Buyer’s Guide: SSL Control Surfaces

SSL UF8, UF1, and UC1 control surfaces with the SSL 360 Link software in the background.

Solid State Logic first cemented its legendary status in the music recording world with its one-of-a-kind consoles. Since then, they’ve thrived in the digital age thanks to their wide range of plug-ins that maintain the quality and versatility expected from SSL hardware.

So when it came to combining the analog and digital realms with their control surfaces, SSL pulled from decades of experience and engineering to deliver three one-of-a-kind devices: The UF8, the UF1, and the UC1.

These controllers look and feel like they’re pieces of a genuine SSL console transformed into home studio-friendly units. In fact, not only can you use these three controllers on their own, but you can also mix and match the trio to create a full-scale and incredibly versatile multi-channel setup.

Read on to learn more about the UF8, UF1, and UC1’s many groundbreaking features.

SSL UF8 control surface

SSL UF8

Simply put, the SSL UF8 is a dream come true for those looking for an authentic and uncompromised behind-the-board experience at home, on the go, or anywhere in between.

Designed to look and feel like it was lifted straight from an SSL console, the UF8 features eight fully loaded channels with tactile 100 mm faders, endless multi-function rotary encoders, and responsive Solo, Cut, and Select buttons. At the same time, the UF8 is a distinctly modern DAW controller that offers 43 assignable keys, and separate modes for controlling sends and plug-ins at the press of a button, a Master Encoder for seamless track banking, DAW timeline access, and even mouse wheel emulation.

Of course, you don’t even need to touch the mouse since you can control any and every aspect of your DAW just from the UF8. Plus, the controller’s eight hi-res displays keep up with you as you shift tracks, change modes, and switch between soft keys, expanding your workflow from beyond the computer screen.

Speaking of expanding, you can use the SSL 360° software with the UF8 to customize your workflow and set up three DAW layers for simultaneous control across multiple sessions. In terms of hardware, you can link up to four UF8s for the most advanced DIY 32-channel board you’ll find on the market.

SSL UF1 control surface

SSL UF1

This compact controller is a lot more than just a single-channel version of the UF8 (although the two work seamlessly together). The UF1 not only offers the same analog layout and satisfying controls as the UF8, but it also comes with additional features like a smooth and weighted jog wheel and dedicated buttons for essential DAW functions like record-enable and playback.

But the most noticeable feature on the UF1 is the big-and-bold display screen loaded with the SSL Meter plug-in. This combination gives you access to every essential display you could ever want in a studio session: Peak and RMS levels, VU and PPM metering, stereo balance, phase correlation, and much more.

The UF1 is an incredibly dexterous controller on its own, but it also works seamlessly alongside the UF8 and UC1, bringing enough unique specs to the table to elevate either device.

SSL UC-1 plug-in controller

SSL UC1

SSL’s game-changing Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins are widely used and praised thanks to their accessibility, affordability, and near-perfect emulations of their hardware counterparts. For those who prefer turning knobs and pressing buttons over a keyboard and mouse, the UC1 is a perfect physical recreation of the two plug-ins that truly feels like the real thing.

Those familiar with SSL consoles will feel right at home on the UC1, which comes stock with EQ, filter, compressor, and gate/expander controls featuring accurate LED metering and responsive rotary knobs. The controller perfectly brings the Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins out of the computer screen and onto your desk, but it’s also compatible with the SSL 4K B plug-in for those looking for the smooth, throwback sound that put SSL on the map and defined classics like Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” and more.

The UC1 is obviously a perfect companion to the UF8 or UF1, giving you a dedicated, analog setup for your essential SSL plug-ins alongside your faders.

SSL 360 LINK SOFTWARE

Available for free in the latest software update, the new 360º Link software is a ground-breaking plug-in that allows you to control any third-party plug-in directly from the UC1 control surface. Effortlessly drop your favorite plug-ins into any session and control them with UC1’s advanced “console-style” workflow.

By default, the UC1 is optimized for SSL’s Channel Strip plug-in but can be mapped to any plug-in, including parametric EQs, advanced compressors, and even effects plug-ins. In fact, SSL 360 Link comes loaded with a selection of customizable maps for popular SSL channel strip plug-ins from the likes of Slate Digital, Universal Audio, Waves, and Brainworx. Don’t worry, any plug-in can be quickly mapped from scratch using the user-friendly mapping tool.

If you’re interested in purchasing an SSL control surface, we can help! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.