tangerine automation interface user guide automation interface_user guide.pdf„‟tangerine...

TANGERINE AUTOMATION INTERFACE

USER GUIDE

TANGERINE AUTOMATION INTERFACE USER GUIDE 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 . INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 TAI HARDWARE SETUP ................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 TAI INTIAL SETUP AN CONFIGURATION ................................................................................. 5

2 . TAI SETUP .............................................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 THE TAI MODES ............................................................................................................................... 6

3 . DAW SETUP ............................................................................................................................................ 8

3.1 REAPER SETUP ................................................................................................................................. 8

3.2 PROTOOLS SETUP.......................................................................................................................... 12

4 . SYNCHRONIZATION ......................................................................................................................... 13

4.1 DAW SETUP FOR SYNC ................................................................................................................. 13

4.2 SAME COMPUTER SETUP ............................................................................................................ 13

4.3 SETTING PROTOOLS TO SEND TIME CODE .......................................................................... 14

4.4 SEPARATE COMPUTER SETUP .................................................................................................. 18

5 . AUTOMATION MODES ..................................................................................................................... 22

5.1 AUTOMATION MODES IN PROTOOLS ..................................................................................... 22

5.2 AUTOMATION MODES IN REAPER ........................................................................................... 22

6 . MIX PAGE FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................................... 23

7 . RECALL-IT OPTION FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................. 28

8. KEYBOARD DECODER OPTION FUNCTIONS ............................................................................ 28


TAI OWNER'S MANUAL

1 . INSTALLATION

1.1 TAI HARDWARE SETUP

PHYSICAL LOCATION

The TAI physical location should be decided considering the following factors:

If the TAI replaces an existing SSL computer, the interface can be installed in the rack where the

SSL computer and power supply are installed. The existing SSL flat cables can easily be

reconnected to the TAI connectors.

If the SSL is not equipped with the original SSL computer and its associated cables, the TAI can be

installed in the control room near the SSL, taking the following factors into account:

This setup will require shorter flat cables between the TAI and the SSL.

TAI doesn't generate any noticeable noise or heat.

The TAI only requires one USB2 and one Ethernet connections to a computer and/or router.

If the TAI is located farther than 6 ft from the computer, a good USB2 cable extender will be

required.

FLAT CABLES CONNECTION (FADERS/VCA/KEYBOARD)

The SSL Console uses 50 pins flat cables to connect to the TAI. Each bank of 8 faders requires one

flat cable for VCA/switch/led data (including the VCA groups). The last connector is used for the

keyboard and Recall system. Connections are made from the SSL connector panel located under

the SSL's patch section to the TAI connectors.

CONNECTION SEQUENCE:

SSL SIDE TAI SIDE FADER 1-8 FADER 1-8

FADER 9-16 FADER 9-16



FADER xx-xx FADER xx-xx

FADER (last bank) FADER (last bank)

VCA 1-8 VCA

KEYBOARD KEYBOARD


USB/ETHERNET CONNECTIONS

Connect the TAI's USB connection to the computer running the automation DAW. If the

connection's length is longer than 6ft, a good quality USB2 cable extender should be used.

Connect the TAI's ETHERNET connector to the router's LAN port serving the local network

connections.

USB2

22

Router

SSL FADER/VCA/KEYBOARD

CONNECTORS

Cat5

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

Cat5


1.2 TAI INITIAL SETUP AND CONFIGURATION

The basic steps you need to follow when you start up the TAI are:

1) Press the TAI‟s the power switch.

2) If you are running on a MAC, open the Audio Midi setup application and verify that you see the

„‟Tangerine Automation Interface‟‟ (it should not be grayed out).

3) Open the DAW (Protools or Reaper) and go to section 3 of the user guide to do the DAW setup.

The TAI can be adapted to match different workflows and studio setups. This is done

by configuration changes made through the SETUP MODE. Go to the TAI web page

at http://tai.local. Use the SETUP menu button to access the SETUP MODE.

ENTERING SETUP MODE

http://tai.local/


2 . TAI SETUP

As the SSL only offers mix automation and transport related controllers, great care was taken to

optimize the use of these available « hardware » controllers through different control surface

mapping modes. The TAI has been designed to offer efficient mix automation environment using a

DAW as the automation software.

The following controllers link the SSL and the DAW.

SSL—> DAW

The LARGE FADERS

The MUTE SWITCHES

The FADER STATUS SWITCHES.

TRANSPORT CONTROL (WEB ACCESS /RECALL-IT OPTION ONLY)

DAW—>SSL

The channel's VCA

The channel's MUTE

The fader's automation ABS and TRIM leds.

2.1 THE TAI MODES

HUI MODE

The TAI can be configured to work as multiple HUIs, making the SSL a control surface that

interacts with HUI compatible DAWs.

Considering Protools popularity in recording studios, and taking in account the different levels of

HUI integration in DAWs, we have developed an "optimized for ProTools" HUI MODE.

To use the TAI with ProTools, go to the web Setup Page at http://tai.local/setup/ and select the „‟HUI‟‟

mode at the top of the page.

http://tai.local/setup/


REAPER/TAI MODE

Understanding what experienced SSL automation users liked about the original SSL automation

efficiency, we have implemented the "REAPER-TAI" mode. This mode uses REAPERR (from

CockosTM

) as the automation « engine ». Reaper's open « API » architecture as allowed us to

integrate mix functions that bring the best of the original SSL automation workflow will offering

new features only available in modern DAW‟s.

To use the «TAI /REAPER» mode, select the «TAI/REAPER» button in the «TAI SETUP» web page.

ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS

“IN WRITE, ON STOP, GO TO” mode:

This sets the automation mode the TAI will go «on stop» after a «WRITE» pass. The TAI can go to

«READ», «LATCH/TOUCH» or «SAME» (stay in «WRITE») on a STOP from the audio playback

source.

In the «TAI SETUP» web page, select the specific «READ», «LATCH/TOUCH» or «SAME» button you

want to use.

MASTER FADER or VCA GROUP 8 automation

The TAI has been designed to automate either the master fader or VCA group #8. You can switch

between having the VCA Group 8 or the MASTER fader automated at any time during a mix session by

accessing the Setup Page.

In the «TAI SETUP» web page, select «VCA Gr #8» or «Master Fader» to automate the selected channel.

VCA BANK «IN CONSOLE» LOCATION

This parameter will position the SSL VCA GROUPS anywhere in your the DAW mixer, so it matches

your SSL physical layout. Change the DAW «VIRTUAL» VCA bank number so it matches the physical

location in you SSL. (Ex: If your VCA bank is the 5th

“bucket” in your SSL, select „‟5‟‟ as the VCA bank

location. The VCA bank will be the 5th

bank in Protools or Reaper.

In the «TAI SETUP» web page, changer the «IN CONSOLE BANK NUMBER» to match your SSL

layout.


3 . DAW SETUP

3.1 REAPER SETUP

DRIVER AND SKIN INSTALLATION

To use TAI in Reaper, the driver file "Reaper_tai_csurf_driver.dylib" needs to be installed in the

/UserPlugins directory. This directory can be accessed true Reaper's menu:

/Option/Show REAPER resource path in explorer/finder... menu.

Drag and drop the "Reaper_tai_csurf_driver.dylib" driver file in the /UserPlugins

directory.

Drag and drop the TAI_osx_ReaperThemezip skin file in the track window

REAPER NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED AFTER INSTALLING THE DRIVERS


REAPER PREFERENCES

Once Reaper is restarted, the following basic parameters need to be adjusted in Reaper's preferences,

so the TAI can correctly work with REAPER

1: In Preferences/Audio/Device

Set to: Built-in input

2: In Preferences/Audio/MIDI Devices

Enable MIDI input to: Apple Inc. IAC Driver = Enabled+Control

Enable MIDI output to: THD-LABS Technology - TANGERINE #5 =Enabled+Clock


3: In Preferences/Appearance/Track Control panels

Set Volume fader range to +10dB

4: In Preferences/Editing Behavior/ Envelope Display Uncheck: Show new envelopes in separate envelope lanes


5: In Preferences/Control Surfaces

Add: Control surface mode to: „‟Tangerine Automation Interface‟‟

Midi input: =THD-LABS Technology - TANGERINE Port 5

Midi output: = THD-LABS Technology - TANGERINE Port 5

Once the basic parameters are setup, APPLY those changes and close the

preference window.


3.2 PROTOOLS SETUP

CONTROL SURFACE CONFIGURATION

To use ProTools as the automation software:

1) In the /Peripherals/MIDI Controllers panel,

Select Type = 4 x HUI

Set Tangerine Automation Interface Ports 1 to 4 in the "Receive From / Send To" fields.

2) In the "Preferences/Mixing" panel, set the "After Write Pass, switch to:" selector to "No Change"


4 . SYNCHRONIZATION

4.1 DAW SETUP FOR SYNC

Synching two or more devices involves a MASTER/SLAVE system. In the following example ProTools is

the MASTER multi-track audio source and REAPER runs as the SLAVE Automation software.

Both softwares need TIMECODE as a sync reference. The TIMECODE acts a speed and positional

information signal.

The MASTER will generate the TIMECODE

THE SLAVE will listen to the TIMECODE

If correctly set, the SLAVE will follow the MASTER moves and locations, in relation to the received

TIMECODE and setup information. This is called "RESOLVING" or "SYNCING" to TIMECODE

4.2 SAME COMPUTER SETUP

SETTING UP TIMECODE SIGNAL

If both software are running on the same computer, the TIMECODE can be sent via Apple's virtual routing

service: Apple's "IAC Driver". To use the "IAC Driver", It must be enabled in the "Audio MIDI setup"

application located in the Application/Utility folder. Renaming the default "BUS 1" to "TIMECODE" (or

another descriptive name) is recommended.


4.3 SETTING PROTOOLS TO SEND TIME CODE

The following steps must be taken to enable ProTools as a MASTER that will send TIMECODE

when in PLAY.

Step 1: Assigning the "IAC Driver" as the TIMECODE communication channel

Step 2: Setting the TIMECODE frame rate and session start time

NOTE:

Session start time should never set to 00:00:00:00, standard practice uses 01:00:00:00 or

10:00:00:00.

If no video is involved Timecode Rate can be 30FPS


Step 3: Enabling TIMECODE generation

SETTING REAPER TO RECEIVE AND SYNC TO TIME CODE _____________________

The following steps must be taken to configure and enable REAPER as a SLAVE that will sync to

TIMECODE when ProTools is in PLAY.

Step 1: Assigning the "IAC Driver" as the TIMECODE communication channel


Step 2: Setting the TIMECODE frame rate and Start Time


Step 3: Enabling receive and sync to TIMECODE

SYNCING _____________________

At this point, the system can be synched. When ProTools is in PLAY mode, REAPER will start and

synchronize itself in less then 1 second. From now, both softwares are considered one synched system.


4.4 SEPARATE COMPUTER SETUP

If Protools and REAPER are running on different computers, the TIMECODE can be sent via Apple's

"Network MIDI service". Both computers must be on the same network. For best performance, a wired,

direct or "thru a single router", connection should be used.

Located in the Application/Utility folder, the "Audio MIDI setup" application is used to setup and enable

a "Network" session on both computers.

SETTING PROTOOLS TO SEND TIME CODE

The following steps must be taken to enable ProTools as a MASTER that will send TIMECODE

when in PLAY (see next page)

Step 1: Assigning "NETWORK Session" as the TIMCODE communication channel

Step 2: Setting the TIMCODE frame rate and session start time

NOTE:

Session start time should never set to 00:00:00:00, standard practice uses 01:00:00:00 or

10:00:00:00.

If no video is involved Timecode Rate can be 30FPS


Step 3: Enabling TIMECODE generation.

SETTING REAPER TO RECEIVE AND SYNC TO TIME CODE

The following steps must be taken to configure and enable REAPER as a SLAVE that will sync to

TIMECODE with ProTools running on a different computer.

Step 1: Assigning the "Network Session" as the TIMECODE communication channel


Step 2: Setting the TIMECODE frame rate and Start Time

Step 3: Enabling receive and sync to TIMECODE.


SYNCING _____________________

At this point, the system can be synched. When ProTools is in PLAY mode, REAPER will start and

synchronize itself in less than 1 second. From now, both softwares are considered one synched system.


TAI USER GUIDE

5 . AUTOMATION MODES

The TAI has been optimized to work with Protools and Reaper. Each workflow offers their own

advantages. THD Labs has developed a customized version of Reaper (using our own CSurf Driver) that

is optimized for automation. In addition, Reaper offers some automation modes that are not available in

Protools (Trim Write, Trim Latch).

5.1 AUTOMATION MODES IN PROTOOLS

1) Preview

- Toggles between `ÒFF`` and ``WRITE``

2) Review

- Toggles between `ÒFF`` and ``READ``

3) ABS WRITE

- Toggles between `` READ `` and ``WRITE``

4) ABS LATCH

- Toggles between `` READ `` and ``LATCH``

5.2 AUTOMATION MODES IN REAPER

1) Preview

- Toggles between `ÒFF`` and ``WRITE``

2) Review

- Toggles between `ÒFF`` and ``READ``

3) ABS WRITE

- Toggles between `` READ `` and ``WRITE``

4) ABS LATCH

- Toggles between `` READ `` and ``LATCH``

5) TRIM WRITE

- Toggles between ``TRIM READ `` and ``TRIM WRITE``

6) ABS LATCH

- Toggles between ``TRIM READ `` and ``TRIM LATCH``


6 . MIX PAGE FUNCTIONS

The Mix page is an option that comes with the Recall-IT Option and the Web Interface Option. The TAI

needs to be connected to your computer with an Ethernet cable, as explained on page 3 of this manual.

You can access the Mix page by typing http://tai.local/ in your web browser. We recommend using

Google Chrome or Firefox to obtain the best performance. The Mix page is a convenient tool that will

simplifies the automation process, as all the functions you need are accessible on one page. The functions

available on the mix page are different depending if you are using the Protools workflow or the Reaper‟s

workflow. We call our Reaper‟s workflow the „‟legacy‟‟ mode, as most of the automation functions that

were used on the SSL computer are available with this workflow. Hereunder is a print screen of the Mix

Page for the Reaper‟s workflow and the Protools workflow. You will explanations for each function

under the print screens:

MIX PAGE FOR REAPER’S WORKFLOW

1) GREEN BARS

- Each green bar represents the position of the corresponding fader (the number is shown under).

When you are playing back your mix in Read mode, the green bar will show the position of the

fader in real time following your mix. When you are in Write mode or OFF mode, the green

bars show the live position of your fader.

http://tai.local/


2) LETTERS SHOWN OVER EACH FADER

- The letters shown over each fader indicates in which mode your fader is in. Hereunder is a list

of all the modes :

OFF = Off

R = Read

W = Write

L = Latch

TR = Trim Read

TW = Trim Write

TL = Trim Latch

3) MIX ON/OFF

- Press „‟MIX ON‟‟ to put the automation „‟online‟‟. In „‟MIX OFF‟‟, the faders voltage are

looped back trough relays to the VCA‟s.

4) LEVEL MATCH

- This function can be used at anytime, if your mix is on play or on stop. The red bars are

showing your target and the green bars show the actual position of each fader. The LEVEL

MATCH mode can also be access by pressing and holding the status switch of the channel.

When you enter this mode, you need to move your fader until both leds of the status switch are

showing. If only the top led is showing, this means that you need to move up your fader to

reach the target. If only the bottom led is showing, this means that you need to move down

your fader to reach the target.

5) END

- The „‟End‟‟ function saves a new version of your mix in Reaper.

6) FROM START

- This function will push your actual fader position from the start of the mix to your current

position.

7) FROM HERE

- When you press on this button, the TAI will put a point on the timeline, and when you will

have found the right volume you want to write, it will change the volume from this point when

you will press the function „‟Join‟‟

8) TO THE END

- This function will push your actual fader position from to the end of the mix.

9) JOIN

- Refer to the function #7 for explanation.

10) TRACK LOCK ENABLE

- This function enables the track locking function. Once you pressed on this button, you can

select all the tracks that you what to lock by pressing the status switch. The selected tracks will

be shown with a yellow rectangle around the mode description. When you are done selecting

all the tracks you want to lock them, press „‟SET LOCKED TRACK‟‟. You will now see red

rectangles around the channels that are locked.

11) SET LOCKED TRACK


- Refer to function #10 for explanation

12) CLEAR LOCKED TRACK

- This button will unlock all the locked tracks.

13) PREVIEW

- This button select the „‟PREVIEW‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between ``OFF`` and

``WRITE``

14) REVIEW

- This button select the „‟REVIEW‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between ``OFF`` and

``READ``

15) ABS WRITE

- This button select the „‟ABS WRITE‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between `` READ``

and ``WRITE``

16) ABS LATCH

- This button select the „‟ABS LATCH‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between `` READ``

and ``LATCH``

17) TRIM WRITE

- This button select the „‟TRIM WRITE‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between ``TRIM

READ`` and ``TRIM WRITE``. To use this function, you need to set your fader at 0db and do

your trim move at unity.

18) TRIM LATCH

- This button select the „‟TRIM LATCH‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between ``TRIM

READ`` and ``TRIM LATCH``


MIX PAGE FOR PROTOOLS WORKFLOW

1) GREEN BARS

- Each green bar represents the position of the corresponding fader (the number is shown under).

When you are playing back your mix in Read mode, the green bar will show the position of the

fader in real time following your mix. When you are in Write mode or OFF mode, the green

bars show the live position of your fader.

2) LETTERS SHOWN OVER EACH FADER

- The letters shown over each fader indicates in which mode your fader is in. Hereunder is a list

of all the modes :

OFF = Off

R = Read

W = Write

L = Latch

3) MIX ON/OFF

- Press „‟MIX ON‟‟ to put the automation „‟online‟‟. In „‟MIX OFF‟‟, the faders voltage are

looped back trough relays to the VCA‟s.

4) LEVEL MATCH

- This function can be used at anytime, is your mix is on play or on stop. The Red bars are

showing your target and the green bars show the actual position of each fader. The LEVEL

MATCH mode can also be access by pressing and holding the status switch of the channel.


5) END

- The „‟End‟‟ function saves a new version of your mix in Reaper.

6) TRACK LOCK ENABLE

- This function enables the track locking function. Once you pressed on this button, you can

select all the tracks that you what to lock by pressing the status switch. The selected tracks will

be shown with a yellow rectangle around the mode description. When you are done selecting

all the tracks you want to lock them, press „‟SET LOCKED TRACK‟‟. You will now see red

rectangles around the channels that are locked.

7) SET LOCKED TRACK

- Refer to function #6 for explanation

8) CLEAR LOCKED TRACK

- This button will unlock all the locked tracks.

9) PREVIEW

- This button select the „‟PREVIEW‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between ``OFF`` and

``WRITE``

10) REVIEW

- This button select the „‟REVIEW‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between ``OFF`` and

``READ``

11) ABS WRITE

- This button select the „‟ABS WRITE‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between `` READ``

and ``WRITE``

12) ABS LATCH

- This button select the „‟ABS LATCH‟‟ automation mode, which toggles between `` READ``

and ``LATCH``


7 . RECALL-IT OPTION FUNCTIONS (if applicable)

The Recall-IT Option offers the same functions has SSL's Total Recall but with the added benefits of

"intranet/web" access on any devices like Mac computer, Ipad or I-phone. The Recall-IT page can be

access by entering http://tai.local/recall/ in your web browser. When you do a recall, a graphic

representation of the selected module is shown. The values of each potentiometer are updated in real

time. You will find hereunder the representation of Recall page with a description of the main

functions underneath the image.

RECALL-IT PAGE

1) CHANNEL INDICATOR

- The channel number is shown in the red rectangle at the top right of the page.

2) POSITION INDICATOR

- The red circle around the knob means this knob is not positioned correctly. The target is shown

by the green line around the knob. Once you hit the target, the red circle with automatically

disappear.

3) SWITCH STATUS INDICATOR

- The switches incorrectly set are highlighted by a red rectangle around the switch.

4) SNAPSHOT

http://tai.local/recall/


- To take a snapshot, press the orange button „‟Snapshot‟‟ at the bottom of the page. This button

will automatically redirect you to the save snapshot page (see next section)

5) CHANGE CHANNEL

- The arrows allow you to switch to the next/previous channel. You can also press the status

switch of any channel to automatically get the recall data of this channel.

SAVE SNAPSHOT PAGE

Once you have done a snapshot, the system will redirect you to the page to save this snapshot. The 2 required

fields are „‟Filename‟‟ and „‟Title‟‟. When it‟s done, press „‟Save snapshot‟‟ at the bottom of the page, and it

will save the snapshot locally on the TAI. The section „‟Backup page‟‟ at page 35 will explain how to export

the snapshot on your computer.


LOAD SNAPSHOT PAGE

You can access all the snapshots you saved on the „‟Load‟‟ page. If you want to load a snapshot, press the

orange button on the right.


BACKUP PAGE

You can export all your snapshots on your computer with the „‟Backup‟‟ page. To export a snapshot to your

computer, press the orange button on the right.


8 . KEYBOARD DECODER OPTION FUNCTIONS (if applicable)

The keyboard decoder Option is used to control the Tangerine Automation Interface and your mix

session directly from the SSL keyboard. This option gives you the advantage to stay „‟in the zone‟‟

as you don‟t need to go to your computer to change the Automation modes selection or select other

automations functions. In addition, you can use the SSL Keyboard Transport keys (Rewind,

Forward, Stop, Play, Record) to control your Protools session. You can also add markers in your

Protools session using the „‟.‟‟. Finally, there is also a key command to do the „‟Level Match‟‟ and

to use the „‟Track Locking‟‟ function. Hereunder is a graphic of the main commands automated

with the keyboard decoder option on the „‟E‟‟ type keyboard and the „‟G‟‟ type keyboard:

SSL E TYPE KEYBOARD

LEDEND = TAI automation functions = Protools commands automated


SSL G TYPE KEYBOARD

LEDEND = TAI automation functions = Protools commands automated

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