An Introduction to Split Mode
The Duality 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 channel supports two input paths normally designated as the Channel Input and the DAW 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 post-DAW processed sends.
Routing and Signal Flow
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’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, it is recommended that each DAW output is returned individually to a Duality channel strip.
For details of the physical location of Duality’s inputs and outputs, please refer to the Duality Installation
Manual.
DAW I/O Labelling
When using DAW routing with Duality, 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’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’.
Console Operator’s Guide
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Duality Operator’s Manual
