The Best DAW mixer controller got Better | SSL 360 Link for UC1

Bardonmusic
9 Mar 202410:58

TLDRSSL has released an update to their SSL 360 environment, enhancing the UF8, UC1, and UF1 control surfaces. The new SSL 360 Link plugin allows users to load and control any plugin using the UC1 controller, with customizable parameter mappings. This update enables seamless integration and control of both SSL and third-party plugins like Universal Audio and Brainworx. The video demonstrates these new capabilities in a music production setup, showcasing the enhanced workflow and control options. Ideal for professional mixers, the update promises to improve efficiency and versatility in audio production environments.

Takeaways

  • 😎 SSL has released an update to the SSL 360 environment, enhancing the functionality of control surfaces like the UF8, UC1, and UF1.
  • 🔌 The new SSL Link plugin allows for controlling plugins within the SSL environment using the UC1 controller.
  • 🎛 Users can map plugin parameters to the UC1 controller, providing a tactile interface for plugin control.
  • 🎶 The video demonstrates the use of SSL 360 with a multi-output iteration of a drum kit, showing individual control over each element.
  • 🌐 SSL 360 Link enables control over non-SSL plugins, such as Universal Audio's API Channel strip and Brainworks' SSL Channel strip.
  • 📈 Universal Audio provides pre-mapped controls for popular plugins, simplifying the setup process for users.
  • 🎚 The SSL 360 environment now displays and controls plugins from various manufacturers, not just SSL creations.
  • 🔊 SSL 360 Link is used to control auxiliary tracks, as demonstrated with a plate reverb plugin.
  • 🛠 The video shows how to map parameters of any given plugin to the UC1 using the SSL 360 Link interface.
  • 👨‍💻 The presenter mentions compatibility issues with Luna DAW but notes that an update is expected to resolve these issues.
  • 🚀 SSL's enhancements to the 360 environment are positioned as a significant improvement for professional music mixing, promising faster workflow.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video?

    -The main focus of the video is the new update to the SSL 360 environment, particularly the SSL 360 Link plugin for the UC1 controller, which allows users to control various plugins through a physical control surface.

  • What devices are mentioned as part of the SSL 360 environment?

    -The devices mentioned as part of the SSL 360 environment include the UF8, UC1, and UF1 control surfaces.

  • What new feature does the SSL 360 Link plugin introduce?

    -The SSL 360 Link plugin introduces the ability to load and control plugins through the UC1 controller, allowing users to map plugin parameters themselves.

  • Which DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is primarily demonstrated in the video?

    -The DAW primarily demonstrated in the video is Logic Pro.

  • What example plugins are controlled using the UC1 and SSL 360 Link?

    -Example plugins controlled using the UC1 and SSL 360 Link include a Universal Audio API Channel Strip and a Brainworx SSL 4000G Channel Strip.

  • What issue is mentioned regarding the compatibility with Luna?

    -The issue mentioned is related to the compatibility of Luna with the new format of VST3, which SSL is working to resolve.

  • How does the video describe the SSL 360 environment’s compatibility with different DAWs?

    -The video describes the SSL 360 environment as being compatible with various DAWs, including Logic Pro, Harrison Mixbus, Bitwig Studio, and Native Instruments' Maschine, though it currently has a compatibility issue with Luna.

  • What is the benefit of using the UC1 controller according to the video?

    -The benefit of using the UC1 controller is improved workflow and faster mixing, which is valuable for professional music production.

  • What advice does the video give to beginners regarding the purchase of control surfaces?

    -The video advises beginners not to invest in expensive control surfaces right away, as they can accomplish most tasks with a mouse and should consider such investments later in their careers.

  • What additional support does the video encourage viewers to provide?

    -The video encourages viewers to support the channel by subscribing, listening to music on Apple Music or Spotify, and following on social media such as Instagram.

Outlines

00:00

🎛️ SSL 360 Update and Plugin Control Overview

The video introduces an update to the SSL 360 environment, which includes control surfaces like the UF8, UC1, and UF1. These devices are designed to control the SSL desktop workstation and SSL plugins. A highlight of the update is the SSL link plugin, allowing users to control plugins through the UC1 controller with customizable parameter mapping. The host demonstrates the functionality using Logic Pro X, showcasing how to control various plugins, including Universal Audio's API Channel strip, using the UC1. The video also touches on the compatibility of SSL 360 with other DAWs like Harrison Mixbus and Bitwig Studio, and the potential issues with compatibility in certain environments.

05:00

🔧 Exploring SSL 360 Link's Mapping Capabilities

This paragraph delves into the technical aspects of SSL 360 Link's plugin mapping feature. The host explains how to use the SSL 360 environment to control non-SSL plugins and demonstrates the process of mapping parameters of any given plugin to the UC1 controller. The video shows how to select parameters within the 360 Link interface and assign them to the UC1's encoders. The host also shares personal customizations of the API Channel Strip and encourages viewers to explore creative ways to map parameters for improved workflow in professional mixing.

10:01

📢 Final Thoughts on SSL 360 and Mixing Music

The final paragraph wraps up the video with the host's personal take on the SSL 360 environment. He emphasizes that while a control surface like SSL 360 can significantly improve workflow and speed in professional mixing, it is not essential for beginners due to its cost. The host encourages viewers to stay tuned for more content on mixing and music production, to support the channel by subscribing and engaging on social media, and to remember the importance of making their own decisions in their creative journey.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡DAW mixer controller

A DAW mixer controller is a device that integrates with a digital audio workstation (DAW) to provide hands-on control over mixing parameters. In the context of the video, SSL's UC1 is highlighted as an advanced control surface that enhances the user's mixing workflow by allowing direct manipulation of various plugins and parameters within the DAW environment.

💡SSL 360 Link

SSL 360 Link is a plugin developed by Solid State Logic that enables users to control plugins within the SSL 360 environment using the UC1 controller. It represents a significant update to the SSL 360 ecosystem, allowing for deeper integration and control of third-party plugins, as demonstrated in the video with the API Channel strip.

💡UC1 controller

The UC1 controller is a hardware device from Solid State Logic that serves as a control surface for DAWs. It is featured in the video as the primary tool for controlling plugins and mixing parameters through the SSL 360 Link plugin. The UC1 allows for hands-on control, which can improve the efficiency and creativity of the mixing process.

💡Plugin mapping

Plugin mapping refers to the process of assigning specific controls on a hardware device to parameters within a software plugin. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to map parameters of various plugins to the UC1 controller using the SSL 360 Link plugin, providing a customized and efficient workflow for controlling plugins.

💡API Channel strip

An API Channel strip is a type of plugin that emulates the sound and functionality of API mixing consoles. In the video, the presenter shows how the UC1 controller can be used to control a Universal Audio-produced API Channel strip plugin, highlighting the versatility of the SSL 360 Link in integrating with non-SSL plugins.

💡SSL 360 environment

The SSL 360 environment is a comprehensive system that includes multiple hardware and software components designed to work together for mixing and controlling a DAW. The video script discusses the new features of the SSL 360 environment, such as the ability to control and map parameters of any plugin, enhancing the user experience.

💡Multi-output iteration

A multi-output iteration refers to a feature that allows the signal of different elements within a plugin to be split into independent tracks. The video mentions this feature in the context of a 'drummer' plugin, which enables the user to control each component of a drum kit separately.

💡Auxiliary track

An auxiliary track, often abbreviated as 'aux track', is a separate track used for sending signals from other tracks to effects or additional processing. In the video, the presenter inserts an SSL 360 Link into an auxiliary track, demonstrating how it can be controlled through the SSL 360 environment.

💡Fader encoder

A fader encoder is a type of control found on mixing consoles and control surfaces, typically used for adjusting levels or other parameters. The video script describes using a fader encoder on the UC1 controller to control the output level of a plugin, showcasing the hands-on control capabilities.

💡Luna DAW

Luna DAW is a digital audio workstation developed by Universal Audio. The video mentions Luna as being particularly well-suited for taking advantage of the SSL 360 Link's capabilities, although the presenter also discusses a minor compatibility issue that they have reported to SSL for resolution.

💡Professional mixing

Professional mixing refers to the process of blending and adjusting the various elements of a music track to achieve a polished and balanced sound. The video emphasizes the benefits of using the SSL 360 Link and UC1 controller for improving workflow and efficiency in professional mixing environments.

Highlights

SSL has released a new update to the SSL 360 environment, enhancing the capabilities of the UF8, UC1, and UF1 control surfaces.

The introduction of the SSL Link plugin allows for control of any plugin within SSL Link using the UC1 controller.

Parameters of plugins can be mapped to the UC1 controller, providing a personalized control experience.

SSL 360 Link supports multi-output iteration of Drummer, enabling independent control of each drum kit element.

SSL 360 enabled plugins can be inserted into each channel strip, including auxiliary tracks, for comprehensive control.

Universal Audio's API Channel strip can be controlled via UC1, showcasing cross-brand compatibility.

SSL 360 environment now displays non-SSL plugins, with automatic mapping and naming conventions for easy identification.

The SSL 360 environment allows for independent control of plugin parameters using the faders on the UC1.

SSL 360 Link can control auxiliary tracks, enhancing the mixing process with additional parameters.

The video demonstrates how to map parameters of any given plugin to the UC1 using the 360 Link interface.

SSL has provided mappings for popular plugins, streamlining the setup process for users.

The video shows how to apply SSL 360 Link to a high hat control using Brainworks' 4000G SSL Channel strip.

SSL 360 Link's compatibility extends to various DAWs, including Logic, Harrison Mixbus, Bitwig Studio, and Machine by Native Instruments.

Luna DAW has a minor compatibility issue with SSL 360 Link, expected to be resolved in an upcoming update.

The presenter shares a personal mapping example of the API Channel Strip, enhancing workflow efficiency.

SSL 360 Link is praised for its potential to improve workflow and speed in professional mixing environments.

The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of workflow improvements in professional music mixing and the value of SSL 360 Link.

A reminder is given that while a control surface can enhance workflow, it does not make one a better mixer and should be considered as a career progresses.

The video encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with the channel for more content on music mixing and production.