The SSL UC1 is a hardware plug-in controller like no other, designed for a truly hands-on mixing experience. Featuring dedicated knob-per-function controls for Channel EQ and Dynamics, a full Bus Compressor section, and an authentic moving-coil gain reduction meter, it offers intuitive, creative, and precise control over the SSL Native Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins.

Seamlessly integrate UC1 into your DAW session and experience SSL’s legendary workflow, bringing the feel of an analog console into your digital production setup.

Console ergonomics and workflow

SSL production tools are the benchmark for studio ergonomics and workflow. UC1 draws on decades of analogue and digital console design to develop an intelligent and deeply integrated SSL plug-in control surface that lets you focus on your production goals and not the process.

UC1’s layout of encoders, switches and colour groupings offer professional SSL console ergonomics seamlessly integrated with our most advanced Channel Strip and Bus Compressor plug-ins to date. Multiple parameters can be controlled simultaneously and precisely, equipping you with a production tool that nurtures muscle memory, provides unmatched sonic flexibility and inspires operator confidence.

Every detail of UC1 has been implemented to keep you in control and informed of how your mix is reacting to processing. Dedicated front panel encoders accompanied by an on-board hi-res display allow you to move quickly between instances of Channel Strip and Bus Compressor directly from the surface. You can also load presets, as well as alter the Channel Strip process order.

SSL 360° Plug-in Mixer

At the heart of the UC1 system is the SSL 360° Plug-in Mixer, views and control all of your Channel Strips and Bus Compressors in one place. 360° Plug-in Mixer offers an efficient way of interacting with multiple plug-ins simultaneously, further bridging the gap between console and in-the-box workflow.

Channel Strip and Bus Compressor

Developed from our digital modeling of the renowned XL 9000 console, the SSL Native Channel Strip plug-ins give you everything you need to get that radio-ready, modern SSL sound in your DAW. SSL Native plug-ins are the only plug-ins designed by the team of SSL engineers at HQ in Oxford, with exclusive access to the original data sheets and specifications from which the consoles were made. For UC1, we decided to lift the lid once more on the original code, updating it to include our proprietary anti-cramping algorithms, which prevent any form of phase and amplitude wrapping. The result is quite simply the best-sounding SSL Channel Strip ever - full of punch, free of distortion, and ready for anything you throw at it. 

UC1 provides dedicated controls of all key Channel Strip 2 plug-in parameters. EQ, Filters, Compressor and Gate/Expander controls offer the same configuration and visual feedback as found on large-format SSL consoles, allowing you to quickly home in on your channel processing sweet spot.

At the heart of UC1 are Bus Compressor controls. Its authentic layout and metering feel like you’re controlling a hardware bus comp built into the centre section of an SSL console. With a classic moving coil gain reduction meter as found on SSL consoles since the 1970s, it represents the Bus Compressors' time constants and gain reduction characteristics perfectly for producers and engineers to know exactly how it’s reacting with their instruments, subgroups, and of course mix bus. 

SSL Native Channel Strip 2 & Bus Compressor 2 Plug-ins

Full licenses of SSL Native Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins are included with UC1. Channel Strip 2 is a fully-featured Channel Strip, based on digital modeling of the EQ and Dynamics curves from the legendary XL 9000 K SuperAnalogue console. V2 adds SSL’s proprietary anti-cramping algorithms and the ability to trigger the dynamics sidechain externally. Bus Compressor 2 adds a tonne of user requests, with additional Ratio, Attack and Release options, the ability to trigger the sidechain externally, as well as x2 and x4 oversampling.

Features

• Legendary SSL workflow and console ergonomics meet the power of SSL Native Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins.
• Every UC1 purchase includes full licenses of SSL Native Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins (worth $479.00)
• Knob per-function control of SSL Native Channel Strip 2 and Bus Compressor 2 plug-ins.
• Muscle-memory operation and constant visual feedback via the smart LED rings.
• The onboard display tells you which Channel Strip and Bus Compressor plug-in UC1 is currently focused on, as well as giving you a value readout of the control currently being turned.
• Load Plug-in Presets and change Channel Strip routing directly from UC1.
• Authentic moving-coil Bus Compressor gain reduction meter, driven from the SSL Native Bus Compressor plug-in.
• SSL Plug-in Mixer (hosted in SSL 360°) provides a place to view and control of your Channel Strips and Bus Compressors, all from one screen.
• Switch between 3 different DAWs that are connected to the Plug-in Mixer.
• High-quality all metal enclosure, with a brushed anodised top plate.
• Hi-Speed USB connection to computer.
• Powered by SSL 360° Mac and PC software.