Solid State Logic 82BN0M01A, 82BN0M01B User Manual

www.solidstatelogic.com

Nucleus

User Guide

Nucleus. This is SSL.

Document History

82BN0M01A December 2010 Initial Release 82BN0M01B December 2011 Corrected footers and other small typo’s

Clarified Mac requirements for USB Soundcard

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Nucleus 1

DAW Control Principles 1

How to use this Manual 2

Conventions 2 Glossary 2 Software Versions 2 Help! 2

1. Nucleus Overview 3

Channel Strip and Mode Switches 3 Centre Section and Analogue Control 4 Nucleus Remote 4

2. Nucleus Configurations 5

DAWs With Proprietary Soundcards 5 DAWs Without Proprietary Soundcards 7 Multiple DAWs 8

3. Software Installation 9

Mac Installation 9 Windows Installation 10

4. Connection and Software Configuration 11

Physical Connections 11

Audio Connections 11 Data Connections 11

Configuring Network Connections 12

Network Wiring 12 Assigning the Nucleus IP Address 12 Direct Network Connection Configuration (Mac) 13 Connecting Nucleus to Multiple Computers 14

ipMIDI Configuration 15

MIDI Port Mapping 15 Pro Tools 8 15 Logic Pro 9 16

USB Soundcard Configuration 17

Mac 17 Windows 18

5. Nucleus Remote 19

Establishing the Remote Connection 19

Remote Tabs 20

The ‘DAW’ Tab 20 The ‘Network Setup’ Tab 20 The ‘About’ Tab 20

Remote Layer Selection 21 Layer Profile Configuration 21

Protocols 21 Creating Profiles – Method 1 21 Creating Profiles – Method 2 22 Selecting a Profile 22 Managing Profiles 23

Timeline Functions 24

Transport Master 24 Jog Wheel Function 24 Automation Display (HUI Only) 24

Soft Key Configuration 25

Default Soft Keys 25 User 1, User 2 Soft Keys 25 Transport / Utility Soft Keys 26 Assigning Soft Key Functions 26 DAW Protocol Commands 27 DAW Keyboard Shortcuts 28 Soft Key Menus 29 Renaming Softkey Assignments 30 Assigning Modified Functions to Soft Keys 30 Removing and Replacing Soft Key Assignments 30 Configuring Continuous Controller Layers 31

6. DAW Operations 33

Layer Select 33

Soft Keys 33 Channel Control 34

Channel Scrolling 34 Basic Channel Parameters 34 Channel Metering 34 Track Arming 34 Automation Control 34 V-Pot and V-Sel Control 35 Plug-in Control (Pro Tools Only) 36

Master Control 37

Basic Transport 37 Navigation Controls 37 Additional Master Controls 37 MODE Display (MCU Only) 37

User Keys 38

7. Analogue Operations 39

Recording Sources 39

Monitoring 39

Mixdown Mode 40 External and iJack 40

Metering 40

Appendix 41

Transport/Utility Function Map 41 DAW Protocol Command Soft Key Labelling 42

Pro Tools 42 Logic 43 Nuendo 44

Index 45

Introduction

NUCLEUS

Welcome to Nucleus, SSL’s integrated DAW controller and soundcard. Nucleus allows you to record audio and monitor your studio software through SSL’s legendary analogue circuitry and converters, while placing full control of your session underneath your fingertips. While the basic configurations created by SSL’s studio engineers allow you to get working with Nucleus straight out of the box, the functions assigned to much of the control surface can be adapted to suit the specifics of your working environment, as configured within the Nucleus Logictivity Remote software.

DAW Control Principles

A DAW controller is part mixing console and part computer keyboard. It is a mixing console insofar as it uses channel strips and faders etc. to mix and manipulate audio. It is a computer keyboard insofar as, rather than affecting any audio electronics within it, it simply sends (and receives) commands to a computer program.

Of course, Nucleus’ two analogue channels makes it more than a DAW controller.

Nucleus can be used to control DAW software using either HUI or MCU protocols. These are the standardised control ‘languages’ used by the majority of DAW software on the market today: HUI is used by ProTools, MCU by Logic and Nuendo. Please refer to your DAW software’s user guide if you are unclear which protocol you use.

The Nucleus control surface also replicates a number of computer keyboard keys, such as modifiers (

DAW sessions: ipMIDI (a conventional MIDI signal, sent over Ethernet) for HUI or MCU control, and USB for standard keyboard commands.

Using Nucleus’ Layer structure, different DAW programs can be connected simultaneously. Only one can be controlled at one time, though all transports can be controlled simultaneously from one transport master.

Because each DAW is different and the precise application of HUI and MCU protocols is specific to the DAW software being used, this manual does not provide detailed descriptions of specific DAW operations. Please refer to your DAW User Guide for information about how to apply the control offered by Nucleus.

Nucleus User Guide Page 1

<Enter>

and

<Esc>

keys, and shortcuts such as ‘Save’ and ‘Undo’. Nucleus uses two connections to control

<Shift>

, ⌘or ‘command’,

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

fter this introduction, you will find a quick overview of Nucleus, followed by more detailed sections covering installation, use

f the Nucleus Logictivity Remote, and general Nucleus operation.

Conventions

Throughout this manual, the following conventions will be used:

• Labels found on the Nucleus control surface are indicated Like This.

• Labels and text found either in the Nucleus Remote or other computer dialogues are indicated Like This.

• The few instances where we refer directly to computer filenames etc. will be shown

Where necessary, DAW computer keyboard key strokes will be shown like thiswhilst function keys (as opposed to normal

• numbers, symbols and characters) such as the ‘Control’ key will be shown with ‘angle’ brackets such as

• Where DAW protocol commands appear, the command or function will be shown with ‘curly’ brackets {

Notes and additional information appear like this.

• The Nucleus Logictivity Remote application will in some cases be abbreviated to just ‘Remote’.

• The Nucleus itself may be refered to either by name, as the ‘DAW controller’ or as the ‘control surface’.

Please be aware that screenshots shown may differ slightly in appearance from their on-screen equivalents.

Glossary

The following terms are either concerned with general DAW control, or specific Nucleus operations:

Like This

<Ctrl>

like_this}

CC Layer A Continuous Controller (‘CC’) Profile for use with MIDI devices.

DAW Digital Audio Workstation. Software which emulates a recording studio, such as ProTools, Logic and Nuendo.

ipMIDI MIDI control data sent over Ethernet.

HUI Human User Interface. The DAW control protocol used by ProTools and others.

Layers Different DAW programmes, one of which can be controlled by Nucleus at a time, though all transports can be

activated simultaneously from one transport master.

MCU Mackie Control Unit. The DAW control protocol used by Logic, Nuendo and others.

SD Card An SD memory card fitted to the rear of Nucleus for Profile storage.

Soft Keys Many switches on Nucleus can be programmed through the Nucleus Remote to perform DAW specific functions.

These switches are grouped together as ‘soft key sets’.

USER The USER 1 and USER 2 switches located in the centre section area of Nucleus are used to apply soft key sets to

the switches above and below the scribble strip displays.

V-Pot In-channel rotary encoder, used to control a variety of parameters. In Nucleus, the V-Pot is below the digital

display.

V-Sel In-channel encoder switch, used to control a variety of parameters, often associated with the V-Pot. The switch

is activated by pressing the V-Pot. Note that the V-Sel switch is different from the channel select (SEL) switch.

Software Versions

The information in this manual is correct for Nucleus software V1.0/3 or greater, Nucleus firmware V2.0/1 or greater and Nucleus Browser V1.0/3 or greater.

Help!

Should you require assistance with Nucleus that is not addressed by this manual, please refer to the Support pages of the SSL Website at www.solidstatelogic.com/support.

Page 2 Nucleus User Guide

1. Nucleus Overview

The diagrams below and overleaf provide an overview of the Nucleus control surface along with the main DAW screen of the Nucleus Remote.

CHANNEL STRIP AND MODE SWITCHES

Mode Switches

The Mode switches are not part of the channel in which they are located. In normal operation, they select V-Pot modes. By default only Mode switches 1-8 are assigned. Note that the V-Pot modes are printed beneath the switches, and not shown in the digital display. When the USER switches in the centre section are pressed, the Mode

Channel meter

and record status

indicator

and V-Sel switches in channels 9-16 become soft switches (Soft Keys) which can be configured using the Nucleus Remote.

Channel Cut and

Solo switches

Channel Select

switch. Also used for track arming,

automation and

plug-in control.

Channel Fader

V-Pots and V-Sel Switches

- Turn for the V-Pot

- Press for the V-Sel switch Functions are defined by the host application, or by pressing a Mode switch. When the centre section USER switches are selected, Mode and V-Sel switches in channels 9-16 become additional soft switches.

2-Row ‘Scribble Strip’ Display

In normal operation, the top row displays the channel name and the bottom row the V-Pot function. When the centre section USER switches are selected, the digital display on channels 9-16 shows the soft key assignments for each corresponding Mode and V-Sel switch.

Nucleus User Guide Page 3

CENTRE SECTION AND ANALOGUE CONTROL

USER soft key

set selectors

DAW channel

control modifiers

DAW computer modifier keys *

Channel/bank

scrollers

Transport

control *

Analogue control:

Monitoring and

Mic inputs

Global DAW

control keys *

Additional DAW

Layer selectors

* Note.

The functions of switches in areas with asterisks are defined in the Nucleus Remote. Default functions are shown.

NUCLEUS REMOTE

Defines which layer

is being edited

in the Remote

Defines the DAW

being controlled

Selects soft key sets

for the Soft Key

Setup display

Soft Key Setup

Page 4 Nucleus User Guide

Select DAW to view

or edit Nucleus setup

Defines default

function of Jog Wheel

Enables single-letter

automation display

Defines which DAW is transport master

2. Nucleus Configurations

Nucleus operation requires the following:

- an Ethernet connection between Nucleus and the DAW computer(s) – for DAW control and the Nucleus Remote a USB connection between Nucleus and the host DAW computer(s) – for DAW keyboard commands (and soundcard audio

f applicable)

- audio connections – for recording sources and monitoring

The way in which audio is sent between Nucleus and the host DAW computer is dependant on the connectivity options associated with the DAW(s) being used, as introduced below. The rest of this section of the manual describes the installation and connections involved in each option.

DAWs With Proprietary Soundcards

Some DAWs can only receive audio via their own proprietary soundcard hardware. Many of these soundcards provide digital (S/PDIF) connections, allowing you to take full advantage of the SSL quality pre-amps and converters. The two Nucleus input channels are sent using the left and right channels of the S/PDIF Out, and the S/PDIF In feeds the monitor inputs.

If your S/PDIF connections are coaxial (usually using phono sockets), simple coaxial to optical S/PDIF converters will be required to connect the soundcard digitally to the Nucleus PRE (pre-amp) outputs.

Using Nucleus’ Digital IO

DAW

Computer

Note.

Socket locations are approximate

Ethernet

(DAW control

and Remote)

Optical to

coax adaptor

USB

(DAW keyboard

commands)

Headphones

Monitoring

Recording

Sources

S/PDIF (digital

audio)

MP3

Player

Mains Power

Nucleus User Guide Page 5

Using Nucleus’ Analogue IO

or soundcards which don’t have digital IO, line-level analogue connections allow you still to make use of Nucleus’ SSL pre-

mps. Nucleus PRE (pre-amp) outputs and EXTERNAL monitor inputs can be used to connect Nucleus to the soundcard inputs

nd outputs.

DAW

Computer

Ethernet

(DAW control

and Remote)

USB

(DAW keyboard

commands)

Monitoring

PRE Out

and

EXTERNAL

eadphones

Recording

Sources

Mains Power

MP3

Player

Note.

Socket locations are approximate

Page 6 Nucleus User Guide

AWs Without Proprietary Soundcards

or software which can send and receive audio via any soundcard connected to the computer, Nucleus can be connected

irectly to the DAW using the USB connection.

DAW

Computer

Ethernet

(DAW control

and Remote)

Monitoring

Headphones

Recording

Sources

USB

(Soundcard and

DAW keyboard

commands)

MP3

Player

Mains Power

Note.

Socket locations are approximate

Nucleus User Guide Page 7

ultiple DAWs

Up to three DAW applications on up to three computers can be connected to Nucleus simultaneously, as described on Page 14. This configuration requires both a Network Router and USB switcher.

omputer

Network

Router

Ethernet (DAW control and Remote)

omputer

switcher

(Soundcard and DAW

keyboard commands)

USB

omputer

Note.

Diagram doesn’t indicate socket locations.

Page 8 Nucleus User Guide

3. Software Installation

In order for Nucleus to integrate into your working environment, it will be necessary to install drivers and supporting software on your DAW computer(s) and/or studio computer(s). The following computers and operating systems are supported:

Mac

• Intel only, 1.2GHz or faster

• OS X Version 10.5.8 or greater (‘Leopard’, ‘Snow Leopard’ or ‘Lion’ – 32 or 64bit)

Windows

• Pentium IV or equivalent, 1GHz or faster

• Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1 or higher, or Windows 7 (32 or 64bit)

For all computers, the following resources are required:

• 512MB RAM

• 15MB Hard Disk space

• VGA colour screen (1024 x 768 pixels or higher)

• Internet connection (for product registration and software upgrade)

The ipMIDI and (optional) USB Soundcard drivers will be required for one or more DAW computers, Nucleus Remote can either be installed onto one of the DAW computers or onto an entirely different computer if required.

Mac Installation

1. Insert the Nucleus CD included with your Nucleus unit into the Mac CD-ROM drive – if necessary, use Finder to open a view of the CD-ROM drive. You should be presented with a window similar to that opposite.

Nucleus Remote

2. To install Nucleus Remote, simply drag the Nucleus Remote icon to the Applications folder alias. This will copy the application onto the computer.

3. To run Nucleus Remote, locate and double-click the Nucleus Remote icon in the Applications folder. If required, drag this icon to the Dock on the Desktop to provide quick and easy access.

4. If it is necessary to uninstall Nucleus Remote, simply locate the

Nucleus Remote icon in the Applications folder and drag it to the Trash.

It is also possible to run Nucleus Remote directly from the CD.

ipMIDI Driver

If an older version of the ipMIDI driver is already present on the computer, it must be removed prior to running the installer; simply delete the

ipMIDIDriver.bundle

file from the

/Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers

folder.

5. To install the ipMIDI driver, locate the ipMIDI package in the Finder window. Double-click this icon to launch the ipMIDI installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).

It will be necessary to log out and back in again after the driver has been installed.

Nucleus User Guide Page 9

6. To uninstall the ipMIDI driver, simply delete the

SB Soundcard

nstallation of the USB soundcard is optional; if you intend to connect Nucleus to your DAW using only analogue or

/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install the soundcard.

. To install the USB Soundcard driver, locate the USB Soundcard package in the Finder window. Double-click this icon to

aunch the USB Soundcard installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).

8. The USB Soundcard provides a stand-alone control panel – to install this, simply drag the Nucleus USB Control Panel icon to the Applications folder alias. This will copy the application onto the computer.

9. To run Nucleus USB Control Panel, locate and double-click the Nucleus USB Control Panel icon in the Applications folder. If required, drag this icon to the Dock on the Desktop to provide quick and easy access.

ipMIDIDriver.plugin

file from the

/Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers

folder.

Windows Installation

1. Insert the Nucleus CD included with your Nucleus unit into the Windows PC CD-ROM drive – if necessary, use Windows Explorer to open a view of the CD-ROM drive.

Nucleus Remote

2. To install Nucleus Remote, locate the Nucleus Setup application and double-click this file to run the Nucleus Remote installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).

3. On completion of the installation process, the installer will place a shortcut on the Desktop; double-click this icon to run Nucleus Remote.

4. The Nucleus Remote can be un-installed by running the Uninstall application located in the Nucleus Remote folder.

ipMIDI Driver

If an older version of the ipMIDI driver is already present on the computer, it should be uninstalled (using Add/Remove Programs) before running the installer.

5. To install the ipMIDI driver, locate the ipMIDI Setup application and double-click this file to launch the ipMIDI installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).

It will be necessary to restart the computer after the driver has been installed.

6. To remove the ipMIDI driver, simply run the Uninstall application located in the ipMIDI folder.

USB Soundcard

Installation of the USB soundcard is optional; if you intend to connect Nucleus to your DAW using only analogue or S/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install the soundcard.

7. To install the USB Soundcard driver, locate and open the USB Soundcard folder. Locate the Setup application and double- click this file to launch the USB soundcard installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).

8. The USB Soundcard driver can be uninstalled using the Device Manager.

Page 10 Nucleus User Guide

4. Connection and Software Configuration

PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS

he Installation Guide that came with Nucleus contains important safety information. Please be sure to read that guide

efore attempting to connect Nucleus.

The mains power connection for Nucleus is via a standard 3-pin IEC320 power cable. The following audio and data connections can be found on the Nucleus back panel:

Audio Connections

PRE 1 IN, PRE 2 IN Combi inputs for Nucleus pre-amps 1 and 2, XLR connections are routed via the pre-amps; plugging

in a 1/4" jack will automatically select the high input impedance on the channel strip.

PRE 1 OUT, PRE 2 OUT Balanced XLR outputs from the input channels (in parallel with the Insert Send).

SEND/RETURN 1 and 2 Balanced 1/4" jack Insert Send and Return connections for pre-amps 1 and 2.

Note that inserts can also be used on the monitor circuits – see Page 40 for details.

EXTERNAL L and R Balanced XLR inputs for connecting an additional stereo signal to the Nucleus monitoring circuits.

MONITOR L and R Balanced XLR outputs for connecting the Nucleus monitoring to a pair of loudspeakers.

HEAPHONES 1/4" stereo headphone connections. Both sockets send identical signals.

MONITOR -10dB Phono connections providing a 10dB attenuated unbalanced output for consumer monitoring.

iJack 3.5mm stereo jack input provides an additional source into the monitoring and headphone sends.

SPDIF Optical S/PDIF stereo IO. The outputs of the Nucleus pre-amps feed the S/PDIF output (channel 1

is left, channel 2 is right) and the S/PDIF inputs feed the External monitor connection.

Data Connections

Both Network and USB connections must be made between Nucleus and the DAW computer(s) – for systems using multiple computers, see Page 14.

Network This is a standard 8P8C modular (‘RJ45’ type) Ethernet connector for Nucleus – DAW network data.

USB Use a standard USB A-B cable to connect Nucleus to a USB port on your DAW computer. This

connection is used for the Nucleus soundcard and for keyboard commands to the DAW.

It is important that the USB connection between Nucleus and your computer is direct, and not via USB ports on the back of your keyboard, for example. If using a switcher for a multi-computer setup, ensure that the switcher is high quality. Nucleus provides a USB hub, allowing additional equipment to be connected via Nucleus.

Defining Keyboard Nationality (Mac)

Nucleus emulates a UK keyboard. When Nucleus is first connected to a Mac, a dialogue will be displayed which asks you to identify the new keyboard. In order to identify the keyboard type, the Mac then requires the key to right of the left Shift key to be pressed. Mode switch 16 on Nucleus (see Page 25), is assigned a ‘Keyboard ID’ command by default; pressing this switch – labelled ‘KeybID’ – will send the required keystroke to the Mac to correctly identify Nucleus as a UK keyboard.

Footswitch Two footswitches can be connected to Nucleus using the single 1/4" stereo (X-Y) jack FOOTSWITCH

connector – use a mono-to-stereo splitter cable to separate the two footswitch connections.

Terminal The TERMINALD-connector is used for advanced system configuration and diagnostics. We strongly

suggest not using this unless you are confident with terminal procedures and have an in-depth understanding of quantum theory.

Nucleus User Guide Page 11

CONFIGURING NETWORK CONNECTIONS

Network Wiring

To ensure the fastest possible communication between your DAW computer and Nucleus – and to simplify the installation wiring – Nucleus communicates with your workstation over Ethernet using the ipMIDI driver to emulate a multiport MIDI interface. To ensure minimum latency ipMIDI uses multicast UDP rather than TCP/IP. This means that:

• The network connection should be short and direct.

Where possible all cables should be as short as possible and only routers that can support high data transfer rates should be used. Problems have been experienced with some domestic routers, particularly when used with Pro Tools. Typical symptoms of a slow network connection are:

- The Nucleus fails to synchronise all controls when first connecting with the DAW.

- Channel controls and scribble strips on channels 9-16 fail to update reliably when using the Channel scroller switches.

• All computers on the network will receive ipMIDI packets.

Because ipMIDI uses multicast UDP packets, messages between one computer and Nucleus will be received by all other computers on the network, potentially causing problems in installations with more than one Nucleus. The UDP packets can be blocked by using a firewall router and connecting the main network to the WAN connector. The firewall can then be configured to allow all traffic apart from UDP ports 21928 through 21947 which are used by ipMIDI and port 50081 which is used by the Nucleus Remote application. Note that it may be necessary to use a separate Ethernet switch in place of the integrated firewall router switch, as some of these can not support the high data transfer rate required. The NetGear FS108 (an eight port switch) has been used successfully at SSL Begbroke.

To avoid the latency and communication issues illustrated above, we recommend that Nucleus and the DAW computers be connected directly on a dedicated network. In practice, most systems can be configured with a direct connection.

Assigning the Nucleus IP Address

The Nucleus IP address is configured via the Network Setup tab in the Nucleus Remote. By default, Nucleus uses a fixed IP address of to a single DAW computer. We suggest you do not attempt to change these unless you are familiar with Ethernet configuration as doing so may break communication between Nucleus and the Remote.

If Nucleus must be connected via a wider network, ideally in that case through a network switch or router, Nucleus should probably be set to use a DHCP server (check the Use DHCP option) to automatically set an IP Address, Subnet and Gateway suitable for your wider network. If there is any possibility that a DHCP server is not available the Fixed option should be used.

192.168.1.2

– the IP Address, Subnet and Gateway shown in the picture below should work for a direct connection

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