Solid State Logic Duality SE Operator's Manual

Duality SE

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Part Number: 82S6DUA20D

As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right

to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation

E&OE

Solid State Logic

S O U N D

| |

V I S I O N

B

egbroke, Oxford, England, OX5 1RU • [phone]

320 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, USA • [phone]

Suite 401, 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA • [phone]

3-55-14 Sendagaya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan • [phone]

7 bis, rue de la Victoire, le Blanc Mesnil, Paris 93150, France • [phone]

Via Timavo 34, 20124 Milano, Italy • [phone]

Visit SSL at URL: http://www.solidstatelogic.com

© Solid State Logic

All Rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions

Duality, Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic

All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or

by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the

written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, England

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Section Contents 1-i

What is Duality SE? 1-1

Design Concepts 1-1
Key Features Summary 1-1
Console Feature Summary 1-1
Exceptional Signal Processing 1-2
Creative Versatility 1-2
DAW Controller 1-2
Controller Features Summary 1-3
System Options 1-3

About this manual 1-5

Conventions Used 1-5
Contacting Solid State Logic 1-5

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Section Contents 2-i

Section Index 2-iii

Overview 2-1

An Introduction to Split Mode 2-2
Routing and Signal Flow 2-2
DAW I/O Labelling 2-2

Channel Strip 2-3

Introduction 2-3
Channel Input Section 2-4
Dynamics Section 2-5
Filters 2-7
Equaliser 2-7
Insert 2-7
Channel Output (CHOP) 2-8
Signal Processor Routing 2-8
Channel Sends 2-9
Channel Pan 2-10
D-pot and DAW Control 2-11
Channel Cut and Solo 2-11
Channel Fader 2-11
Fader Grouping 2-12
Fader Links 2-12
The Channel TFT Screen 2-14

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The Centre Section 2-17

Introduction 2-17
Power Supply Indicators 2-17
Central Routing Panel 2-18
Main Output Functions 2-20
Main Bus Compressor 2-21
Master Fader 2-22
Track Bus Master Controls 2-23
Monitoring 2-24
Cue/FX Send Master Controls 2-33
Foldback and Headphone Outputs 2-33
Stereo Return Channels 2-34
Misc Options 2-35
Communications 2-36
Oscillator 2-38
Mix Reassign Matrix 2-39
Group Control Faders 2-40
Centre Section Metering 2-41
Setup Menu 2-43

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Section Contents 3-i

Section Index 3-iii

Introduction 3-1

DAW Controller Features Summary 3-1
Console Focus 3-2
DAW Layers 3-3

Connecting Duality to DAWs 3-5

Connecting via physical MIDI ports 3-6
Connecting via ipMIDI 3-7

DAW Control Operations 3-13

D-pots 3-13

The Master Control Panel (HUI Mode) 3-15

Channel Banking Controls 3-15
DAW Window Buttons 3-15
DAW Utility Buttons 3-16
Modifier Buttons) 3-16
The Default Button 3-17

Channel Functions 3-19

DAW Meters 3-19
Channel Fader 3-19
Channel Solo and Cut Panels 3-20
Channel SEL Button — Record Ready/Edit/Select 3-21
Edit Mode 3-21
Select Mode 3-22
Working with the Channel D-pots 3-22

Input, Output and Send Routing 3-25

Viewing Input, Output and Send Routing 3-25
Setting input, Output and Send Routing 3-25

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Motion Control 3-27

Basic Transport Controls 3-27
Additional Transport Controls 3-27
Other useful transport modes 3-28
Setting Pre and Post Roll 3-28
Setting start (In) and end (Out) Times 3-28
Audition 3-28
Footswitch Control 3-29
Zoom, Navigation and Selection Modes 3-29
Scrolling Within a Window 3-30
Shuttle/Scrub Wheel 3-30
Numeric Keypad 3-31

Plug-In Editor 3-33

Plug-In Editor Display 3-33
Plug-In Editor Controls 3-33
Paging Buttons 3-33
Selecting a DAW Channel for Plug-In Control 3-34
Timecode/Bars & Beats/Samples Display 3-34
Plug-In Display Modes 3-34
Viewing Current Inserts (Insert Mode) 3-34
Assigning a Plug-In or Hardware I/O Insert (Assign Mode) 3-35
Editing Plug-In Parameters (Parameter Mode) 3-35

Soft Keys 3-37

Automation Enables 3-37
Automation Modes 3-37
Edit Tools Menu 3-38
Edit Modes Menu 3-38
Status/Group Menu 3-38
Function Keys 3-39
EDIT Menu 3-39
SSL Menu 3-39

Working with DAW Automation 3-41

Automation Enables 3-41
Automation Modes 3-41
TRIM Mode 3-41
Automation Status Display 3-42
Suspending Automation 3-42
Writing Automation (Write to Start, End or All) 3-42
Automating Cuts 3-43
Automating Pans and Sends 3-43
Automating Plug-Ins 3-43

Mackie Control (MCU) Emulation 3-45

Mackie Control Emulation Advantages 3-45
Implementation 3-45
Mackie Function Control Overview 3-47
The Logic Template 3-48
Nuendo/Cubase Template 3-50
The Sonar Template 3-53
Digital Performer Template 3-55

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SSeeccttiioonn 44:: TToottaall RReeccaallll

Section Contents 4-i

Section Index 4-iii

Overview 4-1

Total Recall and Projects 4-2

Working with Projects and Titles 4-3
Saving a TR Setup 4-4
Recalling a TR Setup 4-4
Deleting a TR Setup 4-5
Renaming TR Setups 4-5

Total Recall Displays 4-6

Resetting Controls 4-8

Automatically Reset Controls 4-9
Manually Reset Controls and Auto-Scan 4-9

Copying and Swapping Settings 4-9

Copying TR Setups to a DAW Folder 4-10

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Seciton Contents 5-i

Section Index 5-iii

Overview 5-1

Key features 5-1

Automation and Projects 5-3

Working with Projects and Titles 5-4

Automation in the Duality SE Remote 5-5

Operation 5-7

Activating the Automation System 5-7
List Mix Menu 5-7
Creating A New Mix Pass 5-8
Mix Running 5-10
Dedicated Automation Buttons 5-11
Join and Revise 5-12
Discard 5-13
Updating a Mix Pass 5-13
Protection Modes 5-14
Switch Automation 5-16

Automation Options 5-17

Trim 5-17
Trim Lock 5-18
Motors Off 5-18
Snap Mode 5-19
AutoTakeover 5-19
Offline Trim 5-19
Copy and Swap 5-20
Fader Links 5-20
Saving Mix Passes to your DAW Project 5-21
Automation Setup Options 5-22

Pro Tools Setup Notes 5-23

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Section Contents 6-i

Section Index 6-iii

Introduction 6-1

Configuring the Logictivity Remote 6-1

Installing the Browser 6-1
A note on Java 6-1
Connecting Duality to the Computer 6-1

Projects Tab 6-3

Copying Titles, Total Recall and Mix data between Projects 6-3
Renaming Projects, Titles, Mixes or Total Recall Setups 6-3
Backing up a Project 6-4
Restoring a Project 6-4

Mixes Tab 6-5

Total Recall Tab 6-6

Channel Tabs 6-7

Externals Tab 6-8

About Tab 6-9

SSeeccttiioonn 77:: BBlloocckk DDiiaaggrraammss

Annotated Channel Layout

Duality Channel Strip block diagram

Annotated Centre Section Layout

Duality Master Section Block Diagram

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Duality SE

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SSEECCTTIIOONN 11

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Part Number: 82S6DUA20D

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Design Concepts 1-1

Key Features Summary 1-1

Console Feature Summary 1-1

Exceptional Signal Processing 1-2

Creative Versatility 1-2

DAW Controller 1-2

Controller Features Summary 1-3

System Options 1-3

AAbboouutt tthhiiss mmaannuuaall 11--55

Conventions Used 1-5

Contacting Solid State Logic 1-5

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SSEECCTTIIOONN 11:: IINNTTRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN

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Duality SE is an innovative combination of super analogue console and DAW controller from Solid State Logic. It
draws on years of design experience, and incorporates industry standard features from SSL’s range of large format
music consoles.

DDeessiiggnn CCoonncceeppttss

Duality SE combines technology from SSL’s acclaimed music console, the XL 9000 K Series, along with new design
concepts which faithfully recreate the overload characteristics of valve circuitry through the use of the new VHD
preamp. It retains all of the sonic benefits of SuperAnalogue™ capacitor-free servo coupled circuitry, then adds
variable harmonic colouration on a channel by channel basis, contained within a control surface which should be
familiar to any recording engineer who has previously used SSL consoles.

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• Combined large format SSL console and DAW controller

• Legendary SuperAnalogue™ mic preamps and signal processing

• New VHD™ (Variable Harmonic Drive) preamp stage

• Comprehensive monitoring up to 5.1 surround with multiple loudspeaker support

• Direct control of DAW recording, editing and mixing functions from the console surface

• Flexible signal routing enhanced by the channel ‘Split’ function

• Logictivity Remote browser for session management

CCoonnssoollee FFeeaattuurree SSuummmmaarryy

• Integrated console, signal acquisition, signal processing, studio monitoring, bass management and DAW control

• Advanced DAW control through a high resolution integrated TFT screen

• Elegant, ergonomic design with a number of add on options

• Innovative large fader dual-control of both DAW and console input path with follow fader metering

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• Legendary SSL sound quality

• SuperAnalogue™ technology derived from SSL’s acclaimed XL 9000 K Series console

• VHD™ Input Preamp

• DC Coupled for excellent low frequency response

• Balanced signal paths throughout ensuring maximum dynamic range

• Audio bandwidth exceeding that of 192kHz recorders

• Ultra low-noise dual impedance mic amps

• Channel EQ with twin-curve SSL E and G Series 4-band parametric equalisation

• Channel dynamics sections with gate, expander and compressor/limiter

• 5.1 implementation of SSL’s classic mix bus compressor

• Highly flexible signal processing order

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• Hex mix bus design configurable as a 5.1 bus or three stereo pairs (A, B, C)

• 5.1, stereo or stereo down-mix main outputs

• 24 track busses

• 2 Stereo Cue plus four Aux busses on all channel modules, with EFX re-assign system to feed track busses
and channel output

• Wide range of solo modes including Solo-In-Front

• 4 stereo echo returns with full mix/foldback routing

• Unrivalled studio monitoring section with comprehensive user options

• Hi-visibility channel TFT screens for metering and optional Total Recall displays

• 2 main VU meters and phase meter

• Comprehensive bus metering in the centre section

DDAAWW CCoonnttrroolllleerr

Today’s DAWs provide the power and convenience of recording and editing audio, but a keyboard and mouse is not
the most intuitive way to access these controls. For most users, finding an integrated solution that answers all of
their working needs is strongly desired. Duality SE achieves this to an extent and quality that has previously been
unavailable.

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• Direct access to all major DAW mixing, editing and automation parameters via HUI and MCU protocols

• Direct control of plug-in settings

• Dedicated control processor to maximise console performance

• Integral colour TFT display with dedicated control keys

• High quality motorised faders to write/replay level moves in your DAW

• Simple switching between console layer and DAW control layer

• Full remote control implementation

• Operation independent of platform — works with Pro Tools™, Nuendo™, Logic Audio™, and others

• MIDI over Ethernet for enhanced control of two DAW systems

SSyysstteemm OOppttiioonnss

• Multi-operator Total Recall, including Autoscan, for accurate resetting of session parameters

• Comprehensive automation based on SSL’s legendary Ultimation, including switch automation

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BBOOUUTT TTHHIISS MMAANNUUAALL

This manual is divided into five main sections, and is designed to provide a comprehensive source of information
for Duality SE console users. The table of contents will help you to familiarise yourself with the basic content of each
section. If you are reading this from an electronic version of the manual, use the ‘bookmark’ feature to rapidly locate
to virtually any topic.

If you have not previously used an SSL console, you are advised to read the Duality SE overview at the start of Section

2. Those of you who have experience of SSL’s range of analogue consoles will have little difficulty getting to grips with
the operation of this console’s control surface; features that are specific to Duality SE are fully described in Section

2.

To set-up and configure the software interface between Duality SE and your chosen DAW, please study Section 3.
This section also covers the DAW functions that you can usefully control from Duality SE’s centre section.

Finally, the last section in this manual is provided to hold useful appendices that you may be supplied with from time
to time.

CCoonnvveennttiioonnss UUsseedd

Some typographical conventions have been used in this manual to help distinguish explanatory text from the text
referring to console items. They are as follows:

• Switch cap engravings on the console are usually in UPPERCASE (eg. SOLO).

• Silk screened text on the console’s control surface can be either UPPERCASE (eg. DYNAMICS), or lowercase
bold (eg. auto), or Titlecase (eg. Talkback Mix).

• Any text on the console’s TFT screen is referred to in a Bold typeface.

Items of note or cautions are shown in italic with lines above and underneath.

• Whenever this manual mentions the selection or pressing of a button, it is assumed that the button was not
active (ie. not lit), and that this action has made it active (ie. it has become lit).

• Similarly, whenever the manual mentions the deselection of a button (or pressing it again), it is assumed that
it was active before the action, and has become inactive due to this action.

CCoonnttaaccttiinngg SSoolliidd SSttaattee LLooggiicc

If you cannot find the information you need on the pages of this manual, please refer to the Duality SE support pages
at http://www.solidstatelogic.com

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Duality SE

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SSeeccttiioonn CCoonntteennttss 22--ii

SSeeccttiioonn IInnddeexx 22--iiiiii

OOvveerrvviieeww 22--11

An Introduction to Split Mode 2-2
Routing and Signal Flow 2-2
DAW I/O Labelling 2-2

CChhaannnneell SSttrriipp 22--33

Introduction 2-3
Channel Input Section 2-4
Dynamics Section 2-5
Filters 2-7
Equaliser 2-7
Insert 2-7
Channel Output (CHOP) 2-8
Signal Processor Routing 2-8
Channel Sends 2-9
Channel Pan 2-10
D-pot and DAW Control 2-11
Channel Cut and Solo 2-11
Channel Fader 2-11
Fader Grouping 2-12
Fader Links 2-12
The Channel TFT Screen 2-14

TThhee CCeennttrree SSeeccttiioonn 22--1177

Introduction 2-17
Power Supply Indicators 2-17
Central Routing Panel 2-18
Main Output Functions 2-20
Main Bus Compressor 2-21
Master Fader 2-22
Track Bus Master Controls 2-23
Monitoring 2-24
Cue/FX Send Master Controls 2-33
Foldback and Headphone Outputs 2-33
Stereo Return Channels 2-34
Misc Options 2-35
Communications 2-36
Oscillator 2-38
Mix Reassign Matrix 2-39
Group Control Faders 2-40
Centre Section Metering 2-41
Setup Menu 2-43

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AA

AFL 2-32

BB

Bass Management 2-27

CC

Central Routing Panel 2-18
Centre Section 2-17
CH (channel) control 2-4
Channel Input 2-4
Channel Output 2-8
Channel Routing 2-14, 2-18
Channel Sends 2-9
Channel Strip 2-3
Channel TFT Screen 2-14
Communications 2-36
Compressor (Channel) 2-5
Compressor (Main bus) 2-21
Control groups 2-40
Cue Stereo 2-9, 2-33
CUT button 2-11

DD

D-pot 2-3, 2-11
DAW Control 2-1, 2-3, 2-11
DAW Status Indicators 2-15
DRIVE pot 2-4
DRV IN button 2-4
DYN box 2-5
DYN IN button 2-5
Dynamics 2-5

EE

EDIT indicator 2-15
EFX System 2-9
EFX TO TRK 2-10, 2-19
Equaliser 2-7
Expander 2-5
External Source Selectors 2-25

FF

Fader 2-11, 2-22
Fader Grouping 2-12, 2-40
FILT to INP button 2-4, 2-7
Filters 2-7
Foldback 2-33, 2-36
FX Sends 2-9

GG

Gate 2-5

HH

H/P button 2-34
Headphone outputs 2-34
Hi-Z button 2-4

II

INPUT FLIP function 2-4, 2-19
Insert 2-7

KK

KEY button 2-6

LL

Labelling (DAW I/O) 2-2
LFE 2-39
LINK button (dynamics) 2-6

MM

Main Output Functions 2-20
Metering 2-14, 2-26, 2-41
Misc Options 2-35
Mix Reassign Matrix 2-39
Monitor Calibration 2-29
Monitor Insert 2-26
Monitor Options 2-27
Monitoring 2-24

OO

Oscillator 2-38

PP

PAD button 2-4
Pan 2-10
PFL 2-32
PK LED 2-5
Power Supply Indicators 2-17

RR

REC indicator 2-15
RED LIGHT 2-36

SS

S/Ch LSTN button 2-6
SEL button 2-11
SEL indicator 2-15
SELECT button (Centre Section) 2-18

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select button (fader) 2-18
Setup Menu 2-43
Signal Processing Order 2-14
Signal Processor Routing 2-8
SOLO button 2-11, 2-24, 2-32
SOLO CLEAR 2-24
SOLO ISOLATE 2-19, 2-32
Solo-In-Front 2-32
SPLIT button 2-8
Split Mode 2-2, 2-8
SRC SEL button 2-8
Stereo Mix Matrix 2-39
Stereo Returns 2-34

TT

Talkback 2-36
TO S/ch button 2-7
Track Bus Master Controls 2-23

VV

Variable Harmonic Drive 2-4

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SSEECCTTIIOONN 22:: CCOONNSSOOLLEE OOPPEERRAATTIIOONNSS

OOvveerrvviieeww

Duality SE is an evolutionary combination of analogue console and DAW controller from Solid State Logic. It draws
on years of design experience, and incorporates industry standard features from SSL’s range of large format music
consoles.

Duality SE combines technology from SSL’s acclaimed music console, the XL 9000 K Series with new design concepts
which faithfully recreate the overload characteristics of valve circuitry. It retains all of the sonic benefits of
SuperAnalogue™ capacitorless servo coupled circuitry, then adds variable harmonic colouration on a channel by
channel basis, contained within a control surface which will be familiar to any recording engineer who has previously
used SSL consoles.

The ubiquitous DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) has brought many benefits to audio production, including visual
audio editing, integrated digital effects processing and convenient session storage and recall. However, although
eminently flexible, DAW’s present new challenges of integration within the studio environment today.

Duality SE has been carefully designed with these requirements in mind. It addresses all the needs of current DAW
production techniques in an integrated, high quality and robust design, coupled with all of the sonic benefits expected
from a Solid State Logic console.

SSL’s extensive design experience has been utilised to create the ultimate capture path for up to 96 simultaneous
inputs into the DAW, where recorded signals can be edited, processed and mixed via Duality SE’s control surface.
The signal paths can then be either summed internally within the DAW or returned to the analogue domain for
further processing via Duality SE’s channel path EQ and dynamics processors, before final summing via the console’s
balanced analogue mix bus architecture. With a comprehensive 5.1 monitoring section, audio can be auditioned
with the highest possible audio integrity.

A high resolution, digitally controlled gain element in each channel allows the motorised faders to be switched to
control any DAW that supports the HUI or Mackie Control protocols, while retaining control of the analogue signal
path. The faders and their associated channel-based rotary encoders (D-pots) provide direct control of DAW faders,
pans, sends, plus input and output routing. The Master Control Panel and Duality SE’s centre section screen give paged
control of all plug-in parameters.

In summary, Duality SE is a Complete Studio Solution for modern DAW based production environments.

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The Duality SE channel strip is optimised for working in conjunction with a multichannel DAW as the primary
recording medium. Instead of retaining the ‘in-line’ architecture of previous SSL consoles, a new ‘Split Mode’ mode
topology has been introduced which provides the equivalent of in-line operation but without the cost and complexity
of separate channel and monitor paths.

In DAW-based productions, there is no longer the fixed track count limitation of conventional analogue or digital
tape-based recording. This means that most sources are recorded individually to a track with or without processing
as production requirements dictate, but without requiring constant access to a ‘channel’ fader. The Duality SE channel
supports two input paths normally designated as the Channel Input and the DAW Monitor Return, with a single
Channel Output as the DAW Send. The Split Mode architecture allows the input signal to be ‘picked off’ the channel
path at the input stage, or pre fader, and replaced with the DAW return. The input signal automatically becomes the
DAW send and the remaining section of the channel handles the DAW return. Toggling Split Mode on and off is the
equivalent of the classic send/return (Group /Tape) monitoring. The console sends can select either the channel fader
signal or the channel output signal as a source, offering the choice of zero-latency stereo cue and FX mixes, or post­DAW processed sends.

RRoouuttiinngg aanndd SSiiggnnaall FFllooww

As you read through the following pages, you may find it useful to refer to the signal flow diagrams in the
appendices section at the end of this manual.

In order to understand signal flow through Duality SE’s various operational modes, first we need to discuss how your
DAW I/O unit is connected to the console. To take advantage of the sonic and control environment provided by
Duality SE, it is recommended that each DAW output is returned individually to a Duality SE channel strip.

For details of the physical location of Duality SE’s inputs and outputs, please refer to the Duality SE Installation
Manual.

DDAAWW II//OO LLaabbeelllliinngg

When using DAW routing with Duality SE, it is advisable to take time to sensibly label the inputs, outputs and busses
within your DAW. Details on how to do this will be found in the documentation supplied with the DAW. Sensible
labelling will make the task of performing routing via Duality SE’s front panel a simple task, rather than relying on
having to decipher long complex names often assigned by default to DAW channels.

For example in a 48 I/O system, simply naming inputs and outputs ‘1’ through ‘48’, and busses ‘b1’ through ‘b48’ will
allow a simple differentiation between hardware I/O and internal DAW busses when using the console control
surface. In some DAW systems, I/O paths can be grouped. In this case label stereo paths in pairs such as ‘1-2’, and
sub paths as ‘1’ and ‘2’.

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IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

Duality SE’s Split Mode enables the channel processing to be easily applied to
channel input signals feeding the DAW record path or to the DAW returns. This
provides the equivalent of in-line operation but without the complexity of separate
channel and monitor paths.

Users who are familiar with SSL’s range of in-line consoles will soon realise that the
channel strip faders can control virtual faders on the workstation as well as the
channel signal path, in many ways paralleling the large/small fader configuration of
an in-line channel strip. This provides an alternative to Split Mode working, with the
DAW console handling the functions of a monitor mixer.

The channel supports two input connections, the Monitor Input which is
normally sourced from the output of the DAW, and the Channel input which
accepts variable level signals from a microphone, DI box or other audio source.
Three preamps are available for use with either input: a unity gain line level buffer
which is normally assigned to the DAW return, and a pair of mic preamps sourced
from the CHANNEL input XLR connector, one using SSL’s Super Analogue direct
coupled DC servo circuitry, and the other featuring SSL’s proprietary VHD™
(Variable Harmonic Drive) valve emulation gain stage. The channel output can route
to 24 Track Busses, any one of three stereo Main Mix Busses (A, B and C) or all
the Main Mix Busses in 5.1 mode.

In addition to two Cue Stereo sends and four mono FX Sends, a dedicated Direct
Output (CH OP) is provided. Each channel has comprehensive routing for EQ and
filter, dynamics, and insert send/return points.

The channel strip can be divided into five distinct functional sections (See left):

1. Channel input

2. Dynamics

3. EQ and filter

4. Cue Stereo and FX outputs

5. Channel output pan

Note that a number of channel parameters are adjusted via the Central Routing
Panel in the Centre Section, described later in this section. This panel is assigned
to a channel by pressing the Select button at the base of the channel’s fader.

Beneath the channel strips is a panel containing the ‘D-pot’ for DAW output or
channel level control. This area also houses cut and solo buttons for both fader and
D-pot, and an electronic scribble strip. Finally, below the electronic scribble strip,
each channel has a long-throw (100mm) moving fader.

F

R



LR

LCR

LR

LFE

Focus

5.1

SPLIT

PAN TO TRK

LMF

dB

Q

KHz

Hz

Q

+

.2

2.0

40

600

KHz

HMF

dB

+

0

KHz

.6

7

LF

THRESHOLD

+10

0

BELL

BELL

dB

0

LF

+

0

HF

dB

+

0

Hz

500

20

CUE ST

LR

FX1

FX2

EQ

IN

POST

INS

IN

CH OP

FX4

HF

OUT

3

KEY

G-EQ

RATIO

1

20

SRC

SEL

AFL

EFX

ON

ALT

CH OP

POST

SET EFX

/CUEB

SRC

SEL

CH OP

CH OP

FX3

TO

S/Ch

RELEASE

141

4

THRESHOLD

RANGE

0

40

GATE/EXP

.1

4

+10

- 30

0

DYN

IN

REL/HOLD

PK

Cue B

EFX

ON

EFX

ON

CH OP

CH OP

EFX

ON

EFX

ON

EXP

POST

EQ

COMPRESS OR

INPUT

CH

dB

-20

+20

48V

dB

+15

+75

PAD

2nd

3rd

FILT

to

INP

Ø

HI-Z

60

15

0

220

400

.3

.

6

1.
0

DRV

IN

kHZ

-

-

-

1

2

3

5

30

9

6

4

30

60

100

300

S/Ch
LSTN

FILTERS

HOLD

Push for Fst Att

LINK

0

Push for Fst Att

DRIVE

- 20

1.5

22

15

10

5

2











1.

Channel

Input

2.

Dynamics

3.

EQ and

Filter

4.

Cue + FX

Outpus

5.

Channel

Output

Pan

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Above each bay of six channel strips, the TFT meter display provides a large range of useful information on a per­channel basis, including audio and dynamics metering, processing order, bus routing, automation bargraphs (optional)
and Total Recall™ (optional).

At your first introduction to the Duality SE console, you will immediately see that the channel strip controls are
presented in reassuringly familiar manner. The following pages describe each control in detail, with brief coverage of
the routing possibilities. See the start of this section for more on signal routing.

In the following descriptions, the connectors referred to are on the rear of each channel module, unless
stated otherwise.

CChhaannnneell IInnppuutt SSeeccttiioonn

This provides two external inputs, the first is a line level DAW return (D-connector), the other
(XLR connector), is intended as a mic input but may be used for both mic or line inputs.
Normally the Mic Input feeds the variable gain INPUT amplifier, and the DAW return feeds
a unity gain line amp. However a centrally controlled INPUT FLIP function reverses the
input routing so that the DAW return can be processed by the variable gain amplifier stage
without the necessity for external patching.

The variable gain amplifier features two completely independent preamp stages. Both have
electronically balanced inputs with very different but complementary sonic qualities. The default
preamp uses SSL's acclaimed Super Analogue circuitry to provide an extremely low noise, extended bandwidth front
end with the minimum of signal colouration. Pressing the DRV IN button routes the input signal to a completely
different preamp featuring the SSL-developed VHD™ (Variable Harmonic Drive) circuitry. VHD emulates the
characteristics of a classic valve front end but with the option to tailor the harmonic mix when the preamp is
overdriven by adjusting the DRIVE pot. In conjunction with the 24dB PAD and Hi-Z input impedance option,
VHD can provide subtle valve style warmth to a mic signal or aggressive tonal shaping to existing DAW tracks.
However, be aware that, due to differences in the mic amp topology, exact matching of gains is not possible.

Note that many of the signal routing functions on a channel strip are also available on the central routing
panel, and some are only available on the Central routing panel

The post input stage CH (channel) control provides final ±20dB gain trim (for reducing the level when the input
section is being abused for creative reasons) and polarity inversion (Ø), for the centrally selected channel source.
Available input options are the output of the mic input preamp (MIC), the balanced line level DAW return (LINE),
or the channel’s associated track bus for patch free subgroups (BUS). In the latter case, the channel input is replaced
by the output of one of the 24 Track Mix busses where Bus N feeds the input of Channel N, N+24, N+48 etc.

FILT to INP locks the high and low pass filters to the channel source. +48V phantom power for mic inputs is
selected on the Central Routing Panel.

Note that selecting INPUT FLIP will automatically switch off phantom power in order to prevent
damage to the output stage of connected equipment.

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DDyynnaammiiccss SSeeccttiioonn

The Dynamics section contains a compressor section identical to that of the 9000K series
and also found in SSL's X-Logic range of outboard processing units. In normal use, the
compressor’s true R.M.S. side chain and over-easy soft ratio function provide a very
transparent compression action even with large amounts of gain reduction. The fast attack
option offers the classic SSL compressor sound normally associated with its use on drum and
percussion sources. Selecting Peak (PK) mode defeats the over-easy soft ratio, modifies the
release curve and attack times, and unleashes a far more aggressive sounding compressor
ideal for more radical sonic shaping.

The Gate/Expander section is a new variant of SSL’s classic 4000 series three-control design.
It features the choice of a steep gate or gentle expander slope, with optional fast attack. The
new ‘Hold’ (HOLD) option flips the variable release (REL) control to function as a variable
hold-off time with a fixed release curve.

The complete section is switched in or out of circuit using the DYN IN button (see also
Central Routing Control). When the dynamics section is in circuit, the DYN box on the
channel TFT display is highlighted.

Individual controls act as follows:

Compressor

RATIO — When turned to 1:1, the compressor section is inactive. Turning the control clockwise increases the
compression ratio until it reaches a true limit mode at the fully clockwise position. Pressing the RATIO knob
switches the compressor to peak sensing, and replaces the ’over easy’ characteristic with a hard knee, providing an
alternative voicing for some instruments. The PK LED lights to indicate that this option has been selected.

THRESHOLD — Whenever a signal exceeds the level set by this control, the compressor will start to act at the
ratio set by the RATIO control. This control, in conjunction with the Ratio setting, provides automatic make-up
gain, so as you lower the threshold and introduce more compression, the output level is increased, maintaining a
consistent output level.

RELEASE — Sets the time constant (speed) with which the compressor returns to normal gain settings once the
signal has fallen below the compressor threshold. This control also incorporates a push-push switch which selects
a very fast attack time as an alternative to the standard time constant.

Gate/Expander

This section can act as a Gate or as a 2:1 Expander when the RANGE pot is pressed. The EXP LED indicates that
Expand mode has been selected.

RANGE — Determines the depth of gating or expansion. When turned fully anticlockwise (Range = 0), the section
is inactive. When turned fully clockwise, an attenuation range of 40dB can be obtained.

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THRESHOLD — Variable hysteresis is incorporated in the Threshold circuitry. For any given ‘open’ setting, the
Expander/Gate will have a lower ‘close’ threshold to prevent ‘hunting’ artifacts. The hysteresis value is automatically
increased as the Threshold is lowered. This is very useful in music recording as it allows instruments to decay below
the open threshold before gating or expansion takes place.

REL/HOLD — This determines the time constant (speed), variable from 0.1- 4 seconds, at which the
Gate/Expander reduces the signal level once it has passed below the threshold. Note that this control interacts
with the Range control. This control also incorporates a switch which, when pushed, provides a fast attack time
(100µs per 40db), instead of the normal linear attack time of 1.5ms per 40dB. The attack time is the time taken for
the Expander/Gate to ‘recover’ once the signal level is above the threshold. When gating signals with a steep rising
edge, such as drums, a slow attack may effectively mask the initial THWACK, so you should be aware of this when
selecting the appropriate attack time.

HOLD — When this button is pressed, the release time is fixed at 150ms but the hold time can be varied between
0 and 4 seconds by adjusting the REL/HOLD pot.

The LINK button in the compressor section links the sidechain signal of that unit to the sidechain of the next
dynamics section to the right. When two dynamics sections are linked, the control voltages of each section sum
together, so that whichever section has the most gain reduction will control the other section.

Don’t try to link two gates using the LINK button when you want the signal on one to open the other. If you need
to achieve this effect, take a keying signal from one section to trigger the other. The easiest way to do this is by
patching from the insert send of the ‘source’ channel into the Key input (see below) of the ‘destination’ channel, and
selecting the KEY button on this channel.

The KEY button feeds whatever signal is present on a channel’s Key input (D-connector) into the sidechain input
of that channel’s dynamics section. Pressing S/Ch LSTN routes the sidechain signal to the console’s PFL bus. This
simplifies the set up when either an external key input or the filters to side chain option is in use.

POST EQ (not surprisingly) places the dynamics section post the EQ section (see also Central Dynamics
Control below.

Note that when the dynamics section is not in circuit, its sidechain input is also bypassed.

Signal processing order is graphically displayed on the channel TFT screen

Central Dynamics Control

The centre section master routing panel replicates the dynamics POST EQ function for sweet spot control and
multiple channel operation using the SELECT/TO range keys.

Dynamics Section Metering

The TFT screen above each bay of six channel strips is used to display a wide variety of relevant information. In its
default Channel mode, as well as channel output metering (see later) a display of dynamics section gain processing
is shown, in the form of two columns of indicators — yellow and red for the compressor, green for the gate/expander.
See Channel Metering for more information.

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