Solid State Logic Expand DAW Production Tools with UC1 Channel Strip and Bus Compressor Controller
by The Press Desk 27th May 2021

Deleted 1b8ec21 · 30th May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by mu:zines ➡️

You don't have to, you can use the plugins like any other plugin in your DAW.

It's just the 360 app gives you an alternate way of working which lays out all the channels and their controls like a physical console, so you have direct quick access to them on any channel.

And you have track follow on the 360 app.

FireGS · 30th May 2021

Damn, not in stock in Switzerland until the 14th of June.

nicolasmasset · 30th May 2021

For those of us interested in the hardware, but who also bought the essential 49€ deal a while back, can't we just sell our essential bundle to help sponsor the hardware/software package, or am I missing something here? Otherwise we're going to end up having 2 licenses no?

degas · 30th May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgood ➡️

These really sound great and super cpu friendly

I was never an “ssl guy” but jumped in with the Fusion and it’s been a gateway drug lol

These plugins and Fusion seems like a really great mixing setup.

mu:zines · 30th May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicolasmasset ➡️

For those of us interested in the hardware, but who also bought the essential 49€ deal a while back, can't we just sell our essential bundle to help sponsor the hardware/software package, or am I missing something here? Otherwise we're going to end up having 2 licenses no?

I can't speak for you, but if it was me, I'd just carry on using the licenses I already have and not faff around with removing them, selling them, transferring them to someone else, loading the new licenses etc etc.

If I ever wanted to sell the UC1 hardware later on, I can include the plugin licenses without incurring transfer fees to the buyer. Not using an extra serial number for the time being is no big deal, and I already picked up the Essentials bundle super cheap in the sale, so it's a win win all round.

But that's just me, so...

nicolasmasset · 30th May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by mu:zines ➡️

I can't speak for you, but if it was me, I'd just carry on using the licenses I already have and not faff around with removing them, selling them, transferring them to someone else, loading the new licenses etc etc.

If I ever wanted to sell the UC1 hardware later on, I can include the plugin licenses without incurring transfer fees to the buyer. Not using an extra serial number for the time being is no big deal, and I already picked up the Essentials bundle super cheap in the sale, so it's a win win all round.

But that's just me, so...

I'm going to test drive the uc1 with my current licenses for sure, but if it ends but being a keeper, I won't hold on to the second license

IM WHO YOU THINK · 30th May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by lydfar ➡️

As I understand it, this software is ported from the C200 console right? So I guess the idea with this controller series, is more an attempt to give us a striped down version of that console?

Maybe I got confused because back then, they didn't advertised it as a software emulation of the 9000 K console, but something of it's own - probably inspireret of a 9K.

But of course I trust SSL if they say it's a 9000 K emulation now!

Though, it's missing the hole Super analog part, as it doesn't have the input drive section, from the newer consoles. That's a shame IMO.

It would be nice to be able to control the functions of the Saturation X, from one of the controllers. Or any of the other SSL plugin's for that matter. Perhaps in a future update?

My comment was also that, in my humble experience, the original SSL Native strip wasn't very close to the original 4000 design. It's a different beast.

But I also must admit, that I haven't looked into the hole 360 software concept yet, so I'm probably missing half the story already!

I'm in Pro Tools and have never seen a plugin controller that worked very. Not sense the wonderful D-Command! So I'm really curious and looking forward to see this thing in action.

I'm definitely more interesting in how the workflow is and how they get around all the limitations in AVID - than if this software is 9 or 4K. If it really is like working on a real desk, without grabbing after my computer mouse, every 5-10 minutes... Now that would be something!

I bought my 24ch Dcommand and Xmon for a bit over 2x the SSL controller.

I probably shoulda bought the SSL bundle on Valentine's day, but I don't feel too bad. I figured I didn't need yet another bus comp and channel strip. (My mistake lol).

gearstudent · 30th May 2021

I've been dreaming of more companies taking this concept seriously. I like that it is dedicated to SSL-specific controls (if something is too general, I won't bother and will go straight to the DAW). What I don't like is that this new product offering assumes you want that specific collection of SSL plugins grouped together in that specific physical order.

I would like to see every SSL plugin get its own unique hardware control... kind of like 500 series, but for external controllers. People probably have different plugins they care about and don't care about. So SSL should make interfaces for all of them and then we can select the exact ones we want. For me personally, I would want Flexverb, the bus compressor, and X-eq2. But I have no interest in their world-famous channel strip, somewhat ironically. We should be able to choose what we want.

Something that *can* be standardized is the part of the interface where you select the plugin and turn it on/off. That is the same for all of them. It's similar to how power tools have a common battery/charger platform that work across the entire power tool line. That's the architecture SSL should be moving toward. I would envision connecting arbitrary SSL interfaces in arbitrary orders into a "mother ship" that does the track management work. It might not look as clean as a unibody contruction. But it can be made to look clean enough, and the practicality/customization/use cases will increase exponentially.

dedicated interfaces: great
rigidly clumping them together assuming we want those exact clumps: bad

JGM · 30th May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn Bucci ➡️

Has anyone yet compared the channel strip to the Brainworx SSl 9000?

This is a must, but I would also add Console 1 9000 XL to that comparison list.

Bx SSL 9000 J vs SSL Channel Strip 2 vs Softube Console 1 XL 9000 K.

We need this ASAP.

Keeg · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by mu:zines ➡️

The BX G is my least favourite of the Brainworx SSL plugins, I don't know why, it just never gels with me for some reason.

The E though I love specifically for the rock/pushed thing, it's the "vibey" SSL sound, and the J is basically the SSL thing but just cleaner, more refined and polished, and more of an ideal of what an analog SSL console is going for.

The SSL Native versions are cleaner still by virtue of not trying to emulate an analog console. They don't really have any "vibe" unless you inject it by other saturation tools etc, but they are great workhorses that work on anything (as long as you like the SSL EQ/s & dynamics etc). I haven't really used the brand new version much yet though...

Of the three, I'd choose which to use by nature of the material and how much "SSL analog-console" (crap word, but you get the idea) I want to impart upon the material.

I like them all though and prefer them over the other ones I've used like the Waves, UAD etc...

But how would you feel if SSL released new plugins to complement the uc1s maybe emulations of classics with a bit more colour? Surely that would take this unit to the next level? That’s what they alluded to on another forum and that would finally make sense as to why SSL would create a unit that only worked with 2 plugins. Currently it doesn’t make sense, but fast forward 6 months and I am excited to see what’s next !!

mu:zines · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keeg ➡️

But how would you feel if SSL released new plugins to complement the uc1s maybe emulations of classics with a bit more colour?

No idea, there's not much point in speculating how I'd feel about unreleased products. I already use and like the Brainworx SSL's, have the old UAD ones which I never use anymore, and have the SSL Native ones, and the Brainworx and SSL ones complement each other nicely.

If SSL did a 4K E/G iteration of the ChannelStrip 2 (lets say "ChannelStrip 4K" for the sake of the discussion) then that one would overlap stuff I already have, so it would only really be interesting to me if I was a UC1/360 user and so the integration would be more attractive.

(Having said that, it's not impossible that existing SSL licensees like Brainworx and Waves might add UC1/360 support to these plugins too).

Jeezo · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilal.robin ➡️

@ Jeezo just for have your expert opinion, are you going to buy the UC1 controller or are you satisfied with the plugins? I hesitate to spend a few hundred euros more than buying the bundle, knowing that I mostly just work on my mac with headphones.

Hey Robin , no expert here at all .... as for the UC1 like the UF8 i simply can't get it since i'm on windows 8.1 (a chance i didn't bouth the UF8 back then , just figured out this because the UC1)

Now as for the jump or not there's several stuff to consider :

What's your job ? hobbist , PRo ? Production or mainly recording and mixing ?

If you're satisfied with the plugins and don't have other go to's , the HW jump makes full sense at the actual state . It's imho the best option HW wise with Console 1 when it come to Workflow enhancement in conjonction with quality of processing .

Integration is tighter with Console 1 BUT it's closed system and depend on DAW , UC 1 is going to grew up and get mature also .... from what i understood , stuff are coming on this platform .... but only speculations at the actual stage .

For me either console 1 or UC 1 with a one fader solution next to it , makes the perfect balance bewteen space management , modularity and workflow on any stage of the production process .Lukily i use daws that allows tight integration with software/hardware solutions (Sonar /Cubase / Studio one) (they report crucial information the way it's supposed to ..)

According to your question , imho if you're serious about that , invest in acoustic/monitoring / calibration first if you can .... if you're in a spot where space is tight and headphones is the only option , focus on your skills and methodology , i will not say controller is useless , even at this stage , controller are key elements !! but i would focus on the basis ... i swear i would for exemple buy my Embody chair first before any controller lol today ....

Feel free top PM if you give me more infos , i would try to be more specific .... at this stage my feeling is that independatly to your case , UC1 is superb , well built (judging on the UF8 i tested) and adress one crucial aspect of our job .... controller software with knobs is a whole other experience , any second gained in the process is crucial time saving and quality enhancement in your work .

Oh by the way did ya got the plugins on sale or are you gonna buy it at actual price *? it's another factor .....

nolanneal · 31st May 2021

I’m demoing the new V2 channel strip right now - but I can’t find any saturation features for shaving off the transients on my drums like you can on a real SSL console (and other SSL emulations).

I even added 2 trim plugins at +12db before the SSL V2 channel strip and maxed out the gain knob but I still can’t get this thing to saturate.
I also noticed there is no oversampling option (unless I’m just not seeing it) on the channel strip but there IS on the bus compressor. So does that mean the channel strip has no saturation capabilities?
Since there IS oversampling on the bus compressor - why is there no oversampling for the channel strip compressor too?
I get that most computers wouldn’t be able to handle 200 tracks with x8 to x16 oversampling - but what if I wanted to implement some serious saturation onto just a couple tracks? It would be nice to have that option as sometimes driving the SSL channel preamp is the only way to get a certain tone out of it.

Please let me know what I’m missing here, because I REALLY do want to buy this controller and begin using the 360 software!

Side-note: I was literally JUST scouring the web for an SSL channel strip controller that would control ANY SSL emulation on the market. I even found someone who made their own and actually sold a few of them. Then, like some magical manifestation - this UC1 appears in my youtube feed. Haha. Maybe I should start searching the internet for a million dollars being deposited into my bank account too.

Glenn Bucci · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by mu:zines ➡️

The BX G is my least favourite of the Brainworx SSL plugins, I don't know why, it just never gels with me for some reason.

The E though I love specifically for the rock/pushed thing, it's the "vibey" SSL sound, and the J is basically the SSL thing but just cleaner, more refined and polished, and more of an ideal of what an analog SSL console is going for.

The SSL Native versions are cleaner still by virtue of not trying to emulate an analog console. They don't really have any "vibe" unless you inject it by other saturation tools etc, but they are great workhorses that work on anything (as long as you like the SSL EQ/s & dynamics etc). I haven't really used the brand new version much yet though...

Of the three, I'd choose which to use by nature of the material and how much "SSL analog-console" (crap word, but you get the idea) I want to impart upon the material.

I like them all though and prefer them over the other ones I've used like the Waves, UAD etc...

I hate when good SSL stuff comes out. I end up spending hours doing shootouts and trying to get a good conclusion on them. I compared this channel strip to the Brainworx J SSL plug in. They both sound great but the SSL V2 sounds closer to my hardware. With that said, the live wire sound of my hardware, and clarity is still different than the plug in. Also the X Rack SSL 2 bus compressor has that extra spatial open top end with a little more snap than the plug in compressor.

To be honest with you I really wanted the plug ins to sound just as good as the hardware so I could sell my hardware and get some other things I wanted. But I clearly prefer the magic of the silver modules in my X Rack more. If I did not have the hardware however, I would be so happy with these new plug ins which sound excellent. What I like about the hardware is its unique character that no other plug in provides. The new V2 software is closer than others but there is still a good 8% difference to my ears.

I will have the UC1 controller sometime this week. It will be interesting to try out and to see if my opinion of the software changes with more time with it.

bilal.robin · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeezo ➡️

Hey Robin , no expert here at all .... as for the UC1 like the UF8 i simply can't get it since i'm on windows 8.1 (a chance i didn't bouth the UF8 back then , just figured out this because the UC1)

Now as for the jump or not there's several stuff to consider :

What's your job ? hobbist , PRo ? Production or mainly recording and mixing ?

If you're satisfied with the plugins and don't have other go to's , the HW jump makes full sense at the actual state . It's imho the best option HW wise with Console 1 when it come to Workflow enhancement in conjonction with quality of processing .

Integration is tighter with Console 1 BUT it's closed system and depend on DAW , UC 1 is going to grew up and get mature also .... from what i understood , stuff are coming on this platform .... but only speculations at the actual stage .

For me either console 1 or UC 1 with a one fader solution next to it , makes the perfect balance bewteen space management , modularity and workflow on any stage of the production process .Lukily i use daws that allows tight integration with software/hardware solutions (Sonar /Cubase / Studio one) (they report crucial information the way it's supposed to ..)

According to your question , imho if you're serious about that , invest in acoustic/monitoring / calibration first if you can .... if you're in a spot where space is tight and headphones is the only option , focus on your skills and methodology , i will not say controller is useless , even at this stage , controller are key elements !! but i would focus on the basis ... i swear i would for exemple buy my Embody chair first before any controller lol today ....

Feel free top PM if you give me more infos , i would try to be more specific .... at this stage my feeling is that independatly to your case , UC1 is superb , well built (judging on the UF8 i tested) and adress one crucial aspect of our job .... controller software with knobs is a whole other experience , any second gained in the process is crucial time saving and quality enhancement in your work .

Oh by the way did ya got the plugins on sale or are you gonna buy it at actual price *? it's another factor .....

thank you for taking the time to answer me, man yes you are an expert! it's a hobby because it doesn't bring me anything but it's a passion that I take seriously, I try to make my music from start to finish, (beatmaker, guitar, vocal, mix ....) , I have a place treated a minimum and iloud mtm but I work with headphones 80% of the time out of bad habit. I had heard in your videos that you already had console 1 and my question was: do you think the ssl controller is good enough to replace the softube one, I understand that yes from what you say. The advantage over console 1 is that you can work either with UC1 or without, while at softube we only have a reduced version and not really useful, so yes you're right it's all about the price, the plugins are dear, I imagine that if I have to buy them new the difference is not big with the material, I will continue to think about it then. Thanks again and have a nice day!

ChocolateHawkins · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolanneal ➡️

I’m demoing the new V2 channel strip right now - but I can’t find any saturation features for shaving off the transients on my drums like you can on a real SSL console (and other SSL emulations).

I even added 2 trim plugins at +12db before the SSL V2 channel strip and maxed out the gain knob but I still can’t get this thing to saturate.
I also noticed there is no oversampling option (unless I’m just not seeing it) on the channel strip but there IS on the bus compressor. So does that mean the channel strip has no saturation capabilities?
Since there IS oversampling on the bus compressor - why is there no oversampling for the channel strip compressor too?
I get that most computers wouldn’t be able to handle 200 tracks with x8 to x16 oversampling - but what if I wanted to implement some serious saturation onto just a couple tracks? It would be nice to have that option as sometimes driving the SSL channel preamp is the only way to get a certain tone out of it.

Please let me know what I’m missing here, because I REALLY do want to buy this controller and begin using the 360 software!

Side-note: I was literally JUST scouring the web for an SSL channel strip controller that would control ANY SSL emulation on the market. I even found someone who made their own and actually sold a few of them. Then, like some magical manifestation - this UC1 appears in my youtube feed. Haha. Maybe I should start searching the internet for a million dollars being deposited into my bank account too.

No saturation on the channel strip. Use their X Saturator in front of it. I’m using X Sat in conjunction with the new strip and it’s a dream.

Yimbot · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGM ➡️

This is a must, but I would also add Console 1 9000 XL to that comparison list.

Bx SSL 9000 J vs SSL Channel Strip 2 vs Softube Console 1 XL 9000 K.

We need this ASAP.

I know I'm stating the obvious here. But I think it really doesn't matter, and it also doesn't matter which one sounds closest to a 9000 console either.
It totally would depend on which particular channel you were measuring it against on which particular desk and even then, there will always be slight differences between all of them!
For me, I gave up this comparison a while back - I don't have access to a 9000 K or J console to compare it with and anybody else's comparison on YouTube doesn't carry much weight because you can't hear the subtleties over YouTube anyway, so it becomes simply a matter of whether you gel with the sound yourself in your setup -and these days, we are spoiled for choice and can quickly demo anything you want to try as well!

I found I enjoyed using the V1 channel strip quite a bit and found that I could get the sound I was expecting to hear quickly and satisfyingly. So for me when I saw the UC1 was released (I already have a UF8) and I demoed the V2 plugins, this was an instant buy.

dirtboy · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yimbot ➡️

I know I'm stating the obvious here. But I think it really doesn't matter, and it also doesn't matter which one sounds closest to a 9000 console either.
It totally would depend on which particular channel you were measuring it against on which particular desk and even then, there will always be slight differences between all of them!
For me, I gave up this comparison a while back - I don't have access to a 9000 K or J console to compare it with and anybody else's comparison on YouTube doesn't carry much weight because you can't hear the subtleties over YouTube anyway, so it becomes simply a matter of whether you gel with the sound yourself in your setup -and these days, we are spoiled for choice and can quickly demo anything you want to try as well!

I found I enjoyed using the V1 channel strip quite a bit and found that I could get the sound I was expecting to hear quickly and satisfyingly. So for me when I saw the UC1 was released (I already have a UF8) and I demoed the V2 plugins, this was an instant buy.

+1 here. The UF8 is coming as well, replacing an Avid s1 and Dock.

raal · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGM ➡️

This is a must, but I would also add Console 1 9000 XL to that comparison list.

Bx SSL 9000 J vs SSL Channel Strip 2 vs Softube Console 1 XL 9000 K.

We need this ASAP.

Yes. I used to love Console 1 with Studio One but stopped using it because it's a no go with PT. <modsnip - put it in the GS classifieds please> Anyway I sure hope PA 9000J/Waves Mixhub make an appearance on UC1 at some point.

JGM · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yimbot ➡️

I know I'm stating the obvious here. But I think it really doesn't matter, and it also doesn't matter which one sounds closest to a 9000 console either.
It totally would depend on which particular channel you were measuring it against on which particular desk and even then, there will always be slight differences between all of them!
For me, I gave up this comparison a while back - I don't have access to a 9000 K or J console to compare it with and anybody else's comparison on YouTube doesn't carry much weight because you can't hear the subtleties over YouTube anyway, so it becomes simply a matter of whether you gel with the sound yourself in your setup -and these days, we are spoiled for choice and can quickly demo anything you want to try as well!

I found I enjoyed using the V1 channel strip quite a bit and found that I could get the sound I was expecting to hear quickly and satisfyingly. So for me when I saw the UC1 was released (I already have a UF8) and I demoed the V2 plugins, this was an instant buy.

I hear you all valid points.
I was more thinking in terms of how each of the 3 compare to each other running the same material through each. I know none will sound exactly like any of the actual hardware, but that’s not what I’m asking. I think it would be a very interesting and possibly enlightening comparison to those who don’t have access to all 3 plugins. Especially if you don’t own a Console 1 you can’t demo Softube’s 9000 K.

Gertius · 31st May 2021

Really psyched about this release. As an existing Native V6 owner I downloaded the new versions. Done some test mixes of old material and really dig the sound and feel of these plugins.

The 360 app is very interesting and I have been waiting for something like this a long time. Tried MixHub too, but never really gelled with it. It would be great if 360 would track-follow the DAW, even when the plugin is not open, but no idea if that´s technically possible.

Regarding the hardware controller I´ll still wait for more reports coming in, before considering it. I have recently started using a Novation Launch Control for EQing, and for me this works great. Will also check out mapping it to the new SSL V2 versions.

freezerman · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sacha ➡️

These products seem like a huge overpriced toy to me. 'I'm a BIG BOY working on a REAL SSL now!'

Needless and pointless

oggeka · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by freezerman ➡️

Needless and pointless post

Tough pill to swallow this new internet thing

freezerman · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by oggeka ➡️

Tough pill to swallow this new internet thing

You’ll get past it

raal · 31st May 2021

Question for PT users. Watched the videos and 360 does not track follow on Pro Tools (does on pretty much everything else). Is this a deal breaker, say if you add some tracks after the fact? Can you rearrange tracks easily on 360 or is this Console One revisited, where you have to rename the tracks etc? Thanks!

alibling · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtboy ➡️

+1 here. The UF8 is coming as well, replacing an Avid s1 and Dock.

Wow im comparing s1 and uf8 and wasnt sure whats better for me. Could elaborate why u did that?

morgs500 · 31st May 2021

I have owned most of all the channels strip vst over the last ten years from waves plugin alliance i have all of those. I have way to many plugins and realise they are all different colours for different jobs. Bought the ssl bundle when it was on sale and updating the plugs to versions 2 and downloaded and installed plugs and SSL 360 strapped them across a mix i have working on for a few weeks and honestly i am blow away with the result got my wife to listen between the mixes and she preferred the SSL mix every time .I also love the workflow and the the overall sound of the SSl amazing peace of kit now saving for the hardware for the icing on the cake.

djrustycans · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by morgs500 ➡️

I have owned most of all the channels strip vst over the last ten years from waves plugin alliance i have all of those. I have way to many plugins and realise they are all different colours for different jobs. Bought the ssl bundle when it was on sale and updating the plugs to versions 2 and downloaded and installed plugs and SSL 360 strapped them across a mix i have working on for a few weeks and honestly i am blow away with the result got my wife to listen between the mixes and she preferred the SSL mix every time .I also love the workflow and the the overall sound of the SSl amazing peace of kit now saving for the hardware for the icing on the cake.

I agree!

djrustycans · 31st May 2021

Just testing the 360 without the UF1 and the 360 steals keyboard focus so I can't hit play in DAW whilst working on 360. Anyone found a workaround for this?

morgs500 · 31st May 2021

Quote:

Originally Posted by djrustycans ➡️

Just testing the 360 without the UF1 and the 360 steals keyboard focus so I can't hit play in DAW whilst working on 360. Anyone found a workaround for this?

Hi djrustycans
If I understand your question rightly the 360 just controls the SSL plugins and not your daw but i might be wrong

Thread / Thread Starter	Replies / Views	Last Post
Solid State Logic unveils the UF8 Advanced Studio DAW Controller The Press Desk	replies: 1392 views: 193266	blayz2002 1 week ago
SSL UF8 Issues timehalt	replies: 59 views: 30545	HiFiYeah 18th June 2024
Grimm Audio UC1 mateo.m	replies: 12 views: 7976	hool15 30th January 2024
Solid State Logic Launch UF1 DAW Control Centre The Press Desk	replies: 367 views: 85214	Glenn Bucci 6th June 2024

Solid State Logic Expand DAW Production Tools with UC1 Channel Strip and Bus Compressor Controller
by The Press Desk 27th May 2021

Similar Threads

Solid State Logic unveils the UF8 Advanced Studio DAW Controller

SSL UF8 Issues

Grimm Audio UC1

Solid State Logic Launch UF1 DAW Control Centre

Welcome to the Gearspace Pro Audio Community!

Registration benefits include:

Gear discussed

Solid State Logic Expand DAW Production Tools with UC1 Channel Strip and Bus Compressor Controller by The Press Desk 27th May 2021

Similar Threads

Solid State Logic unveils the UF8 Advanced Studio DAW Controller

SSL UF8 Issues

Grimm Audio UC1

Solid State Logic Launch UF1 DAW Control Centre

Welcome to the Gearspace Pro Audio Community!

Registration benefits include:

Gear discussed on this page in this thread

Solid State Logic Expand DAW Production Tools with UC1 Channel Strip and Bus Compressor Controller
by The Press Desk 27th May 2021

Gear discussed