informative/bigger though I never realized that It is the Mackie protocol that limits the text to 6 digits (or?)
Yea it is limited but the Mackie protocol, but I don't find that to be a problem with the right labelling. For example, VOX for lead vocals, BVG for background vocals, DRUMS, GTR for guitar, SYNTH, PIANO, FX, etc. I think with the right labelling the Mackie protocol limitation is not that bad!
I had the same project mix IO controlller for last 15 years and with the new OS X the controlller became useless . Im planning to switch now to SSL uF8 . Have you made the change already ?
Q: I see a lot of people on the demos hitting “v-pot >> sends” (5:21min), but can you just hit the “1” button and be in that send straight away? Personally I don’t like *any* menu diving for commonly used actions, so curious if you can do it that way?
Fantastic review!
Thank you!
Really nice review. The product do seems really good. Thanks brother
Thanks man 🔥
I borrowed a FaderPort 16 for a few months and it worked surprisingly well with Logic. The SSL UF8 is a newer design, but did you consider the FaderPort before you bought the UF8?
I did, but I like the build quality and the look/feel of the UF8 a lot more. It's less clunky looking and more modern than the fader port
@@Semyon_Music Good point. The FaderPort has been around for a while and it’s overdue for a refresh, but since Fender bought Presonus last year, there’s some uncertainty about what product lines will get R&D dollars. The real limitation with all Logic control surfaces is the Mackie or HUI driver standard. No vendor is willing to leap outside that standard for DAW compatibility, even though it would open up such greater capabilities and features. Kinda need “Mackie 2.0”
Great video only thing I never see or hear people talk about when they give their reviews on the ssl uf8 is the master fader. Is the 8th fader assigned as the master automatically or you have to map it yourself ?
Thanks! And yea you have to across to the last bank to get to the master fader
@@Semyon_Music thanks alot
🔥🔥
great review I'm in thank you. Chris
Thanks!
Great review man! Quick question: when you're in channel mode viewing the send slots in your track, are you able to put 1 send level per row? So at 5:40, for example, you'd have the faders being: Send 1, Send 2, Send 3, Send 4.... till Send 8. That would be great to automate the send levels of a lead vocal, for example, in a single take. Thanks!
yup you can do that! although it only shows about 2 sends at a time in each bank because it displays each send as follows: Send Bus Select (1, 2, 3, etc), Send 1 level, pre or post and whether it is active or not. Then the same repeats for Send 2, etc. If you find a way to remove some of the unnecessary categories and just show send levels let me know!
@@Semyon_Music thanks for the reply mate! I’ve been considering purchasing a UF8 for mixing in Logic but I find all these send categories in the channel mode don’t make too much sense. I’d rather have only send levels so that I can automate multiple delay throws and reverbs in a vocal track (for example) in a single performance, just like you can do in Pro Tools with an Avid Artist Mix, for example. Funny thing is that I’m almost certain that in Pro Tools the UF8 send channel mode defaults to send levels only, which is what I wished happened to Logic too. If you find a way to do that, please let me know if you can! Thank you so much!
Maybe I need to configure something in logic then! 🤔
Thanks so much! i'm intrested in buying this one!
You should buy one! Now that I have it I can’t imagine being without the UF8
Nice video! I use the SSL UC-1 with its SSL Native plugins for a while and love the workflow. So I think to purchase an UF8 too. But one feature I missed that my Mackie Control offers me. Where can I see the actual song position (time code or bars) of the DAW project? (The Mackie Control shows this on a separate display.)
Is there a scrub wheel too?
You can’t see the timeline, but it the big knob on the right side is multi function. If you click the Nav button under it, it turns into a scrub wheel
Wow you deserve more subs. Ya got 1 more from me. Excellent breakdown!
Thanks I appreciate that!
Nice video! Will buy this
Thank you!
Hi, is it great for Pro Tools? Thanks
Haven’t tried! Only use it with logic and ableton
Thank you for this thorough walkthrough man! Have you seen the new SSL UC1, it pairs really well with the UF8?
Glad you liked it! I did, it looks awesome! Are you looking to get one?
@@Semyon_Music Yeah, I’m truly considering getting one and it coming with the SSL plugins also makes the $849 price tag an easier pill to swallow. SSL also announced they’re making more channel strips to go along with the UC1! I just have way too many plug-ins and want to streamline my workflow so I can spend less time tweaking and more time making.
That’s great that they offer plug-ins with the SSL. I think setting up presets for your plugins that are your go-tos helps a lot too. Even if they’re just starting points to get you 70% there. Also helps with streamlining workflow to focus on creating and easy mixing while you’re producing
@@Semyon_Music Yeah for sure! Thanks for the tips man!
Hi ! Have you any idea if it's possible to activate the Vegas Mode manually ?
I haven’t heard of how to enable Vegas mode but let me know if you figure it out!
ssl uf8 or icon qcon pro G2?
SSL UF8 🔥
Do you know if the different automation mode works in ableton? Thanks again
Yea it does, SSL posted really informative videos on their UA-cam channel on how to setup the UF8 in each DAW, including Ableton. Would highly recommend you check out their Ableton integration video
Dunno who made the beat, but it's a serious vibe! 💪🏾
Is banking limited to. certain amount of tracks or will it just keep banking over to as many tracks as are in the session?
It’s unlimited, it’ll keep banking to as many tracks are in the session
Good overview
Thanks!
Your explanations were clear and understandable. Up until last week i was using the Steinberg CC121, then i saw your review i knew i had to get it. Ordered it on Saturday arrived on Monday. Will use your video as a starting point. Just wondering if it's too much though, this is way above the CC121. Once again, great video, maybe you can do another one on different setups. Two thumbs up!
I think having the 8 faders on the UF8 is definitely a nice upgrade to the CC121! Glad you enjoyed the review, let me know what other videos you'd like to see!
Can I get rid of my mixer and my sound interface SSL2 if I buy this one?
You would still need your audio interface since the SSL UF8 is just a DAW controller. It doesn't process any audio. Hope that helps!
Do you know if this would work with UAD console?
Not officially supported on console (only on LUNA), but I’ve seen people post on forums on how to make it work with 3rd party apps that enable midi control in console to make the UF8 work there
I used to mix in a console 20 years ago. I've been mixing with just my mouse for at least 12 now. Frankly, I've never found it tedious and I have never seen a real need to spend money (that I do have) in a DAW controller. They look cool though.
I agree that not everyone needs a DAW controller, it’s more a personal preference! For me, I like having a few faders available especially as I’m songwriting and producing because I usually rough mix throughout the process
cool
Thanks!
Looks like a nice controller but damn they want an arm and leg for it. When you have controllers like the x-touch or Faderport it’s hard to justify spending $1300.
Yea it’s definitely on the pricey side! I never tried faderport, but I did hear that the sensitivity of the faders on the UF8 is extremely high compared to other controllers (and it’s true, I will move things by 0.1db with VERY minor movements)
Your paying for the ssl name/hard wear so now you can con people telling them you have an ssl console, what they left out is a dedicated transport control and have licensed avid Econ software
The big knob adds as a timeline scrub with the Nav button engaged, and I end up using the space bar on my keyboard along with the R key for play, pause and record, so it’s actually not that bad!
The rotary knobs of their half million dollar consoles are not even metal. 😂
Besides that, great review. I am thinking of getting this one.
Wow! Well as long as the consoles sound good, hopefully that makes up for the plastic knobs. Glad you liked the review! I highly recommend the UF8
You don't want metal knobs on those old consoulse. They are designed to stay on and generate massive amounts of heat. Metal knobs would get hot and make it harder to keep the console from over heating. Trust me they didn't make things out of plastic or rubber because it was cheap. If you work on one for a few years you'd understand. They don't turn them off ever. Some boards have been on for over 10 years easy. I worked on a couple that were on at least the 5 years straight I spent at the studio. Never turned off not once. Just on sucking massive amounts of electricty.
That’s wild! The SSL UF8 doesn’t have an off switch so probably follows same principle
I use it and like it, but the faders are really chintzy and cheap and non-smooth.
Hopefully that’s not a defective unit, mine feel sturdy and smooth
These kind of things are very gimmicky , I have a Yamaha pro mix o1 which I can use as an 18 Channel motorised fader controller , but I just don't bother with, I've also got a motorized fader on my keyboard and one on my presonus Io24 soundcard .. but again I just don't really use them .. these things look cool, but the novelty soon wears off imho .. bottom line this is a nice bit of kit but way overpriced and I just wouldn't use it enough to justify buying it
I think it really depends on one's workflow. Definitely for some it's not useful and the mouse click/drag option works, but for me personally I like to have the faders there and just listen to the music while I'm mixing! All depends on preference!
It looks cool but way overpriced. I had it for a day and realized I couldn't use a lot of the functions because I wasn't using Protools. Also didn't work well with Big Sur. It would have been nice if they told you that from the beginning. Plus I hate reading the track displays. They are are too flat. Makes it hard to see.
What DAW did you try it with? I use mostly Logic Pro X and sometimes Ableton and it worked really well it both those DAWs. I also have Big Sur and don't see any issues with it and the UF8, what problems were you seeing? The UF8 comes with legs that are mounted on the back so that helps a lot with providing an angle to the screens. Agreed though that is is very expensive for what it is!
@@Semyon_Music I'm using Cubase. It worked for the most part but every time I banked back and forth the faders would lose there values. I spoke to SSL. They didn't have much to say other than sorry its not Big Sur compatible.
Hopefully they fix those issues soon! Thankfully haven’t seen any problems so far with Logic and Ableton
So much reflection on your vocal my god my ears are aching ..
I made this video before putting up my new acoustic panels! Check out my other video where I properly treat the studio and it's much better after
The UF8 is a major disappointment: (1) When you get beyond the hype you find that SSL have programmed the UF8 so that the plugin parameter names disappear when faders are flipped so it is ABSOLUTELY USELESS for writing automation in flip mode! It's such a basic requirement to know what a fader controls! (2) There no track colours! - They are essential and this has been requested time and time again by users. It's impossible to navigate a project easily when there are no colours to differentiate tracks AND made worse because ... (3) Track names are truncated so short. (Note to SSL: EDM track names are not simple scribble strips like "GTR 1" - Know your users please!). The truncation has to do with the Mackie legacy I understand but what I don't get is that Softube Console 1 pulls the full track names from Ableton. Hey SSL coders ... just copy the way Softube do it SSL - PLEASE! I'll happily add a track name copying plugin on each channel to pull the track name through in full if it makes the UF8 actually a usable tool. (4) Worst of all is the ridiculous amount of time it is taking SSL to go M1 native. My companion UC1 is redundant next to the UF8 when using the latest version of Ableton. If things don't improve both the UC1 and UF8 are going up for sale because it's just a frustrating waste of money on good hardware with underwhelming implementation. I've spoken with SSL and made them aware of these issues in a constructive way saying "hey guys, we need this and it'll make the products really usable". They just ignore my emails now and won't comment on whether any of this is coming. It's so frustrating to support them to be better but then see SSL releasing new plugins over sorting out major usability issues for existing customers. What incentive is there when they already have our money? Do better please