Solid State Logic Nucleus Reviews

3.0/5.0 based on 4 customer reviews

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Customer Reviews

graham knox frazier
from nyc
June 30, 2011Music Background:
deep house music producer, dj, remixer, Avid editor

what a great box for house music

Coming from and ensemble and mackie control, this box is really exciting. Make sure your mac os is up to date. make sure the sd card in the back is all the way in and make sure your ethernet port is turned on. Once you have this machine plugged in, you will be thrilled not only by it's sweet SSL sound in your studio but by the depth of contol over logic audio. the ssl plug ins just pop up when you press the pot and all the parameters are there, press down and go through all the plug ins on the strip. Finally feels like I am mixing again and will definitely put down the mouse for this. I'm really excited about making my next track using this controller. A also have the ability to bounce while inserting my UA2610 pre amp to phatten up my mix. This should take my music to a whole new level.

Scott
from Bartlett, IL
March 26, 2011Music Background:
Musician

Works very, very well for my needs

The first thing to understand with the Nucleus is that it's a controller first. It does have two mic preamps and can also replace a external monitor controller, but if you're looking for both a control surface AND an analog mixer, look elsewhere, e.g. Audient, etc. Personally, I mix in the DAW and have invested a fair amount over the years in great mic pres and AD/DA converts, so I was in it for the control surface and monitor (wanted to get the Mackie Big Knob off my desk).

While setup doesn't go exactly as scripted in the instructions, I had no problems getting the Nucleus set up with Nuendo 5 on a new Mac Pro. From a connectivity perspective, I have my stereo mains coming out of an Apogee Rosetta 800 into the Nucleus external inputs, and then from the Nucleus to my nearfield monitors. I also ran a USB cable and an Ethernet cable to the second GigE interface on the Mac Pro. NOTE: The USB interface is used for keyboard emulation and optionally, for the USB audio interface built in to the Nucleus. I only use it for programming buttons with keyboard shortcuts. I had no need for the audio inputs with an Apogee Symphony card in the Mac Pro. 2nd NOTE: All the control commands other than keyboard shortcuts go over the Ethernet cable - you'll install a MIDI over IP software package to achieve this.

In Nuendo, the Nucleus looks like a Mackie Control Universal with Extender. With no customization, it is functional out of the box. However, the programmability of this surface is amazing! I have a lot to think through in terms of automating my favorite functions.

In terms of build quality, the Nucleus is outstanding. The wheel's smoothness is second only to the JL Cooper MCS. I had a Euphonix MC Control before and it feels like a toy in comparison. Transport controls, faders, etc., are all top notch in my opinion.

What's it missing? A built-in talkback mic, a master fader and a time display would have been nice for the money. I'll be using the internal mic pre for talkback as a workaround.

To sum it up, if you're looking primarily for great DAW control surface, the Nucleus gives it in spades other than the missing features mentioned above. Hit me with setup questions - I learned a lot in the process! :)

Hawk
from LA
May 9, 2012Music Background:
producer/composer

SSL Misses the Bullseye

Great concept, excellent feel, but SSL really missed the boat on the monitor control section and the price point, IMO. How about this unit without the audio interface section and a really good monitor control section (at least three stereo outs, 5.1 surround) for under $3,000? Mackie did it in 1998 with their HUI, what's up with SSL?

The Master
from Toronto
March 9, 2011Music Background:
Recording Engineer

vs

The SSL is an amazing controller. Offering control over more than one Daw systems. Having 16 faders is a feature that I like the more the better. In comparision to other simular units it looses alot of points. Compared to the Yamaha n12 which costs about $1000.00 or less it does not offer what the n12 offers lets compare. SSL Nucleus no surround sound, no talk back, not enough inputs and outputs and not enough preamps. This unit reminds me of a modern version of the Yamaha 01x but its still does not compare to the 01x. To consider this unit as home or pro gear is kinda crazy. SSL fix this unit and give us something that compare to the others. The name SSL will not sell the unit.