SSL UF8

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.

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.

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.

If you are migrating from a Eucon based controller then this may be underwhelming. But for the general user, this is an excellent unit, the build quality is great, the faders are high quality and responsive. The rotary knobs are great as well.

Where this unit falls short is it’s plugin control, due to the resolution of the HUI protocol. The resolution/control isn’t consistent across plugins and mapping isn’t always the best but it far better than using a mouse.

With that said, we own two of these units and absolutely love them. They save us a lot of time and allow us to spend more time mixing with our ears than eyes, working in a commercial space where deadlines come in thick and fast; this is a no brainer. These controllers save us so much time and allow us to do our best work.