Solid State Logic Nucleus User manual

Nucleus
User Guide
Nucleus. This is SS .
www.solidstatelogic.com

Document History
November 2010 82BNUM01A Initial Release

Table of Contents
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn11
N
Nu uc cl le eu us s1 1
D
DA AW W C Co on nt tr ro ol l P Pr ri in nc ci ip pl le es s1 1
HHooww ttoo uussee tthhiiss MMaannuuaall22
CCoonnvveennttiioonnss22
lloossssaarryy22
SSooffttwwaarree VVeerrssiioonnss22
HHeellpp!!22
11.. NNuucclleeuuss OOvveerrvviieeww33
CChhaannnneell SSttrriipp aanndd MMooddee SSwwiittcchheess33
CCeennttrree SSeeccttiioonn aanndd AAnnaalloogguuee CCoonnttrrooll44
NNuucclleeuuss RReemmoottee44
22.. NNuucclleeuuss CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonnss55
DDAAWWss WWiitthh PPrroopprriieettaarryy SSoouunnddccaarrddss55
DDAAWWss WWiitthhoouutt PPrroopprriieettaarryy SSoouunnddccaarrddss66
MMuullttiippllee DDAAWWss77
33.. SSooffttwwaarree IInnssttaallllaattiioonn99
MMaacciinnttoosshh IInnssttaallllaattiioonn99
WWiinnddoowwss IInnssttaallllaattiioonn1100
44.. CCoonnnneeccttiioonn aanndd SSooffttwwaarree CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn1111
PPhhyyssiiccaall CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss1111
AAuuddiioo CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss1111
DDaattaa CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss1111
CCoonnffiigguurriinngg NNeettwwoorrkk CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss1122
NNeettwwoorrkk WWiirriinngg1122
AAssssiiggnniinngg tthhee NNuucclleeuuss IIPP AAddddrreessss1122
DDiirreecctt NNeettwwoorrkk CCoonnnneeccttiioonn CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn ((MMaacciinnttoosshh))1133
CCoonnnneeccttiinngg NNuucclleeuuss ttoo MMuullttiippllee CCoommppuutteerrss1144
iippMMIIDDII CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn1155
MMIIDDII PPoorrtt MMaappppiinngg1155
PPrroo TToooollss 881155
LLooggiicc PPrroo 991166
UUSSBB SSoouunnddccaarrdd CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn1177
MMaacciinnttoosshh1177
WWiinnddoowwss1188
55.. NNuucclleeuuss RReemmoottee1199
EEssttaabblliisshhiinngg tthhee RReemmoottee CCoonnnneeccttiioonn1199
RReemmoottee TTaabbss2200
TThhee ‘‘DDAAWW’’ TTaabb2200
TThhee ‘‘NNeettwwoorrkk SSeettuupp’’ TTaabb2200
TThhee ‘‘AAbboouutt’’ TTaabb2200
RReemmoottee LLaayyeerr SSeelleeccttiioonn2211
LLaayyeerr PPrrooffiillee CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn2211
PPrroottooccoollss2211
CCrreeaattiinngg PPrrooffiilleess –– MMeetthhoodd 112211
CCrreeaattiinngg PPrrooffiilleess –– MMeetthhoodd 222222
SSeelleeccttiinngg aa PPrrooffiillee2222
MMaannaaggiinngg PPrrooffiilleess2233

TTiimmeelliinnee FFuunnccttiioonnss2244
TTrraannssppoorrtt MMaasstteerr2244
JJoogg WWhheeeell FFuunnccttiioonn2244
AAuuttoommaattiioonn DDiissppllaayy ((HHUUII OOnnllyy))2244
SSoofftt KKeeyy CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn2255
D
De ef fa au ul lt t S So of ft t K Ke ey ys s2 25 5
U
Us se er r 1 1, , U Us se er r 2 2 S So of ft t K Ke ey ys s2 25 5
T
Tr ra an ns sp po or rt t / / U Ut ti il li it ty y S So of ft t K Ke ey ys s2 26 6
A
As ss si ig gn ni in ng g S So of ft t K Ke ey y F Fu un nc ct ti io on ns s2 26 6
D
DA AW W P Pr ro ot to oc co ol l C Co om mm ma an nd ds s2 27 7
D
DA AW W K Ke ey yb bo oa ar rd d S Sh ho or rt tc cu ut ts s2 28 8
SSoofftt KKeeyy MMeennuuss2299
RReennaammiinngg SSooffttkkeeyy AAssssiiggnnmmeennttss3300
AAssssiiggnniinngg MMooddiiffiieedd FFuunnccttiioonnss ttoo SSoofftt KKeeyyss3300
RReemmoovviinngg aanndd RReeppllaacciinngg SSoofftt KKeeyy AAssssiiggnnmmeennttss3300
CCoonnffiigguurriinngg CCoonnttiinnuuoouuss CCoonnttrroolllleerr LLaayyeerrss3311
66.. DDAAWW OOppeerraattiioonnss3333
LLaayyeerr SSeelleecctt3333
SSoofftt KKeeyyss3333
CChhaannnneell CCoonnttrrooll3344
CChhaannnneell SSccrroolllliinngg3344
BBaassiicc CChhaannnneell PPaarraammeetteerrss3344
CChhaannnneell MMeetteerriinngg3344
TTrraacckk AArrmmiinngg3344
AAuuttoommaattiioonn CCoonnttrrooll3344
VV--PPoott aanndd VV--SSeell CCoonnttrrooll3355
PPlluugg--iinn CCoonnttrrooll ((PPrroo TToooollss OOnnllyy))3366
MMaasstteerr CCoonnttrrooll3377
BBaassiicc TTrraannssppoorrtt3377
NNaavviiggaattiioonn CCoonnttrroollss3377
AAddddiittiioonnaall MMaasstteerr CCoonnttrroollss3377
MMOODDEE DDiissppllaayy ((MMCCUU OOnnllyy))3377
UUsseerr KKeeyyss3388
77.. AAnnaalloogguuee OOppeerraattiioonnss3399
RReeccoorrddiinngg SSoouurrcceess3399
MMoonniittoorriinngg3399
MMiixxddoowwnn MMooddee4400
EExxtteerrnnaall aanndd iiJJaacckk4400
MMeetteerriinngg4400
AAppppeennddiixx4411
TTrraannssppoorrtt//UUttiilliittyy FFuunnccttiioonn MMaapp4411
DDAAWW PPrroottooccooll CCoommmmaanndd SSoofftt KKeeyy LLaabbeelllliinngg4422
PPrroo TToooollss4422
LLooggiicc4433
NNuueennddoo4444
IInnddeexx4455

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 1
Introduction
NUC EUS
Welcome to Nucleus, SSL’s integrated DAW controller and soundcard. Nucleus allows you to record audio and monitor your
studio software through SSL’s legendary analogue circuitry and converters, while placing full control of your session
underneath your fingertips. While the basic configurations created by SSL’s studio engineers allow you to get working with
Nucleus straight out of the box, the functions assigned to much of the control surface can be adapted to suit the specifics of
your working environment, as configured within the Nucleus Logictivity Remote software.
DAW Control Principles
A DAW controller is part mixing console and part computer keyboard. It is a mixing console insofar as it uses channel strips
and faders etc. to mix and manipulate audio. It is a computer keyboard insofar as, rather than affecting any audio electronics
within it, it simply sends (and receives) commands to a computer program.
Of course, ucleus’ two analogue channels makes it more than a DAW controller.
Nucleus can be used to control DAW software using either HUI or MCU protocols. These are the standardised control
‘languages’ used by the majority of DAW software on the market today: HUI is used by ProTools, MCU by Logic and Nuendo.
Please refer to your DAW software’s user guide if you are unclear which protocol you use.
The Nucleus control surface also replicates a number of computer keyboard keys, such as modifiers (
<S ift> , ⌘ or
‘command’, <Ctrl> , <Alt> ), <Enter> and <Esc> keys, and shortcuts such as ‘Save’ and ‘Undo’. Nucleus uses two connections
to control DAW sessions: ipMIDI (a conventional MIDI signal, sent over Ethernet) for HUI or MCU control, and USB for standard
keyboard commands.
Using Nucleus’ Layer structure, different DAW programs can be connected simultaneously. Only one can be controlled at one
time, though all transports can be controlled simultanueously from one transport master.
Because each DAW is different and the precise application of HUI and MCU protocols is specific to the DAW software being
used, this manual does not provide detailed descriptions of specific DAW operations. Please refer to your DAW User uide
for information about how to apply the control offered by Nucleus.

Page 2 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
HOW TO USE THIS MANUA
After this introduction, you will find a quick overview of Nucleus, followed by more detailed sections covering installation, use
of the Nucleus Logictivity Remote, and general Nucleus operation.
Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions will be used:
• Labels found on the Nucleus control surface are indicated ike This.
• Labels and text found either in the Nucleus Remote or other computer dialogues are indicated Like This.
• The few instances where we refer directly to computer filenames etc. will be shown Like T is .
•Where necessary, DAW computer keyboard key strokes will be shown like t is whilst function keys (as opposed to normal
numbers, symbols and characters) such as the ‘Control’ key will be shown with ‘angle’ brackets such as
<Ctrl> .
• Where DAW protocol commands appear, the command or function will be shown with ‘curly’ brackets { like_t is} .
otes and additional information appear like this.
• The Nucleus Logictivity Remote application will in some cases be abreviated to just ‘Remote’.
• The Nucleus itself may be refered to either by name, as the ‘DAW controller’ or as the ‘control surface’.
Please be aware that screenshots shown may differ slightly in appearance from their on-screen equivalents.
Glossary
The following terms are either concerned with general DAW control, or specific Nucleus operations:
CC ayer A Continuous Controller (‘CC’) Profile for use with MIDI devices.
DAW Digital Audio Workstation. Software which emulates a recording studio, such as ProTools, Logic and Nuendo.
ipMIDI MIDI control data sent over Ethernet.
HUI Human User Interface. The DAW control protocol used by ProTools and others.
ayers Different DAW programmes, one of which can be controlled by Nucleus at a time, though all transports can be
activated simultanueously from one transport master.
MCU Mackie Control Unit. The DAW control protocol used by Logic, Nuendo and others.
SD Card An SD memory card fitted to the rear of Nucleau for Profile storage.
Soft Keys Many switches on Nucleus can be programmed through the Nucleus Remote to perform DAW specific functions.
These switches are grouped together as ‘soft key sets’.
USER The USER 1 and USER 2 switches located in the centre section area of Nucleus are used to apply soft key sets to
the switches above and below the scribble strip displays.
V-Pot In-channel rotary encoder, used to control a variety of parameters. In Nucleus, the V-Pot is below the digital
display.
V-Sel In-channel encoder switch, used to control a variety of parameters, often associated with the V-Pot. The switch
is activated by pressing the V-Pot. Note that the V-Sel switch is dfferent from the channel select (SE ) switch.
Software Versions
The information in this manual is correct for Nucleus software V1.0/3 or greater, Nucleus firmware V2.0/1 or greater and
Nucleus Browser V1.0/3 or greater.
Help!
Should you require assistance with Nucleus that is not addressed by this manual, please refer to the Support pages of the
SSL Website at www.solidstatelogic.com/support.

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 3
1. Nucleus Overview
The diagrams below and overleaf provide an overview of the Nucleus control surface along with the main DA screen of the
Nucleus Remote.
CHANNE STRIP AND MODE SWITCHES
Channel meter
and record status
indicator
Mode Switches
The Mode switches are not part of the channel in which they are located.
In normal operation, they select V-Pot modes. By default only Mode
switches 1-8 are assigned. Note that the V-Pot modes are printed
beneath the switches, and not shown in the digital display.
When the USER switches in the centre section are pressed, the Mode
and V-Sel switches in channels 9-16 become soft switches (Soft Keys)
which can be configured using the Nucleus Remote.
2-Row ‘Scribble Strip’ Display
In normal operation, the top row
displays the channel name and the
bottom row the V-Pot function.
When the centre section USER
switches are selected, the digital
display on channels 9-16 shows the
soft key assignments for each
corresponding Mode and V-Sel
switch.
V-Pots and V-Sel Switches
- Turn for the V-Pot
- Press for the V-Sel switch
Functions are defined by the
host application, or by pressing
a Mode switch.
When the centre section USER
switches are selected, Mode and
V-Sel switches in channels 9-16
become additional soft switches.
Channel Cut and
Solo switches
Channel Select
switch.
Also used for
track arming,
automation and
plug-in control.
Channel Fader

Page 4 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
CENTRE SECTION AND ANA OGUE CONTRO
NUC EUS REMOTE
Defines which layer
is being edited
in the Remote
Defines the DAW
being controlled
Selects soft key sets
for the Soft Key
Setup display
Soft Key Setup
Defines default
function of Jog Wheel
Enables single-letter
automation display
Defines which DAW
is transport master
Select DAW to view
or edit Nucleus setup
Analogue control:
Monitoring and
Mic inputs
Channel/bank
scrollers
Transport
control *
USER soft key
set selectors
Additional DAW
Layer selectors
DAW channel
control modifiers
DAW computer
modifier keys *
Global DAW
control keys *
* Note.
The functions of
switches in areas
with asterisks are
defined in the
ucleus Remote.
Default functions
are shown.

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 5
2. Nucleus Configurations
Nucleus operation requires the following:
- an Ethernet connection between Nucleus and the DAW computer(s) – for DAW control and the ucleus Remote
-a USB connection between Nucleus and the host DAW computer(s) – for DAW keyboard commands (and soundcard audio
if applicable)
- audio connections – for recording sources and monitoring
The way in which audio is sent between Nucleus and the host DAW computer is dependant on the connectivity options
associated with the DAW(s) being used, as introduced below. The rest of this section of the manual describes the installation
and connections involved in each option.
DAWs With Proprietary Soundcards
Some DAWs can only receive audio via their own proprietary soundcard hardware. Many of these soundcards provide digital
(S/PDIF) connections, allowing you to take full advantage of the SSL quality pre-amps and converters. The two Nucleus input
channels are sent using the left and right channels of the S/PDIF Out, and the S/PDIF In feeds the monitor inputs.
If your S/PDIF connections are coaxial (usually using phono sockets), simple coaxial to optical S/PDIF converters will be
required to connect the soundcard digitally to the ucleus PRE (pre-amp) outputs.
Using Nucleus’ Digital IO
Ethernet
(DAW control
and Remote)
USB
(DAW keyboard
commands)
Optical to
coax adaptor
S/PDIF
(digital
audio)
DAW
Computer Recording
Sources
Note.
Socket
locations are
approximate
Mains
Power
Monitoring
Headphones
MP3
Player

Page 6 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
Using Nucleus’ Analogue IO
For soundcards which don’t have digital IO, line-level analogue connections allow you still to make use of Nucleus’ SSL pre-
amps. Nucleus PRE (pre-amp) outputs and EXTERNA monitor inputs can be used to connect Nucleus to the soundcard inputs
and outputs.
Ethernet
(DAW control
and Remote)
USB
(DAW keyboard
commands)
DAW
Computer
Recording
Sources
Note.
Socket locations are approximate
Mains
Power
Monitoring Headphones
PRE Out
and
EXTERNA
In
MP3
Player

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 7
DAWs Without Proprietary Soundcards
For software which can send and receive audio via any soundcard connected to the computer, Nucleus can be connected
directly to the DAW using the USB connection.
Ethernet
(DAW control
and Remote)
USB
(Soundcard and
DAW keyboard
commands)
DAW
Computer
Recording
Sources
Note.
Socket locations are approximate
Mains
Power
Monitoring Headphones
MP3
Player

Page 8 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
Multiple DAWs
Up to three DAW applications on up to three computers can be connected to Nucleus simultaneously, as described on Page 14.
This configuration requires both a Network Router and USB switcher.
Ethernet
(DAW control
and Remote)
USB
(Soundcard and DAW
keyboard commands)
DAW
Computer
Note.
Diagram doesn’t indicate socket locations.
Network
Router
DAW
Computer
DAW
Computer
USB
switcher

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 9
3. Software Installation
In order for Nucleus to integrate into your working environment, it will be necessary to install drivers and supporting software
on your DAW computer(s) and/or studio computer(s). The following computers and operating systems are supported:
Macintosh
• Intel only, 1.2 Hz or faster
• OS X Version 10.5.8 or greater (‘Leopard’ or ‘Snow Leopard’)
Windows
• Pentium IV or equivalent, 1 Hz or faster
• Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1 or higher, or Windows 7 (32 or 64bit)
For all computers, the following resources are required:
• 512MB RAM
• 15MB Hard Disk space
• V A colour screen (1024 x 768 pixels or higher)
• Internet connection (for product registration and software upgrade)
The ipMIDI and (optional) USB Soundcard drivers will be required for one or more DAW computers, Nucleus Remote can
either be installed onto one of the DAW computers or onto an entirely different computer if required.
Macintosh Installation
1. Insert the Nucleus CD included with your Nucleus unit into the
Macintosh CD-ROM drive – if necessary, use Finder to open a view
of the CD-ROM drive. You should be presented with a window
similar to that opposite.
Nucleus Remote
2. To install Nucleus Remote, simply drag the Nucleus Remote icon to
the Applications folder alias. This will copy the application onto the
computer.
3. To run Nucleus Remote, locate and double-click the Nucleus
Remote icon in the Applications folder. If required, drag this icon to
the Dock on the Desktop to provide quick and easy access.
4. If it is necessary to uninstall Nucleus Remote, simply locate the
Nucleus Remote icon in the Applications folder and drag it to the
Trash.
It is also possible to run Nucleus Remote directly from the CD.
ipMIDI Driver
If an older version of the ipMIDI driver is already present on the computer, it should be removed before running the
installer; simply delete the ipMIDIDriver.bundle file from the /Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers folder.
5. To install the ipMIDI driver, locate the ipMIDI package in the Finder window. Double-click this icon to launch the ipMIDI
installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).
It will be necessary to log out and back in again after the driver has been installed.

Page 10 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
6. To uninstall the ipMIDI driver, simply delete the
ipMIDIDriver.plugin file from the /Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers folder.
USB Soundcard
Installation of the USB soundcard is optional; if you intend to connect ucleus to your DAW using only analogue or
S/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install the soundcard.
7. To install the USB Soundcard driver, locate the USB Soundcard package in the Finder window. Double-click this icon to
launch the USB Soundcard installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).
8. The USB Soundcard provides a stand-alone control panel – to install this, simply drag the Nucleus USB Control Panel icon
to the Applications folder alias. This will copy the application onto the computer.
9. To run Nucleus USB Control Panel, locate and double-click the Nucleus USB Control Panel icon in the Applications folder.
If required, drag this icon to the Dock on the Desktop to provide quick and easy access.
Windows Installation
1. Insert the Nucleus CD included with your Nucleus unit into the Windows PC CD-ROM drive – if necessary, use indows
Explorer to open a view of the CD-ROM drive.
Nucleus Remote
2. To install Nucleus Remote, locate the Nucleus Setup application and double-click this file to run the Nucleus Remote
installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).
3. On completion of the installation process, the installer will place a shortcut on the Desktop; double-click this icon to run
Nucleus Remote.
4. The Nucleus Remote can be un-installed by running the Uninstall application located in the Nucleus Remote folder.
ipMIDI Driver
If an older version of the ipMIDI driver is already present on the computer, it should be uninstalled (using Add/Remove
Programs) before running the installer.
5. To install the ipMIDI driver, locate the ipMIDI Setup application and double-click this file to launch the ipMIDI installer.
Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the defaults).
It will be necessary to restart the computer after the driver has been installed.
6. To remove the ipMIDI driver, simply run the Uninstall application located in the ipMIDI folder.
USB Soundcard
Installation of the USB soundcard is optional; if you intend to connect ucleus to your DAW using only analogue or
S/PDIF audio connections, you do not need to install the soundcard.
7. To install the USB Soundcard driver, locate and open the USB Soundcard folder. Locate the Setup application and double-
click this file to launch the USB soundcard installer. Follow the instructions in the installer (it should be safe to accept the
defaults).
8. The USB Soundcard driver can be uninstalled using the Device Manager.

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 11
4. Connection and Software Configuration
PHYSICA CONNECTIONS
The Installation Guide that came with ucleus contains important safety information. Please be sure to read that guide
before attempting to connect ucleus.
The mains power connection for Nucleus is via a standard 3-pin IEC320 power cable. The following audio and data connections
can be found on the Nucleus back panel:
Audio Connections
PRE 1 IN, PRE 2 IN Combi inputs for Nucleus pre-amps 1 and 2, XLR connections are routed via the pre-amps; plugging
in a 1/4" jack will automatically select the high input impedence on the channel strip.
PRE 1 OUT, PRE 2 OUT Balanced XLR outputs from the input channels (in parallel with the Insert Send).
SEND/RETURN 1 and 2Balanced 1/4" jack Insert Send and Return connections for pre-amps 1 and 2.
ote that inserts can also be used on the monitor circuits – see Page 40 for details.
EXTERNA and RBalanced XLR inputs for connecting an additional stereo signal to the Nucleus monitoring circuits.
MONITOR and RBalanced XLR outpus for connecting the Nucleus monitoring to a pair of loudspeakers.
HEAPHONES 1/4" stereo headphone connections. Both sockets send identical signals.
MONITOR -10dB Phono connections providing a 10dB attenuated unbalanced output for consumer monitoring.
iJack 3.5mm stereo jack input provides an additional source into the monitoring and headphone sends.
SPDIF Optical S/PDIF stereo IO. The outputs of the Nucleus pre-amps feed the S/PDIF output (channel 1
is left, channel 2 is right) and the S/PDIF inputs feed the External monitor connection.
Data Connections
Both Network and USB connections must be made between Nucleus and the DAW computer(s) – for systems using multiple
computers, see Page 14.
Network This is a standard 8P8C modular (‘RJ45’ type) Ethernet connector for Nucleus – DAW network data.
USB Use a standard USB A-B cable to connect Nucleus to a USB port on your DAW computer. This
connection is used for the Nucleus soundcard and for keyboard commands to the DAW.
It is important that the USB connection between ucleus and your computer is direct, and not via USB ports on the
back of your keyboard, for example. If using a switcher for a multi-computer setup, ensure that the switcher is high
quality. ucleus provides a USB hub, allowing additional equipment to be connected via ucleus.
Defining Keyboard Nationality (Macintosh)
Nucleus emulates a UK keyboard. When Nucleus is first connected to a Macintosh, a dialogue will be displayed which asks
you to identify the new keyboard. In order to identify the keyboard type, the Macintosh then requires the key to right of the
left Shift key to be pressed. Mode switch 16 on Nucleus (see Page 25), is assigned a ‘Keyboard ID’ command by default;
pressing this switch – labelled ‘KeybID’ – will send the required keystroke to the Macintosh to correctly identify Nucleus as
a UK keyboard.
Footswitch Two footswitches can be connected to Nucleus using the single 1/4" stereo (X-Y) jack FOOTSWITCH
connector – use a mono-to-stereo splitter cable to separate the two footswitch connections.
Terminal The TERMINA D-connector is used for advanced system configuration and diagnostics. We strongly
suggest not using this unless you are confident with terminal procedures and have an in-depth
understanding of quantum theory.

Page 12 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
CONFIGURING NETWORK CONNECTIONS
Network Wiring
To ensure the fastest possible communication between your DAW computer and Nucleus – and to simplify the installation
wiring – Nucleus communicates with your workstation over Ethernet using the ipMIDI driver to emulate a multiport MIDI
interface. To ensure minimum latency ipMIDI uses multicast UDP rather than TCP/IP. This means that:
• The network connection should be short and direct.
Where possible all cables should be as short as possible and only routers that can support high data transfer rates should
be used. Problems have been experienced with some domestic routers, particularly when used with Pro Tools. Typical
symptoms of a slow network connection are:
- The Nucleus fails to synchronise all controls when first connecting with the DAW.
- Channel controls and scribble strips on channels 9-16 fail to update reliably when using the Channel scroller switches.
• All computers on the network will receive ipMIDI packets.
Because ipMIDI uses multicast UDP packets, messages between one computer and Nucleus will be received by all other
computers on the network, potentially causing problems in installations with more than one Nucleus. The UDP packets can
be blocked by using a firewall router and connecting the main network to the WAN connector. The firewall can then be
configured to allow all traffic apart from UDP ports 21928 through 21947 which are used by ipMIDI and port 50081 which
is used by the Nucleus Remote application. Note that it may be necessary to use a separate Ethernet switch in place of the
integrated firewall router switch, as some of these can not support the high data transfer rate required. The Net ear FS108
(an eight port switch) has been used successfully at SSL Begbroke.
To avoid the latency and communication issues illustrated above, we recommend that Nucleus and the DAW computers be
connected directly on a dedicated network. In practice, most systems can be configured with a direct connection.
Assigning the Nucleus IP Address
The Nucleus IP address is configured via the Network Setup tab in the Nucleus Remote. By default, Nucleus uses a fixed IP
address of 192.168.1.2 – the IP Address, Subnet and Gateway shown in the picture below should work for a direct connection
to a single DAW computer. We suggest you do not attempt to change these unless you are familiar with Ethernet configuration
as doing so may break communication between Nucleus and the Remote.
If Nucleus must be connected via a wider network, ideally in that case through a network switch or router, Nucleus should
probably be set to use a DHCP server (check the Use DHCP option) to automatically set an IP Address, Subnet and Gateway
suitable for your wider network. If there is any possibility that a DHCP server is not available the Fixed option should be used.

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 13
Direct Network Connection Configuration (Macintosh)
Connect your Nucleus directly to the DAW computer using a standard network cable, and check that the IP address is set to
Fixed in the Nucleus Remote (see previous page).
OS X does not currently allow two ports to be used for IP traffic – your main network connection will become unavailable
when using ucleus.
1. On the Macintosh, open the Network control panel
inSystem Preferences, and use the ocation: drop-
down to create a new location. Next select the
Macintosh Ethernet port to which you have
connected Nucleus and configure it as shown below.
2. If you have multiple network adaptors, select
Network Port Configuration from the Show: drop-
down in the Network control panel and drag Nucleus’
Ethernet port to the top of the list to ensure that data
is transmitted out of the correct port.
3. Finally, launch the Nucleus Remote application and check it connects to your Nucleus, as described on Page 19.

Page 14 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
Connecting Nucleus to Multiple Computers
Connecting a Nucleus to multiple DAW computers inevitably introduces a little more complexity.
Network
To connect Nucleus to multiple DAW computers, you will probably need to connect the Nucleus and all the computers via a
network switch or router with sufficient bandwidth to cope with the volume of data which is transferred to and from Nucleus.
It is essential that you take note of the configuration issues described previously.
ote that when connected to a wider network, via a router or switch, a DHCP server will probably be available and so
ucleus would normally be set to use it rather than the default fixed IP address. See Page 12 for details.
USB
A USB switch will be necessary for switching the USB connection between computers. This can best be provided by using KVM
(‘Keyboard, Video, Mouse’) switch with switchable USB ports. If an ‘automatic’ unit is obtained, Nucleus can be configured
to issue the appropriate command ‘KVM hot key’ to the KVM to select the correct USB port whenever a different DAW Layer
is selected on Nucleus. By plugging your keyboard (& mouse) into the Nucleus USB hub, both Nucleus and your keyboard (&
mouse) can be switched together.
Network
USB
Network
USB switch
Switch/Router
Firewall (option)
IP Network
USB
USB hub USB Network

Nucleus Owner’s Manual Page 15
IPMIDI CONFIGURATION
The ipMIDI driver enables your DAW to send and receive MIDI control data via the network connection, and must be configured
to match the requirements of Nucleus before it can be used.
Macintosh
Once the driver has been installed and you have logged back in, use the Finder to navigate to the Utilities folder (in
Applications). Double-click Audio MIDI Setup, select MIDI Devices and double-click on the ipMIDI icon. Set the number of
MIDI ports to 6in the resulting pop-up.
Windows
Once the computer has restarted after installing the driver, right-click on the ipMIDI icon in the Task Bar, select ipMidi - MIDI
over Ethernet and set the number of MIDI ports to 6 in the resulting pop-up.
MIDI Port Mapping
MIDI control for the three Nucleus Layers is split across the six ipMIDI ports which means that your DAW must be configured
to match the following:
ote that CC Layers only use the first MIDI port in their layer. All CC data is sent on MIDI Channel 1.
Setting which ipMIDI ports the DAW should use is performed using the MIDI controller configuration page of your DAW. Below
and overleaf are two examples using Pro Tools 8 and Logic Pro 9.
Pro Tools 8
In the Setup menu, click on Peripherals and select the MIDI Controllers tab.
For MIDI controllers 1 and 2, select ‘HUI’ as the
MIDI controller ‘Type’ and assign the MIDI ports
for this layer’s DAW to the two MIDI controllers,
as listed in the table above.
As an example, if Pro Tools has been assigned to
Layer 1 (so using ipMIDI ports 1 & 2), the MIDI
Controllers tab should look as opposite.
Nucleus DAW ayer Nucleus Channels ipMIDI port
11 to 8 1
9 to 16 2
21 to 8 3
9 to 16 4
31 to 8 5
9 to 16 6

Page 16 Nucleus Owner’s Manual
ogic Pro 9
The DAW protocol used by Logic Pro 9 is the Mackie Control Unit (MCU) protocol. Therefore when a Logic Profile is assigned
to a Nucleus DAW layer, in order for Nucleus to control Logic, a Mackie Control together with a Mackie Control Extender must
be added to Logic Pro. Click on Preferences then Control Surfaces Setup to access the menu shown below.
Both the Mackie Control and Mackie Control Extender provide
just eight faders. Therefore Nucleus faders 1-8 are mapped to the
Mackie Control ports along with the master fader and DAW
Control function switches whilst faders 9-16 are mapped to the
Mackie Control Extender ports. The actual ipMIDI ports used will
depend on which layer (or layers) have a Logic Profile assigned.
(Refer to the previous page for a list of Nucleus’ MIDI port
assignments.)
It is recommended that you delete any Mackie controllers
automatically created on set-up, and recreate them manually.
Note that if the physical arrangement is reversed, then the
Nucleus faders will not map correctly to the on-screen faders in
Logic.
If Logic is the only DAW connected to Nucleus, then provided that
there is only one DAW Layer set up with an MCU based Profile,
Logic should automatically detect the two virtual controllers
which will be shown in the Logic Control Surfaces Setup menu
(as shown above), with the appropriate Nucleus ipMIDI ports
assigned. If Logic fails to detect the control surfaces, then the
controllers can be added manually via the New, Install menu and
the appropriate MIDI Out port and Input assigned. Full details
can be found in the online Logic Pro Control Surfaces Support
uide in the Logic Help menu.
If Nucleus is set up with multiple MCU profiles in the DAW layers, then the automatic detection option must be disabled and
the controllers added and configured manually. Check the Disable Handshake box in the DA tab in Nucleus Remote (located
below the Edit Profiles button) for all the DAW layers assigned to a MCU Profile prior to starting the Logic application. This
will prevent Logic automatically detecting multiple Mackie Control Units.
For other DAWs, please refer to the relevant User Guide for details about configuring MIDI controllers.
See Section 5 for a description of the Remote’s DAW tab.