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Solid State Logic UF8 Advanced DAW Controller

DAW Control Surface with 8 Motorized, Touch-sensitive Faders, 9 Rotary Encoders, 8 LCD TFT Displays, and Dedicated Software App - macOS/Win
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The SSL of USB DAW Control Surfaces

If you’re ready to take control of your DAW-based production setup, Sweetwater has a product that will supercharge your workflow. The Solid State Logic UF8 is an advanced DAW control surface with eight motorized, touch-sensitive faders; nine push/push rotary encoders; and eight high-resolution LCD TFT displays. SSL has been making world-class recording consoles for decades, and their extensive expertise is evident in the meticulous design of the UF8. Its professional pedigree is manifest throughout the design — from the just-right feel of its soft-touch rubber RGB backlit buttons to the robustness of its sleek, all-metal chassis. The system is expandable with up to four UF8s for 32 channels of DAW control. Connecting via high-speed USB and powered by SSL’s dedicated 360° software, the UF8 offers easy, streamlined operation along with powerful functionality.

Immersive SSL workflow and boundless customization

While modern DAWs offer unmatched flexibility and ease-of-use, they can lack the immediacy and inspiring quality of twisting knobs and pulling faders. The SSL UF8 closes that gap, allowing you to take hands-on control of your DAW to expedite your workflow and facilitate creativity. Lose yourself in the process of recording and mixing with the UF8’s 100mm touch-sensitive motorized faders, smooth-action rotary encoders, and user-assignable push-button controls. The UF8 serves up next-level customization by allowing you to configure essential shortcuts and custom macros and save them as profiles, so no matter where you are in the production process — tracking, editing, or mixing — your UF8 will be set up just the way you like it!

Chain multiple units for the ultimate multichannel DAW control surface

A single UF8 gives you ample control over large sessions by navigating between channel banks. However, if you want even more physical-fader action, SSL makes it easy to integrate up to four UF8 control surfaces for a whopping 32 channels of hands-on DAW control. Having 32 channels on tap is ideal for large post-production and mixing sessions, but you can up your fader count one UF8 at a time — as your need demands and budget permits! The units are daisy-chained via the UF8’s USB-A port, reducing cable clutter; and the SSL 360° app takes care of the integration, so you’ll be up and running with a full arsenal of SSL faders in no time!

SSL 360° software: the brains of the operation

Operationally, the UF8 works seamlessly with major DAWs — Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Nuendo, Studio One, Ableton Live, LUNA, and Pyramix — three of which can be be connected concurrently. SSL’s dedicated 360° software for macOS and Windows handles configuration with your DAW(s). You can drag and drop to reorder UF8s in a multi-surface configuration and customize the user keys on the control surface with your choice of DAW commands or keyboard shortcuts. You’ll never lose any brilliant moves, because SSL 360° automatically saves any changes you make in the background (and of course, you can always undo). It also manages software and firmware updates automatically.

Solid Stage Logic: an unmatched industry icon

Over the last half century, SSL has established itself as an indisputable pro audio heavyweight. Renowned for their unparalleled sonic quality, SSL consoles are an artist favorite that have been used for countless recordings and found in more than 3,000 world-class recording facilities. For contemporary artists and engineers who work outside of a traditional big studio environment but refuse to compromise on sound, SSL creates exceptional hardware and software tools, including 500 series modules, SuperAnalogue desk mixers, cutting-edge plug-in technology and DAW control surfaces, and its proprietary X-Rack modular rack system. Regardless of how or where you produce, record, and mix, there is sure to be an SSL product that’s right for you.

Solid State Logic UF8 Advanced DAW Control Surface Features:

  • 8 motorized, touch-sensitive faders
  • 8+1 push/push rotary encoders
  • 8 hi-res LCD TFT displays
  • RGB backlit soft-touch rubber buttons
  • Robust all-metal enclosure with brushed, anodized top plate
  • Expandable: connect up to 4 UF8s to create a 32-channel DAW controller
  • Works with major DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Nuendo, Studio One, Ableton Live, LUNA, and Pyramix
  • Up to 3 different DAWs may be connected simultaneously
  • Pro Tools communication via HUI; Logic, Cubase, Studio One, and Live communication via MCU
  • SSL software provides workflow enhancements with features such as Channel and Plug-in mode
  • Large multi-purpose notched encoder allows for DAW timeline navigation, track banking, and mouse wheel emulation for enhanced hands-on control
  • Customizable keys for assigning your favorite keyboard shortcuts/macros
  • Assignable footswitches
  • Included stands allow for adjustable elevation angle on your desktop
  • Compatible with SSL Origin modular center section
  • 19-inch 6U rackmount kit available separately
  • Connects to your computer via high-speed USB
  • Comes with perpetual licenses for SSL Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip native plug-ins
  • Powered by SSL 360° software for macOS/Windows, providing quick multi-session configuration, drag-and-drop reorder, customizable user keys, assignable layers, update management, and more
  • Includes a 6-month trial of the SSL Complete Bundle

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Tech Specs

  • Type: DAW Controller
  • Screen: 8 x LCD TFT Displays
  • Faders: 8 x 100mm Motorized Faders
  • Transport Controls: Yes
  • Encoders/Pots: 8 x Rotary
  • Soft Keys: Solo, Cut, Select, 5 x User Banks
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • USB: 1 x USB-C, 1 x Type A (thru, dongle)
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/4" (footswitch)
  • Software: SSL 360°, SSL Native Plug-in Bundle
  • Compatibility: AAX, VST, AU
  • Hardware Requirements - Mac: Intel Core i5 2.4GHz or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum
  • Hardware Requirements - PC: Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher, 8GB RAM minimum
  • OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 10.15 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
  • Power: 12V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 2.4"
  • Width: 17"
  • Depth: 10.5"
  • Weight: 6.4 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 726490X2

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Need a control surface? This is it!

This SSL UF8 seems well thought out, workmanship is excellent and the controls feel like the Yamaha console I use for live sound in our church.

I found myself using the mouse less and less and changed my thought process and to find ways to streamline functions.
After looking over the choices, James Wroblewski recommended the UF8. Besides, SSL is in the audio business.

Here are the things I quickly figured out and are using:
*Soft keys are programmable. That means I can set up functions and keyboard macros for tasking that I need. The 360 SW allows renaming of the soft keys as well changing the color. That helps to identify tasks quickly. For example, I set up markers for different sections of a song (see pictures).
*All of the Cubase Pro 12 keyboard mapping functions can be accessed and mapped to UF8 soft keys and there a literally hundreds of them!
*Plugins are accessed via the scribble strips by enabling the plugin button. Then, the first V-Pot rotary knob controls the plugin selections on the Cubase channel settings. I can also flip from the pot to the fader. If the plugin has more than 8 controls, the page button gains access to the additional controls. Now, this was at first non-intuitive
*Transport controls. Although not perfect, the soft keys allow for that OR the lower right-hand keys on the UF8 can change color to allow for dedicated transport. Eventually, I will add a UF1.
*If I load an SSL 4Ke channel strip on each track, either enabled or disabled, I can assign a layer to access that channel and it displays those channels with color on the scribble strip (screen) as well as the SEL key has the same channel color.
*Quick keys are programmable as well as the color.
*Automation works (R/W). This is all Cubase needs.
*Channel control, knob, bank, Nav and Focus.
Music background: Drums, percussion, sound and recording engineering
Rated 5/5

Excellent midi controller

I picked one of these up when Sweetwater was running a special. I was already using the UC1(highly recommended) with a Presonus Faderport16(also recommended). The UF8 is a step up from the Faderport in terms of build quality. Excellent faders with great touch response, displays that are clear from any angle and V-pots. The only downside is that associated with HUI and MCU protocols mainly the limited number of characters of track names that can be communicated. I chose the UF8 over Avids S1 because, like Presonus, SSL provides resources to use various DAWs right out of the box. If I was only using Protools I might lean to the S1. The UF8 has three layers to switch live between DAWs but if you only use one DAW you can set them all up for that DAW and triple the number of soft keys for your workflow. Overall very satisfied. I don't see much room for squeezing out more functionality than SSL did from midi and a better generic controller will probably have to wait for some form of open source EUCON type protocol.
Rated 5/5

Super bueno

Este producto esta super recomendado para los que tienen homestudio casero se ase mas facil la produccion musical
Rated 5/5

Not your ordinary controller.

I have been "GAS ing" for both the UC1 and UF8 for a while. I didn't pay much attention to all the hype until I started seeing them on the desks of some of the big boys. I have tried about every controller out there and couldn't get the response I wanted. There is a reason for the hype. I got the UC1 first. As of now only SSL channel strip and bus com can be controlled. Thats not a problem for me. With both units there is no lag, no having to move faders up and down to catch the fader in your DAW. The UF8 takes a little bit of time to get familiar with. The investment in time and $$$ is absolutely worth it. You can set any combination of key commands. Mixing with my ears is now possible.
Rated 5/5

Saved me a lot of money

Been working with the Slate Raven for a few years and never grew accustomed to it. Intended to lay out the investment on a Trident console but as I was searching out prices and options I ran across the UF8. Received one to try out instantly ordered a second the next day, which got me just 8 short of the Trident I was set to order. Once I messed around with the SSL plug-ins included with a 6 month trial, I ordered the UC1 to complete the set up.
Yeah they're on the spendy side for basically glorified mouses but they're build extremely well. I've been at this a long time and the tactile feel is something I've missed for years, and in my case the UF8/UC1 is a bargain compared to a large format console. I also felt there was a big enough sonic difference between the SSL plug-ins and the UA equivalents that made the UC1 an even better value.
I will say that using multiple units does come with a few bugs but no doubt they'll get them worked out and none of them are show stoppers.
For those that grew up with a mouse and a computer screen I'm not sure they'd get the same return on investment, for those old enough to remember having choices in 2" tape manufacturers then it might be a perfect bridge between the decades......
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