Author Topic: FAQ on the Tangerine Automation Interface  (Read 8763 times)

Matt Sartori

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FAQ on the Tangerine Automation Interface
« on: July 20, 2016, 06:28:00 PM »
Introducing the Tangerine Automation Interface (TAI)!
For a quick visual tour of the TAI, watch the overview video.

The TAI is a game-changer in automation for SSL consoles. Seamlessly replacing your aging SSL computer, it handles up to 96 channels of VCA or ULTIMATION Automation in a sleek 2U 19-inch rack-mounted unit. The TAI writes and reads automation directly to Pro Tools (or your preferred DAW) via a plug-In. It enables the use of the SSLs dynamics section by controlling volume after the channel strip. It also supports Recall and many SSL Keyboard functions.

How the Tangerine Automation Interface Works:
The TAI consists of three key components: the physical hardware, Injektor software, and TaiMotherShip plug-in.

The TAI hardware communicates via the same 50-pin ribbon cables as the original SSL computer, offering a power-efficient, fanless design that's completely silent. With a power consumption of only 34W compared to the traditional 600W+ of the SSL computer,
you'll benefit from hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in power savings.

Injektor Software communicates directly with the TAI hardware and serves three main purposes: managing automation, creating Recall Snapshots, and configuring the TAI. It also transmits all automation data to the TaiMotherShip plug-in.


The TaiMotherShip plug-in handles the actual writing and reading of automation within your DAW. It automatically creates one volume, mute, and trim track for each console channel. All automation parameters can be modified directly from the console or using your DAWs automation tools. It also frees up the DAW track fader for use as an output TRIM.

Discover the Automation Workflow:
See our Plug-In Demo video for a quick overview of the automation workflow.

The TAI’s automation workflow is intuitive for both experienced engineers familiar with SSL workflows and those accustomed to DAW-based automation. Utilize SSL’s faders and cut switches to write automation moves directly to your DAW, while the status switches control automation modes (WRITE/READ/LATCH/TRIM/OFF), emulating the original SSL computer’s functionality.

The TaiMotherShip plug-in writes automation to dedicated lanes separate from DAW faders. This approach preserves the SSL’s dynamic processing, with volume changes happening post-channel strip. For maximum flexibility, the DAW fader remains available for pre-console TRIM if desired.

TaiMotherShip supports up to 96 channels of automation in Pro Tools and other major DAWs, eliminating past HUI limitations. You can even port existing in-the-box mixes to TaiMotherShip for playback on your SSL console.

For tape-machine synched sessions, mix engineers can use the REAPER workflow. REAPER can synch to a tape machine timecode or any other DAW via MTC without additional hardware.  THD-Labs provides a custom driver and REAPER Skin to facilitate automation tasks.

The TAI can also turn the console into a DAW control surface for in-the-box mixes. Using HUI, 32 console channels can be mapped to DAW faders.

Choose from three optional TAI accessories:

  1.  Recall-iT module: An upgraded version of SSL Total Recall, Recall-iT offers precise snapshot creation and recall, enhancing accuracy and speed.

  2.  Keyboard Decoder: Directly access global automation and transport functions from the SSL E/G centre keyboard.

  3.  The Master Fader Adapter provides a dedicated automation lane for the SSL’s master fader.

TAI Installation:
Installation is quick, taking just 15 minutes:
  • Connect the 50-pin flat cables from your SSL console to the TAI’s rear side.
  • Attach the USB port to your computer and power up the TAI.
  • Download and install the Injektor Software Suite.

Exploring Recall Functionality:
Injektor’s Recall View offers a visual representation of your SSL channel fader. Various channel types (mono black, brown, and orange EQs; and Stereo channels) can be configured within Injektor.

Both channel mode and bank mode are available. Channel mode shows a single channel strip in its entirety. Bank mode shows a section of the strip for a full bucket of channels (ex: all dynamics for channels 1-8).

Console Compatibility with Recall-iT:
If you’ve used SSL Total Recall without issues, your console is Recall-iT ready. Otherwise, ensure your console features recall multiplexers and a functional center section bus driver. Not sure where to find these? Check out this guide.

Ready to Dive In?
Contact us for more information.

To place your order, visit the Tangerine Online Shop or reach out to us directly.

We also offer international financing options for new orders; inquire for further details.

For those eager to explore the manual and detailed specifications, visit our product page.