THD-Labs

Tangerine Automation Interface "ff" FOR FlyingFaders™

Shipping July 2020!

Following in the steps of our flagship Tangerine Automation Interface for the SSL E/G consoles, the Tangerine Automation Interface for FlyingFaders brings the same simple and intuitive workflow to the FlyingFader platform with modern DAW-controlled automation.

The original FlyingFaders™ system was sold with an aging automation computer and uses a bulky, expensive and unreliable optical link to transmit control data between the faders and the interface.  Over time, though the faders still work very well, the automation recall system is now obsolete and updating it has become a costly endeavour.

 

Enter the Tangerine Automation Interface for FlyingFaders™! This lower-cost highly customizable system fits into the original FlyingFaders™ card cage and the existing automation control system. It communicates directly with your DAW over today’s most common digital protocols (USB, Ethernet and MIDI). Our AAX, AU, VST plug-ins allows to use of FlyingFaders™ to write or read the automation directly in/from your favourite DAW. Out of the box (OTB) mix automation data is now part of your DAW project, reducing the complexity of managing separate automation software, shortening the learning curve and simplifying your workflow.

 

The Tangerine Automation Interface for FlyingFaders is a modular system customizable to your unique console

 

With its multiple channel configurations, the TAI for FlyingFaders™ is customizable to fit any FlyingFaders™ system: from small 8-channel auxiliary systems to full-fledged studio mixing consoles with virtually no limit on channel count.

A simple 2-part system, the Tangerine SEKA card slides into your FlyingFaders™ card cage, and replaces your original SECA™ card. It communicates with the Tangerine Communication Interface using a standard Ethernet cable, replacing the old, expensive, unreliable fiber-optic link. Finally, cheap and standard USB and Ethernet cables connect the Tangerine Interface to your computer and network. Total install time is typically less than 15 minutes.

 

It's that simple.

 

The Tangerine Interface offers multiple control modes allowing it to match any mix workflow:

 

  • In INJEKTOR mode, the TAI brings direct READ/WRITE/TOUCH/TRIM automation of faders and mutes directly in any AAX/AU/VST compatible DAW.
  • In REAPER mode, the TAI allows for tape-based mixing workflows using no additional hardware synchronizer.
  • In HUI mode, the TAI allows for direct ProTools control using your console's faders as input controllers.

Specifications And Features

  • Modular interface controling 8 to 96+ FlyingFaders using reliable and economical Ethernet cables instead of the old fiber optic link
  • Use your DAW as the automation software.  Available modes:
    1. INJEKTOR (AAX/AU/VST plugin)
    2. REAPER/SSL 
    3. HUI* 
    4. HUI hybrid* 
  • READ / WRITE resolution: 10 bits (1024 steps) +/- 0.1 dB precision
  • Control and automate FADER and CUTS with Support for TRIM and ABSOLUTE modes (optionnal inserts/aux ctrl TBA*)
  • Fader null function to match actual fader position in motor OFF mode
  • Set global channel automation mode directly from console status switch
  • Global and multiple channels mode select from select switches
  • User defined, «on stop, goto selected automation mode after write » READ/LATCH/SAME
  • Master fader automation 
  • Any console fader can be used as a virtual DAW controller
  • Built in HDMI output for interface display
  • High reliability construction
  • Silent, fan less, low power (15 watts) design can be installed in the control room or under console using short ribbon cables
  • All lead-free, RoHS components
  • 2U rack-mount chassis

Options

  • Our current SEKA card includes the requiered I/O hardware ports to interface with the original expansion control cards included on some FlyingFaders systems. EQ and AUX in/out automation will be offered as a optional firmware upgrade when availlable

* HUI workflows support a maximum of 32 simultanious channels

Order

Pricing

The Tangerine Automation Interface for FlyingFaders™ is sold in banks of 8 channels. Pricing is based on the number of total channels you want to control and your current FlyingFaders™ system configuration.

Each system includes:

  • 1x TANGERINE INTERFACE:
  • 1x SEKA CARD
  • 1x Power supply(CSA/FCC/UL)

The total automation channel count should include inputs, groups and master faders when configuring a system:

For example, a console configuration made of:

40 inputs+ 8 groups+2 masters = 50 channels will require a system with 56 channels

Pricing starts at $3,499 USD.

If you want to expand your system at a later date, channel upgrades are also available.

ORDERING:

Contact us to place an order. We require a 50% deposit upfront. Depending on the system configuration and options, we’ll typically require 2-3 weeks to build and rigorously test the system. We’ll ship it out once final payment is received. 

THD-labs agrees, on request, to refund the deposit and cancel the order if we are more than 2 weeks late on typical delivery time.

To place an order for the Tangerine Automation Interface for FlyingFaders or for more information contact us specifying your required channel count.  It will be our pleasure to assit you.

Payment:

Preferred Payment Methods: wire transfer, money orders, certified cheques and Interac e-Transfer (Canada only).

Also available with a 3% surcharge: MasterCard, VISA and PayPal.

Medias

Videos

FAQ

How do I install the Tangerine Automation Interface for Flying Faders?

Installing the Tangerine Automation interface for Flying Faders is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3

  1. In the Flying Faders card cage, replace the existing MartinSound SECA card with the new Tangerine SEKA card. Connect it to the Tangerine Automation interface for Flying Faders using an Ethernet cable.
  2. Connect the USB port to your computer, ethernet to your network and power.
  3. Download and install the drivers and Injektor Software.

For more detailed installation and troubleshooting instructions you can refer to the Tangerine user's manual available here.

Which workflow is best for me?

The Tangerine Automation Interface supports 3 dedicated workflows.  On top of all original Flying Faders computer functions, each workflow offers different modern approaches to automation that certain users may prefer.

 
1. The Injektor workflow is our most recent - and most popular - no-compromise method for working with the TAI. Using our AAX/VST/AU plugins, you can quickly and easily control up to 96 channels directly in your favourite DAW. All available automation modes are available - including TRIM. This workflow requires installing our Injektor software package. To see the Injecktor workflow in action, check out our tutorial video here: https://youtu.be/jAyzd3Iwe6g
 
2. The Reaper workflow was developed to match the feel of the original Flying Faders automation computer. In this workflow, Reaper directly replaces the existing Flying Faders computer and will be “Synched/Slaved” via time code to your audio source and can control up to 96 channels.
 
3. The HUI workflows turn your Flying Faders into a control surface that interacts with HUI compatible DAWs without any additional software required. Though HUI workflows don't require any additional software, they do have some tradeoffs compared to other workflows. The HUI OTB workflow is limited to 32 channels and does not support TRIM automation modes. The HUI Hybrid workflow can support up to 96 channels by using bank switching and supports TRIM automation modes, but it does not have unity-gain coming out of the DAW.

How do I configure my interface and my DAW software?

Initial set-up of your Tangerine Automation Interface is quick and easy.

After installing your TAI and connecting it to your network, navigate to the Tangerine's Setup page available at http://tai.local/setup (this web page will only be accessible if you have a Tangerine system connected to your network). From there you can choose your desired workflow and other comfort settings.

Depending on your chosen workflow, you may need to install a software package.

  • The Injektor workflow requires our Injektor software package available here.
  • The Reaper/SSL workflow requires the Reaper DAW available here and our driver/skin package available here.
  • The HUI workflows do not require any additional software.

All that's left afterwards is configuring your DAW for use with the Tangerine (this only needs to be done once). Each DAW has its particularities and configuration steps vary by workflow. Complete information for each DAW and workflow is available in the Tangerine user's manual available here.

How do I use the Tangerine Automation interface ?

Fader moves and mute switch toggles are sent from your console to your DAW according to the selected automation mode. You can select the automation mode by pressing fader record and match buttons on the console.

Within the DAW, volume and mute information will be read from or written to track automation envelopes. How the DAW and console respond to this envelope is dependent on the choice of workflow:

  • Using the Injektor, Reaper/SSL and HUI-OTB workflows, volume information will be sent to the console VCAs and mutes. The DAW will therefore be normalized to 0 db on each channel and the console takes care of volume changes.
  • Using the HUI-Hybrid workflow, volume information will control the DAW's fader volumes and mutes. The console VCAs will therefore be set to a normalized 0 db.

What automation modes does the Tangerine support?

Available automation modes depends on the workflow you're using.

The Injektor, Reaper/SSL and HUI-Hybrid workflows support all available automation modes: OFF, READ, WRITE, LATCH, TRIM WRITE, TRIM LATCH, TRIM READ.

The HUI-OTB workflow does not support trim workflows. It only supports: OFF, READ, WRITE, LATCH.

What's the difference between the TaiMothership and the TaiSingleChannel plug-in

The Injektor workflow is built uppon a pair of plug-ins: the TaiMotherShip and the TaiSingleChannel.

The TaiMotherShip brings all the console faders into a single plugin, no console track assignment is required. Install this plugin on only one track in your DAW session (usually the master fader), turn mix on and you're ready to mix with automation. It's quick and easy for sessions with a 1 to 1 output mapping; sessions with more routing may require using the TaiSingleChannel on certain channels.

The TaiSingleChannel controls one fader at a time, it must be assigned to the fader you want to control. Use as many SingleChannel plugins as you have faders to control. The plugin is usually installed on the same DAW track that sends audio to the console channel strip and is usefull for sending busses from the DAW to the console.

Warranty

If you are experiencing issues with your Tangerine Flying-Fader interface and are not able to solve the issues from the user guide troubleshooting section or THD-Labs web site support section, contact our technical support team at 1-866-344-0880(ext:2) or by email. In order to help us diagnose and solve any issues as quickly as possible:

  1. Have the product model and serial number available.
  2. Be ready to operate the unit.
  3. Call us while the unit is powered up and exhibiting the symptoms

WARANTY

THD-Labs Automation interface are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects for five (5) years from the original date of manufacture. The warranty includes parts and labour. Warranty is limited to the first time buyer and is non-transferable.

THD-Labs will remedy the problem by repair or replacement, as we deem necessary, to restore the product to full performance. THD-Labs will pay return shipping costs for the full length of the specific product’s warranty.

In the event of a defect or malfunction, contact THD-Labs for return authorization. Products must be returned using original packaging material. Packing material may be purchased from Bryston if necessary. This warranty is considered void if the defect, malfunction or failure of the product or any component part was caused by damage (not resulting from a defect or malfunction) or abuse while in the possession of the customer. Tampering by persons other than factory authorized service personnel or failure to fully comply with THD-Labs operating instructions voids the warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from country to country.

Shipment Instructions

With the returned unit, include a letter providing your name, the RMA number, the return shipping address, and a brief description of the problem.
Pack the returned unit very carefully to prevent damage during transit. We recommend using the original THD-Labs box and packing material. If the original packing is not available, we recommend using at least 2 inches of padding around the product.
We recommand using DHL as the carrier. Please be aware that any local customs charges will not be paid by THD-Labs. (RMA makes things go smoothly true customs...)
The package should have a tracking number and insured for an appropriate value. Regular mail services is not recommended, although some postal services offer courier deliveries with insurance and tracking features which could be acceptable.
THD-Labs cannot be held responsible for packages that are lost or misdirected en route to our service facilities. Please ask your shipper to record your RMA number on all paperwork.

If you have any questions regarding your RMA, please contact THD-LABS customer support team