Tangerine Automation Interface for Flying Faders

The future is now!

ONE CARD – MANY VERSIONS

All-In-One
Standalone Edition
Technician Edition

Following in the steps of our flagship TAI for SSL E/G consoles, this TAI brings the same modern DAW-controlled automation to the Flying Faders platform.

The original Flying Faders system was sold with an aging automation computer and uses a fragile optical link to transmit control data between the faders and the interface. Though the faders still work well, the automation system is now obsolete. Updating it has become a costly, frustrating endeavour.

Enter the Tangerine Automation Interface for Flying Faders! This system fits into the original Flying Faders card cage and uses the existing servo card, cabling, and faders. It costs less than other systems and gives you more than the original ever could.

Automation FEATURES

The TAI connects your Flying Faders console to your favourite DAW via our Injektor Plug-In (AAX, AU, VST), using REAPER or over HUI. It allows you to control fader automation from within the same project you’re mixing. It supports all widely used automation modes (OFF, READ, WRITE, TRIM, TOUCH).

Console Features

Standalone features are available even without a computer. The TAI can control Mutes, Solos, Groups and Links.

Console snapshots are available as well—the same kind that would be found on a live digital mixing console; they’re particularly useful for multi-day tracking sessions.

Tests & Diagnostics

The TAI includes a powerful diagnostics suite to help bring vintage faders back to life.

With these tests, you can verify the communication between the card-cage and the faders and isolate any issue with individual fader components.

The TAI makes it possible to test motors, switches, and LEDs across your entire Flying Faders system. A great addition to any technician’s bench.

Modular and customisable

The TAI for Flying Faders is customizable to fit any Flying Faders system:
from 8 to 96+ channels with virtually no limit on channel count.

The TAI for FF is available in 3 options: Technician, Standalone and All-In-One.

Here is what each version does:

JUST SIMPLE

The Tangerine SEKA card is the only piece of hardware required to actualize Flying Faders systems. It slides into your FF card cage replacing your original SECA card.

It communicates with your computer using a standard USB cable, replacing the old, expensive, fiber-optic link.

Total install time is typically less than 15 minutes.

It’s that simple!

One card fits all workflows

The Tangerine Automation Interface offers multiple workflows:

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

Specifications And Features

Modular interface controlling 8 to 96+ Flying Faders using USB

Automation
Automation features are available when connected to a host macOS or Windows computer running properly configured software.

Use your DAW as the automation software. Available workflows:
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 (optional inserts/aux ctrl TBA*)
Fader level match (to match fader position in motor OFF mode)
Set global channel automation mode directly from console Master Control Module
Set individual channel automation from the faders themselves
User defined, «on stop, goto selected automation mode after write » READ/LATCH/SAME
Master fader automation
Grouped automation
Linked automation
Any console fader can be used as a virtual DAW controller

Standalone
All standalone features are available even when the TAI is not connected to a host computer. Some configurations and settings are also available through the Injektor software for simplified access.

Control console cuts and solos
Define and control Groups and Links
Define channels for solo-safe
Create and recall console-wide snapshots
Control Cuts, Solos, Groups, Links and create snapshots without the need for a computer

Troubleshooting
All troubleshooting features are available even when the TAI is not connected to a host computer.

Motor Test, with 5 patterns
LED Test, with 3 patterns
Switch Test
Built in auto-shut off protection for motor tests
Software-based toolless automatic calibration

Options

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

Compatibility

Injektor supports computers running:

macOS 10.9.5 (Mavericks) – macOS 11.6.4 (Big Sur) Intel and Apple M-series or
Windows 7 SP1 – Windows 10

TaiMothership plug-in is tested for:

Pro Tools 11 – Pro Tools 2021
Logic Pro X

The HUI workflow does not require any software installation and supports any HUI compatible DAW.

* Pro Tools limits HUI workflows to a maximum of 32 simultaneous channel

Order

Pricing

Pricing for the TAI for Flying Faders varies depending feature set and channel count:

ORDERING:

To place an order for the Tangerine Automation Interface for Flying Faders or for more information contact us specifying your required channel count.

It will be our pleasure to assist you.

Payment:

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

Also available with a 4% surcharge: MasterCard, VISA and PayPal.

Flying Faders is a copyright of Martinsound Inc.

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

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.
Connect the USB port to your computer, ethernet to your network and power.
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.

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:

Have the product model and serial number available.
Be ready to operate the unit.
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.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