Solid State Logic SSL UF8 Vs Nucleus DAW Controller Review
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- Опубликовано: 3 июн 2021
- In this video I discuss the differences between the SSL UF8 and SSL Nucleus. Both are very similar but which one has a better build quality. Which controller would I choose if I had the choice of the two as a new user.
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All these control surfaces available today need to be expandable and have a meter bridge! Touch screens and when extenders are connected look as one complete unit. The prices are crazy high so why didn't they do the things I mentioned?
Because of this video I decided to get a press owned Nucleus instead of 2 uf8s..
I was able to find one on reverb in excellent condition for only $1000 .. That sounded better that $2000 for 2 uf8s.. I use a Mac from the same era so I do feel imma run into any problems... And it will upgrade my ad da .. It was a no brainer for me... Im pairing it with a ssl six ..Thanks for making this video..😊😊😊
glad it helped you
How was the connection? im thinking about running it on WIndows 11
Best review so far with everything i want to know! Thanks
Great work! Nice review!
Just come across your channel, have to say you are very objective and honest about the gear you have just reviewed, I’ve now subscribed and followed, keep up the good work.
Thank you. Appreciated. One thing RUclips is lacking is honest reviews on equipment people have experience with.
Fantastic review! I’m new to daw controllers and I bought the UC1 and it gave me a really nice feeling. So ordered 2 UF8 and it is exactly what you say. The feeling to mix music is different and you are more into it! It’s like you working with real hardware, with a real console. I bought 2 UF8 to have a better overview and I love it!
Excellent and very honest, heartfelt review! I purchased the Nucleus 2 in November 2019, I am am still growing into it, especially the daw control. I also bought it for that classic SSL sound-the SSL preamps, the SuperAnalogue circuitry, etc. I agree the knobs, buttons, faders, transport controls, etc., are high quality to my touch. I get the impression the Nucleus was built more to a point that to a price. I have no regrets in making the purchase when I did. Not to mention expansion possibilities via my Dante network! In fact, I'e connected the interface that was primary before Nucleus 2 as an extra set of mic pres/converters via Dante.Having said all of this, If I were buying today (and if I were not already familiar with the extraordinaryNuke 2), I would probably go with a pair of the UF8.
I have a Nucleus 1 and would like to connect it to a Dante network. Will it work? I heard the Nucleus 1 is not able to work when the the host computer is connected to Internet. True?
@AudioAnimalsTV Can you tell me if I can use a Nucleus 1 with a Dante Network?
Thanks for the advice.
Great video.. On the UF8'S Key 1 has transport controls on the top. With two UF8'S I put the Soft key 1 on the 2nd controller with different favorite commands. You can use the black encoder knob as jog wheel as well. With the UF8 working with the 360 software it makes it the best DAW controller.
I agree having two UF8'S is just wonderful. When you are mixing a single with multiple tracks two UF8'S are great to have.
With that being said, in Cubase and I assume some other DAW's on the mixer page you can show the visibility of just drums, vocals, or just group faders. I also hate working with a mouse. You do work differently with a controller in a better way. The mouse feels like your working with software while a controller makes you feel like your working in a studio.
On a different topic I sold my XRack after buying the SSL UC1 controller along with the SSL channel strip and 2 bus compressor plug ins. They got the fast transient attack with the software that all other SSL emulations failed to copy. It's faster working the the UC1 and I get the feeling of working with hardware with this controller
Great balanced review, I'm currently running Nucleus 1 & UC-1 and if I didn't run a Nucleus already I agree I'd go for x2 UF8 also (but I do use my Nucleus Pre-amps into interface BTW). I used SSL large format for many years and I'm loving the console workflow with the two combined. Also agreed that ethernet is a total faf, but once its there its there.
Thanks for an honest comparison
Thanks for this video , nice review
In regards to an all in one... I really love how they've implemented the ease of being able to use the 2 channels in stereo or dual mono for recording along with insert points that can be used as such or with the push of a button be armed to print a stereo mix through an outboard chain on those inserts. You can get real creative with some minimalistic chains that are stereo/dual mono capable and are both nice to have at the recording stage as well as the print stage. Throw a flock audio patchbay in there and that's a pretty flexible system for it's size. I had a Nucleus v1 and loved it. I got rid of it, but to this day I would still consider buying a v2 on the second hand market.
Thank you for your review
Thank you for your review. I really want the nucleus but I feel its a bit dated for the price. It looks amazing to me as well. More of a classic look
great video im considering purchasing the Nucleus 2 in a few weeks as my controller for ableton live. Ive done some reseach n its not much information out there on it do you have ny idea why ssl discontiued the porduct?
Probably because ppl had a tough time during initial setup. Definitely the tough part with getting an Nucleus
Yeah initial setup is really difficult and very outdated compared to the UF8's. But once you get setup you have a seriously powerful DAW controller that is really good.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks bro
Excellent review, sir. Nucleus looks better by the way ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿🔥🔥🔥
Hi, very interesting review. I'm a Nucleus 2 user since a year, basically I bought it 6 months before the UF8 was released. I took advantage of a crazy SSL's offer back in summer 2020, which included a free 500 series Bus Compressor with the purchase of the Nucleus 2. For me was a no brainer purchase, considering that I was desperately looking for a great DAW controller and I couldn't miss that offer.
Honestly when SSL announced the UF8 I was a bit upset but then once I figured out the difference between the two, I did not regret about the Nucleus at all. Instead, I think I made the best deal ever considering that the Nucleus is now discontinued.
Regarding the difference between the two, I would add that when used in HUI mode, the Nucleus can't display the volume value on the scribble strip while the UF8 does. Also, the UF8 supports the velocity on the rotary pots in HUI mode, while for the Nucleus this is available only in MCU mode. That's because a limitation due the ipMIDI with HUI protocol, and for me was quite frustrating at the beginning but on the other hand the transport control and the jog wheel on the Nucleus are a big winner, together with the overall feeling and build quality of the surface (faders, buttons and pots). The bonus feature on the UF8 is the "Focus" mode on the Channel Encoder which could be useful in some cases and for my workflow would be helpful. But what seems that the UF8 can't do is to assign menu switches to the soft keys, am I wrong? On the Nucleus you can program up to 144 functions in total just using the two User modes (without considering the assigned soft keys already labeled), while the UF8 seems that can handle only 40 commands and that's a huge difference for me because this really fill the gap of HUI protocol.
Nice which daw are you using the nuclues 2 to control ?
@@iamjahara Hi, I'm using the Nucleus 2 both with ProTools on Layer 1 and Live on Layer 2.
@@jacopolattanzio thanks for replying bro I'm I've been using live as my main daw for years n currently using version 11. Is there any issues I should expect once it's time to hook it up n also does it pretty much have full controll over live? Thanks again
@@iamjahara Well IMHO if you are only using Live as your main DAW, my advice is to get a Push 2. It's better integrated and it offers more control over the software, also because it allows you to manage more feature that you simply can't from the Nucleus 2.
Of course they are two very different products with two different goals and it will all depends what you are looking for, but if you want to have access to finger drumming, instant launching clips, deep control over plugins and more, then go for Push 2. The only missing thing here are faders, but then you can get a more affordable surface if you need it.
I personally have them both and I use them together with Live but actually I bought the Nucleus 2 for using it in mixing with Pro Tools. Considering that the Nucleus 2 is discontinued, I suggest you to take a look to the UF8 if you really need just faders!
@@jacopolattanzio I'm a heavy user of the push 2 also but for the last few weeks ive been researching tons of different products to control my faders with and when I came across the nucleus and seen the faders, led displays , metering and extra tool built into it I felt it would compliment my overall work flow. In your messaged u posted yesterday you seemed like you were satisfied with choosing that over the uf8 so I believe I'm going to probably go for it and it turns out to be what I expected. Thanks again for all the info bro. Stay blessed.
I control all my plugins with the faders of my UF8. Somehow that really helps me on focussing on the sound. I find the sweetspot of parameters much faster. With the mouse I don't find the sweetspot at all🤣
It's 100% true. I feel the resistance of a plugin like I do with hardware.
Great video 👍
@Audio Do you feel at to day prices for a Nucleus it's worth it? I see them on reverb about $1000 and up . I do understand it's older technology but if you add up the cost for example 3 SSL modules they cost way more. Granted today's control surfaces have more updated and modern technology but they come at a high price and can take up a lot of space since you have to buy multiple units if you want more faders and control. And let's not talk about controllers made by Avid $$$$ LOL. I don't mind the network port because, I also have the Presonus Studio Live which you also have to create a network. My only concern about the Nucleus is that it can be a bear to connect as you say from the reviews I read, plus like you said will it be compatible in the future? And repair cost! I use to use the Mackie Control Pro and the faders were always dying on me. I live here in NY and there are not many places that can repair them. Your looking at an easy $400-500 bucks including parts and labor. To me the Nucleus does have some nice features even by todays standards. I was going to buy one when they first came out but I couldn't justify the price tag.
I would personally avoid the nucleus for a couple of reasons. The main one is compatability. There's no guarantee it'll work next year. Whereas a uf8, there is a 100% guarantee it'll probably be good for the next 5 to 10 years. It's a brilliant controller if you can keep it compatible.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Agreed!
Great Breakdown!..I’m no fan of a mouse or Keyboard..lol…
great, great review, but the camera autofocus really makes me nauseous
Thanks dude. I’ll keep my 9 years old Nucleus. Nice review ^^
This was my conclusion too. Glad I had them side by side to compare overall build quality.
Quick question can you bank over with the Nucleus or stuck with just 16 inputs?
Yes you can bank as many channels as you have in your DAW
Ayeee you guys did this first!
How much do you depend on the Nucleus software? Or is it set and forget? Sadly Nucleus 2 was discontinued which makes me think software will stop being developed in the very near future.
100% why I sold mine and bought an Avid S4 instead. It'll one day not be compatible. It's inevitable. However once connected and secure it works a dream. Its just hard to say how long that will be for. SSL will develope only for the UF8 now. I would imagine.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks for the follow up. Love the S4. Currently using an S3 and Avid Dock. It’s no S4 but still quite functional.
@@marklholloway the one thing the S4 does for me is speeds up workflow. I'm mixing 5 times quicker and it's a million times more fun. It paid for itself in 3 months the amount of time it saved me.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Just saw some of your other videos. Wonderful studio and nice to see how you've grown from the Nucleus. S4 + PMC look fantastic. Also learned something new regarding Trinnov MC Pro. Keep up the great work! Liked and Subscribed!
@@marklholloway thank you. That transition was quite a journey. But one I'm very pleased we did.
Behringer x touch has the pan knobs above the channel screens so we can see them + the faders are touch sensitive - you see immediately what you have touched on the screen + there are knobs like play/stop/record = for only 400$
wow
Behringer xTouch barely works on Logic or PT. I've got 16 channels of it & controller. Worst money ever spent.
I believe the nucleus will last a lot longer. It’s solid!!
Now we only need to wait for the - to be released - TPC1 (TransPortControl) to make the SSL controller system complete.
It'll come. It'll be something like the small avid one they did.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Yeah, I guess it will be something similar indeed ;-). Hopefully we'll see this in the next couple of months or so.
Thanks for the great hands-on review. Thumbs up!
That was great, ( would I swap my Nucleus for the SSL UF ) Pause then said NO! Lol, I wouldn't either. It looks professional like a real mixing board. Great video thanks 👍
Does your Nucleus run with Pro Tools 2021.6 without issues ?
Yes no issues on any version of protools with the nucleus from pt9 up to newest version.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio great, thanks
i wonder if Nucleus 1 would work with Windows 11
Please review the uc1
I love the UC1 it's an incredible piece of gear. I will shoot this video next.
Why don’t you use the mic pre’s on the nucleus?
They are OK mic pres. But have better mic pres available. If they were your only mic pres they'll get used. SSL aren't really know for their mic pres.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio What is your favorite mic pre? I’m using Apogee currently but thought it would nice to have some SSL’s in that mix.
@@ChrisTopheRaz having the the ssl super analogue mic pres is always going to be a plus.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio is that what the nucleus has on board? Honestly what is your favorite Mic pre.
@@ChrisTopheRaz I don't personally have a favourite mic pre. The nucleus has super analogue mic pres. I believe they are the same as the x rack modules
Not making the UF8 side controls detachable or selling a version without was a massive oversight. Think nintendo switch.
How do the faders compare?
The nucleus faders feel a lot more expensive and smooth.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you for the quick reply! Do you think are any daw controllers with faders as professional as console faders?
@Art Vandelay I am using the Avid S4 and those are some really good quality faders. These feel great.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio big step above the nucleus in how they move & feel?
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Im leaning toward the icon platform x, thats all i really want is daw controllable faders (i dont need transport controls or anything), but I fee like the quality of the build could be better. Any suggestions with that in mind?
Hey everyone, just wondering peoples thoughts, currently running Logic Pro X on a Mac Mini M1 16Gig. Looking to get a controller and narrowed it down to two systems, 1st, Avid S1 with Avid Dock, 2nd, SSL UF8 with UC 1. I know they are slightly different systems and will have a different work flow, really interested if people have any experience with the Avid hardware running with Logic, also peoples experience with the SSL setup, if you’ve no experience with ether setups still very interested in you thoughts, many thanks 🙏
console one complete its kilin it for 980 Euros x touch 400 EUROS its kilin it its very very expensive for what it is its a empty base whit nothing to give no sound card. no pre amps no transport and the button placements will make you search more to actions and make you look more to the screens thats all no joke bro i would advice people to learn first what are the limitations and needs on their daws in terms of mapping
Brother, it struck me in honesty, you were trying hard to be complimentary about UF8. I’m sure you will disagree with me but I got a distinct vibe that you were searching for positives for what is £995 in an industry that is such a struggle for so many of us in 2020/21. I like your style though 😊👍
It's only because I am comparing it to a product that was made pre SSL being made kind of on the cheap in China. The UF8 is brilliant. No doubt about that. It is just that the Nucleus is so much better and more expensive feeling. Then if we compared a nucleus to a AWS or duality console the nucleus would feel cheap in comparison. I'm honest and although I get all this lovely equipment into my studio on a regular, I won't sugar coat it and say it's brilliant if it isn't. But if it is good I will say it is good. The UF8 is good just not as good as a nucleus in my opinion.
Please SSL make a UF16 👌🏼
Why on earth wouldn't they include a transport control?
I guess to save space. You can map it to the softkeys if you wish.
I just returned two new UF8s. THey fell far below what I expected from them. Even after watching tons of video.
Functionality wise it is as good as anything else on the market. Like I said in this video though it does feel cheaper than other DAW controllers. Is that what you didn't like about it?
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I didn't want to come off like a whiner but.. here goes:
When you have 2 units, you end up with a ton of unusable, duplicate buttons on the second one.
When you get past the startup light show.. you can't customize any of the colors on the buttons.
The faders didn't seem 'smooth' at all to me
The displays all had different contrast.
The display brightness can not be set. Softbutton names are hard to read in a dim studio.
The transport controls being only available on the soft buttons is cumbersome. Last place I want to reach to run the transport. Meanwhile, an extra set of cursor buttons remains unused.
Can only program a few of the buttons on this thing. When you have more than one, the second set of buttons should be completely customizable
I didn't realize how tough it would be having my track names cut down to 6 characters
The layout for the softbuttons just is not intuititive
I use Nuendo. The template just disables some buttons on the UI. Those should be assignable to something else.
The silkscreen on the panels are unreadable in low light. Even drowned out a little by the glare form the button lights.
All in all, not even remotely worth the price. Especially bad when you have two of them.
@Waya Hedia I don't think that comes across as whiney. To me that's great user feedback. The kind someone who is potentially going to buy one needs to see. I actually agree with you on most of these comments. But I always understand why maybe the second set of controls becomes obsolete. What if you only had one UF8 would you still be unhappy with it.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I think I would still be unhappy with it. I contemplated keeping one of them but for the money, I opted not to. I was so excited to get them when they arrived though! In the end I will probably just get a touchscreen to add to the console and maybe use TouchOSC on an iPad to generate some remote templates to use in Nuendo (PC). I have updated my studio and no longer have a console so I thought I really needed faders but in the end, it's just more gear and doesn't really add to my productivity. I understand that almost everyone using the UF8s love them.
Camera focus needs to be worked upon.
Yeah I left the autofocus on but you can't do a 15 minute video like this again with the same level of honesty straight out the trap.
Nucleus wins!!!
I want to like the UF8, but the Faderport 16 or 8 is just better in every way. Plus it's a lot cheaper. I do lust after the UC1 tho 🤤
nucleus already dead after yosemite!!on so speaking of incompability BE HONEST OR UP 2 DATE if you get free stuff to review!!
You are getting confused with the Nucleus 1 and 2. The Nucleus 2 is compatible with Big Sur. Nucleus 1 is where you are getting confused. The first version is compatible up to yosemite but is compatible with all Windows DAWS.
Looks like the office of a professional calculator mathematician .