TANGERINE AUTOMATION INTERFACE USER GUIDE automation interface_user guide.pdf„‟Tangerine...
Transcript of 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
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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 17-24 FADER 17-24
FADER 25-32 FADER 25-32
FADER xx-xx FADER xx-xx
FADER (last bank) FADER (last bank)
VCA 1-8 VCA
KEYBOARD KEYBOARD
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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"
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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.
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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
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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
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Step 2: Setting the TIMECODE frame rate and Start Time
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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.
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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
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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
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Step 2: Setting the TIMECODE frame rate and Start Time
Step 3: Enabling receive and sync to TIMECODE.
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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.
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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 ``OFF`` and ``WRITE``
2) Review
- Toggles between ``OFF`` 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 ``OFF`` and ``WRITE``
2) Review
- Toggles between ``OFF`` 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``
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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.
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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
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- 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``
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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.
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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``
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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
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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SSL G TYPE KEYBOARD
LEDEND = TAI automation functions = Protools commands automated