www.solidstatelogic.com Duende Native User Guide Duende Native. This is SSL.
December 2010 Document History 82BDNM01A Initial Release
Table of Contents Introduction 1 Welcome to the World of SSL 1 About This Manual 1 Plug-in Tutorials and Support 1 About the SSL plug-in range 2 Channel Strip 2 Stereo Bus Compressor 2 X-Comp 3 X-EQ 4 Vocalstrip 5 Drumstrip 6 X-Verb 7 1.
3. Stereo Bus Compressor 25 Introduction 25 Interface Techniques 25 Control Parameters 4. X-Comp 25 27 Introduction 27 Interface Techniques 27 Automation 27 Control Parameters 28 Plug-in Bypass 28 Presets 28 A-B comparisons 28 Knee 28 Max GR 28 Bleed 29 Auditioning Bleed Bands 29 Compressor Values 29 Input and Output Sections 30 Compression Law Graph 30 Bleed Graph 30 I/O Diff Graph 30 GR History 30 Colour of knobs 30 5 .
Non Linear-phase EQ 38 Parallel Passive EQ 38 6. Vocalstrip 39 Introduction 39 Interface Overview 39 Plug-in Bypass 39 Presets 40 A-B Comparisons 40 Automation 40 Input and Output Sections 40 Vocalstrip Modules 40 De-esser 40 De-ploser 41 Equaliser 41 Compander 42 Processing Order 42 7.
REV Menu 57 Appendix: Cross-grade 59 Cross-grade Eligibility Conditions 59 Additional Conditions 59 Who Gets What? 59 Where is the Catch? 60 FAQs 60 Duende Native Cross-grade Installation 61
Introduction WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SSL Congratulations on purchasing SSL’s Duende Native plug-ins. Duende Native delivers a taste of the SSL mix experience – powerful channel and dynamics processing, the legendary Stereo Bus Compressor, plus a variety of contemporary audio tools developed by SSL to provide you with extensive processing versatility. SSL is a company that has built its considerable reputation on excellence in audio production.
ABOUT THE SSL PLUG-IN RANGE Channel Strip The EQ and Dynamics Channel Strip plug-in is based on the EQ and compressor sections of the XL 9000 K Series console. SSL were the first mixing console manufacturer to feature dynamics and EQ on every channel on an in-line console with the SL 4000 B Series in 1977.
X-Comp X-Comp can deliver the transparent audio finesse of a mastering grade stereo compressor or be driven to inject character and raw power to rival the SSL Listen Mic Compressor. In X-Comp we haven’t just modelled a particular compressor, but have provided a set of features and controls that allow the emulation of many vintage and modern compression designs based on a well loved SSL feed forward compressor algorithm.
X-EQ X-EQ is a versatile and comprehensive mastering grade parametric EQ plug-in built from the ground up for Duende. It has an unprecedented clarity, smoothness, and excellent high-frequency response. A total of 10 EQ bands are provided, split into dedicated HP and LP filters, LF and HF shelves and 6 bell bands. A Parallel EQ mode is also provided which recreates the characteristic sound of an old parallel passive PEQ circuit built with inductors and capacitors.
Vocalstrip Vocalstrip is a one stop solution for superior vocal processing, with all the tools you need to take your vocal sound into the major league. Vocalstrip features 4 configurable processing blocks to take care of unwanted artefacts, dynamics and equalisation and extensive metering and visual feedback give you invaluable information during your work.
Drumstrip The Drumstrip plug-in for Duende brings a unique blend of tools to the Duende Native platform, which provides an unprecedented amount of control over the transient and spectral elements of drum and percussion tracks. Manipulation which previously may have been time-consuming or impossible with traditional EQ and dynamics processing becomes elegant and rewarding with SSL Drumstrip. Key Features • Transient shaper capable of drastically changing the attack characteristics of rhythmic tracks.
X-Verb X-Verb is a versatile and comprehensive studio grade reverberation plug-in, delivering the density, warmth, depth and stunning detail usually only associated with high class hardware reverb units. The use of innovative Diffusion Engines and innovative processing design provides superior performance that surpasses other Reverb Plug-Ins in both artistic freedom, depth and sonic quality. This plug-in may well provide all the different Reverb options you will ever need.
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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Before starting the process, you may want to confirm that no upgrades to your computer or its software are required to run Duende Native: Windows - Windows XP, Vista or 7 (32- or 64-bit versions) - Intel Core2 (or comparable) CPU running at 2GHz or higher - 2GB of RAM minimum Duende Native does not support Pentium or Celeron CPUs Macintosh - Intel Macintosh running at 1.83 GHz or higher - OSX 10.5.8 or higher - 2GB of RAM minimum Duende Native does not support Power PC Macintosh.
DOWNLOADING THE SOFTWARE If you do not have a Duende CD, you can download the software from www.solidstatelogic.com. Note that you do not need to buy plug-ins to download , though you will need to register on the SSL website before you can use them. To use them for more than one month, you will need to buy authorisation, as described on Page 19. To download the software, go to www.solidstatelogic.
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE (MACINTOSH) Installation on Macintosh requires that CodeMeter be installed before Duende Native. Locate the Duende Native installer. • If you have a Duende Native CD, both installers will be found on the CD. • If you have downloaded Duende Native from the SSL Website, the installers will both be contained within the Duende Native disk image file that you downloaded; double click this file to mount the disk image.
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE (WINDOWS) Locate the Duende Native installer, either on the Duende Native Installer CD, or in your computer’s downloads folder. The installer application is named Duende Native Setup 32-bit for 32-bit Digital Audio Workstations, or Duende Native Setup 64-bit for 64-bit Digital Audio Workstations. Double-click on the icon, and an installer window will open: You will be taken through a number of screens, eventually reaching one which lists the Duende Native plug-ins.
CREATING AN SSL PROFILE In order to authorise your SSL software, you need to create an SSL profile: Go to www.solidstatelogic.com and click on REGISTER, located in the top right-hand corner of the SSL home page. Clicking on the picture below will take you there: Fill in your details and click on the Create New Account button at the bottom of the page. You will be sent a password by email. Once you have received this email, you are ready to continue.
BUYING PLUG-INS You must have an SSL profile and be logged into the SSL website to buy plug-ins. Please refer to the previous page for information about creating and logging into a profile. When you log into the website, you are automatically taken to the MySSL area. To navigate there from elsewhere in the website, click on your name in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
APPLYING ACTIVATION CODES TO YOUR PROFILE CD Activation Codes If you bought your plug-ins on CD, you must apply your activation codes to your profile before you can activate them. To do this, log into your profile then go to www.solidstatelogic.com/duendenativepacks and follow the on-screen instructions. To locate your activation code, open your CD sleeve and you will find it on a sticker on the left-hand panel.
ACTIVATING PLUG-INS Note that if you have purchased your plug-ins on CD or are using a free demo, you will need to apply activation codes to your profile before activating them, as described on the previous page. You must be logged into your Profile on the SSL website to authorise your plug-ins. Please refer to Page 18 for information about creating and logging into a profile. When you log into the website or complete a plug-in purchase, you are automatically taken to the MySSL area.
Note that the Duende Native encryption is based upon ‘CodeMeter’. You may have other products licenced under CodeMeter, and you may have a USB hardware CodeMeter dongle. It is important to read the on-screen instructions before clicking on Continue to the Licence Centre at the bottom of the page: A list of plug-ins will appear. Click on the individual Activate Now labels to complete the activation process. If you are ready to activate all of the licences listed, click on Activate all my licences.
2. EQ & Dynamics Channel Strip INTRODUCTION The EQ & Dynamics Channel Strip plug-in provides a complete SSL channel strip, modeled on the XL 9000 K Series console, and includes high and low pass filters, a four band equalizer, compressor/limiter and gate/expander. The channel strip can run in mono or stereo. Before examining the plug-in in detail, the diagram below provides an operational overview.
INTERFACE TECHNIQUES • To turn a knob, click on it, and drag it up and to the right (as shown right). If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can also turn knobs by hovering over them and turning the scroll wheel. Cl ick + Dr ag • To press a switch in a plugin, simply click on it. • To turn a knob slowly for fine adjustments, hold Shift on your keyboard whilst turning. • To reset a knob to its default value, click on it whilst holding Ctrl (Windows) or ⌘ (Macintosh).
EQUALISER SECTION To use the EQ, switch it into circuit by pressing the EQ IN switch. The EQ section has four bands, each with it’s own knob colour. All bands have gain and frequency control. The low (LF) and high (HF) bands are shelved by default (as shown below) but can be switched to a bell shape (parametric) by pressing the BELL button. The low-mid (LMF) and high-mid (HMF) bands also have Q control: Band LF LMF HMF Frequency range 40Hz – 600Hz 200Hz – 2kHz 600Hz – 7kHz 1.
DYNAMICS SECTION The Dynamics section comprises a Compressor/Limiter and an Expander/Gate. Both sections work independently but can be operational at the same time, providing sophisticated control of signal levels. The diagrams down the right-hand side of the page give a simplified overview what each control represents – If you are unfamiliar with any of the operations described, you may want to view SSL’s on-line tutorials (See Page 5 for details).
Dynamics Values The value ranges associated with the dynamics controls are as follows: Ratio Compressor 1:1 to ∞:1 Expander Gate: Expander: Threshold / Range 40:1 2:1 Release time Attack time –20dB to +10dB 0.1s to 4s 3ms to 30ms (automatic) 3ms in Fast Attack 30dB to +10dB Range: 0dB to 40dB hold 0s to 4s release 0.1s to 4s 1.
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3. Stereo Bus Compressor INTRODUCTION The Stereo Bus Compressor plug-in is a stereo version of the legendary centre section stereo bus compressor found on the XL 9000 K Series console. It provides high quality stereo compression, giving you critical control over the dynamic range of audio signals. The compressor can be run in mono or stereo modes and can be used for practically any application that requires superior compression.
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4. X-Comp INTRODUCTION The illustration below gives an overview of some of the X-Comp features which are described in full over the following pages. Click on the blue boxes to be taken to fuller descriptions of their contents. Interactive compressor display with draggable nodes IO Diff display displays the signal’s dynamic range.
CONTROL PARAMETERS Plug-in Bypass The In/Out switch located above the Input section provides an internal plug-in bypass. This allows for smoother In/Out comparisons by avoiding the latency issues associated with the host application’s Bypass function. The button must be ‘lit’ for the compressor to be in circuit (as shown right). Presets The Load and Save buttons at the base of the screen provide quick access to the host application’s Import and Save Settings functions.
Bleed The Bleed controls, located at the bottom of the X-Comp plug-in window, allow you to remove the compressor’s effect from high and low frequencies. Frequencies outside the mid-band bypass the compressor and are recombined with the compressed signal at the output. Note that the bypassed signal is not affected by the Make up gain.
Input and Output Sections The input and output sections at either side of the plug-in window provide input and output gain control, along with displays of the following information: Clip Light Indicates that the signal is clipping. It clears after 1 second, or click on it to clear manually. Peak Meter Allows you to observe the exact level at any point in time. There are two meters in stereo and one in mono. Range Meter The thin white bracket indicates the signal’s recent dynamic range.
5. X-EQ INTRODUCTION X-EQ is a 10-band highly configurable EQ plug-in. The six central bands have bell curves, the second and ninth bands are shelf bands, while the first and last bands are filters. The illustration below introduces some of the X-EQ plug-in features which are described in full over the following pages. Click on the blue boxes to be taken to fuller descriptions of their contents.
Input and Output Sections The input and output sections at either side of the plug-in window provide input and output gain control, along with displays of the following information: Clip Light Indicates that the signal is clipping. It clears after 1 second, or click on it to clear manually. Range Meter The thin white bracket indicates the signal’s recent dynamic range. Peak Meter Allows you to observe the exact level at any point in time. There are two meters in stereo and one in mono.
EQ CONFIGURATION When one of the band boxes below the EQ graph is selected, it’s band is assigned to the band editing controls to the right of the graph. - Freq (frequency) control is provided for each band. Gain and Q control is provided for all bands apart from the filter bands (Band 1 and 10). The filter bands have slope control in place of the Q control.
Parallel The parallel button changes the order in which the six central bell-shaped bands are processed. In normal (serial) mode, they are processed one after the other.
EQ AND FILTER SHAPES Bell Shapes Q Definitions: P – 3dB Classical definition that means Q is measured 3dB below peak for boost or 3dB above peak for cut. 0 – 3dB Definition used for bells in some US products, the bandwidth for Q calculation is measured 3dB below 0dB line for cut or 3dB above for boost. Q in both definitions correct only for +6dB boost/cut. P/2 New ‘musical’ definition based on the bandwidth measurement in the middle of a bell filter, between peak and 0dB line.
Constant Q Asymmetrical Reverse (CQ Asym R) Exactly like above but with mirrored boost and cut characteristics. Constant Q Invert (CQ Invers) Both boost and cut characteristics are both defined according to 0 – 3dB formula. 0 – 3dB Constant Q New (CQ New) Defined Q is always perfectly maintained independent of bell gain (also below 6dB). In terms of P – 3dB definition of this equaliser can be classified as proportional. P/2 Parallel Note this is accessed via the Parallel switch, not the drop-down menu.
Gaussian No ringing or overshoot in the time domain, but slow roll-off in the frequency domain. Butterworth Characterised by having a maximally flat magnitude response, ie. no amplitude ripple in the passband. Chebychev Characterised by having an equiripple magnitude response, meaning the magnitude increases and decreases regularly from DC to the cutoff frequency. EQ HISTORY An Audio Engineer’s Best Friend The equaliser is the oldest and the most popular sound processing tool.
Non Linear-phase EQ Phase shift in equipment is probably one of the most misunderstood topics in audio. Phase shifts often get blamed for anything that is not classed as typical distortion. The reality is that all analogue EQs produce a deviation from linear phase which is specifically related to the shape of the EQ curve, and it is precisely these phase changes which produce the required gain reductions.
6. Vocalstrip INTRODUCTION Vocalstrip is a one stop solution for superior vocal processing, providing tailor-made tools for fixing and polishing your vocal sound. The illustration below introduces the main Vocalstrip plug-in features which are described in full over the following pages. Click on the blue boxes to be taken to fuller descriptions of their contents.
Presets The Load and Save buttons at the base of the screen provide quick access to the host application’s Import and Save Settings functions. For specific instructions on using presets within the host, consult the host application documentation. Presets use a standard file format which allows them to be moved between a variety of platforms and host applications. A file of ready-made Vocalstrip presets are included in the plug-in installation.
De-ploser Plosives are bursts of low frequency energy in a signal which can cause compressors to sound unpleasant. They are most often caused by the breath of a singer standing too close to the microphone. The Vocalstrip De-ploser detects these artefacts and lets you manage their level. The De-ploser’s controls are very similar to those of the De-esser: Switch the De-ploser on by clicking on the power button in its top left-hand corner.
Compander The Vocalstrip Compander is a hybrid Compressor and Expander. Switch it on by clicking on the power button in its top lefthand corner. Expander First the signal enters a fixed ratio downwards expander, designed to reduce room ambience, spill or breath noise that is often brought up by the subsequent compression. To set the level at which the level reduction is introduced, turn the Ex Thr (Expander Threshold), located on the Compander’s right-hand side.
7. Drumstrip INTRODUCTION Drumstrip is a one stop solution for superior drum processing, providing tailor-made tools for fixing and polishing your drum sounds. The illustration below introduces its features which are described in full over the following pages. Click on the blue boxes to be taken to fuller descriptions of their contents. A good place to start with Drumstrip may be the SSL on-line tutorials (See Page 5 for details).
INPUT AND OUTPUT SECTIONS The input and output sections at either side of the plug-in window provide input and output gain control, along with displays of the following information: Clip Light Indicates that the signal is clipping. It clears after 1 second, or click on it to clear manually. Range Meter The thin white bracket indicates the signal’s recent dynamic range. Peak Meter Allows you to observe the exact level at any point in time.
Transient Shaper The Transient Shaper allows you to add attack to the start of a drum hit by increasing the amplitude of the attack portion of the signal whilst leaving the decay unchanged. The right hand waveform is a processed version of the one on the left. It has been passed through the transient shaper where the amplitude of the attack portion has been increased. The Shaper uses a control signal to detect transients. Gain controls the level of this signal.
HF and LF Enhancers The HF and LF enhancers respectively enrich the high and low frequencies of the input signal. Whereas a standard EQ simply raises the level of certain frequencies, the Enhancer adds a combination of 2nd and 3rd harmonics to those frequencies, producing a more pleasing effect. Switch each Enhancer on by clicking on the power button in its top left-hand corner. No effect is heard until an Enhancer’s Drive and Amount are turned up.
8. X-Verb X-Verb is a versatile and comprehensive studio grade reverberation plug-in which delivers the density, warmth, depth and stunning detail usually only found in top-end hardware reverb processors. The primary parameters provide conventional reverb manipulation, while nearly 100 detail parameters allow an exceptional level of fine-tuning. Click on the blue boxes to be taken to fuller descriptions of their contents.
Presets The Load and Save buttons at the base of the screen provide quick access to the host application’s Import and Save Settings functions. The arrow buttons to the right of the Load and Save buttons can be used to cycle through all of the stored presets within the same folder. For specific instructions on using presets within the host, consult the host application documentation. Presets use a standard file format which allows them to be moved between a variety of platforms and host applications.
Input and Output Levels The input and output sections at either side of the plug-in window provide input and output gain control, along with level metering and clip lights: Clip Light Indicates that the signal is clipping. It clears after 1 second, or click on it to clear manually. Level Controller Move the semi-transparent bar up and down to control the level Peak Meter Displays the signal level.
Image Control X-Verb comes with an innovative Stereo Image interface which performs Stereo width, Phase, Left/Right channel swapping, and Surround Processor compatible L-R – R-L operations. The control is located in the top right-hand corner of the window. The image can be rotated by 360° in either direction. A number of image presets are included – click on the box to the right of the Image label and select one from the drop-down list which appears (shown left).
X-VERB CONFIGURATION Kill Tail Button Whenever you are auditioning changes in your configuration, and don’t want to wait for the reverb tail to die away completely, click on the Kill Tail button in the bottom right-hand corner of the window. 1. Select an Algorithm or Preset. It is often a good idea to begin setting up your reverb by loading a preset as a starting point as described on the previous page.
2. Adjust the Primary Parameters The seven controls across the top left of the plug-in window provide access to the primary reverb parameters. Each of these parameters represent an interaction between a number of more detailed parameters which can also be adjusted (see next page).
3. Adjust the Detail Parameters Detail parameters are adjusted in the Reverb Control area of the window, located between the Input and Output areas. The ER and REV buttons in the top left-hand corner of the display define whether the ER (Early Reflections) or REV (Reverb) parameters, graphs and sub-menus are displayed. ER If ER is selected, the ER Master Del (delay), Master Lev (level) and Master Time knobs appear below the graph and to the left.
REV If REV is selected, three buttons appear to the right of the REV button, labelled Reverb, Frq/Time and Filters. When each of these is selected, their parameters appear below the graph. When the Reverb button is selected, a further sub-menu appears to its right, labelled Body, Envelope and Modulate.
When REV is selected, the graph display is dependent on which sub-menu is active. When Reverb is selected, the REV Triangle is displayed. The left handle on the bottom adjusts the reverb predelay (horizontal), the handle on the top adjusts the reverb level (vertical) and the right bottom handle changes the reverb time. The ER block is visible in the background and clicking on it will switch the Reverb Control area to ER.
DETAIL PARAMETER RANGES AND DESCRIPTIONS ER Menu Menu ER Master Controls Parameter Range Description Master Delay 0 - 1500ms Master Level 0 - 400% Adjusts the level of all Taps, counter-clockwise to decrease, clockwise to increase all tap levels. Master Time 0 - 400% Adjusts the delay of all Taps, counter-clockwise to decrease, clockwise to increase all delay times.
REV Menu Menu Parameter Reverb Master Controls Range PreDelay 0 - 1500ms Adds a Pre-Delay to the reverb tail, moving the Triangle right. Rev Level –∞ to 0dB Adjusts the level of the reverb tail Rev Time Varies Determines the time for the reverb level to fall below 60dB (RT 60). Dependant on the Size, Shape, Attack and Algorithm. Size 0 - 60m Adjusts room size by altering the reverb delay structure, the diffusion engine and the complexity approximation.
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Appendix: Cross-grade It is easy to see that a customer who has previously invested in a hardware Duende DSP unit might want to continue to benefit from ongoing support and development of new Duende plug-ins. In recognition of this SSL is offering every registered Duende DSP owner a free ‘cross-grade’ to Duende Native. This page describes the terms and conditions for eligibility to a free cross-grade, it describes what we are offering and how to go about applying for a cross-grade.
WHERE IS THE CATCH? There isn’t one. We have changed our future development strategy and think it is the right and proper thing to do to provide our existing customers with an opportunity to benefit from future development. You are not obliged to switch, you can carry on using your Duende DSP but you deserve the choice. It also feels good to reward customer loyalty. FAQS Can I run demo versions of the Duende Native plug-ins before I choose to cross-grade? Yes you can.
DUENDE NATIVE CROSS-GRADE INSTALLATION Please follow the software download and installation instructions laid out in Section 1 of this manual. Section 1 also includes information about registering on the SSL website, if you have not already done so. This is a necessary part of the activation process. Having logged into the website, go to the My Products tab, where all registered Duende hardware will be listed. If you need to register a unit, use the registration section at the top of the screen.
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Index A E A-B (Vocalstrip) 40 E switch (Channel Strip plug-in) 21 A-B (X-Comp) 28 EQ & Dynamics Channel Strip 19 A-B (X-EQ) 33 EQ History 37 A-B (X-Verb) 48 EQ IN switch (Channel Strip plug-in) 21 Analyse button (X-EQ) 33 EQ Shapes (X-EQ) 35 Aud button (Vocalstrip) 40 Equaliser (Channel Strip plug-in) 21 Authorising Your Plug-ins 16 Equaliser (Vocalstrip) 41 Automation (Channel Strip plug-in) 20 ER (X-Verb) 53, 56 Automation (Drumstrip) 43 EXP button (Channel Strip plug-i
M X Max GR (X-Comp) 28 X-Comp 27 Mix (X-Verb) 49 X-EQ 31 Morph button 48 X-Verb 47 O Output (Channel Strip plug-in) 23 Output (Drumstrip) 44 Output (Vocalstrip) 40 Output (X-Comp) 30 Output (X-EQ) 32 Output (X-Verb) 49 P Parallel button (X-EQ) 34 Parameters (X-Verb) 53, 56 PK button (Channel Strip plug-in) 19, 22 PRE EQ switch (Channel Strip plug-in) 22, 23 Presets (Vocalstrip) 40 Presets (X-Comp) 28 Presets (X-EQ) 33 Presets (X-Verb) 48 Primary Parameters (X-Verb)
Notes Duende Native User Guide Page 65
www.solidstatelogic.com Visit SSL at: www.solidstatelogic.
