SSL 4000 to DAW Interface
SSL 4000 to DAW Interface
Konnektor
The ultimate tool to sync your 4k SSL to Pro Tools, Logic and Cubase
“This is the best SSL Automation Interface I have used.
It has made my work a lot easier, faster and more fun. I love it!”
“Having spent years with a Whizzer when the Konnektor came along it changed our lives.
Simple effective versatile and packed full of little features that make marrying a 4000G+ to ProTools seamless.”
“Being able to run the automation reliably in a loop is a useful feature, particularly as that’s such a common way to work within Pro Tools based sessions.
We have also found that with more people wanting to work primarily in Tools and let the desk automation follow, the Konnektor has proven more stable than its counterparts.”
why and how
It works both ways
Simply control the 4k SSL automation from your DAW, you are not forced to use the SSL transport.
Click into the timeline of your DAW and the SSL follows. Perfect for stems with identical start times.
It sounds better
By slaving the SSL E or G computer, Konnektor ensures that your DAW (with it's precious external clock) is always the master.
It works in cycle mode
Konnektor is the only interface that makes the SSL automation follow the cycle of your DAW.
Now you can monitor your edits at correct levels.
Setting up Konnektor is quick and easy - you'll be up and running in no time
It communicates via the S29E parallel port which is located under the SSL patchbay.
Two cables run to your MIDI interface and the SMPTE/EBU output of your DAW is fed into the SSL t/c reader input.
There is no software to install.
why and how
It works both ways
Simply control the 4k SSL automation from your DAW, you are not forced to use the SSL transport.
Click into the timeline of your DAW and the SSL follows. Perfect for stems with identical start times.
It sounds better
By slaving the SSL E or G computer, Konnektor ensures that your DAW (with it's precious external clock) is always the master.
It works in cycle mode
Konnektor is the only interface that makes the SSL automation follow the cycle of your DAW.
Now you can monitor your edits at correct levels.
Setting up Konnektor is quick and easy - you'll be up and running in no time
It communicates via the S29E parallel port which is located under the SSL patchbay.
Two cables run to your MIDI interface and the SMPTE/EBU output of your DAW is fed into the SSL t/c reader input.
There is no software to install.
Watch a video of Konnektor in action
faq
Why is it so important for the DAW being the clock master?
The audio quality of any DAW largely depends on it's digital clock source. The higher the quality of the clock, the better the sound.
On any DAW that is slaved to time code (from a tape machine or any time code generating device) the external clock is automatically bypassed and your audio quality suffers a great deal.
The same goes for Pro Tools HD systems using a SYNC HD - as soon as Pro Tools is slaved to time code, the clock will be derived from the LTC (SMPTE/EBU) input (and NOT from the external clock input like the session setup dialog claims).
On top of that you won't have to wait for Pro Tools to lock - it will play instantly.
Konnektor ensures that your external clock is always the master.
Do i have to control my DAW from the SSL?
No, you don't have to.
Konnektor works both ways - you are not constrained to using the SSL transport to hear the automation.
Simply keep on working in your DAW as you're used to: hit play on your computer keyboard or click into the timeline and the SSL automation follows.
Perfect for stems with identical start times.
Of course you can also use the SSL transport keys and commands, whatever you prefer.
Does Konnektor work with any SSL / DAW / MIDI interface?
Konnektor works with any SSL E or G-series computer, VCA or Ultimation.
The current version v2.0 is tested to work with Avid Pro Tools 7/8/9/10/11/12, Apple Logic Pro X and Steinberg Cubase 7 / Nuendo 6.
If you would like to use it with any other DAW please get in touch first.
Almost any multi-port MIDI interface works. Konnektor needs a dedicated MIDI I/O connection, no other equipment should share the same MIDI port. Some interfaces continuously send 'active sensing' messages which could confuse the timing of Konnektor, so please avoid those.
Tested interfaces: Digidesign Midi I/O, Emagic Unitor8, MOTU MIDI Express 128.
Known to cause problems: M-Audio MIDISPORT 2x2 Anniversary Edition, Edirol UA-25, Edirol UM-2ex, ESI - M8 UXL.
What about recording?
Simply use the SSL transport keys to control recording in your DAW.
Press REC + PLAY to start recording. Punch in/out is no problem, either and the SSL [drop in] command works as well.
Record in 'tape mode' like you're used to - no need to look at computer screens, you can entirely focus on the performance.
Of course, you can still control your DAW locally.
What about cycles?
Playing a cycle in your DAW causes the SSL automation to follow - it's as simple as that.
No need to issue a [cycle] [from] x [to] y command on your SSL anymore. (Though you could still do that as well.)
Konnektor is the only interface that allows you to monitor at correct (automated) levels while editing.
Konnektor doesn't have any switches?
Right.
Because it doesn't need any - everything happens automatically.
Do i have to install software?
No.
Does Logic require any special settings?
Konnektor has two modes: Pro Tools / Cubase (default) and Logic mode.
To put Konnektor into Logic mode hold down the STOP key on the SSL transport during the power up routine: The display will show -- LO -- (and the FFWD + PLAY keys will light up).
Please note that Logic will also work in default mode but it will misbehave when recording.
Can i still use my control surface?
Yes, Konnektor is not seen by your DAW as a control surface - hence it will not interfere with any controllers.
Which time code formats can i use?
Konnektor works with any time code format: 24fps, 25fps, 29.97fps, 30fps or 30drop frame.
It automatically detects incoming time code and generates the right messages - you don't have to do anything and a led displays the received format.
Will Pro Tools work without a SYNC HD?
Yes. Just import an audio file containing SMPTE/EBU into your session and feed it into the SSL time code reader input.
Who are you?
Konnektor has been designed by Werner Freistaetter, an electronics -and sound engineer with more than 25 years of experience.
Werner is based in London and developed Konnektor on the SSL 4000 G+ at Alpha Centauri Recording and his own SSL 4000 B Series.
faq
Why is it so important for the DAW being the clock master?
The audio quality of any DAW largely depends on it's digital clock source. The higher the quality of the clock, the better the sound.
On any DAW that is slaved to time code (from a tape machine or any time code generating device) the external clock is automatically bypassed and your audio quality suffers a great deal.
The same goes for Pro Tools HD systems using a SYNC HD - as soon as Pro Tools is slaved to time code, the clock will be derived from the LTC (SMPTE/EBU) input (and NOT from the external clock input like the session setup dialog claims).
On top of that you won't have to wait for Pro Tools to lock - it will play instantly.
Konnektor ensures that your external clock is always the master.
Do i have to control my DAW from the SSL?
No, you don't have to.
Konnektor works both ways - you are not constrained to using the SSL transport to hear the automation.
Simply keep on working in your DAW as you're used to: hit play on your computer keyboard or click into the timeline and the SSL automation follows.
Perfect for stems with identical start times.
Of course you can also use the SSL transport keys and commands, whatever you prefer.
Does Konnektor work with any SSL / DAW / MIDI interface?
Konnektor works with any SSL E or G-series computer, VCA or Ultimation.
The current version v2.0 is tested to work with Avid Pro Tools 7/8/9/10/11/12, Apple Logic Pro X and Steinberg Cubase 7 / Nuendo 6.
If you would like to use it with any other DAW please get in touch first.
Almost any multi-port MIDI interface works. Konnektor needs a dedicated MIDI I/O connection, no other equipment should share the same MIDI port. Some interfaces continuously send 'active sensing' messages which could confuse the timing of Konnektor, so please avoid those.
Tested interfaces: Digidesign Midi I/O, Emagic Unitor8, MOTU MIDI Express 128.
Known to cause problems: M-Audio MIDISPORT 2x2 Anniversary Edition, Edirol UA-25, Edirol UM-2ex, ESI - M8 UXL.
What about recording?
Simply use the SSL transport keys to control recording in your DAW.
Press REC + PLAY to start recording. Punch in/out is no problem, either and the SSL [drop in] command works as well.
Record in 'tape mode' like you're used to - no need to look at computer screens, you can entirely focus on the performance.
Of course, you can still control your DAW locally.
What about cycles?
Playing a cycle in your DAW causes the SSL automation to follow - it's as simple as that.
No need to issue a [cycle] [from] x [to] y command on your SSL anymore. (Though you could still do that as well.)
Konnektor is the only interface that allows you to monitor at correct (automated) levels while editing.
Konnektor doesn't have any switches?
Right.
Because it doesn't need any - everything happens automatically.
Do i have to install software?
No.
Does Logic require any special settings?
Konnektor has two modes: Pro Tools / Cubase (default) and Logic mode.
To put Konnektor into Logic mode hold down the STOP key on the SSL transport during the power up routine: The display will show -- LO -- (and the FFWD + PLAY keys will light up).
Please note that Logic will also work in default mode but it will misbehave when recording.
Can i still use my control surface?
Yes, Konnektor is not seen by your DAW as a control surface - hence it will not interfere with any controllers.
Which time code formats can i use?
Konnektor works with any time code format: 24fps, 25fps, 29.97fps, 30fps or 30drop frame.
It automatically detects incoming time code and generates the right messages - you don't have to do anything and a led displays the received format.
Will Pro Tools work without a SYNC HD?
Yes. Just import an audio file containing SMPTE/EBU into your session and feed it into the SSL time code reader input.
Who are you?
Konnektor has been designed by Werner Freistaetter, an electronics -and sound engineer with more than 25 years of experience.
Werner is based in London and developed Konnektor on the SSL 4000 G+ at Alpha Centauri Recording and his own SSL 4000 B Series.