Solid State Logic Nucleus2 User Guide

www.solidstatelogic.com

Nucleus

User Guide

2

Nucleus2. This is SSL.

Document History

82BN0M01C September 2016 Initial Release 82BN0M01D October 2016 Minor changes

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

2

ucleus

N How to use this Manual 2

. Nucleus

1

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

2. Nucleus

3. Software Installation 9

1

onventions 2

C

lossary 2

G

oftware Versions 2

S

elp! 2

H

2

verview 3

O

2

Remote 4

2

Configurations 5

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

Software Installation – Mac 9 Software Installation – Windows 10

4. Connection and Software Configuration 13

Physical Connections 13

Audio Connections 13 Data Connections 13

Configuring Network Connections 14

Network Wiring 14

2

Assigning the Nucleus

IP Address 14 Direct Network Connection Configuration (Mac) 15 Wider Network Connection Configuration (Mac) 15 Direct Network Connection Configuration (Windows) 15 Wider Network Connection Configuration (Windows) 15 Connecting Nucleus2to Multiple Computers 16

ipMIDI Configuration 17

MIDI Port Mapping 17 Pro Tools 17 Logic Pro 18

Dante Soundcard Configuration 19

Setup 19 Sample rate 20 Stand-alone System vs Wider Dante Network 20 SPDIF I/O & External Soundcard 20

5. Nucleus

2

Remote 21

Establishing the Remote Connection 21 Remote Tabs 22

The DAW Tab 22 The Network Setup Tab 22 The About Tab 22

Remote Layer Selection 23

Nucleus2User Guide Page III

Layer Profile Configuration 23

rotocols 23

P

reating Profiles – Method 1 23

C

reating Profiles – Method 2 24

C

electing a Profile 24

S

anaging Profiles 25

M

Timeline Functions 26

Transport Master 26 Jog Wheel Function 26 Automation Display (HUI Only) 26

oft Key Configuration 27

S

Default Soft Keys 27 User 1, User 2 Soft Keys 27 Transport / Utility Soft Keys 28 Assigning Soft Key Functions 28 DAW Protocol Commands 29 DAW Keyboard Shortcuts 30 Soft Key Menus 31 Renaming Softkey Assignments 32 Assigning Modified Functions to Soft Keys 32 Removing and Replacing Soft Key Assignments 32 Configuring Continuous Controller Layers 33

6. DAW Operations 35

Layer Select 35

Soft Keys 35 Channel Control 36

Channel Scrolling 36 Basic Channel Parameters 36 Channel Metering 36 Track Arming 36 Automation Control 36 V-Pot and V-Sel Control 37 Plug-in Control (Pro Tools Only) 38

Master Control 39

Basic Transport 39 Navigation Controls 39 Additional Master Controls 39 MODE Display (MCU Only) 39

User Keys 40

7. Analogue Operations 41

Recording Sources 41 Monitoring 41 Talkback 42 Metering 42

Appendix 43

Transport/Utility Function Map 43 DAW Protocol Command Soft Key Labelling 44

Pro Tools 44 Logic 45 Nuendo 46

Index 47

Page IV Nucleus2User Guide

Introduction

Nucleus

Welcome to Nucleus2, SSL’s integrated DAW controller and soundcard for the Dante audio-over-IP network. 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 Nucleus2 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 Nucleus2 Logictivity Remote software.

2

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, Nucleus2’s two analogue channels makes it more than a DAW controller.

Nucleus2 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 ‘command’, connections to control DAW sessions: ipMIDI (a conventional MIDI signal, sent over Ethernet) for HUI or MCU control, and USB for standard keyboard commands.

Using Nucleus controlled at one time.

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

2

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

2

’s Layer structure, different DAW programs can be connected simultaneously, although only one can be

),

<Enter>

and

<Esc>

keys, and shortcuts such as ‘Save’ and ‘Undo’. Nucleus2 uses two

2

.

<Shift>

, ⌘ or

Nucleus2 User Guide Page 1

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

fter this introduction, you will find a quick overview of Nucleus

A

se of the Nucleus

u

onventions

C

2

ogictivity Remote, and general Nucleus

L

Throughout this manual, the following conventions will be used:

2

• Labels found on the Nucleus

control surface are indicated in capitals LIKE THIS.

• Labels and text shown in the Nucleus2 Remote or other computer dialogues are indicated in bold Like This.

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

•

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

2

Logictivity Remote app will in some cases be abbreviated to just ‘Remote’.

2

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 Nucleus2 operations:

2

followed by more detailed sections covering installation,

,

2

peration.

o

.

like_this}

<Ctrl>

.

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

Dante Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet. A combination of software, hardware, and network protocols that

deliver uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over a standard Ethernet network.

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

2

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.

2

SD Card An SD memory card fitted to the rear of Nucleus

for Profile storage.

Soft Keys Many switches on Nucleus2 can be programmed through the Nucleus2 Remote to perform DAW specific

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

USER The USER  and USER  switches located in the centre section area of Nucleus2 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. The V-Pot is located 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

2

software V2.0/1 or greater, Nucleus2 firmware V2.0/0 or greater

and Nucleus2 Browser V2.0/0 or greater.

Help!

2

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/Nucleus2 and click on ‘Ask a Question’ to get in contact with us.

Page 2 Nucleus2 User Guide

1. Nucleus2 Overview

The diagrams below and overleaf provide an overview of the Nucleus2 control surface along with the main DAW screen of the Nucleus2 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 Nucleus2 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.

Nucleus2 User Guide Page 3

CENTRE SECTION AND ANALOGUE CONTROL

USER Soft Key

Set selectors

DAW Channel

Control modifiers

DAW Computer modifier keys *

Analogue Control:

Monitoring and

Mic inputs

Channel/Bank

scrollers

* Transport

Control

Nucleus2 REMOTE

Defines which layer

is being edited

in the Remote

* Global DAW

Control keys

Additional DAW Layer Selectors

Note

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

Select DAW to view or

edit Nucleus2 setup

2

Defines default

Defines the DAW

being controlled

Selects soft key

sets for the Soft Key

Setup display

Soft Key Setup

Page 4 Nucleus2 User Guide

function of Jog Wheel

Enables single-letter

automation display

Defines which DAW

is transport master

2. Nucleus2 Configurations

Connection of Nucleus2 to a Dante network requires the following:

• An Ethernet connection between either of Nucleus

Nucleus2Remote and Dante Standard Audio, if applicable

A USB connection between Nucleus

•

• Audio connections – for recording sources plus monitoring

The way in which audio is sent between Nucleus associated with the DAW(s) being used. The rest of this section describes the installation and connections involved in each option.

DAWs With a Dante Network Connection

For software which can send and receive audio via any soundcard connected to the computer, Nucleus2 can be connected directly to the DAW using the Ethernet connection.

2

nd the host DAW computer(s) – for DAW keyboard commands

a

2

’s Ethernet ports and the DAW computer(s) – for DAW control, the

2

and the host DAW computer is dependant on the connectivity options

Monitoring

Headphones

DAW

Computer

Ethernet

(DAW control, Dante

Soundcard and

Remote)

Ethernet (external

Dante

audio)

Recording

Sources

USB

(DAW

keyboard

commands)

MP3

Player

Mains Power

Nucleus2 User Guide Page 5

DAWs With Proprietary Soundcards

ome DAWs can only receive audio via their own proprietary soundcard hardware. Many of these soundcards provide

S

igital (S/PDIF) connections, allowing you to take full advantage of the SSL quality pre-amps and converters. The two

d N

nputs.

i

Using Nucleus

2

ucleus

I b

nput channels are sent using the left and right channels of the S/PDIF Out, and the S/PDIF In feeds the monitor

i

f your S/PDIF connections are coaxial (usually using phono sockets), simple coaxial to optical S/PDIF converters will

e required to connect the soundcard digitally to the Nucleus

2

’s Digital IO

2

RE

pre-amp) outputs.

P

(

DAW

Computer

Ethernet

(DAW control

and Remote)

Optical to

coax adaptor

USB

(DAW keyboard

commands)

S/PDIF (digital audio)

Monitoring

Headphones

Recording

Sources

MP3

Player

Mains Power

Page 6 Nucleus2 User Guide

Using Nucleus

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

F

re-amps. Nucleus

p

oundcard inputs and outputs. (Note that the PRE amp outputs are sourced from the pre amp’s Insert Send, so are always

s

ctive.)

a

2

’s Analogue IO

2

RE (Pre-Amp) outputs and EXTERNAL monitor inputs can be used to connect Nucleus

P

2

s SSL

’

o the

t

Monitoring

Headphones

DAW

Computer

Ethernet (DAW control and Remote)

External

Sound Card

USB

(DAW keyboard

commands)

Recording

Sources

SEND Out

and

EXTERNAL

In

MP3

Player

Mains Power

Nucleus2 User Guide Page 7

Multiple DAWs

Up to three DAW applications on up to three computers can be connected to Nucleus2 simultaneously, as described on Page 14. This configuration requires both a Network Router and USB switcher.

Recording

Sources

AW

D

omputer

C

Ethernet

(external

Dante audio)

D

omputer

C

Network

Router

Ethernet

(Dante Soundcard

and Remote)

AW

switcher

(DAW keyboard

commands)

USB

AW

D

omputer

C

Page 8 Nucleus2 User Guide

3. Software Installation

In order for Nucleus2 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 Core2 Duo, 1.2GHz or faster

• OS X Version 10.8.5 ‘Mountain Lion’ or greater

Windows

• 1.2GHz or faster

• Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 (32 or 64bit)

For all computers, the following resources are required:

• 4GB RAM

• 15MB Hard Disk space

• Internet connection (for product registration and software download)

The

ipMIDI

can either be installed onto one of the DAW computers or onto an entirely different computer if required.

Software Installation – Mac

1. Go to www.solidstatelogic.com, click ‘Register’ in the top right-hand corner, and create an SSL account. If you already have an SSL account, please login.

2. Click on your Username in the top right-hand corner of the website, then go to ‘My Products’, and click ‘Register a product’. Select ‘Nucleus’, enter your console serial number, and click ‘Add’.

3. Click on the ‘Downloads’ link that will appear next to your registered Nucleus2console, and download the latest support file for your OS.

Dante Virtual Soundcard

Installation of the Dante Virtual Soundcard is optional; if you intend to connect Nucleus2to your DAW using only analogue or S/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install Dante Virtual Soundcard.

To install the optional Dante Virtual Soundcard application:

• To obtain a Dante Virtual Soundcard license, go to

and create an Audinate account. If you already have an Audinate account, please login.

• Click on your ‘My Account’ in the top right-hand corner and go to ‘My Products’. Beneath ‘Redeem a Software token’,

enter the Dante Virtual Soundcard token included in the Nucleus

and Dante Virtual Soundcard software will be required for one or more DAW computers, Nucleus

www.audinate.com. Click ‘Register’ in the top right hand corner

2

packaging, and submit.

2

Remote

• A DVS license code will now appear in your account – make note of this license code. Go to 'Products' at the top of

the page, and click on 'Dante Virtual Soundcard'. Select your OS version from the drop-down menu and click on the Download link. Download and run the installer; this will place Dante Virtual Soundcard in the Applications Folder..

• Open the Applications folder, and double-click the Dante Virtual Soundcard icon. Click on Licensing, and enter the

license that was generated in your Audinate account. To find this again, go to My Products.

• To uninstall Dante Virtual Soundcard simply drag the application to the Trash.

Nucleus2 User Guide Page 9

www.audinate.com, login, and go to

Dante Controller

nstallation of the Dante Controller is optional; if you intend to connect Nucleus

I

/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install Dante Controller.

S

• To install Dante Controller, go to

udinate account. If you already have an Audinate account, please login.

A

ww.audinate.com. Click ‘Register’ in the top right hand corner and create an

w

2

o your DAW using only analogue or

t

• Go to ‘Products’ > ‘Dante Controller’ and choose a download appropriate for your version of OS X.

• Locate the downloaded package in the Finder window and double-click to launch the installer. The installer will place

the Dante Controller app into your Applications folder.

– If it becomes necessary to uninstall Dante Controller, simply drag the application folder to the Trash.

2

Nucleus

• To install Nucleus

Remote

2

Remote, simply drag the Nucleus2 Remote icon to the Applications folder alias. This will copy the

application onto the computer.

• To run Nucleus

2

Remote, locate and double-click the Nucleus

2

Remote icon in the Applications folder. If required,

drag this icon to the Dock on the Desktop to provide quick and easy access.

– If it is necessary to uninstall Nucleus2 Remote, simply locate the Nucleus2 Remote icon in the Applications folder and

drag it to the Trash.

ipMIDI Driver

If an older version of the installer; simply delete the

ipMIDI

driver is already present on the computer, it must be removed prior to running the

ipMIDIDriver.bundle

file from the

/Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers

folder.

• 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.

– To uninstall the ipMIDI driver, simply delete the

ipMIDIDriver.plugin

file from the

/Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers

folder.

Page 10 Nucleus2 User Guide

Software Installation – Windows

1. Go to

www.solidstatelogic.com click ‘Register’ in the top right-hand corner, and create an SSL account. If you already

have an SSL account, please login.

2. Click on your Username in the top right-hand corner of the website, then go to ‘My Products’, and click ‘Register a product’. Select ‘Nucleus’, enter your console serial number, and click ‘Add’.

3. Click on the ‘Downloads’ link that will appear next to your registered Nucleus2console, and download the latest support file for your OS.

Dante Virtual Soundcard

Installation of the Dante Virtual Soundcard is optional; if you intend to connect Nucleus2to your DAW using only analogue or S/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install Dante Virtual Soundcard.

To install the Dante Virtual Soundcard application:

• To get a Dante Virtual Soundcard license, go to

www.audinate.com. Click ‘Register’ in the top right hand corner, and

create an Audinate account. If you already have an Audinate account, please login.

• Click on your ‘My Account’ in the top right-hand corner, and go to ‘My Products’. Beneath ‘Redeem a Software token’

enter the Dante Virtual Soundcard token included in the Nucleus2packaging, and submit.

• A DVS license code will now appear in your account – make note of this license code. Go to 'Products' at the top of

the page, and click on 'Dante Virtual Soundcard'. Select your OS version from the drop-down menu, and click on the Download link. Download and run the installer; this will place a Dante Virtual Soundcard shortcut on the Desktop.

• Open Dante Virtual Soundcard from the Desktop icon. Click on Licensing, and enter the license that was generated in your Audinate account. To find this again, go to www.audinate.com, login, and go to My Products.

– To uninstall Dante Virtual Soundcard run the Uninstall application located in the Dante Virtual Soundcard folder.

Dante Controller

Installation of the Dante Controller is optional; if you intend to connect Nucleus2to your DAW using only analogue or S/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install Dante Controller.

• To install Dante Controller, go to www.audinate.com. Click ‘Register’ in the top right hand corner and create an Audinate account. If you already have an Audinate account, please login.

• Go to ‘Products’ > ‘Dante Controller’ and choose the appropriate download for your Windows version.

• locate the Dante Controller Setup application and double-click this file to run the installer. Follow the instructions in the installer application. The installer will place a shortcut on the Desktop; double-click this shortcut to run Dante Controller.

– If it becomes necessary to uninstall Dante Controller, run the Uninstall application located in the Dante Controller

folder.

Nucleus

• To install Nucleus

2

Remote

2

Remote, locate the Nucleus2 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).

• On completion of the installation process, the installer will place a shortcut on the Desktop; double-click this icon to

2

run Nucleus

– The Nucleus

Remote.

2

Remote can be un-installed by running the Uninstall application located in the Nucleus2 Remote folder.

Nucleus2User Guide Page 11

2

ipMIDI Driver

f an older version of the

I

rograms

P

• To install the ipMIDI driver, locate the ipMIDI Setup application and double-click this file to launch the ipMIDI installer.

ollow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).

F

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

I

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

before running the installer.

)

pMIDI

i

river is already present on the computer, it should be uninstalled (using

d

dd/Remove

A

Page 12 Nucleus2User Guide

4. Connection and Software Configuration

PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS

he Installation Guide that came with Nucleus

T

uide before attempting to connect Nucleus

g

The mains power connection for Nucleus2 is via a standard 3-pin IEC320 power cable into its external power supply. The following audio and data connections can be found on the Nucleus

Audio Connections PRE  IN, PRE  IN Combi inputs for Nucleus2 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.

SEND/RETURN  and  Balanced 1/4" jack Insert Send and Return connections for pre-amps 1 and 2. (The Sends also

function as balanced Mic-pre outputs)

Inserts can also be used on the monitor circuits – see Page 42 for details.

EXTERNAL L and R Balanced XLR input for connecting an additional stereo signal to the Nucleus2 monitoring

MONITOR L and R Balanced XLR outputs for connecting the Nucleus2 monitoring to a pair of loudspeakers

MINI L and R Balanced XLR outputs for connecting Nucleus2 to an auxiliary pair of loudspeakers

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

TALKBACK IN Balanced XLR input for talkback; with adjustable gain

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

2

ontains important safety information. Please be sure to read that

c

2

.

2

back panel:

SPDIF Optical S/PDIF stereo IO. The outputs of the Nucleus2 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 Nucleus2 and the DAW computer(s) – for systems using multiple computers, see Page 16.

NETWORK Standard RJ45 Ethernet connector for DAW data and Dante audio. The two ports function as a

network switch so either can be used for Dante and DAW control. The unused port may be used for additional Dante Network devices.

USB Use a standard USB A-B cable to connect Nucleus2 to a USB port on your DAW computer. This

connection is used for keyboard commands to the DAW.

Defining Keyboard Nationality (Mac)

Nucleus 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 Nucleus2 (see Page 27), is assigned a ‘Keyboard ID’ command by default; pressing this switch – labelled ‘KEYBID’ – will send the required keystroke to the Mac to correctly identify Nucleus2 as a UK keyboard.

FOOTSWITCH Two footswitches can be connected to Nucleus

TERMINAL The TERMINAL D-connector is used for advanced system configuration and diagnostics. We

2

emulates a UK keyboard. When Nucleus2 is first connected to a Mac, a dialogue will be displayed which asks

2

using the single 1/4" stereo (X-Y) jack

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

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

Nucleus2 User Guide Page 13