SSL UF8- Could be perfect BUT...  

I hope so much that Steinberg finally brings a follow-up for the CC121. In the best case scalable for example with an 8 fader extension.

Hi Dom! If you want to select the plugins in a comfortable way press and then . Now you can select the plugs with fader 1.

The SSL bundle with the UF8, UF1, and UC1 solves all the problems that individually each does not.

With FaderPort 8 you just press the rotary encoder and it syncs with the selected track in StudioOne. That should be easy to implement for the SSL UF8 also.

I love your comments, I used Mackie type controller. And 30 years Pro Tools experienced. Eucon is the solution BUT need someone to program the button, (I actually will ask my assistant to do it) . When I mix in Pro Tools Eucon make sky different. And I order CC121 after watch your video…. Learn a lot from you … and Yes, I will used Cubase more and more, after 30 years in Pro Tools

If you hold down the channel knob for a second or two the arrow buttons and the button in the centre becomes transport controls

Dealbreaker for me is the channel select, have to wait and see if they fix that. Thank you for an awesome video!

You are absolutely right , the Follow feature would be great !

Avid Dock and S1 offers much better integration with Cubase.

Nectar CS12 has its own dedicated control surface. Wow… and it follows tracks too.

it's my second "thanks" to this video. I was going to buy the UF8 for Cubase, I already have the CC121, and I forgot about the limitations from the first time when I saw the video, thanks to this video that I watched again today, you made me spare 1000€ ! So thank you Dom

Just to mention - the EUCON protocol has all the features you are looking for...working nowadays on AVID products. I still use the Artist series and have access to all the Cubase 12 PRO commands including all the macros and short-cuts.

Avid Artist and S series works exactly the way you are describing you would like the SSL to work, and they work seamlessly with Cubase.

SSL knew they were going to release the matching UF1, which resolves the transport control issues. It's great. Also unassigned buttons provide SSL room to issue advanced software updates.

Thank you Dom! Nice open video... and I love my CC121❤

SUPER useful video, Dom! Thank you.

Hey Dom, maybe midi 2.0 will be the solution for some of the controller issues you are facing. It's complicated though because not only does the DAW need to support it in terms of utilizing midi 2.0 for mixer control functions, but then also the controller needs to also be midi 2.0 compatible to have that two-way conversation with the DAW mixer. We know that midi 2.0 is backwards compatible with midi 1 but what we're talking about here is implementing 2.0 to have a two-way conversation with the surface controller such as the SSL piece. So when you click on a Cubase track, it might still use one protocol to change values as it does now, but it could also use midi 2.0 to tell it what channel you just clicked on in the DAW.

I’m using a Yamaha dm2000 as a controller and it follows I got it used but 24 faders track arming all the aux and matrix select buttons select sends and cue sends for channels and the channel strip controls the Cubase channel strip. Also some soft buttons and other buttons in the master section on the dm2000

Those problems were EXACTLY my problems using X-Touch + Extender. Another thing that bothers me A LOT (besides the missing auto bank function, which is Steinbergs fault. Logic does the autobank, btw) was that I HAD to read the channel name to know exactly which fader I was working on. X-Touch had coloured strips but due to Mackie Protocol limitations, the coloured strips cannot change colors. This is the reason I switched to Avid S1 + Avid Dock (much more expensive solution, but it works AMAZINGLY in Cubase). In S1, I can see the channel colors in the tablet above or in the channel buttons below the faders. It makes my mixing workflow SO much faster. I don't even need to read the channel names. For editing plugins parameters, the Dock is a blast. Very fast to reach the plugins parameters. It's an expensive solution but reliable. In the past, when using X-Touch, I did a very NERDY workaround to overcome some of those limitations of the mackie protocol using MaxMSP between Cubase and the X-Touch. So, when I press some keys on the X-Tocuh, the MIDI information would go to Max MSP.. it manipulates this MIDI info and then send it to cubase (and vice versa) making the things so much better, but still not close to what S1 + Dock has to offer. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-esOnlGyvTs4.html

Hey Dom, thank you for your video !! To have the transport bar at the right bottom of the UF8, you just have to press & maintain the CHANNEL button and the Arrow change of colour :green for play, red for record, etc... :)

Thanks!

Great video! I love your energy. I will stay on this channel a little bit longer today

Im happy with my Xtouch and my Novation lauchkey 49

In Cubase you cannot make Track by default have incorporated any particular plugin. That would be beneficial for Softube Fader 1.

I know this video is a year old now but I've just found it, very useful, thank you. I'm wondering if anyone else has tried the Qube Audio Mobi... it does a different job (channel strip controller) but it's deeply integrated with Cubase and runs on MIDI remote (and also generic remote), it's super customisable and looks nice :D

Great vid! One helpful advice: You can automate that the Softube plugin is on every new track you make.

Hi Dom! I think SSL UF-8 is an great high quality controller and it works perfect what it can do. But...I agree totally with you about "what it can't do" and I HOPE..SSL will listen and hear what you said in this video so thank you so much for making this one! I'm using UF-8 from the day it came out, I made some changes in SSL 360 software to fit better with Cubase and my workflow, but you said exactly what would be better if SSL work on that. Thank you!

Beeeeeen waiting for this review! 👐🏾🔥

It seems to me, as the CC121 has been discontinued, that Steinberg/Yamaha should design a control surface along side someone like you, Dom. Especially, as you make tutorials for them as well. Would make sense, wouldn't it? Are you able to have any input?

1m used do desks with many more faders, 8 channels is the sub/VCA/aux fader group, a pure midi controller, or even digital desk that integrates seamlessly into DAW‘s

Great video thank. I’ve been in touch with SSL as I hit the same issue around the lack of track follow in the MCU protocol. It turns out it’s Steinberg implementation of MCU that is lacking also. Apparently Logic does successfully have its track selection followed by UC1. But of course that’s of no use to any musician with a serous need for a DAW such as Cubase or Nuendo. So maybe you - as a clearly influential supporter and advocate of Steinberg, may be able to persuade them to look again at their MCU implementation in the light of SSL’s new flurry of products (that make Cubase APPEAR weak by mistake). Anyways - big fan of your incisive logic and very impressive musicianship. Thanks.

Thanks Dom - you just saved me some cash. I was very close to selling my FP16 for a UF8. The FP16 suffers from some of the same ailments (and Mackie Control), but at least it has dedicated transport :) Also, I have found that when I need to record from another room (drum room, etc) Cubase IC Pro is excellent if you have an iPad and your DAW is on your network. I always enjoy your videos. Thank you!

Check the latest update because the arrows are now the playback buttons and works seamlessly! If you’re looking to pretty much mirror Cubase mixer and not use the Cubase mixer on screen as much then this is a go all the way! The channel knob is definitely the quicker way to adjust plugins versus the fader knobs and faders. My update requests are the following: Easier ways to copy and paste customizable button page setups in 360 software Make the non functioning buttons customizable Add fader db display

thank you for your great work...super helpful!

Great and honest explained.

I do have UF8 since it was released so it's been some time now. I do use Cubase Pro. I totally agree with everything you said Dom commenting UF8's good and bad sides. To be honest I only use it for faders, the rest I can do much quicker with either mouse or keyboard shortcuts or/and few of my custom macros (which I have keyboard shortcuts for)

In Magix Samplitude Pro X, you can make the controler follow the time line selects or mixer.. So clicking on a channel will bring the track on the controler. So I'd say it's a DAW problem and not controlers...

Thanks Dom, you just saved me £1000, hopefully they will sort these issues out in the near future. I did however buy the SSL UC1 which I can't wait to use.

I just figured out that if you set one of your layers to another DAW like ableton you can then use that layer with midi remote in Cubase and switch between them…I’m a genius. So on layer 3 for me the knobs are assigned to the quick controls

Yay another informative video, nice one!

With the latest update you have to long press the big encoder and then the arrow keys will become the transport section. In order to replace the CC1 21 you probably need to go for a single fader like Presonus Faderport or the 1 channel Behringer Fader. Even though I have a 16 channel UF-8 + UC1 setup, I‘m using the Presonus Faderport in parallel, as they are doing differnt things.

Dom, could you please make a video how you have linked your preference Mixer versions to the number keys ? Also have you already tried to customize the F1 - F8 ?? You should be able to do it in the Studio settings (due to the explanation in the SSL video) but as it seems it’s not possible in Cubase 12 anymore…

For,the transport part this is why you have a foot switch input. So that you can start stop rec meters away ans busy hands

Hey Dom, great Video as always. There is an update V1.5.16. Please check if these issues have been solved regarding Cubase.And let us know Greetings from Greece

great video, its impressive how fast the channel faders are, i´m also not a fan of Mackie Protocool, i´m using an Avid Artist Mix, which runs with the Eucon protocol and its great and problem like mentioned at 13:50 does not exist, if you jump with the mouse from channel 5 and select channel 483 the avid artist mix follows instantly thanks to Eucon!, i´m on cubase too. but i have to admit, the faders seems not as fast and as quiet as on the SSL UF8.

I was actually surprised that you didn't keep the Qcon Pro X! From what I've seen, it does not have the problem of the fader channels not syncing with the selected channel in Cubase.

Thank you for another great video! Every now and then I am thinking about another controller and UF8 came into my mind too. The thing is...I think it is just impossible to find THE perfect controller, it just doesn't exist due to the limitations like Mackie Control etc you talked about. As a result and because of my limited desk space I'll stick to my combination of keyboard, mouse, Elgato Streamdeck XL and the CC121 which overall works best for me. Oh, if anyone wants to buy an old and shattered Steinberg Houston just send me a pm. 😉

Hi Dom. Just want to say first that your videos are simply the best. I'm wondering how you feel about the UF8 after the release of the 360 link update. It seems they may have solved the channel select issues. Would you consider a re-review?

Softubes Console 1 Fader solves that problem, if you commit to the workflow 100%. Works great for me!

13:39 I d'ont have this problem with Logic Pro x. It fallows the track I select. I never tried with Cubase but with logic it works correctly

You can relocate all parameters of a plugin with the remote control editor.

Dom.. You're right on it! At least four - as you say, "Deal Breakers" Mackie Control is an old vestige of the past and I agree.. SSL. Step up and take control! The unassigned buttons at bottom left could have been a dedicated transport control matrix. Most things could be addressed in software and firmware updates. Maybe they'll watch you're video and take some advice. I'm surprised these issues weren't spotted at the beta test stage. You were polite enough not to mention the price. But at this price point I'm expecting better integration and superior ergonomics. Thanks Dom.

Oh wow those faders ARE fast. I've always considered the Penny and Giles faders on the old Mackie MCUs the god-mode flying faders, but that is goddamn impressive.

I used to have 10 controllers controlling everything on cubase. Now I got it down to using a surface knob with special software "works like your knob" and a traktor x1 mk2 and traktor F1 remapped custom for cubase. And if I could be honest. I really just need a mouse and a knob to do everything. Left hand always on one knob and right on mouse while sitting in the sweet spot, and I work faster now than I ever did with all those controllers. I am over have big controllers, give me more room for my coffee and better for my back.

Hey Dom, thanks for the vid! Lots of helpful information. I’m wondering if there’s any way SSL could upload their control template to the Cubase Midi Control. I doubt they would because the uf8 simply has too many options or program changes that are very specific. It would be sweet if they could though, that way you could keep everything the way it is but you’d be able to custom assign the “empty buttons” or the ones that do nothing to something like using the bottom left buttons to transport controls.

In Defense of Mackie Control: Yes, it has been around since before most DAWs and Audio Engineers were born. But that has Pros as well as Cons. There are now, and have always been limitations with the Mackie Control protocol (as well as HUI and the Logic specific one I can't remember). However, the main problem has been How the DAWs implemented Mackie Control into thier software. See to start, the Controllers have finite physical controls. And they put out very specific signals (as well as can recieve) that are consistent, repeatable, predictable. The DAWs, and other Software are...Soft. Thier code can be Easily re-written to take those input signals, and respond However they want thier software to respond. As well as Send signals out to the hardware, knowing Exacly how the hardware will respond, because it's Hard. And because, as you pointed out, the protocol hasn't changed in Years, maybe decades. The Problem began because from the beginning the DAWs had all the power and the Controller manufacturers were trying to accommodate Them. That's why each controller has different Modes for the different DAWs, because the DAWs wouldn't change so the controllers did. And, the DAWs were all taking the position that "You need us, we don't need you! If you sell a controller, we don't make any more money. Unless..." That's where the DAW companies started to try to make, and sell, Thier Own Controllers. Makes sense, why let the outsiders make the money. Except they are Software companies, and didn't know wtf they were doing, and in the end we got Dozens of BS attempts at pieces of gear that All sounded great in marketing, but only worked with ONE piece of software, and Only one version of that software, what about software updates?, do we get new firmware?, uh oh Apple just made a new OS, quick get the DAW up to date, what about the Controllers, F-the Controllers they don't really sell anyway and we spend most of our time in support dealing with angry customers who can't get it to work...because it doesn't. So, I would argue that Over the decades, the two most successful DAW Controllers have been the Mackie Control Universal, and the Euphonix Eucon systems before Avid bought them (though to thier credit Avid did not make it totally exclusive to ProTools as we all feared and loudly protested.) The MCU protocol works in at least some capacity with Every DAW. And each DAW can, and should, get their hands on ALL of the hardware Controllers that support MCU and make sure that thier Software works well with the protocol. Support the standard, Don't change the only standard we've got. Lastly, why do you think Solid State Logic chose Mackie? They make million dollar consoles. They've been in the game so long that the words in their F-ing name "Solid State" had the same futuristic feeling back then that maybe "Digital" did in the early 2000s and maybe "Smart" or "Crypto" does now. SSL knows wtf they are doing. (You didn't even mention SSL 360 BTW) Why do you think Stienberg dropped the CC121, a fantastic controller I agree? Don't you wish SSL, or even Mackie made it?

With 1.6 and plug-in mixer layer this problem goes away, since plug-in mixer layer has some cons you can seamlessly switch between it and classic Mackie Control. To me this effectively solves this problem, likely as best as we are going to get.

Hello, I prefer by far Avid S1. With the avid S1, your faders auto bank to the selected channel in the Daw! For me it's also very important for the workflow.

A good review Dom as it talks about the good things. And at the same is very clear about the downsides. I think you are nailing the problem with Mackie Control based faders. Generic control. And generic is 80%. For many this is good enough. But when you want the real thing you have to go with native controllers. On this note: I love the SSL UC1 as it natively controls my SSL plugins - specific control, not generic - so it is like working on a console. But I wouldn‘t go with the UF8 for generic DAW control.

Hi DOM> Do not use Mackie, but instead, you easily with MIDI REMOTE in CUBASE, you create pages for all the functions you want. I did just that with my Platform M+ and it works GREAT Mechanically (the LEDs just wont work correct... and it does bother me a lot but... muscle memory wins, but then, it would be not just great but Superb, if the LEDs worked as they should) I created Pages and that is how I enable all the functionalities you described here with the UF8,

Thank you for your video Dom. I own a CC121 and have also flirted with the SSL devices. But in the end, it's hard for a generic controller to top the cubase-specific integration of the CC121. If I didn't have so many different mixing plugins for EQ, compression, etc. the UF8 and UC1 combo would be exciting. But the question is also, as a digital native, do I need to bring a hybrid approach from the "old days of the SSL console" into my house. I'm used to working with a mouse and keyboard and the CC121 is the perfect complement to that. So despite the sexy products, we should always ask ourselves if it's an improvement to the workflow at all. And that's exactly what you're doing, thanks for that!

14:00 in Logic you can set up for the fader bank bar follows the track selection

Hi Dom - just wanted to suggest something for your transport controls. What I did was purchase a wireless numeric keypad - small and easy to move where you need it.

I'm just watching your video and wanted to push a channel subscription, but I see I've done it in the past. I have UF8 and I must say I don't use it! UF8 can replace the keyboard and mouse, but not in professional projects where you need speed in ideas. The lack of functions in the buttons also let me down a bit, and some really good functions could be attributed. I think this is a good product for beginners. This is my opinion;) I'm using Nuendo 12

I had an alpha track frontier (single fader) and it had a DLL which installed and gave better integration. No idea why Strindberg and other vendors don’t do this now. Fully agree with you on mackie protocol.

Great review and thanks for voicing the mackie control issues - a long standing frustration for me and many others. It would also be nice not to have to purchase a JL Cooper Fademaster to properly control midi/CCs, especially for orchestral libraries. I don’t understand why manufacturers don’t do deep daw integration for the most popular daws. Is it that cost prohibitive for them to develop? I dunno but it seems like they would sell way more units if they did.

I use focus quick control and prarmeter setup with monogram for every plugin and vsti

As far as having buttons? Sadly enough I have found a stream deck to be the best user interface because of its flexibility, easy programmability and visual naming and picture feedback. Audio manufacturers have seriously not innovated or thought any of this through in decades. They're stuck in a really old paradigm. But I'm composing not just mixing. It may be different for someone else. Just my opinion.

much appreciated 💪

Thanks Dom, great video. Would be interested to know how did you put the 360 plug-in on each channel so the uf8 would work, manually one by one, or did you figure out away to automate it, if you did manage to automate it - do tell 😀. There was a 360 software update to 1.3 recently that put the transport buttons on bottom right so is alot better, it’s not perfect nor like a transport section but is a lot better than before.

Maybe the follow track issue has more to do with Steinberg not allowing it than SSL, same happens with Softube’s Console 1 and Pro Tools, and softube said that is Avid that is not cooperating

The other issue that I have with this controller is the mute /solo buttons being in the way of the fader ! They should be elsewhere! Also the LCD should have been OLED for clear view and no greyish backlight

some of these things (ex. channel selection) that didn't work for you work in Logic. Not sure Pro Tools. And for 3rd party plugins, you can rearrange all the parameters with the CS parameter.plist file under macOS. For example, use teh 8 most relevant parameters on the first page... It' son my channel, if you are curious.

Channel sync with Cubase and solo mute sync will be available in 360 1.5 apparently so it says on the website. I just ordered a uc1, I’m crazy but I just love it

Have you tried Avid's Eucon stuff? Is that any better workflow-wise?

To cycle fast between 8 channel fader bank, instead of using the bank buttons use fine/shift button + the rotary channel encoder. Even if you have 100 tracks you'll get there faster. I also suffer this not having the "follow sellected track" in the controller...

lISTEN i HAD THE SAME PROBLEM YOU MENTIONED, TRY THE pRESONUS CONTROLLER, THE SMALL ONE, AND THE BEST PLUGIN CONTROLLER EVER IS THE mp cONTROLLER, ONCE YOU SET IT UP, YOU NEVER NEED TO DO IT AGAIN, IT WORK ON MOST OF THE PLUGINS.

Surely you know SSL would love to hear from you. Find an interested party there and be a part of development. It’s entirely possible that they don’t have anyone with major Cubase chops. Find the right ‘partner’ and you could make change happen. The hardest part of all is finding that person.

Thank you for the video. I have been saying for way too long mackie control was great for its time but is in need of an overhaul for the last decade. I still can’t understand why steinberg hasn’t spear headed this given their vst implementation in the market. A new standard is desperately needed.with midi 2.0 now becoming the standard, you would think the possibilities would be endless.

SSL could make a "console1' type plugin for Cubase just to allow for the bank change update if nothing else, it wouldn't even need a GUI or any other functionality, i can't imagine that would be hard to do

Great review 👍 for me Asparion d700ft vs SSL uf8 is dilema but i don't see to much reviews for Asparion so i Will whait some time....

Hold down the big channel knob and the lower arrow buttons become transport controls.

Thanks for the review. You just saved me 1000 euros.

@domsigalas What do you think about the new update from SSL regarding the controller in their 360 software which addresses a lot of your issues with this great device?

I was also wondering why on earth such a controller don't have a dedicated transport section. Think the new Icon Pro series coming out might be great option.

all those "mackie" issues could be fixed in 2022 with midi cc, even midi in - midi out data sending. all they have to do is to work out a good scrpt for the "midi remote" system. i use my native instruments "maschine studio" controller for all these things. OK! - i mapped all these handy functions myself, this is a lot of work and testing, which is not suitable for everyone, but i'm a controller junky so this is a lot of fun for me and after years of using it, i'm still improving stuff i notice, that could work better. In connection with the "bome's midi translator" software its even possible to put stuff on a knob, that is assigned to two "keyboard shortcuts", like maybe the screen zoom function, or up and down arrows, stuff like that. that would not be possible without the translation software. the maschine controller is a beast when it comes to midi cc, when used in midi mode without the maschine software (i don't use it, it's just the controller editor software thats needed for this approach), it can fire 2048 midi ccs in one setup but be shure, that you won't need that much for a good workflow, it has a lot of buttons and knobs for anything. the big knob top right can do 8 functions, the scroll whell down right can handle 6 functions, the displays can handle 8buttons/8knobs "per screen", you can make as much screens as you like and toggle them with pre-assigned buttons and even write the function underneath the button/knob. you can even use the pads as an 128 key keyboard for lsounddesign, shooting samples and stuff, nobody would use it as a keyboard for playing. All in all it's maybe not looking like "the number one DAW CONTROLLER" but for me, no other device can do the job better, because the device and me grew into my workflow together, i know it in and out. the only thing that's missing maybe is a motorized fader, but i can do it with a knob too, when setted up correctly, i also don't need 8 faders, only the active selected one, which then is always the same knob, assigned to the "actual selected tracks volume", just like on the cc121. i just wanted to mention that for people, looking for a powerful controller on a budget, i got mine second hand, and it doesn't have to be the studio model to start with...

hi, thanks for the video - but you already know that you can program the buttons with the ssl360 software

I have had my UF8 / UC1 for a while, Im not happy that the SSL channel strip plugin has to be in slot one In Logic Pro. When a channel strip is not in the top plugin slot, it requires a lot of button pressing to get the UC1 to follow the UF8 channel selection bringing the SSL channel plugin into view, and... don't get me started on the incredible hassle involved getting the SSL channels to run sequentially... 😕

I can see you pairing this up with the UF1.

As far as the protocol.. going beyond HUI or EMU is the responsibility of the DAW manufacturer to make an updated SDK

Configuration sets help a lot with fader navigation.

I didn't know you were legit til I saw the moving faders 🤣

Cubase should have a setting to create all new tracks with X plugin in the inserts. I blame Cubase for that limitation, which would make the Console 1 perfect, no? Now, in all fairness, apparently Softube has fixed this for Logic and now it has proper integration; meaning it works even without the Softube plugin! It seems they have chosen their market (UAD/Logic) for now. If they can do this for Cubase they could take it all. I love that it has 10 faders, much easier to deal with than 8.

Thanks for your honest review, this is one of the things Im super fan of every video you do. Bybthe way what did you replace the CC121 for the play / record and transport ?

Wow didn’t know they are still using Mackie control, lol. happy with my Console 1 integration

Hi Dom!! Thanks for this video. Question, may be a little off topic… what are your thoughts about Nuage if money was not a problem? Thanks for your work! Best Mauro

Eucon protocol integrates better than MCU/HUI protocol. And it belongs to Avid exclusively.

dom, the thing where you select the track itb, and the controller also mirrors that also, does work,, I know with my Matrix SSL that I owned the same thing was happening in reaper, I would select tracks itb and the controller didn't jump like it should, but then I tried 'logic' profile and in reaper then I selected a track and the controller jumps into there - which tells me a) try the other profiles that one function might suddenly work on the logic layer b) ssl cut corners with finishing off programming the 3 daws for the customers c)_ ssl are 25% expecting/assuming we are all technical and will map things to these non-functional buttons d) even on matrix, it is only Pro Tools that all the buttons worked lol although with matrix you have the app to customise all the button assignments. wow that fader waves fast! e) sl should add more customisable options into 360 software regarding programming those non-functing buttons, OR make sure each button does something

For me F5 F6 F7 F8 for those 4 mixers configuration. Keys Assign directly...no money for that.

Hello Dom, I've been considering purchasing a UF8, but after your very informative video, I'm having some second thoughts. I've been looking up Avid's S1. They have run on a different protocol called Eucon! I believe that was from their purchase of Euphonix some time ago. But, don't quote me. I was wondering if you had looked into it, and did a video? Also, since it's been almost a year since you've done THIS video, have you come across another new product that works better? Thanks 😃