Solid State Logic Soundscape Mixer Reference Manual Download

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soundscape

mixer

DSP-Powered Mixing Software
for PC based Audio Workstations

Reference Guide

Version 4.3
English Version

Summary of Contents for Soundscape Mixer

Page 1: ...soundscape mixer DSP Powered Mixing Software for PC based Audio Workstations Reference Guide Version 4 3 English Version ...

Page 2: ...ers 17 Mute buttons 17 Solo buttons solo groups and fader and mute groups 17 Solo buttons and the Ctrl key 18 Naming a mixer column 18 Input Output identification 18 Creating Editing a Mixer 19 DSP power limit 22 Basic principles mixer element inputs outputs connecting mixer elements 23 Fixed inputs outputs 23 Assignable inputs outputs 26 Recorder inputs outputs 27 Mixer column input output config...

Page 3: ...tion 66 Optional plug in mixer elements 66 Native mixer elements 67 VST mixer elements 67 VSTi mixer elements 71 Additional information regarding VST VSTi plug in compatibility 72 3 Control Surfaces and Automation 74 4 Status Bar 76 5 File Menu 77 New Ctrl N 77 Open Ctrl O 78 Save Ctrl S 80 Save As 81 Previous mixers 81 Close 82 Exit 82 6 View Menu 83 Toolbar 83 Status Bar 84 Small Column Size Q 8...

Page 4: ...nts Sample Buffer Size 95 Connect to Console Manager 95 Enable Mixer Automation 95 Auto Route Mixer 96 Save Settings 96 9 Help Menu 97 10 Troubleshooting 98 Hardware installation problems 98 Shared Interrupts IRQs on the PCI bus 98 Sharing Interrupts IRQs between SSL Soundscape audio cards and other PCI Devices 98 Incorrect BIOS settings for Plug and Play PCI Cards 98 PCI Bus settings 98 High spee...

Page 5: ...s routing possibilities It is also a good idea to have the system switched on while you read the manuals so that you can experiment with the features you read about We trust that you will soon feel confident creating and using your own mixer configurations However even when it has become second nature the comprehensive Table of Contents and Index located respectively at the beginning and end of ea...

Page 6: ...s Disclaimer These manuals have been written with great care and attention to detail and we have attempted to cover every operational aspect of the SSL Soundscape Mixer However they are not contractual documents Solid State Logic and or the writer s of this manual cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in these manuals Trademarks...

Page 7: ...ing e g EQ compressor reverb etc limited only by the available DSP power In fact you can have as many mixer columns as you need and internal buses can be configured to send signals to internal real time effects with 99 selectable fader groups and solo groups You can also use any SSL hardware XLogic Alpha Link outputs and inputs as sends returns to and from external effects units while mixing track...

Page 8: ...ed with the input elements and output elements that will be described later in this chapter In particular while input elements and output elements may be assigned to an external input or output they may just as well be assigned to a bus or stream Buses audio paths connections that can be used to route audio signals between different parts of the SSL Soundscape Mixer for instance between a send ele...

Page 9: ...e mono mixer column with output fader is around P 0 5 M 1 3 the 2 band mono EQ is P 1 4 M 1 1 and the stereo TC Reverb is P 29 7 M 11 9 On DSPs 2 3 4 6 7 and 8 the figures are the same for the single mono mixer column with output fader and the 2 band mono EQ but they are different at P 26 8 M 52 0 for the stereo TC Reverb The DSP power percentage that is reported as being used for each element is ...

Page 10: ...g on its icon Clicking in an empty area of a mixer column running on an SSL Soundscape Mixpander DSP with the I O and DSP Assign tool calls up a list of the available DSPs for that card with their current resources usage This list remains visible for as long as the mouse button is held down The ticked entry indicates the DSP that the mixer column is currently assigned to DSP 3 in this example The ...

Page 11: ... If Mixer Auto Routing is enabled Auto Route Mixer ticked after the resources for a given DSP have been exceeded i e when the Mixer is inactive the following message will be displayed Clicking Yes will allow the resources to be reallocated automatically Clicking No will keep the current DSP allocations which will need to be edited manually in order to reactivate the Mixer NOTE The Mixer can only b...

Page 12: ... element e g fader or EQ will be shown by the fixed peakmeters NOTE The numbering and naming of the available inputs outputs buses and streams may vary depending on the hardware configuration i e for instance the type of XLogic Alpha Link unit being used or the currently selected Sample Rate The stereo signal can reach the input via a Soundscape hardware input pair XLogic Alpha Link MADI ADAT AES ...

Page 13: ...reased to 17 but less details are visible In particular the solo group assignment boxes and fader and mute group assignment boxes are hidden in small view mode Similarly less parameters are displayed for certain mixer elements in small view mode However in most cases double clicking the name field of a mixer element will open a new dedicated window where all parameters can be viewed and edited and...

Page 14: ...ted in a mixer column within available DSP resources and therefore there is no limit to the vertical size of a mixer column The following example shows a simple Mixer with two stereo columns and an effects return column all bussed to a master mixer column Slot 5 is empty Notice that only the first mixer column has an EQ while only the second mixer column has a send element This is an example of pu...

Page 15: ...ing button as described in the Tutorial chapter If the output element includes a fader a pre fader peakmeter a solo button a solo group assignment box and a fader and mute group assignment box If the mixer column has a stereo output this output includes a pan control for mono in mono to stereo out mixer columns or balance control for stereo in stereo out mixer columns and a center button to easily...

Page 16: ...and solo buttons Each output element that has a fader can be assigned to any one of 99 fader groups and to any one of 99 solo groups This applies regardless of the output type mono stereo mono to stereo 4 6 or 8 channels LRCS or 5 1 as long as there is a fader Note that a single mixer column could have several such outputs assigned to different fader groups and solo groups The fader group and solo...

Page 17: ... are also linked Right clicking any mute button will cause all the mute buttons in the same fader and mute group to take on the same muted unmuted status regardless of their prior status The mute buttons can be used individually regardless of their fader group assignment by clicking them with the left mouse button Solo buttons solo groups and fader and mute groups Left clicking any inactive grey s...

Page 18: ...ribed above except that any outputs that are already soloed remain soloed The Ctrl key has no effect when left clicking or right clicking an already active solo button Naming a mixer column Double clicking on the name field at the bottom of a mixer column will call up a dialog box where the required mixer column name can be entered This function cannot be accessed while in Mixer Edit mode Input Ou...

Page 19: ... it Seven tools are available in the Toolbar at the top of the SSL Soundscape Mixer window for mixer creation edition Create tool for adding new mixer columns or mixer elements I O and DSP Assign tool for modifying routing or DSP assignments Mute tool for muting mixer elements or complete mixer columns Move tool for moving mixer elements or mixer columns Copy tool for copying mixer elements or mix...

Page 20: ...oundscape Mixer window It can also be undocked and used as a separate window which can itself be moved or resized in the normal way In order to undock the Toolbar or move it to a different edge of the main SSL Soundscape Mixer window click in it but not directly on a tool hold the mouse button down and drag it An outline of the Toolbar will be displayed Releasing the mouse button when the outline ...

Page 21: ...Soundscape Mixpander Page 21 of 109 Releasing the mouse button when the outline appears as a dashed line will undock the Toolbar ...

Page 22: ...for one of the DSPs the status bar will display a processing overrun PO warning as shown below If the M value exceeds 100 or if both values exceed 100 for one of the DSPs the Status Bar will inform you that the Mixer is inactive INACT Muting or deleting some elements will reduce the values and reactivate the Mixer However the P xx value is not completely accurate because some plug in elements repo...

Page 23: ...mbers incremented from left to right The examples below show a mono multi EQ mixer element as it appears within a mixer column and with its single input and single output represented and a stereo CompressorX mixer element with side chain as it appears within a mixer column and with its four inputs and two outputs represented Multi EQ element mono as seen within a mixer column Multi EQ element mono...

Page 24: ...f an unconnected input can create problems instead a mixer element with a single output should be connected to a mixer element with a single input 1 2 1 2 1 1 Incorrect configuration A mono mixer element Drawmer SDX100 compressor expander is connected to a stereo mixer element Wave Mechanics Reverb Input 2 of the stereo reverb is unconnected This could create audible problems 1 1 1 2 1 Correct con...

Page 25: ...tool in Mixer Edit mode A window containing the relevant information will be displayed NOTE The principles outlined in the examples above using mono stereo and mono to stereo mixer elements also apply when dealing with mixer elements that have a higher number of inputs and outputs For example combining a 6 in 6 out input element and an 8 in 8 out output element within a mixer column would result i...

Page 26: ...is then used to change the element s output assignment to analogue outputs 9 16 NOTE As well as transmitting the audio data they receive via their assignable output s taking into account any volume and pan balance settings and mute status send elements and output elements also let the original data pass through to any element placed below them i e unaffected by these settings and regardless of mut...

Page 27: ...ams 9 and 10 The recorder outputs allow audio data to be sent from the SSL Soundscape Mixer to the recording application typically an audio MIDI sequencer The diagram to the right shows how in Record mode audio data received at inputs 1 and 2 of a stereo track insert element is sent out via the recorder outputs and recorded Audio L and Audio R while the data is also sent to the multi EQ element be...

Page 28: ...received at the recorder inputs of a stereo track insert element is sent to the multi EQ element below via fixed outputs 1 and 2 NOTE If Mix input always is checked double clicking the track insert element calls up the relevant dialog box audio data received via fixed inputs 1 and 2 of the track insert element as well as audio data received via the recorder inputs of that element will reach fixed ...

Page 29: ... control peakmeter and solo button An EPP Equal Power Panning output can be selected for stereo and mono to stereo outputs Various mixer column configurations are described next Mixer column input output configurations using mono and stereo For mono in mono out the signal just flows through the mixer column only affected by the user defined settings of the various mixer elements which should be mo...

Page 30: ... mixer column then the input element will not be connected to input 2 of the output element and this should be avoided as it can have undesirable effects the right hand side channel of the output element may pick up a signal from elsewhere in the Mixer In the example below a mono signal reaches the mixer column via input 1 A mono to stereo reverb effect is applied The reverb s stereo pair of outpu...

Page 31: ... a 2 in 1 out mixer element such as a mono compressor with side chain input The main signal will reach the compressor via input 1 the key signal will reach the compressor via input 2 Only the main signal will reach the compressor s single output A typical stereo in mono out mixer column as seen within the Mixer The same mixer column presented as a connection diagram 1 2 A A 1 1 2 1 A ...

Page 32: ...ain input The only difference is that the output can be panned left or right as required with the mono to stereo output element Stereo and mono to stereo outputs can be selected with Equal Power Panning EPP menu options In this case when the balance or pan control is moved to one side the level for that side is gradually increased by up to 3dB to compensate for the overall loss of power from the o...

Page 33: ...ereo compressor with side chain input the Drawmer SDX100 was used in the example below The main signal must reach the compressor via inputs 1 2 the key signal must reach the compressor via inputs 3 4 Only the main signal will reach the compressor s outputs A typical 4 in stereo out mixer column as seen within the Mixer The same mixer column presented as a connection diagram 1 2 3 4 A A A A 1 2 1 2...

Page 34: ...gh the mixer column is mono allowing mono processes or effects to be applied to the signal such as the mono multi EQ in the example below before it is positioned in the soundfield using the surround panner A mono in mono to LRCS out mixer column as seen within the Mixer The same mixer column presented as a connection diagram 1 1 1 1 1 A A A A 1 A ...

Page 35: ... similar to the mono in mono to LRCS out configuration except that the output element has six individual outputs for L R C LFE Ls and Rs A mono in mono to 5 1 out mixer column as seen within the Mixer The same mixer column presented as a connection diagram 1 1 1 1 1 A A A A A A 1 A ...

Page 36: ...hese dots can be moved across the soundfield using the left and right mouse buttons respectively by clicking and dragging or by clicking at the required position in the soundfield The pan dots can be moved either in the small panner in the mixer column or in the large panner window In the large window it is also possible to use the X and Y sliders or the X and Y value boxes For surround panners wi...

Page 37: ...anning position divergence or center speaker control settings Muted speakers are not taken into account though For the X Y Divergence Center and LFE controls The sliders can be moved either by clicking and dragging them or by clicking at the required position with the mouse Right clicking or left clicking in a value box respectively increases or decreases the corresponding value in steps of 1 Righ...

Page 38: ... 6 U1 Mixer column input output configurations for Dolby Encoding and Decoding The 4 channel in stereo out configuration would typically be used for the Dolby Surround Encoder plug in element which encodes the LCRS signal into stereo while the stereo in 4 channel out configuration would typically be used for the Dolby Surround Decoder plug in element which decodes the encoded stereo signal back in...

Page 39: ...ike HIFI systems and VCRs of which there are several tens of millions in homes around the world The Dolby encoded signal can also be played correctly on a stereo or mono system A pair of mixer columns configured for Dolby encoding decoding A send element in the first mixer column sends the stereo signal to the second column via buses 5 and 6 for decoding The same pair of mixer columns presented as...

Page 40: ...uts outputs buses or streams and every signal routed to an output or bus is mixed in equal proportion after the output or send fader For instance you could have 8 stereo mixer columns with inputs ANA 1 2 U1 or BUS 1 2 as their input and BUS 3 4 as the output routing You could then use different EQ settings to split the signal process it with different effects e g for a multiband compressor and rec...

Page 41: ...nces inputs or outputs that are currently not available on the SSL Soundscape hardware the corresponding input or output labeling is displayed in red This may happen for instance if a Mixer referencing the MADI inputs or outputs of an Alpha Link MADI AX is loaded in a system that uses an Alpha Link AX Mixer element inputs or outputs that cannot be routed to the Alpha Link due to the restricted num...

Page 42: ...for external processing by the multi effects unit connected to the Alpha Link in a send return loop configuration The dry equalized signal carries on through the stereo peakmeter and fader and is sent out to the stereo BUS 1 2 In BUS 1 2 the dry signal is combined with the signal from tracks 3 4 received from the audio sequencer via track insert 9 10 and with the return from the external multi eff...

Page 43: ... Page 43 of 109 MULTI FX Out 15 16 U1 In 15 16 U1 Muted inputs Muted inputs Sequencer tracks 1 2 EQ d Signal EQ d Signal EQ d Signal Multi FX return Tracks 1 to 4 Multi FX return Sequencer tracks 3 4 Final mix out 13 14 U1 ...

Page 44: ...low this step by step example to create a stereo mixer column with a stereo track insert assigned to streams 9 10 and a 4 band multi EQ 1 Click New under the File menu A completely blank mixer will appear in Mixer Edit mode as pictured below this procedure and the Mixer Edit mode have been described in the Creating Editing a Mixer section of this chapter 2 Select the Create tool by clicking its ic...

Page 45: ...d Equal Power Panning in mixer column slot 1 4 A mixer column will appear with the default inputs and outputs AES 1 2 U1 in this example depending on the Alpha Link model being used a balance control slider with center button a pre fader stereo peakmeter input and output mute buttons a solo button and a fader There is also a blank space at the bottom of the mixer column that can be used to name it...

Page 46: ...ble mixer elements listed in the menu vary depending on what optional plug ins are installed on your system so the menu may not look exactly like the one in this example However the mixer elements used here are available as standard If you have a lot of optional plug ins installed you may need to scroll the menu by holding the mouse pointer over the arrow at the top or bottom of the menu The defau...

Page 47: ...fore we need to modify the track insert assignment Select the I O and DSP Assign tool which is used for modifying elements or routing by clicking its icon and click on the track insert element A menu will appear listing all the possible stereo stream pairs Select the STR 9 10 pair and release the mouse button ...

Page 48: ...the blank area of the mixer column under the track insert The mixer elements menu that you used to create the track insert will appear again This time select multi EQ 4 Band Stereo then release the mouse button The multi EQ module will now be displayed under the stereo track insert ...

Page 49: ...e mixer elements available for insertion The selected element gets created as soon as the mouse button is released If you have followed the step by step mixer column creation procedure described in the previous section you are already familiar with this menu There is no limit to the number of elements that can be inserted in a mixer column within the extent of available DSP power If you insert so ...

Page 50: ...manual in electronic or printed form NOTE To use the various mixer elements the Mixer Control mode must be used To switch from Mixer Edit mode to Mixer Control mode click on the Mix Control Edit Toggle button in the toolbar This procedure has also been described in the Creating Editing a Mixer section of this chapter Using the various mixer elements is straightforward Some general guidelines that ...

Page 51: ...rectangular or triangular dithering and activate or deactivate noise shaping in the dither element dialog box from the Audio Toolbox Some mixer elements have a name field in their main window and load save buttons which open standard Windows load save dialog boxes Track inserts The track insert elements are designed as a practical way to connect to a recording application such as an audio MIDI seq...

Page 52: ...ived at the input of the mixer column will be mixed with the signal received via the track insert If Mix input always is selected box checked the input signal is mixed with the track output at all times so that you can always monitor the input In this mode however you have to remember to mute the input when mixing your recorded tracks otherwise any noise at the mixer column s input from external s...

Page 53: ...laced below them except where these outputs are separated from the send element by an input element If you want to use a send element as an auxiliary send to an external effects units set the routing of that send element using the I O and DSP Assign tool in Mixer Edit mode to the required external output s The effected signal can be returned via an input element within the same mixer column placed...

Page 54: ...idth of the filter compared to the center frequency 2 octaves means that the bandwidth is twice the center frequency and hence it has a Q of 0 5 The EQ parameters can be adjusted in real time by using the mouse buttons in the EQ parameters value boxes in the mixer column If you hold down both mouse buttons the EQ parameters can be changed more quickly and the direction of the change is determined ...

Page 55: ...all up standard Windows open and save dialog boxes To the right there is a bypass button which can be used for easy A B comparisons Multi EQ The multi EQ only uses only a little bit more DSP resources per EQ band than the EQ 2 band described in the previous section However it offers a lot more flexibility and features It is a more recent addition to the list of mixer elements and its interface imp...

Page 56: ...n can be adjusted by clicking and dragging the fader by clicking at the required fader position or using the value box in the same ways that will be described for EQ band parameters later in this section To the right of the input attenuator four parameter fields Type Frequency Q factor and Gain are displayed for the currently selected EQ band The example above shows a 4 band stereo EQ and you can ...

Page 57: ... is possible for example to copy parameter values from one multi EQ window to another so that the same frequency can be treated in the same way in several mixer columns While editing a value as described here clicking the Select All item in the menu just re selects all the value s digits if needed Right clicking in a value box without first selecting the value will also call up the menu but only t...

Page 58: ... the nodes or the line the node for the EQ band being edited turns red to help identification this can be useful when the nodes and corresponding numbers are very close to one another The mouse pointer appearance also changes according to the edit which is being carried out as shown in the following examples Just below the title bar there is a field where the name of the current preset is displaye...

Page 59: ...ed in a mixer column an input always blocks any signal from the mixer elements above it in that column A benefit of this feature is that an insert point can be created at any point in a mixer column by combining a send or output element with an input element just below it All the output types that are available for a mixer column when it is first created are also available for the individual plug ...

Page 60: ...The first item in that window will tell you what the element is Additionally there is always a little space above an output element or below an input element that can help with identification i e the top of an output element or bottom of an input element cannot be moved right against the element above or below it there is always a small gap remaining Faders Mono and stereo faders are available for...

Page 61: ...o mono the left and right sides cancel each other out while the signal recorded from the cardioid microphone remains unaffected It is also possible to control the stereo spread by varying the relative levels of the mid and side components On a traditional mixing console matrixing requires several mixer columns In the SSL Soundscape Mixer only one stereo in stereo out mixer column with the MS Decod...

Page 62: ...ng the mouse buttons If you hold down both mouse buttons the values can be changed more quickly and the direction of the change is determined by the mouse button pressed first Double clicking a parameter value calls up a dialog box where this value can be edited Double clicking the element s name calls up the main MS Decoder window ...

Page 63: ...then the relative gains of the mid and side MS matrix input signals vary at the same time and in opposite directions Gain 36 0 6 0dB The overall input gain applied to both input channels Width 0 00 3 00 Ratio expressing the gain of the side MS matrix input signal divided by the gain of the mid MS matrix input signal Matrix Routing section Switch Inputs button Interchanges the input channels before...

Page 64: ... the mid signal can be monitored easily Toggle Matrix On off button Clicking this button toggles MS decoding on as shown or off inactive status NOTE If MS decoding is turned off the signals are still affected by the gain width and bass shelving settings However the asymmetry and rotation parameters will have no effect on the output signals NOTE If the MS matrix is active both input signals are att...

Page 65: ...en the M and S vectors varies according to the asymmetry parameter setting and the overall orientation of the displayed soundfield responds to adjustments of the rotation and asymmetry parameter settings Angle Section Asymmetry 90 90 degrees Angle shift applied to the side MS matrix input signal along with the angle shift introduced due to the rotation parameter The value of the parameter has no e...

Page 66: ...Decoder in the path of the stereo signal and set its parameter as follows M S Matrix On to monitor in mono Off to monitor in stereo other top row buttons off Gain 6dB 0dB if monitoring via an EPP output element Width 1 00 Asymm 90 Rotation 0 Bass Shelving Off Optional plug in mixer elements Numerous optional plug ins are available for the SSL Soundscape Mixer from Solid State Logic and leading thi...

Page 67: ...dll files located in that folder A different path can be specified by adding a VSTLibPath line to the ssMixer ini file located in C Program Files Soundscape sslMixer in a standard installation Note that any subfolders of the designated folder will be scanned as well During scanning a small window appears in front of the splashscreen where the plug ins names are displayed as they are loaded Dialog ...

Page 68: ... the Mixer will also become inactive until the situation is resolved by deleting one or more VST plug in s reassigning or muting one or more input output or send element s or closing or re routing a Windows application in order to release some streams as necessary The default buffer size for native mixer elements is 128 samples It can be changed under menu Settings Native mixer elements Sample Buf...

Page 69: ...and names can also be typed directly inside the box The Enter key must be pressed to validate a newly entered name otherwise it is lost as soon as a different program is selected using the menu Note that many VST plug ins have their own separate program bank management facilities VST mixer elements are shown in blue in the mixer columns so they can be easily differentiated from other mixer element...

Page 70: ...a warning message is displayed the VST mixer elements turn red and the Mixer is deactivated Click OK to close the message box To reactivate the Mixer its configuration must be changed This can be done quickly by selecting the Mute tool and muting and unmuting one of the mixer elements ...

Page 71: ...plug ins In addition for VSTi plug ins when their main window is open clicking the arrow to the right of the Port and Chan fields will call up menus where a MIDI input port and MIDI channel respectively can be selected by clicking their name NOTE In order to use VST instruments a MIDI interface must installed on the host computer and correctly configured ...

Page 72: ...d and Tassman from Applied Acoustics Systems but the same may occur with other plug ins The command line switch solves the problem by initializing COM objects as APPARTMENT_THREADED instead of MULTI_THREADED To use the a command switch insert a just after sslMixer exe in the Target line of the SSL Soundscape Mixer shortcut s properties In a standard installation the SSL Soundscape Mixer s shortcut...

Page 73: ...Soundscape Mixpander Page 73 of 109 NOTE Using this command line switch may slow down the performance of the Console Manager application although this is generally unlikely ...

Page 74: ...nable the Automation and cause the Snapshot button to change from dimmed to solid When Automation is enabled the SSL Soundscape Mixer can respond to MIDI data received via Console Manager subject to a correct configuration of that program and can transmit MIDI via Console Manager each time an automatable mixer control is used Clicking the Snapshot button causes the SSL Soundscape Mixer to transmit...

Page 75: ...dow The Console Manager program allows the SSL Soundscape Mixer to respond correctly to a hardware control surface according to a dedicated or generic Console Interface Console Interfaces are available for a number of popular control surfaces Generic Console Interfaces include the MIDI Mixer Map interface which can be configured to work with most control surfaces and digital consoles that can tran...

Page 76: ...pointer is placed over them Finally the Status Bar may display information about the Error Status PO for processing overruns SU for streaming underruns INACT for Mixer inactive subject to the Watch for errors Keep Error Status until Clear and Clear Error Status options which can be activated or deactivated by right clicking the Status Bar and ticking or unticking the corresponding item in the pop ...

Page 77: ...described in the Mixer chapter If a Mixer is already active when you click this item and has been edited since the last save the following dialog box will appear giving you the option to save it If you click Yes you will be presented with a standard Windows Save dialog box You can also cancel the operation ...

Page 78: ...r mixer files is C Soundscape Mix ssMixer If a Mixer is already active when you click this item the same dialog box will appear as when you click New Mix in the same conditions see above If the Mixer you are opening includes one or more mixer elements which are not available e g an optional plug in which is not installed on the computer the following warning will be displayed ...

Page 79: ... the Mixer without these columns Upon clicking OK the Mixer will be loaded and a confirmation message will be displayed Alternatively you can select Mute the entire column and map it to following unit and choose another card using the drop down list Upon clicking OK the Mixer will be loaded and a confirmation message will be displayed NOTE The Mute tool can be used to unmute the muted mixer column...

Page 80: ...dialog box will abort the procedure In that case the Mixer will not be loaded and the following message will be displayed Save Ctrl S Clicking Save updates the last saved version of the active Mixer to the current state of this Mixer If the active Mixer has not been saved previously a standard Windows Save As dialog box appears just like when using the Save As command described next ...

Page 81: ...ing Save As calls up a standard Windows dialog box where the Mixer can be named or renamed and the save destination changed Previous mixers This section of the menu displays a list of the most recently used mixers Clicking a mixer s name will load it ...

Page 82: ...n This is the same as clicking the Close button in the top right corner of the SSL Soundscape Mixer window Exit Clicking Exit closes the program If the currently active Mixer has been edited since the last save the following dialog box will appear giving you the option to save it If you click Yes you will be presented with a standard Windows Save dialog box You can also cancel the operation ...

Page 83: ...ew Menu Toolbar Ticking or unticking this item determines whether the Toolbar will be shown as in the picture below or hidden as shown here NOTE This setting applies regardless of the current position and docked undocked status of the Toolbar ...

Page 84: ...68 resolution but some controls for instance the solo group assignment boxes and fader and mute group assignment boxes are hidden Full Column Size X Clicking this item or pressing X on the computer keyboard selects a wide view mode for the SSL Soundscape Mixer window Less mixer columns can be displayed e g 11 columns at 1024 x 768 resolution but all the controls are shown Use hierarchical mixer el...

Page 85: ...d the menu is broken down into several sections a smaller main menu and pop up submenus All the standard mixer elements can be accessed from 3 main menu items Version 2 xx Mixer Version 2 xx Mixer Part B and Version 2 xx Mixer Part C Extra main menu items are used as necessary for optional plug in mixer elements ...

Page 86: ...building error i e generated when the mixer configuration itself exceeds the capabilities of the available DSP cannot be effectively cleared until the Mixer is modified They will recur until the situation is resolved e g by deleting a mixer element Watch for Errors If this option is active ticked any errors are monitored and the corresponding codes are displayed in the Status Bar Keep Error Status...

Page 87: ...reating Editing a Mixer section of the Mixer chapter It is equivalent to clicking the Control Edit toggle button in the Toolbar Take Snapshot This item is only available if the SSL Soundscape Mixer is connected to the Console Manager program and if Mixer Automation is enabled When it is available clicking Take Snapshot sends all the settings of the SSL Soundscape Mixer to Console Manager This can ...

Page 88: ...s manual NOTE When an XLogic Alpha Link unit is used with a Mixpander its front panel controls are disabled for the parameters that can be adjusted under the Settings menu The front panel LEDs reflect the settings made in the software If the Alpha Link is switched off while the software is running an automatic recovery procedure restores it to the correct state as soon as it is switched on again M...

Page 89: ... displayed for each installed SSL Soundscape audio card Clicking the name of a Master Clock source in a submenu selects that Master Clock source for the corresponding card The available Master Clock sources available are different depending on the Soundscape hardware configuration For instance in the screenshot below Unit 1 is an SSL Soundscape Mixpander connected to an XLogic Alpha Link MADI SX N...

Page 90: ...re be updated manually FrameClock 0 FrameClock 90 When FrameClock 0 is selected the SSL Soundscape hardware locks to the FrameClock signal received via the XLogic Alpha Link s WordClock input connector FrameClock 90 must be selected to lock to the FrameClock signal supplied by certain devices whose Audio signals and clock signals are out of phase typically for MADI or ADAT SMUX signals NOTE The In...

Page 91: ...n XLogic Alpha Link MADI SX The AES 64 96kHz mode can be selected 4 or 8 channels per connector the MADI 64 96kHz mode can be switched between 96kHz legacy pattern and 96kHz frame pattern as defined in the AES 10 2003 document the number of MADI channels can be set to 64 or 56 32 or 28 at high Sample Rates and Sample Rate Conversion can be enabled for each pair of inputs on the AES EBU input conne...

Page 92: ... in the submenu Varispeed This setting is not applicable to the SSL Soundscape Mixpander hardware Passwords Clicking this item opens the Passwords window Clicking the arrow to the right of the Select Mixer unit box calls up a drop down list of all the installed SSL Soundscape audio cards The Passwords list features all the software modules that are password protected and installed on the host comp...

Page 93: ...e VST folder The Mixer Password for a new SSL Soundscape audio card can be found on the Product Registration card on a label on the card itself on the product packaging or on our website if you have registered the product along with all the passwords generated for that unit Initially all the passwords are set to 000000000000 as shown below in the column on the left Double clicking a password entry...

Page 94: ...r configuration NOTE The passwords only use numbers 0 to 9 and letters A to F NOTE If you have purchased a password for one single unit the corresponding software module will be enabled for all the hardware units in the system i e for all the Soundscape audio cards used by the SSL Soundscape Mixer The password should only be entered for the unit it was generated for with the corresponding password...

Page 95: ...re control surface and to automate it The Mixer selection parameter of Console Manager must be set to First Connecting or Mixtreme If Console Manager is not already active it will be launched automatically NOTE Console Manager is available from the Solid State Logic website and must be installed separately Enable Mixer Automation Clicking this item enables automation for the SSL Soundscape Mixer I...

Page 96: ... Auto Routing function Please see the DSP resources and Mixer Auto Routing section of the Mixer chapter for details Save Settings Clicking this item saves current parameter values set under the Settings menu to the registry NOTE Parameters such as the current window size and screen position are saved as part of the mixer file ...

Page 97: ...e About SSL Soundscape Mixer window Some essential information is displayed in this window The version number of the SSL Soundscape Mixer software The serial number of each SSL Soundscape audio card in your system This number is required when a plug in password must be generated Clicking OK will close the window ...

Page 98: ...s for other PCI devices may not allow sharing In any case DO NOT share IRQs between a Soundscape audio card and a PCI card from another manufacturer unless you are absolutely sure that the other device s driver allows sharing Most on board devices will share IRQs with a Soundscape audio card without problems Incorrect BIOS settings for Plug and Play PCI Cards The BIOS of the PC usually includes se...

Page 99: ... insufficient time for the DSP to complete the required processing for the loaded mixer configuration and this may happen with a figure slightly lower or slightly higher than 100 For a given mixer configuration the P 100 DSP power limit can be reached or not depending on the current Sample Rate This is because for a higher sample rate there is less time for calculations For instance if you create ...

Page 100: ...he audio streams occur and the PO message is not displayed in the Status Bar then an SU message may be shown indicating that a Streaming Underrun has occurred The audio may be muted temporarily but if the error was very short it is possible that you may not notice any effect on the audio Streaming underruns are a result of the PC being unable to transfer audio data to and from the SSL Soundscape a...

Page 101: ...signable inputs outputs 26 Assigning a mixer column to a DSP 10 Asymmetry MS Decoder 65 Auto Route Mixer 96 Automation Control surfaces and 74 B Balance 16 Basic principles mixer element inputs outputs connecting mixer elements 23 Bass Shelving section MS Decoder 66 C Clear Error Status View Menu 86 Column Size Full 84 Column Size Small 84 Connect to Console Manager 95 Connecting mixer elements 23...

Page 102: ...19 Element Info tool Checking mixer element information 74 Enable Mixer Automation 95 EQ multi EQ 55 EQ 2 Band 54 Error status View Menu 86 Error status indications 100 F Fader and mute groups 16 Faders standard plug in mixer elements 60 File Menu 77 Close 82 Exit 82 New 77 Open 78 Save 80 Save As 81 Fixed inputs outputs 23 FrameClock 0 FrameClock 90 Master Clock 90 Frequency MS Decoder 66 G Gain ...

Page 103: ... output availability 41 Input and output selection 40 Input section MS Decoder 63 Input Output identification 18 Inputs and outputs mixer elements 59 Internal Master Clock 89 Internal buses using the 50 Internet See Website Introduction How to use the manuals 5 K Keep Error Status until Clear View Menu 86 Key commands and key combinations reading conventions 5 L Loading and saving Mixers 7 Lock Mi...

Page 104: ...ign tool 19 Input and output availability 41 Input and output selection 40 Input Output identification 18 Inputs and outputs 59 Loading and saving Mixers 7 Mixer Auto Routing 11 Mixer column input output configurations 29 Mixer column input output configurations for Dolby Encoding and Decoding 38 Mixer column input output configurations for surround mixing 34 Mixer column input output configuratio...

Page 105: ... See Save as Mixer Saving a See Save Mixer Auto Routing 11 Mixer column step by step 44 Mixer column input output configurations Mixer 29 Mixer column input output configurations for Dolby Encoding and Decoding 38 Mixer column input output configurations for surround mixing 34 Mixer column input output configurations using mono and stereo 29 Mixer password 7 Move tool 19 MS Decoder 61 Multi EQ 55 ...

Page 106: ...gs 96 Screenshots reading conventions 5 Sends 53 Serial number of SSL Soundscape audio card 97 Settings Save Settings Menu 96 Settings Menu 88 ADAT A ADAT B ADAT C Master Clock 90 AES EBU A 1 2 AES EBU A 3 4 AES EBU A 5 6 AES EBU A 7 8 Master Clock 89 Auto Route Mixer 96 Connect to Console Manager 95 Enable Mixer Automation 95 FrameClock 0 FrameClock 90 Master Clock 90 Ignore Incoming Sample Rate ...

Page 107: ...iew Menu 84 Streaming Underrun SU 100 SU See Streaming Underrun SU surround mixing 34 T Take Snapshot 87 Tassman 72 Technical support 100 Tool selection 87 Toolbar View Menu 83 Track inserts 51 Troubleshooting 98 Error status indications 100 Hardware installation problems 98 Muting of the Mixer due to excessive use of DSP resources 99 Processing Overrun PO 100 Streaming Underrun SU 100 U URL 6 V V...

Page 108: ...rarchical mixer element selection menu Use 84 Keep Error Status until Clear 86 Small Column Size 84 Status Bar 84 Toolbar 83 Watch for Errors 86 VST mixer elements 67 VSTi mixer elements 71 W Watch for Errors View Menu 86 Website 6 Width MS Decoder 63 WordClock Master Clock 90 ...

Page 109: ...erican Copyright Conventions Solid State Logic 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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