SSL have today announced the launch of the UF1, a single-fader DAW control surface that aims to provide music creators with comprehensive control over their DAW environment, as well as boasting advanced integration with the company’s plug-in line-up.
Control Surface
The UF1 is equipped with a single 100mm fader, two high-resolution displays, and a dedicated transport section and jog wheel.Housed in a robust metal chassis, the UF1 is equipped with a single 100mm motorised fader, a pair of high-resolution LCD displays, soft-feel rubber keys, rotary encoders and a dedicated transport section with a weighted jog wheel. A large multi-purpose rotary encoder offers functions such as channel banking, mouse wheel emulation and control of computer system volume, whilst five smaller encoders provide control over DAW mixer and plug-in parameters, and can be used in a Fader Mode to provide volume control over an extra four channels.
A secondary row of keys above the main transport controls can be customised to provide access to key functions such as loop and click track settings, or used with the unit’s Shift button to switch automation modes. The device is capable of controlling up to three DAWs simultaneously via HUI or MCU, and comes equipped with profiles for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Ableton Live, LUNA and Pyramix.
SSL Plug-in Integration
In addition to providing in-depth visual information on DAW track names, parameter values and time display, the larger of the two displays is also capable of integrating with the SSL Meter plug-in (a perpetual licence is included when purchasing a UF1) and 360-enabled channel strips in the SSL Plug-in Mixer. This allows users to display a range of metering tools including Peak, RMS, K-System, 31-band RTA, VU and PPM meters, as well as stereo balance, phase correlation and Lissajous phase scopes, all of which can be controlled directly from the UF1 itself.
Expansion
The UF1 can be combined with SSL's UF8 and UC1 units to form a larger control surface.
Whilst the UF1 can be used on its own, it can also be combined with the company’s UF8 and UC1 units to form a larger control surface equipped with additional faders and dedicated channel strip controls. Up to four UF8s can be used alongside a UC1 and UF1, allowing users to configure a system with up to 33 faders.
An in-depth, hands-on SOS review will be published in SOS July 2023 Print and App editions, but it is available to read in advance on our website here: www.soundonsound.com/reviews/solid-state-logic-uf1
Compatibility
The UF1 requires the company’s free SSL 360° software to be installed, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and higher.
Pricing & Availability
The UF1 will be available in June 2023, priced at $699£599.99 including VAT / €599. Those who purchase a UF1 will also gain a perpetual licence for the SSL Meter plug-in, and a six-month trial of the SSL Complete subscription bundle.
