Next up for SSL, I think they will release a full DAW in the next year or so that has full integration with the hardware controllers they already have. In fact, I think this is the primary reason they purchased Harrison.
Hey Steve, I’ve been a fan for awhile now and have purchased your LUNA Presets. I’ve recently acquired the UF8 and the UF1. It’s a bit overwhelming. Looking forward to your video integrating Luna and the 2 SSLcontrollers and taking advantage of your expertise. BTW, hearty congratulations on your nuptials. Take care.
Thanks so much! The luna integration with both these controllers is awesome. I'm working on filming it tomorrow, it's cleared up SO much room for custom keyboard commands on the UF8. Really handy.
oh you knew it was only a matter of time haha.. would have been sooner, but there was a bit of a backlog of orders apparently. Had to wait a minute on mine.
I just got mine a few weeks ago for Logic and trying to become more Luna based. I really like it so far. It's deep; still trying to get used to it, there's definitely a learning curve, but I think It'll be worth it.
That's awesome! I think it totally brings out the best of luna. Since Luna is evolving - some of the shortcuts & lack of certain shortcuts made fast workflows harder.. but then the UF8 arrived w/ ssl 360 - and now with keyboard commands, it made everything way faster. The uf1 adds to this for sure with the transport functions, AND the metering stuff? just brilliant. I'll be diving into the topic of macros on the second video, how to create them and think about creating them - cause it's kind of a head scratcher at first. Took me months before I really wrapped my head around how I could use them. Do you also own a UF8? or is this your primary controller?
Great overview Steve, thank you. One thing I’m struggling with is using the jog wheel in Luna- how do scrub/jog and play from where you let it off? 🙏🏻 Best wishes.
@@ChristianYri it’s a setting in within Luna itself, I believe it’s in one of the file menus at the very top. Just cycle through them all and you will find it.
Howdy sir, I have the UF8 and uc1 , I really think adding this in the middle would make for a perfect hybrid control surface for all my DAW needs, and keep say hands off that dang mouse as much as possible , great video as always !
Cheers mate! We’ve got the backwards setup ha I’m gonna need to track down a UC1. I would love to migrate to a lot more of the ssl native plugins and have the 4Kb across all channels in my mixes. Haha true rock n roll. If you do decide to roll with one, consider using my affiliate links. It will allow my channel to do more videos like this where I partner with SW. Either way, I appreciate the support! Cheers!
@@TheSteveKinney I will for sure . Yeah the ssl suite . is really nice , I’m working on a such a fast turnaround manor writing and selling copyright free background music before the Ai steals all our work so I need to set aside some time to lay out a complete 4K desk flow and integrate the ssl 360 but it’s still taking a bit to get my head around two mixer interfaces on screen when I’m trying to keep it lean and mean haha .
@@TheSteveKinney now that SSL parent company bought Harrison I’m hoping they create an ssl version of the 32c daw which is just a big 4K console emulation with the channel strip built in from the get go , that will work effortlessly with the hardware . I love the screen on that uc1 I hope they make some more of their plugins tweaked to work visually with the hardware controls . Or even release another pure control panel of dials etc for all the other plugs
what might be good for this is to simplify yourself by straight up only mixing via ssl 360 console.. so - essentially making the 4k or the channelstrip 2 your final piece of the chain and then doing all your fader balances inside of the 360 software. It would essentially be like an out of the box console workflow.. plugins and effects tweaked in the DAW, mix and balance on the board outside of the box.. signal routing is the name of the game there.
I was just watching this video because I'm about to buy the UF1, and I thought, "Oh cool., he has an Apollo, too." Then I noticed you have the same DRINK COASTER I do. Boom. Subscribed!
Ha!! That’s amazing. Best comment I’ve gotten in a while. Shameless plug, consider the affiliate links if they are relevant. Also. The UF platform is king. You will love it. Cheers!
@@TheSteveKinney I would love to support you via the link, but I had a previous deal in place. I got the UF8, UF1, and UC1 this afternoon. A longtime friend of mine works for SSL, and he showed me around the whole 360 ecosystem at NAMM. It looks insanely good. Today I removed my ICON system and cleaned the desk in preparation... LOL.
@@jergervasi3331 we are the same. I had an icon before this one. And an MCU. I appreciate any support! Including just checking out the channel. SSL has become my favorite audio company. I would drop the Apollo in an instant for an SSL interface that had some sort of similar I/o capability. I would love a 32 I/o w/ talkback and ability to create 6-8 cue mixes in a 2 rack space unit. Send it up the chain. Haha 😆
@@TheSteveKinney It's funny, I have two Apollo X8P Heritage Editions because my previous room was focused on tracking live drums, and I needed INPUTS... I added an Audient 8 channel pre to get even more. (They sound fantastic when they aren't out for repair). I have two UA "satellites", for a total of 30+ cores... but I recently moved to a smaller space, and I'm totally rethinking my workflow.
@@jergervasi3331 oooh. Clever, those audients are cool. I’ve been on the EZ drummer train for a minute, so I’ve not needed large input counts for a while. Largely, it’s 3 inputs at a time at most for a DI’d guitar and then a left right of an amp modeler or some mics on a cab. After that, it’s - mono vocal or acoustic guitar / mando / banjo / violin I’ll use an e-kit to get real performances into the digital realm. It takes a huge amount of attention to detail with respect to the velocity mapping.. PER sound library. That’s the secret no one ever says… no sample library has exact matching velocity curves. So I’ll pick the sounds and then work on editing the midi. As far as having large I/o I solely just wanna have the capability to do the Nashville session band thing. And I also love working with outboard gear when mixing, so I wanna be able to patch up as much as I want. I would love to see what SSL would offer that would compete with the Apollos
@@TheSteveKinney perfect! Love the videos by the way, you and I both started using Luna and the SSL controllers around the same time, so they’ve been very beneficial!
@@Bobashingodilopagus they really have - particularly for Luna too. Just seems to really fit the workflow of it versus other daws just being so over crowded with commands.
Hey Steve-My Platform Nano just bit the dust! I will probably pick up a UF1, but I wanted to see your next video on it before I buy it. Do you have an ETA on your second video on the UF1? Really enjoy your videos on on Luna, which I have been using since day 1, and now your SSL series.
Currently have two client days scheduled, soonest I could get to film something would be Saturday, maybe edited on Sunday - and delivered by Monday. That’s the tightest time table.
It's a bit expensive since most single fader controllers are under 250 with most even under 200. I am thinking of having the UF1 of the desk and the UF8 on the keyboard tray. I still have the OG Frontier Alphatrack until I made my decision luckily.
Correct, but the value is there. the fader itself is higher quality. I’ve had the icon nano, and currently own a faderport for my wife’s writing room. The knobs run circles around the icon nano. The presonus fader ports knob is about the same as the big circular knob on the UF8. Then - those custom commands that you can program literally change your entire workflow. Can’t stress that enough. UF8 & UF1 together is the ultimate control surface setup for Daw mixing.
I really do wish they release support for Bitwig. I use this non-stop for Studio One and LOVE it. But with the new bi-directional support between Bitwig and Studio One, I'd love it even more if SSL supported Bitwig.
@@TheSteveKinney Ha! exactly the problem I'm going through right now. Software eng by trade and seriously starting to despise the new cost prohibitive entry point for a "decent" system. Life should be about simplifying the experience not about convoluting it.
@@michaelgray8128 worse than that - I’m tired of the forced software upgrades and forced obsolescence.. Particularly on my phone.. and I’m worried the Mac pros will lose support quickly for the intel versions sooner rather than later
@@TheSteveKinneyThat's a very good point to be fair. Part of the reason why I've been cautious about the amount I invest in certain studio equipment. One of my interfaces gave up the other day and now I probably won't consider anything except something like UAD or RME. Most likely the latter in all fairness. Don't get me started on iphones I've got one I've had for just over a year already starting to look as though it's been intentionally "dated" with slowdowns.
Good stuff Steve. Looking forward to that Luna video with both if these in action. Question: has Luna in the past few updates added the multiple channel output for VST capability. Like using EZ drummer, outputting multiple channels to get drums separated in Luna? Thanks man.
Thanks Shannon! Hope you’re well mate. Short answer no. Long answer, I think it’s time we all start spamming the feedback button in the top right haha 😆 I feel like it’s a feature that’s often requested in forums and comments - but they prioritize what goes through that feedback portal - so it must not get shared as much through there.
I gotta be honest mate - this is one of the dumbest comments I've ever gotten.. normally, I like negative comments because I can find SOMETHING productive in them, maybe a chance for me to learn something I didn't know, or to improve on my videos in some way.. but I literally couldn't find anything of value here. My channel is about working together and being somewhat of a community for musicians & creatives to have another avenue to help each other in the comments... and I just find it ironic that you wrote a literal book about working together with people, yet you didn't even practice what you preached. That's a shame. Additionally, on the subject of macros, I included it in my review as a talking point because I wouldn't be doing my best to be thorough If I didn't.. some people are JUST getting into the world of music production, and hearing it on this channel may have been the first time they have heard of it. Anyways, I appreciate you giving the channel a chance, and hope to see you again in the comments. Cheers, Steve
@@TheSteveKinney negative? My bad if my english sucks, but I honestly mean that I appreciate your video. So I try again - thank you for helping me. Okey? ♥️🙏🏼😌
@@TheSteveKinney hey, no problem! The day I'm perfect is the day I will yell at you. 😉 Seriously, I have the deepest respect and understanding for all the bad comments you guys have to handle. Thanx for your kindness. ♥️🙏🏼🤘🏼
Great video Steve! One question... I have a Faderport. I can only use the fader to automate volume. Can the UF1 fader automate any parameter like send parameters or plugin parameters? I use Logic but am currently mixing a song in Luna and I think I'm hooked so I'm mostly talking about Luna. Thanks!
Yeah - so - in Luna, you can use the "Flip" fader function to access any parameter accessible via the V-Pots. So Sends, Cues, Panning On top that - now you can use it to automate and control plugin parameters too. So - yes.
@@allpdmusic if you do decide to roll on a UF1, please consider using the affiliate link. Let’s sweetwater know that my video was helpful and will lead to more partnering between us, thanks mate!
Steve, if you alread 3:16 y have the UF 8, do you really need the UF 1? We're talking $700 for fancy screen and a Main fader and a bigger scrub wheel. Seems like a lot of money for a lot of redundancy and some bells and whistles.
It’s the workflow enhancements Imho. You’re getting a TRULY useful metering plugin that runs off screen - running on the device. You get more customizable shortcut keys. Plus it frees up shortcuts on the uf8. Obviously, it’s not going to be for everyone - but if you do it professionally- it’s going to increase your productivity. Similarly to the uc1
I have 2 UF-8's : Plenty of shortcut keys and the like. I have metering plugins. My only option would be to sell 1 of the UF 8s and buy the UF 1. I kinda like what I've got, and the UF 1 is just a little pricey for what I'm adding. Thanks, Steve. You do a great job. I heard you got married. Congrats!@@TheSteveKinney
Anyone have any experience of trying the UF1 with Cakewalk/Sonar? I appreciate it’s not officially supported but Sonar does run MCU so I guess it could work - grateful for any perspective, thanks 🙏
I think you can from what it says on the product page. Could you please test with your uc1 turned off? @@TheSteveKinney I'm looking to buy a UF1, so it would be good to know before I spend the cash.
@@fortymileswest Hey Mate, I've had a chance to toy with JUST the uf1 and I've confirmed this works. It works great. The implementation is via the 360 plugin mixer, which is how it's intended to work, no UF8 or UC1 required. Super clever. If you do pick up the UF1, please consider using the affiliate link.
With Midi2 this range of gear will be made obsolete. That makes me think in the future the next mk2 version will not use 360 but just be Midi2 compliant. With the current midi cc architect and DAW page mapping its still an extremely powerful way of communicating with your DAW but Midi2 will open up a new versatility not available today. The quality of CCL gear is second to none its wicked but there is no need for 360 software if you know how to program Midicc.
I’ve heard this kind of stuff many times before.. I’d be shocked if: 1. SSL hasn’t already prepared capability for this device to be compliant with midi2 2. The 360 software layer is more so used to communicate to the additional mixer layer for their VST3 plugins - essentially creating a virtual SSL console. It’s an exciting time for sure either way! We’re in the glory days. I don’t think these particular devices would be obsolete for a number of years.. It’s already been about 2.. i could see at least 5 good years before they become clunky compared to competition.. But even so - they do their intended purpose incredibly well - and will still function great for years after they are “obsolete”.. and that’s solely due to build quality. It’s better than anything I’ve used, including the avid / euphonix, Mackie, presonus, icon, etc Again, not saying you’re wrong, but just saying that it’s a little bit on the sensational side, I think the reality will be somewhere in the middle... but that’s a great thing for us!! Better gear to turn knobs haha 😆 I appreciate the thoughtful insight, cheers!
@@TheSteveKinney The reason for my scepticism is the lack of transparency from SSL over its Midi2 integration. This is not a cheapo piece of kit quality wise its almost perfect but its about integration. Current midi is fine if you properly understand it, like Steinbergs Cubase/Nuendo remote controller manager its awesome and powerful even with todays midi standards/Machie protocols. I see no reason to need 360 if Midicc is built into the kit but clearly it is not? I bought and still own my old Yamaha 01x cost a small fortune back in the day but since Yamaha dropped MLan its obsolete and although it can work with WIndows 11 its a right pain in axx. Hardware wise this is the best software wise, QUESTIONABLE. If I were to invest I would need two banks of faders UF8 and masters UC1 UF1 so about £3k in total sure not a lot for a mixer erm its not a mixer but enough to make me cautious. Its potentially better than the AVid S3 so realistically price wise I guess its on par, but the use or propriatory software scares the hell out of me.
@@uselessoldman7964 I totally see where you’re coming from and get it! I think ultimately, the biggest plus for the software is the ease of mapping. Not everyone knows how to code directly and map directly.. it’s also time consuming. But again, the biggest reason for ssl 360 is that mixer layer. I think they are trying to get people to treat the whole thing like a digital ssl virtual console. But I agree completely with what you’re saying. The proprietary thing is always scary for sure!
@@TheSteveKinney I guess then I shoudl probably try download the manual and see if it can be used without the 360 software as in Mackie HUI/Midicc mode? DO you know if it send out Midicc or some other weird signal?
@@uselessoldman7964 it will natively work without the 360 software open in MCU protocol. I don’t know that it does hui. However, with the most recent update I do see something about just midi but I haven’t had a chance to sit down and look at it and what it’s used for. That said, when Setting up the device for the first time, 360 is necessary to install it.
I love my SSL UF1, using it with Logic Pro. One thing, however, is that when I ride the fader in automation, after about a minute or so, it will freeze and will not move ! If I stop the song and start again, all is fine or another minute or so. Why is that ? Any one have this problem ? I have tried everything, using it on different songs and the same problem.
🤔.. logic is a strange bird and does wonky ass shit. Tbh. It’s possible that you have version incompatibilities and bugs. If you’re on the latest OS that’s usually a culprit. Never update your OS. Double check firmware / updates for the UF1.
@@TheSteveKinney I check for UF1 updates every other day. I'm on Mac, but not the latest OS. Monterey on M1 Mac. I will investigate more and hope for an update, either on Logic or UF1. I've used a few controllers before and never ran into this weird issue !
@@inverterdnb from what I’ve looked up on SSL website, reaper supports MCU, so it will work, but Reaper doesn’t offer plugin control. Read more about it here. support.solidstatelogic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4408132094865-Which-DAWs-work-with-UF8-#daws-without-dedicated-supported-profiles-0-3
Cheers mate! We can always connect, just hit up the mentor page on my website. Links should be all in the description. Additionally, I try my best to keep up with all comments and messages on instagram. If it's simple, and I can help I will. If it's nuanced and requires some time, I'm available for 1:1 sessions. Thanks so much for the kind words and support! -Steve
@@TheSteveKinney You know your biased reviews don't pass any expert test. SSL is a great brand in the analog world trying to market itself as innovators. Why are they not working at 32bit and 380Khz if sound quality is primordial?
@@megacast a few follow up questions. genuinely - how am I biased? With your expert opinion, what is a better controller? Outside of zoom, what company is working at 32bit 380khz ?
@@TheSteveKinney Steinberg for instance. I worked on RME in 2007 when none of you knew what is was Young man, you blattently show your ignorance again. Humility is the food of Giants.
@@megacast You presume that I didn’t know what it was. That’s the rude bit here. You came here and said it was a sold out review... Now you say that I didn’t know what 32-bit audio was in 2007.. You literally don’t know me mate..
Sorry Bonnie - not promo. I just really like it. I have released my follow up video, where I deep dive and walk through my workflow with it - it’s dense. But you can get the idea why. Super intuitive when paired with the UF8. Thanks for sharing, cheers!