SSL VCA automation workflow

[Worlez]

I'm trying to get proficient on the VCA automation on our E series console, but coming from touch sensitive automation in Pro Tools to VCA is a bit of a minefield! I have the manual, but it is difficult to follow at times, and I could use some real world experience.

Do I need to save a mix after EVERY pass, or can I make multiple passes and automate various channels before saving a revision of a mix? I'd like to be able to setup 'mix 1' as the static mix, then do a bunch of passes on 'mix 2' and do broad strokes across the whole desk - at the moment I end up with 40+ mixes as I seem to have to save after every pass.

I'd love to hear some insight and workflow scenarios from people who are familiar with this system.

Many thanks

Al

[Worlez]

Bump

[toolstudio]

you don't need to save after every path. You could rollback and do various other
faders. If you update absolute punch out of the writing mode, as it jumps back
into writing when you roll back and run to the point where you stopped without
punching out.

I save after almost every path, as some computers are a bit forgetful ..... I always
end with more than 40 mixes ...

if you get more comfortable with the automation you get so quick with it, that pressing
<end> and <play> <mix> <from> <here> will take no time ...

wolfgang

[Worlez]

Thanks for the reply. How do you punch out of writing mode once you are in it?

Would you be able to talk me through your workflow for the automation?

Cheers

Al

[James Lugo]

Originally Posted by toolstudio

you don't need to save after every path. You could rollback and do various other
faders. If you update absolute punch out of the writing mode, as it jumps back
into writing when you roll back and run to the point where you stopped without
punching out.

I save after almost every path, as some computers are a bit forgetful ..... I always
end with more than 40 mixes ...

if you get more comfortable with the automation you get so quick with it, that pressing
<end> and <play> <mix> <from> <here> will take no time ...

wolfgang

Das it.

[gear is cool]

surely you have a engineer close to you that can sit down with you for a afternoon?

offer to buy them lunch - pay them for the time

do you have a interface (smart to tools/konnector etc.) that talks to to ssl computer and pro tools?

the ssl computer system is freaky - based around a 1978 computer - its like pong meets hal

its super easy once you know how to use it, as most things are

[suedesound]

i didn't come up in the days you had to use the automation so i didn't, i only saved recalls. that said i agree that it's pretty simple protocol once you get used to it.

[mixermarkb]

Make sure the computer is configured as "insert mixing on". When setup like that you can update mix in absolute just like punching in and out on a multitrack.

[mixermarkb]

If anyone can explain how to trim a channel without doing a full pass I'd love to know. On my neve I can just trim a channel in .10 of a db steps. Haven't figured out how to do that on the ssl yet, and it would be real handy for doing things like vocal up mixes quickly.

Why I can't seem to understand the manual on this subject I have no idea...lol

[TapeOpAl]

Originally Posted by mixermarkb

If anyone can explain how to trim a channel without doing a full pass I'd love to know. On my neve I can just trim a channel in .10 of a db steps. Haven't figured out how to do that on the ssl yet, and it would be real handy for doing things like vocal up mixes quickly.

Why I can't seem to understand the manual on this subject I have no idea...lol

You can do an offline trim, or you can update the fader in trim mode start the mix, move the fader, hit stop (not cancel), GOTO the end of the song then save the mix. Saves you listening through the track at least.

[mixermarkb]

The offline trim thing is what I want to do, but for some reason haven't been able to figure out the process, even with the manual. The update in trim mode thing may work for me. I don't have a 2tools, so my SSL just chases PT. Will that still work for me just off of timecode, without the GOTO command?

[mixnova]

Google for a pdf called "SSL_G_Series_Shortform". It's got all the commands very well explained, way better than the manual, including all the offline trim stuff. It should work for the E computer as well.

[Louderock]

Originally Posted by mixermarkb

The offline trim thing is what I want to do, but for some reason haven't been able to figure out the process, even with the manual. The update in trim mode thing may work for me. I don't have a 2tools, so my SSL just chases PT. Will that still work for me just off of timecode, without the GOTO command?

You'll do offline trim when you're not running a mix. In other words, you have just saved a pass and you're looking at the menu listing your mix passes 1 - ???. Let's assume you just save mix pass 12* and you want to turn up the vocal on channel 24 by .7 db. You'll hit the buttons REVISE MIX and then you'll type +.7

You'll hear a beep and then all the fader status lights will come on. It assumes you want to revise every channel. So, you'll hit the master fader status button on your center section until none of the channel fader status buttons are lit. Then you'll press the individual fader status button on the channel you want to revise up by .7 db. In this case, it's channel 24. Press that status button once and it will light up. Then, press EXECUTE. It will trim that fader up by .7 db for the whole mix. Then, it will ask you to name the mix. Type a new name or just press enter to have a number name.

[mixermarkb]

Thank you!!!

[juniorhifikit]

make a hot key for: <name> here <end> mix







or something like that...

[aidyhall]

When I used to do a lot of mixing on SSL's, I got into programming the Hot Keys with little macros, which can speed up your workflow. This is only possible on a G-series computer, which may or may not be fitted to your E-series desk.

The two that I always set up, regardless, was one to rollback 5 seconds (can't remember the exact command, but something like Play From -5s), and the Goto Mix From Here command. If I had time, I would program in the major cue points with Goto Mix From ... commands, so F1 would be Goto Mix From Intro, F2 would be Goto Mix From Vrs 1, etc ... Label them with desk tape above the Hot Key, and you're good to go!

Otherwise, you learn to punch those buttons quickly, like a typist. Clients would comment on the speed!