I got involved in audio back when we used a mixing desk and razor blades for tape editing. As such I've been hoping to find a 'mixing' system to use with my DAW ever since I began using one about 20 years ago. My entry into the SSL system starts with the UF1 and UC1. With the two device I enjoyed the increased functionality. However, it wasn't until adding the UF8 to my workflow that I really began enjoying the system. Whereas it is true that there are still a few things that I wish SSL would address with the system, it is likely the best and most seamless integration of any control surface. I'm a very happy SSL control surface user. Mixing is quicker and I spend far less time looking at a computer screen. The ultimate result is that I spend more time listening to audio rather than looking at audio.

Every design decision makes tons of sense. This is saving me time and energy. I used to use a Mackie Control mainly for transport, because it was hard to associate all those faders with what I was seeing on the screen (and of course the display on the Mackie gets dim after years.) Also it was coming up time to clean out the Mackie faders again, which is inevitable and a huge pain. So I got the UF-1, that completely satisfied the transport issue. The UC-1 was amazing, too. So reluctantly and experimentally I got the UF-8 to round out the system, and YES I am using the features, and YES it "gets under your fingers" quickly, and YES it is making life and audio production even more delightful. Thanks SSL, thanks Sweetwater.

I purchased the entire combo. Though one unit would be good, together, they are amazing. I use Studio One and Ableton Live. If looking at online reviews, be aware that the 360 Link v1.8 software makes some very big improvements.

There is only one minor gripe in that the MCU protocol that this is forced to use in certain daws is of course a pain, but the 1.8 version solves 99% of this, though it does require just a small adjustment to workflow, it's not a big deal.

Overall, these units have really supercharged my workflow. Combine this with a Logitech Master 3s mouse and a streamdeck and I can show you some SERIOUS magic. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

Honestly speaking im not thrilled.... For a company like SSL (known for top of the line gear) they could have invested in better faders. Overall the design/layout is very good. the overall build is also good... the faders are not up to the same quality as the rest of the build. They are not smooth, they are noisy very similar to Presonus faderport. Again coming from SSL I truly expected fadors like Avid or Blackmagic Fairlight.

Working with my hands instead of my mouse has been a game changer - being able to adjust multiple channels at once, pan things by hand, select and record tracks without having to reach for my mouse - it's all been an upgrade well worth the price. My workflow is much faster than it was prior. The faders feel solid to move and the motors are quick and accurate.

I come from the video world, and these kinds of controllers have been in existence for some time. FINALLY, they're making their way into the audio world.

For the week that I've had the UF8, I'm loving it. That said, there are a couple of things that I'd l ike to see improved. For one, I'd like to see the software develop further so there is even more assignment (that is, customization) of control buttton function is available: in other words, Like like to see every button on the unit be customizable). The hardware is excellent, though I'd like to see a power switch available (there is none: the unit has a "sleep" function that is programmable). The control dial on the right side of the unit feels...cheap.

All that said: I'm happy I bought it, and I highly recommend it.

It works very well definitely gives you the console style of working with a lot of features and a lot of abilities to be able to do a lot of stuff within your workflow

Love this thing, wish I had gotten it sooner. I use Logic and Pro Tools and the UF8 adjusts to both of them wonderfully. Makes workflow way better and has a very easy setup. I've read some of the complaints here and there, which are minor TBH, and can easily be overlooked given the awesome functionality of the UF8 - Can't recommend enough. As always, Ryan and the crew at Sweetwater are the best in the biz!

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.

After using the gear for about a month, I can see how it's going to completely change the way I mix. I love the fact that I can now mix with my ears and not my eyes.
I would like to thank Chad and everybody at Sweetwater for their outstanding customer service and support.

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.

I took away 1 star due to the lack of forethought for dedicated transport controls and a power switch. There has been updates to the firmware which allow for work a work around for those two issues; however, the lack of forethought to not initially include them was a big miss.
The only other things I miss appear to be the standard limitations of using HUI protocol with Pro Tools (Controlling Inserts \ Sends F-J and character limitation on channel strip names). Too bad SSL couldn't make use of the EUCON protocol- Avid strikes again.

Other than that, The UF8 is fantastic. I'll probably end up purchasing a cheap 1 fader control surface just for the dedicated transport control rather than have to take use up soft-keys or continually switch the mode of the cursors on the UF8. The touche sensitive faders are top notch. As far as bang and quality for the buck if using with Pro Tools.. this is defiantly the winner for now.

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

Once I customized it to my settings…..this thing is well worth the money. I have this and the UC-1 on the desk and they work perfect

This controller is sweet, you can do a ton with it, you won't need your mouse or keyboard much anymore! Seriously, this thing is way better than an Avid S1, check this thing out if you're using Pro Tools

We have a large format SSL console and have two more consoles ordered for our production facility, but wanted a small footprint addition to our ProTools workstations that felt and acted like its bigger brothers do. The UF8 is amazing, and we had seen a lot of it at SSL's headquarters in LA, but spending time with it has proven the masterful design and workflow they thought through. We'll definitely order one for each edit suite, as well as grab the UC1 to handle all of the SSL plugins we use.

Works great eliminates a lot of mousing around.

I love it. But it's a super pain that it doesn't have a power switch. All of my other desktop devices have a power switch. It is so annoying for me that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Everything else about it is 5 stars.

There is a lot of functionality and potential with the uf8 when using certain daws , but if you plan on using luna , you'll be dissatisfied that over half the buttons don't do anything .

Cons:
When using two of them. An entire second set of buttons on the second unit just become dupes of the first unit.
Can only program a few of the buttons
After the light show on startup, you can't change any of the colors.
Transport controls on the soft buttons at the top definitely didn't work for me. Especially with two unit when there are two cursor button sets, one of them being redundant.
I had heard how smooth the faders are but they just felt like regular faders to me. Even a tiny bit gritty.
Contrast and brightness of the displays was a bit disappointing. Also, not the same across all 16 displays.
In a dimly lit studio I still needed extra light to read the text on the UF8s.
I thought I wouldn't mind 6 character track names. I was wrong.
All in all, it didn't make working with Nuendo any easier. It made it a little more cumbersome.
For me. Most folks absolutely love these things. Ain't not shame in that!

I haven't used any of the other current products, but have used a number MIDI/DAW controllers over the years. This has to be one of the best. Especially like the focus mode and of course writing automation with a fader for me is a much easier and faster task. Not to mention it includes
vocal and drum channel strip plugins. The only con is the that it is not cheap, but hope the cost translates into long service life.

Love this gear along with the UC1. Makes me think I'm on a real SSL console. Need I say more. Just buy it.

The automation faders only let you automate volume
That's it ! No power off or on switch . I bought this because I was planning on using the faders to write automation . The uf8 only allows for automating the volume with the faders! I'm debating whether or not I want to keep it , I'll probably return it , and get something else that will do what I need . Bummer :(
Btw the fs6 footswitch needs a battery to work and does not accept power supply :( terrible design imo .

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.

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......

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!!!!

I had the Mackie Controller and Expander in my studio and I figured it was time to try out the new SSL controller. I will get to the negative news first. There are no dedicated transport controls or jog wheel. The Send/Plugin 8 buttons are not very useful in Cubase, and currently the fader volume number does not show up in the scribble strip even though it does with Pro Tools, Studio One and Ableton. I am hopeful this changes in the future.

The good news is the faders seem to be a little better than the Mackie Controller. With using USB C instead of midi, the fine tuning on the faders is much improved over older midi controllers. Everything is right in front of you with one glance. With Soft Keys 1 input, the transport controls you want are there. I wanted more than one controller so I have Soft 1 key have the transport controls, while controller two has marker controls, punch, solo defeat, EQ and save for Softkey 1. Working with the SSL 360 software is another plus and it is very flexible. I also have the SSL UC1 which I also love....love so much that I got rid of my SSL X Rack gear as the plug ins offer the fast transients that the hardware has.

The UF8 has a channel knob that can be a jog wheel and the zoom features are excellent. In addition, arming tracks, hitting the monitor button in your DAW by pushing in your fader knob, and adjusting plug in controls with the channel knob is another plus. Its not a perfect controller, and the Nucleus 2 faders and material were a little bit of a step up, but all in all I am very happy with this control surface. You can customize 8 buttons on 5 soft keys, as well as the Quick 3 buttons. I highly recommend it. I showed the UF8 with the UC1 and two UF8's with the UC1.

I've owned this unit for a few months now but wanted to wait until I had a couple projects under my belt on it before I wrote this review. As background, I've owned probably one of every decent controller out there over the years from Avid S1's/Dock's, Artist Series units, Presonus and several others. I can honestly say that the UF8 beats them all hands down in workability, quality, and overall feel. Having mixed on SSL desks back in the 80's the one thing I always missed in a controller was just the feel some nice metal when your working. This unit is built like a tank and feels absolutely solid in all aspects. The faders are smooth and weighty, the knobs are firm, but not too firm, and all the pushbuttons are a great change from the plastic feel of other controllers.

Ergonomically this little desk is laid out well and with just a couple hours of practice I realized I hadn't needed my mouse at all except for editing. I especially like the dedicated automation control section which makes it super easy to quickly and confidently change or setup modes. The plugin and channel sections are a lifesaver. The send section allows very quick access to your sends (A-E in Pro Tools) and makes it easy to tweak multiple track sends at the same time without having to switch back and forth. The channel button is a nice touch and allows you to focus on an individual channel for all the sends at once and pan. This worked great when setting up multiple effects simultaneously for a vocal.

The soft key programmability is excellent and super easy using the included SSL 360 software. I was able to setup a soft key bank for jumping between memory locations with just a little reading in the manual as it allows keyboard emulation and combinations which is a must for Pro Tools.

Finally, the big channel knob is fantastic! You can use it as a shuttle, a nudger, or a mouse focus with just a push of a button. On the mouse focus aspect of the big knob, I have to say this is not the first I've seen of this but it is by far the best implementation. With one push, a mouse hover over the plugin control, and then the big knob controls that plugin control. I must say it has brought life back into many of my plugins as having a hands-on feel makes a huge difference.

I paired this up with a SSL UC1 and an SSL SiX for monitoring and some summing, and it is a great combo for sure. Between this combo and some analog rack gear I feel as close to an SSL console as I can get without breaking the bank.

Highly recommend and worth the wait!

This piece of art is amazing and inspiring. I've owned several control surfaces and all of them were lacking in one way or another. Sure it would be nice to have a dedicated transport control, however, that doesn't change my work flow or make me feel like something is missing. I have two of these sitting on each side of my UC1 and the mixing experience is amazing. It definitely feels close to mixing on an SSL console. Best control surface I've ever owned.

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 controller screams quality. It looks phenomenal, integrates seamlessly into my DAW (Logic Pro X), has a highly intuitive interface, and is entirely customizable. This delivers on the analog/tactile feel many are searching for while streamlining workflow in a number of ways. This thing is built like a tank and all the knobs, buttons, and faders have a great feel to them. There are definitely more budget friendly options out there but considering how much of a focal point a controller tends to be in a studio, you might find it worth it to go for something more top shelf like this.

I'm just getting into this whole home studio thing and I've never owned or used any other control surface before, so I don't have anything to compare this to. That being said, I've only had my UF8 for a little less than a week now and am really loving it so far. It is definitely built well, has been pretty easy to get familiar with and has made my work flow much more fluid and enjoyable. The faders feel great, very smooth and the buttons are nice and comfortable to push and very responsive. It's taken my keyboard use down to just typing in track names and cut my mouse use down significantly. I'm sure I'm just scratching the surface of what all this thing can do but my first impression is that I'm very happy I pulled the trigger and got one.

I never leave product reviews but this is the best daw controller I have ever used. It's a real SSL, just buy it.

I've been running a project studio for 30 years, and have cycled through what seems like every control surface out there — Mackie, Presonus, Icon, SSL's own Nucleus, Behringer, an A&H GSR24, on and on. Every time, they've let me down. Either the faders are janky, the scribble strips are impossible to read, the meters hang, the software is half-baked, the knobs fall off, the MCU layout is mystifying (I'm using Logic), or some combination of the above. Bottom line: I've thrown them all out, and gone back to my mouse, each time incrementally more incredulous that no one has gotten it right.

Well - now SSL has. Finally. The UF8 is an entirely new beast — a control surface that is designed so intelligently, built so well, and so intuitive to use that running my studio around it is literally a joy. No exaggeration.

The first thing you notice: the build quality. No clackity clack on this one; the faders are smooth, the pots and the jog wheel are firm and consistent, the softkeys comfortable and responsive. The TFT readouts are superb - clear, colorful and a breeze to read. Ergonomically, it's terrific — you can angle it perfectly for your needs, because someone FINALLY decided to provide adjustable legs — and it holds fast to your desk. The people at SSL must actually use this surface, because they thought about the little things, and those things matter. A lot.

Then there's the layout - the part of it that's hard-coded. Everything just makes sense, and I was flying around this thing within an hour of installing it. A ton of thinking has obviously gone into the UF8; keystrokes are minimized, visual cues are actually helpful (e.g. selected half-lit softkeys to remind you that a function is available), session navigation and parameter editing are a snap. It's hands-down the best implementation of MCU I've ever seen.

And that's just for starters, because the customizability of the UF8 is stunning. I've set up a lot of specialized macros in Logic over the years to do certain things, but they've been available only via my Mac's keyboard. No longer — now they're loaded into the UF8, and a maximum of two buttons away at all times. Wow.

Finally - the SSL 360 software hub is great, especially for a first iteration. It's dead easy to use, and is quite powerful if you need it to be. And when you don't need it, it stays invisible. Take note, everyone who makes control apps — this is how to do it.

There's a reason that the recent Sound on Sound review called the UF8 the "Rolls Royce" of control surfaces — because it really is. Contrary to some of the random internet chatter about this unit ("8 faders for that price? Buh buh buh..."), the UF8 is likely worth more than the tariff — because it is so head-and-shoulders better than anything out there. And that includes control surfaces that cost more.

The UF8 sits next to a Console 1 in my studio, and that got me thinking... SSL, you make some pretty exceptional plugins. Ever think about combining the "traditional"console-Ish premise of Console 1 with the exceptional design of the UF8, in one unit? Basically a UF8 with a fat channel. That would be insane, and would be my studio's (digital) centerpiece until the end of time.

In the meantime... you can't pry the UF8 out of here for love or money. It's that good.

P.S. yes, the UF8 has transport controls. They're one softkey away, and voila, there they all are.