Solid State Logic UC1 Advanced Plug-in Controller Reviews

During a conversation, someone asked if I owned an SSL board for mixing. While possessing one would have been nice, I didn't have it at that moment. Nevertheless, I'm content with my current hardware and software setup from SSL, which provides exceptional quality and functionality. It operates without any glitches, and the sound quality is remarkable. The hardware is built to last and is a sturdy and reliable addition to my studio setup.

This equipment's beautiful design caught my eye, and I was immediately drawn to it. Despite its hefty price tag, it was an easy decision to invest in it. It now sits in my studio, ready to be used whenever needed. Recently, I used it on a mix, and the results were flawless - the sound was beautiful!

"If you don't already have one, consider buying this product as it's a great alternative. It's a solid investment that you won't regret. Even if you purchase an SSL mixer in the future, you'll still find this one useful because it works so well. Plus, it comes with a 32-channel plug-in mixer. For the price, it's an unbeatable deal." P.S. I wanted to mention another thing: the software is stunning, even though it looks better than the hardware itself. Laugh out loud. Have a wonderful time mixing this SSL hardware and software. Smooth as butter.

Amazing piece of gear!

This little nugget is an absolute game changer. It has opened my eyes on how to properly mix with your ears and not your eyes.

I love the idea. The function almost makes you feel like your not even using plugins. Something about feeling hardware just changes the way you listen. Idk what it is. This thing changed my entire workflow.

I spent almost 30 years of my life mixing on an SSL 4k series console. I never found a plugin and hardware combination that made me feel like I was mixing on a real SSL desk - Until today.

The SSL UC-1 is a dream come true for me. It's like having my own personal SSL console. Simply amazing.

The EQ, the Channel Comp, the Channel Gate, the Hi and Lo pass filters and most importantly, the Master Buss compressor sound phenomenal.

I'm not getting paid for this post... I'm just blown away with this thing and want to share.

Wow!

I'm so impressed, I'll probably go ahead and order the UF-1 next.

I'm making my jump from traditional analog console into DAW. Part of that transition, as late as it may be, was retaining analog feel. The UC1 (also have the UF8), and just ordered the UF1, make this transition incredibly easy. Very tactile and SOLID SSL build and feel. No cheap parts or feel here.
So far, so very good. This has made my mixing in the box as easy as I can imagine, while retaining the analog feel that I feel is so critical to my workflow and magic while tracking and mixing.
Highly recommend!!

very good for the ones you have Homestudio

The control and feel of this unit is nothing short of amazing!!!

I've been using the SSL plugins quite frequently already so this was a logical next step and what can I say. I'm impressed. I like the fact that I spend less time with a mouse and more time turning knobs and mixing with my ears. I also like the fact that it feels substantial with it having a metal housing and not plastic. Now I have to decide if I want to sell my Studiolive 32 and replace it with 2 UF8's to complete the console feel. Overall. I'm impressed.

As someone who has worked on SSL Consoles for a very long time this control surface is a game changer for me. It's so familiar and its made my personal workflow while mixing in the box like coming home again.
I know its pricey for just a controller but when you include the plugins it comes with its a great deal.
I wouldn't hesitate to get this if you're doing a lot of mixing. Especially if you're like me and know SSL Consoles.

So I had this UC-1 for about a few weeks and I put it to the test with my setup. I love it! I was iffy about it but I did some thorough research and decide to make that jump. Plus I saved some money buy just getting the controller with the free plugins I wanted. I use Reason and Cubase in my productions or mixing. I wanted to test out the cpu in Reason. So I tracked out my Kong drum maschine and place that channel strip in every track. 16 tracks didn't drain my cpu with all those SSL channel strip plugins. Plus it sounds great and love the console feel of the controller. To me, Reason already has an SSL warmth but to add the real deal to the rack is a win for me. It sounds great in Cubase.
Now the 360 software is an eye opener. Love the GUI. This feels like a real SSL but just virtual. It reminds you of the UAD console app but dedicated to the SSL ecosystem of products. My workflow just went a bit faster and now I am using my ears more than normal. Great Job!

I never really got into control surfaces before now this thing rocks and to me worth every penny so if your a tweaker like me this is for you cause I'm Lovin It!

I love this controller. It's sturdy, it's well laid out, and it succeeds in capturing the feel of an analog unit. The wide layout doesn't quite feel like a console strip, but this is definitely as close as you could hope for, short of buying a full mixing console. True, there are other controllers that mimic the SSL channel strip, but this one succeeds in completely removing the need of looking at the DAW screen while making adjustments.

The display is clear and colorful with lots of contrast (though the printing on the gray metal has less-than-ideal contrast in low-light situations). Navigating the menus is easy, and the controls are mostly intuitive. The LEDs are easily visible, and the analogue compressor gauge is a nice touch. I don't even pull up the plugin on my monitor when making adjustments, because the UC1 gives me all the feedback I need. And if I spend enough time on other tasks, the LEDs dim so as not to compete unnecessarily for my attention.

But on a personal level, the best part is that it completely changed my mindset for mixing. Since I'm now emulating an SSL console with hardware, I started doing it with the software, too. I put the SSL Channel Strip plugin (that and the bus compressor plugin are included with this) on every track in my template. That isn't to say that I necessarily USE it on every track, but it's the one I start with. It's now my go-to, and I only look elsewhere if it can't give me what I need. And I've found that, even in its simplicity, it usually does give me everything I need. Instead of my being tempted to break the mix with a tool too powerful for the job, this unit and its resultant workflow has forced me to use my ears and work within some limitations. And that has probably been more beneficial to my growth than anything else I've ever done. My mixes sound better than ever.

Yes, I do have some gripes with the UC1, but they are relatively minor:

- You can only control up to 8 bus compressors. For anyone who likes to use a lot of busses in your mixes, be aware that if you put the bus compressor on them, the UC1 will only detect the first 8. I don't think this is technically a limitation of the unit so much as it is a limitation of the 360 software (a required download but a free one), but the result is the same, either way.

- There's no power button. Not sure why anyone would want to keep this turned on 24 hours a day, but it's either that or unplug it. At least the display has a screen saver (though that apparently does not activate if the computer is turned off).

- The weight it too evenly distributed. I know that doesn't sound like a bad thing, but it can be, depending on your preferences. One of the benefits of this unit is that it has adjustable legs, so you can control the angle it stands (or sits) at. If you have a sharp enough angle, that evenly distributed weight will cause it to be top-heavy, and you can easily tip it over while making an adjustment to the higher controls. Putting just a little more weight at the bottom would have avoided the issue entirely.

So that's it. I also have a FaderPort 16, which I was slightly less enthusiastic about in my review. That's because THIS is what I was expecting when spending so much money on a control surface. SSL may not have the aesthetics of PreSonus, but they absolutely deliver in almost every other way.

If you are expecting a plastic piece of gear, this ain't it. This is a finely designed and built professional piece of equipment.

I struggled with the price but figured it would improve my workflow. If I had seen it in person, I would not have flinched before snatching it up!

an amazing tool to have in your studio, if you insert this equipment on all channels, it will give you an incredible feeling of mixing on an ssl console, it is worth investing

I bought this unit because even though i have a ton of great gear and an API Box console, i need full recall. i already have...so so so too many plugins. over 80 UAD, mega plan with plugin alliance, Waves, so much. But... what i really wanted was the analog workflow/interface.

This package is everything it claims to be and more. the plugins are extraordinary. best on the market. the channel strip in particular was designed to keep from getting harsh using multiple instances. And they arent joking or exaggerating when they say you can stop watching the screen. You focus on the controller and therefore end up using your ears far more. The value of the work rhythm of being able to just grab knobs/buttons cant be understated.

Bottom line, the thing actually sounds like an SSL.

They sort of tuck away the side-chain controls. i made a short instructional video on how to use them

Still getting my muscle down to listen and not watch my screen! But this thing is amazing! Can't wait to couple it with the UF8 and have a hybrid workstation!

I was blown away by the sound and quality of both the hardware and the plug-ins. Instantly made tracks sound better even before making any changes to the settings. Just very slight tweaks make amazing differences. The precision of the controls and ease of use are fantastic. If you want the sound of a true SSL console, this is it.

After investing heavily into the UAD platform, mainly so I could use the SSL channel strips throughout sessions with large track counts, the temptation of an SSL DAW controller with built in plugin control and customizable soft keys was too much to resist. Then they released the UC1 channel strip plugin controller. There are plenty of people that criticize the price of these units as well as their functionality. Bottom line is, if you've never worked on a console or no longer do and you have the ability to purchase these units together, don't hesitate. Alone they are fantastic but combined they are the most inspiring experience I've ever had as a small project studio owner. Now let's hope UAD comes out with SSL Summing in Luna and collaborates with this new SSL architecture to make it all seamless. Between that and the Fusion I'm planning to purchase soon, I'd be in heaven!!!!

This Controller & The Plugins Brings The SSL Alive In Your DAW!!! From Feel Straight To Sound EXCELLENCE Achieved!!! I Guarantee If U Put The SSL CHANNEL STRIP 2 Across Every Channel In Your DAW & Then Add The SSL BUS COMPRESSOR 2 On All of Your Stem Busses Begin Your Static Mix Before Adding Any Extra Color Like Reverbs, Chorus Efx, Saturation or Any Other Color At All U Will Hear a Tremendous Difference The Sound, Feel & Workflow Is Outstanding!!! (Especially Using (The SSL 360 Plug-in View)
A Guarantee MUST Have!!!

I've owned this unit for a few months now, along with the SSL UF8 and an SSL Six but wanted to wait a bit before I reviewed and had a few projects under my belt. Having worked on SSL desks in the 80's I've been searching to try and recreate that experience the best I could for years without breaking the bank in my home studio. I have to say that the UC1 is hands down the best channel plugin controller I've ever used and I've owned pretty much everything out there over the years!

The build quality of this (as well as the UF8) is absolutely fantastic. I've missed the feel of actual metal under my hands when working and the UC1 is all metal and feels very solid. The encoder knobs are similar to the SSL desks but feel a bit wider and easy to use. Pretty much everything you need has a dedicated knob or button on the unit and the button caps seem to be same as what is on the SiX. I also like the channel and buss comp select knobs are black making it easy to reach for the right knob when you are working quickly moving between tracks. My Pro Tools workflow has benefited greatly with this controller as now I almost never need to grab the mouse to do some work. The integration between the excellent SSL plugins (two built specifically for the UC1) is amazing. Using the included SSL 360 software in channel layout mode feels pretty close to looking at a desk and reaching for something to tweak. A quick turn on the channel knob and you can scroll through your channels very fast and make the tweak you need.

The new channel strip plugin sounds great and I really don't think there is anything on the market that could emulate the SSL desk better. Also included is the new version of the Buss Compressor but with a few nice tweaks that really help. The fact that you can put a compressor on whatever you like and control it with the unit is great and the actual coil-operated meter seems to react just like the real thing. Heck, I've tried the compressor on a lot of things that I would never have thought and it works just as expected. Actually really good on a punchy rock bass guitar which is usually not their domain. The addition of the mix knob on the compressor is excellent and setting up parallel compression on all kinds of stuff is a snap. My only real gripe is that the knobs are all "continuous turning" which blows the vibe a little. The use of led rings works well but I wish they would have put some marking on the panel to show freq's, gain, ratio, etc. You can see exactly what you are dialing in on the small screen whenever you grab a know but IMO dedicated markings would help a bit with the feel of things.

With all that said, I can't recommend this unit enough and the SSL plugins in general. Pairing this up with a couple UF8's, SiX's, or other SSL summing, I think you can get about as close to the feel and sound of an SSL desk as possible without mortgaging the house!

I came up on SSL consoles, and even though the layout is slightly different than an inline large format console, it's familiar in a way that's somewhat like visiting your childhood home after your parents have remodeled. Not only do these plugins sound right, it feels familiar in a tactile sense in a way other controllers just don't. With an instance on every channel I'm able to sculpt a mix into shape exponentially faster than clicking around, often not even looking at the screen - a rare pleasure in the digital realm. Then being able to adjust the buss compressor on the fly at any moment is the cherry on top. In time savings alone this controller has already paid for itself.

I honestly hope other console or plug-in manufacturers follow suit with similar products. An API 550b/2500 controller would be amazing.

Simply put, the SSL UC1 is a high quality unit. The design is well thought out allowing users to dial in sounds easily. The included plug in channel strip and buss compressor will render your third party SSL plug in emulations useless. The plug in GUIS are crisp, detailed and easy to read. However, once the plug in is instantiated, the UC1 allows you to tweak the channel strip without even looking at the channel strip GUI. Extremely happy with this purchase.

Love this thing. It's made me a better engineer/producer.

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The build quality is excellent. The layout is perfect, and it's very intuitive in its use. I've re-visited a couple of projects, with this controller, and I've already improved the mix SO much! Having the ability to sweep the frequency at the same time as the volume gain (just like a 'true' SSL Channel Strip) is wonderful, and makes you more creative.

I don't even look at the plug-in on screen now. No need.

I'd highly recommend this - especially if you want to have an expensive SSL Channel Strip at your fingertips.

Now... I am off to re-mix EVERYTHING I've previously recorded!

The SSL UC1 is an excellent piece of gear for engineers and producers to get the authentic feel of an SSL console. The plugins, both the channel strip and bus compressor, produce a very great representation of the sound of a physical SSL console too. Additionally, the SSL 360 software and its ability to interact with your DAW when working with the SSL virtual console is like nothing else I've ever experienced.

EXCELLENT!

I have been impressed with the build quality and immense responsiveness compared to the multitude of other controllers I have used over the years, some of which have been much more expensive and much larger than this one. Not only are the pots, associated lighting and readouts perfectly tuned and very solid feeling, but the chassis itself is extremely functional. The legs can be mounted at the back or front of the chassis, reverse mounted for higher or lower lift and even have adjustments on the little rubber feet. The entire device feels solid and, because of the leg options, can be positioned seamlessly with fader controllers of any size or brand.

The plugins for the channel strip and bus compressor are the best SSL type plugins I've ever used. The gate even responds with the snap/pop I would expect on an SSL G console. Many plug-ins do not get these details right at all, but SSL definitely did.

I'm going to save you the pain I went through on something. To get accurate readouts on the display, you MUST download the VST3 version of the plugin which is only included in the ALL-IN-ONE version of the "Native Plug-ins" installer on the SSL website. The plugin link provided by SSL when you register the UC1 will NOT work correctly (as of the time of this review) as it only includes the VST2 version. The VST2 version will not display your track names on the device, which becomes a very big deal when you realize how useful it is to never open the plugins on screen in order to use the device.

And that may be the most amazing thing about this controller. You don't ever have to look at your DAW or SSL Native plugins on screen to completely control what is happening on any track. It really is changing everything about how I mix at the moment, allowing me to keep my brain tuned to listening rather than searching a screen to click on things. It's the closest one can get to the workflow of mixing on a big SSL console without actually mixing on a big SSL console.

Pairing the UC1 with the UF8 is absolute perfection! I have had an Avid S3, Avid Artist Series and Mackie MCU Pro over the years. The combo of the UC1 and the UF8 is like working on a console. I use less plugins per track on average when working with the SSL channel strips because the results are so great.

Adds so much more to production……. the hands on experience gives you that feel as if the original equipment is there!!!! I'm able to fine tune and make quick adjustments to my mix. A must have if you want to be more efficient

Solid State Logic is absolutely over the target here. The build quality is extremely high here. With both these controllers working in tandem through SSL 360 in Logic, I feel like I'm mixing on an AWS right in my project studio.

The plug-ins sound great, the integration is tight, and it's FUN!!

Bravo SSL. Thanks so much for letting project studios like mine have some of the SSL fun too.

This is an excellent unit and looks and feels fantastic but as a Console 1 owner I find that I'd rather see the graphs on screen when I'm mixing and the Console 1 has more options when it comes to expandability. This unit just takes up too much space to do only 2 things.

Great sound, well built, solid controls, poor integration with DAW. Drives me bananas when I select channel to work with using my controller, but UC-1 remains activated on the last channel I was editing. In my opinion when the active channel changes in DAW, UC-1 should reflect that change. The only reasons I have not returned it, SSL promised to resolve DAW integration, and the base of UC-1 fits perfectly in my Yamaha 02R96 console opening.

The hardware is great... and this is why I am not throwing this out the window now.
The unit should just work!! I should not need to down load licenses and log into iLok and then have my DAW block the software and it only loads VST2 while it only works on VST3. Why not AU, that my Mac runs on?
There should be one download manager that downloads, installs and authorizes ALL software with a single press.
Their software is a nightmare.
Fix this, or dumpster it goes....

The product is plug-in dependent, and licensing the plug-in required to even use the gear is horrible at best.We think other alternatives have a better value for the cost and functionality.SSL should package the required plug-in license with the equipment they sell or embed the plug-in and license in the hardware.