How good is Ultimation?

[tlmaen]

Hi, just curious how good the Motor fader automation is.
Noise, overshoot, resolution, long fades, very short ones. how is the behaviour?
Are there aliasing/staircase effects?

thanks,
Tilmann

[tlamix]

Greetings,
I have used Ultimation since it was introduced.
I love just being able to grab the fader and write levels without pressing the status button.
I own an Ultimation console and NEVER run my faders in VCA mode as I am just so comfortable using the moving faders.
Since I never use them in VCA mode I also never calibrate them to be them to be the same level with motors on or motors off.
If you have Ultimation fitted to your console, good for you.
If your thinking about installing Ultimation to a VCA console, I would HIGHLY suggest you DON'T!
If you're thinking of buying an Ultimation console, know this, the moving faders require A LOT of maintenance.
VCA faders don't require much maintenance at all.
Sonically, I don't hear any difference between the motors on or motors off (VCA MODE).
BUT, I do love mine and since I am the only one operating my console, I know how to treat them so they last.

Hope this helps.
TLA

[tlmaen]

Hey TLA,
thanks!

I love moving faders as much as you Do.
Unfortunately I don't have Ultimation in my Console.
That's why I build my own Moving Fader Automation.
I am in the process of fine tuning the behavior of the Motors, wich is a compromise between speed and accuracy
(at least with standard brushed motors).

That was basically my initial question how the Ultimation behaves with small steps, slow. linear Automation "fade" moves
and fast changes. And also how loud the motors are when they are moving.
Especially overshoot and zipper noise.

Thanks,
Tilmann

[tlamix]

Tilmann,
Building your own moving faders!!!
GO GET 'EM!!!

I am assuming you are asking about the noise of the physical fader when its moving?
They are relatively quiet, I really only hear them when I do a move on a sub group operating 8 or 10 fader, and its usually when they 'snap' back to a written level after i do a ride of 2db or more and then let go of the fader to get it back to its written level.
When monitoring audio, even at low levels, I almost never can hear the faders moving.
Any 'zipper' noise would indicate a fader that is dirty or in need of service.

Audio wise, they pretty much behave exactly as VCA faders, except of course they move, but no issue with slow fades, fast fades, and I notice no issue with accuracy.
Again, any issue with accuracy or overshoot would indicate a fader in need of service.



TLA

[tlmaen]

Ja, wanted it for so long. even when I did not have the ssl console.
I am on it, for sure!

It will also activate the transport buttons, and using the fader push buttons for undo and Auto Mode toggle.
The Fader Leds will show the Automation status.
All connected via HUI, so no extra Computer needed.
And of course, you can control your DAW Faders when you Mix ITB.

Are you running Pro tools?

[horizonsound]

Pretty much everything TLA said. They are amazing when you have them maintained and up to spec.
Unlike VCA systems, you must have the computer on at all times, and the additional power supplies.
They generate a reasonable amount of heat too.

There are some common fail points in the faders, and a few obsolete components.

On that note TLA, I have some custom touch sense boards that I have made for those faders of yours, and should be doing final testing soon.

Anthony.