Solid State Logic Sigma User manual

Sigma
Remote- ontrolled Analogue Mix Engine
User Guide
Sigma. This is SSL.
www.solid-state-logic.com

2
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 5
About this User Guide 5
Sigma Overview 5
What is Sigma and what was the idea behind it? 5
How do I operate Sigma? 5
How does Sigma work? 6
2. Hardware Installation 7
Installation Overview 7
Front Panel 8
Rear Panel 9
HIP ( hannel inputs) and HOP ( hannel direct outputs) 10
Miscellaneous onnections 10
3. Software Installation and onfiguration 11
1) ipMIDI Software 11
ipMIDI Installation - Macintosh 11
ipMIDI Installation - Windows 12
2) Install web browser 12
3) Install Flash 12
Sigma’s Internal Software 12
4. Network Setup 13
General 13
Sigma’s IP Address 13
Useful Built-In Features 13
Network onnection Examples 14
1. Fixed IP – Direct onnection 14
2. Router (and Switch) onnection using DH P - Allows Access to Internet 16
3. onnection in a facility that has multiple SSL onsoles/Multiple ipMIDI devices 18
ontrolling Sigma With A Tablet / Smartphone 18
onnecting to Sigma using an iPad via a Wireless Router 18
5. onnecting to and Using Sigma 22
onnecting using a Fixed IP address 22
onnecting using DH P 23
Macintosh Users (must use Safari) 23
Windows Users 24
The web browser interface 25
Document History:
82BMSM01A Initial Release August 2013

3
MASTER 26
Master Meter 26
Mix Bus Inserts 26
Level ontrol 26
B TO A Function 27
USER Buttons 27
MON Box 27
H/P Box 28
MIDI LEARN 28
FOOTSWIT H 28
DIM SETTINGS 28
iJack Input 28
HANNELS 29
GLOBAL SETUP 30
SETTINGS 31
SETUP Box 31
NETWORK Box 33
MIS Box 33
SAVE and LOAD Buttons 35
6. Example Setups 36
Pro Tools + Sigma (No ontrol Surface) 36
Sigma Browser Settings 36
Pro Tools Settings 37
Pro Tools Session Setup 37
Pro Tools + Sigma + Nucleus (or any standard HUI ontrol Surface) 38
Sigma Browser Settings 38
Pro Tools Settings 39
Pro Tools Session Setup 40
Pro Tools + Sigma + Avid® Artist Series ontrol Surface (Eucon) 41
Sigma Browser Settings 41
Pro Tools Settings 42
Artist ontroller Settings 42
Pro Tools Session Setup 43
Logic + Sigma (No ontrol Surface) 44
Sigma Browser Settings 44
Logic Settings 45
Logic Session Setup 46
Logic + Sigma + Nucleus (or any standard M U ontrol Surface) 47
Sigma Browser Settings 47
Logic ontrol Surface Settings 48
Logic ontrol Surface Preferences 49
Logic Session Setup 49

Logic + Sigma + Avid® Artist Series ontrol Surface (Eucon) 50
Sigma Browser Settings 50
Artist ontroller Settings 50
Logic ontrol Surface Settings 51
Logic Session Setup 52
ubase/Nuendo + Sigma (No ontrol Surface) 53
Sigma Browser Settings 53
ubase/Nuendo Settings 54
Session Setup 54
ubase/Nuendo + Sigma + Nucleus (or any standard M U ontrol Surface) 55
Sigma Browser Settings 55
ubase/Nuendo Settings 56
ubase Session Setup 57
ubase/Nuendo + Sigma + Avid® Artist Series ontrol Surface (Eucon) 58
Sigma Browser Settings 58
ubase/Nuendo Settings 59
Artist ontroller Settings 60
ubase/Nuendo Session Setup 60
Ableton Live! + Sigma (No ontrol Surface) 61
Sigma Browser Settings 61
Ableton Live! Settings 62
Ableton Live! Session Setup 62
Ableton Live! + Sigma (With M U ontrol Surface) 63
Using Sigma with other DAWs 63
Sigma Browser Settings 63
Session Setup 64
Using Two Sigmas together 65
Appendices 66
Appendix A - onnectors & Pinouts 66
Appendix B - Signal Flow Block Diagram 67
Appendix - Support 68
FAQs 68
Required Software 69
Sigma’s Internal Software 69
Hardware 70
Appendix D 71
Specifications - Technical & Environmental 71
Appendix E 71
Limited Warranty 71
4

Page 5
1. Introduction
ABOUT THIS USER GUIDE
ongratulations on purchasing your Solid State Logic Sigma. This User Guide will help you to configure Sigma for your
studio. We’ve included a range of setup examples, so connecting and configuring Sigma to suit your workflow couldn’t
be easier.
This User Guide is arranged into the following sections:
Introduction An overview of Sigma’s features.
Hardware Installation This section provides information on Sigma’s physical connections and how to
connect them to your existing studio equipment.
Software Installation This section lists all of the required software needed in order to make Sigma work with
your DAW.
Network Setup This section guides you through configuring Sigma to work on your computer network
and tablet/smartphone.
Connecting to and Using Sigma This section details how to operate Sigma and discusses control from the web
browser.
Example Setups This section provides some “real world” examples of how to configure Sigma in
various setups. This includes how to arrange your DAW session to work with Sigma.
Appendices ontains additional documentation for reference.
SIGMA OVERVIEW
What is Sigma and what was the idea behind it?
Sigma is a 2U, remote-controllable analogue mix engine. Sigma has 16 stereo/mono inputs and outputs, 2 mix buses (A
and B), mix bus insert points, comprehensive monitoring, a talkback input and customisable user buttons. The idea of
Sigma was to bring the sound of an SSL console together with all the workflow advantages of mixing in a DAW. Sigma is
built upon the same Superanalogue technology as our Duality and AWS consoles. Superanalogue circuit design gives
you an extended frequency response, precise stereo imaging, clarity and depth. Sigma is designed for the professional
looking to add that extra 10% to their sound, that even the best plug-in emulation cannot achieve.
Sigma features LED metering on all 16 channel strips and an additional high resolution stereo master meter. The blue
rotary encoder is switchable (via a push function) between controlling the following levels: control room monitor level,
headphones, Mix Bus A and Mix Bus B master “fader” gains.
Many features on Sigma can be controlled using a MIDI learn. This means that you can use a generic MIDI controller to do
a number of things from controlling the monitor level, to switching Mix Insert points in/out.
How do I operate Sigma?
All of Sigma’s controls can be accessed through the web browser interface. The CHANNELS page is used to configure each
of Sigma’s 16 channels, whilst the MASTER page is used to configure the monitoring section and other features including
User buttons and MIDI Learn functionality. The SETTINGS page provides additional configuration options. The web browser
interface means you can also control Sigma from a tablet or smartphone.

Page 6
How does Sigma work?
Sigma works by using faders in your DAW as analogue gain controls. Sigma communicates with your DAW in the same way
a control surface does, but instead uses the DAW’s fader positions to control the gain of 16 analogue “faders”. The
automation in your DAW session can be used to “ride” the levels of an analogue mix, bringing together the efficiency of
a DAW automation system with the sound of your favourite analogue outboard equipment.
The picture above is intended to give a graphical representation of how DAW automation controls Sigma’s analogue gains.
1. Automation data is generated in the DAW.
2. This data is sent over the ethernet cable from your computer into Sigma, via the relevant protocol (HUI/M U/MIDI).
3. Sigma takes the DAW automation and transforms it into analogue gain changes. This is done using MDA technology.
Think of MDA s as the “virtual faders” within each channel of Sigma.
Note: MDAC stands for Multiplying Digital to Analogue Converter. MDAC technology is used in the Duality and AWS
consoles.
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2. Hardware Installation
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
The diagram below gives you an idea of how Sigma connects to your other studio gear.
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FRONT PANEL
Sigma provides you with 16 stereo line inputs and 16 stereo line outputs on Tascam standard (AES59) 25-pin D-sub
connectors. Using the web browser interface, the left input of each stereo channel can be selected as a mono source.
When an input is set to mono, the channel number on the front panel will glow green.
Please note that setting an input to mono does not give you 2 independent mono inputs!
Headphones - stereo headphone output on 1/4” jack.
mportant - For health and safety reasons, do not reboot Sigma with while monitoring through headphones.
iJack Input - stereo external input on 1/8” jack (from iPod output or similar device).
Sigma also provides access to Mix Insert Send/Returns, a Line Level output for sending headphone feeds into a live room,
an external input and talkback input, all on standard DB-25 connections. Access to the Main Speaker Outputs, Alternative
Speaker Outputs and the Mix A Output is provided on XLR male connectors.
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Levels can be set for +18dBu, +22dBu or +24dBu via the web browser interface

Page 9
REAR PANEL
ALT R - Alternate right monitor output.
ALT L - Alternate left monitor output.
MON R - Right monitor output.
MON L - Left monitor output.
MIX A R - Mix Bus A right output.
MIX A L - Mix Bus A left output.
FOOTSWITCH - The footswitch input is suitable for any 1/4” on/off footswitch. By default this turns Talkback On/Off,
although this can be changed in the web browser.
DC - Use with the provided power supply - the clip above the power inlet should be used to retain the power lead and so
prevent accidental removal or damage.
RJ45 - Use a standard Ethernet cable (as supplied) to connect Sigma to your computer network.
USB and PROG - The USB socket and PROG switch are for SSL diagnostic use and should not be connect or used.
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Page 10
CHIP (CHANNEL INPUTS) AND CHOP (CHANNEL DIRECT OUTPUTS)
All inputs and outputs for Sigma are on AES 59 ‘Tascam’ standard D-Sub connectors. Each D-Sub carries up to four stereo
signals. The inputs and outputs are all operating at line-level. The direct channel outputs are sourced post-fader.
Typically, you would connect the outputs from your D/A converter into the HIPs.
The HOPs would be connected to your A/D to record back into the DAW.
A creative use for Sigma could be using it to automate an analogue desk. This could be achieved by connecting the
insert sends from the console into Sigma’s CH Ps and then connecting Sigma’s CHOPs into the insert returns of the
console.
MISCELLANEOUS CONNECTIONS
EXT, RTNS, TB - AES 59 ‘Tascam’ standard connections:
EXT - Provides a line-level stereo input available from an external source such as a professional D player.
RTNS (A+ B)- Provides connections for the stereo insert return signals of both Mix Bus A and Mix Bus B.
TB - Provides a line-level input from which you can connect the output from a talkback microphone
preamplifier.
MIX B, SENDS, H/P - AES 59 ‘Tascam’ standard connections.
MIX B - Stereo Mix Bus B outputs
SENDS - Provides connections for the stereo insert send signals of both Mix Bus A and MIx Bus B.
H/P - Provides a line-level stereo headphone output suitable for running a headphone feed into a cue mixer.
EXT, RTNS, T/B † D-sub to
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Page 11
3. Software Installation and Configuration
Sigma requires the following software to be installed on your computer:
• ipMIDI software - To carry the automation data from your DAW to Sigma’s channels.
• A web browser ( hrome/Firefox/Safari/Internet Explorer) - To configure your Sigma.
• Flash - The ‘Save’ and ‘Load’ buttons in the web browser require Flash.
1) IPMIDI SOFTWARE
There is no disk included with Sigma. In order to install the ipMIDI software, you need to go to the SSL website, navigate
to the Sigma product page (within ‘Music’ products) and click on the ‘Downloads’ tab. Follow the onscreen instructions
to download your Sigma Support File, containing all necessary software.
During the registration process you will be prompted for your Sigma serial number, which you will find on the white label
on the rear of your Sigma unit.
ipMIDI Installation - Macintosh
After downloading the Sigma Mac Support File from the Downloads section, install the ipMIDI.dmg file. Note that you will
be asked to logout and in again once you have completed the installation. Once you have logged back in open Audio
MIDI Setup (in the Utilities folder on your Mac) and double click on the ipMIDI icon (in MIDI Window view). Set the number
of ports to 20 in the resulting pop-up.
There are two version of ipM D for Mac; V1.5 is suitable for OS X 10.5 whilst V1.6 runs on OS X 10.6 upwards. Please
choose the correct version for your Mac.
Note that if you are upgrading an older copy of ipM D you must uninstall it before running the installer. To uninstall
ipM D simple delete: ‘/Library/Audio/M D Drivers/ipM D Driver.plugin’. You should empty the Trash after deleting
the ‘.plugin’ file before running the installer.

Page 12
ipMIDI Installation - Windows
After downloading the Sigma Windows Support File from the downloads page, install the ipMIDI.exe. Note that you will
have to restart the computer at the end of the setup process. Once the computer has restarted, double-click on the ipMIDI
icon in the bottom-right taskbar of Windows and set the number of MIDI ports to 20 in the resulting pop-up.
Note that if you are upgrading an older copy of ipM D you must uninstall (using Add/Remove progr ms) it before
running the installer.
2) INSTALL WEB BROWSER
Sigma is configured through your web browser. Please ensure you have one of the following installed on your computer:
• Google hrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Internet Explorer
mportant: Please check the SSL website for tested web browser versions and compatability.
Out of the box, Sigma comes preconfigured with a fixed IP address. This can be changed to DH P in the settings if required.
Therefore, the first time you connect to Sigma should be through a direct ethernet connection between Sigma and your
computer (see Network setup information for more information).
3) INSTALL FLASH
The SAVE and LOAD buttons in the web browser require Flash to be installed. Please go to the Adobe Flash website to make
sure you have the latest version of Flash installed:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer
SIGMA’SINTERNAL SOFTWARE
Sigma has internal software that comes pre-installed from the factory. There may be infrequent updates for this software.
Please refer to Chapter 5 ‘Software Update & Reboot Button’ for more information on how to check your Sigma software
version and updating the software.

Page 13
4. Network Setup
GENERAL
Sigma communicates with your DAW over a standard Ethernet cable using the ipMIDI software driver to emulate a multi-
port MIDI interface. To ensure minimum latency ipMIDI uses multicast UDP rather than T P/IP.
Routers that support high data transfer rates should be used. Some domestic routers have experienced problems, so
please check your router specification if problems occur.
Notes for Network Technici ns:
Because ipM D uses multicast UDP packets, messages between one computer and Sigma will be received by all
other computers on the network potentially causing problems with other ipM D devices on your network. The UDP
packets can be blocked by using a firewall router and connecting the main network by the WAN connector. The firewall
can then be configured to allow all traffic apart from UDP ports 21928 through 21947 which are used by ipM D . Note
that it may be necessary to use a separate Ethernet switch in place of an integrated firewall router switch, as some
of these can not support the ihg data transfer rate required. The NetGear GS108 (an eight port switch) has been used
successfully at SSL Begbroke.
You c n purch se pre-configured LAN Integr tion Network Switch from the SSL web store. See setup ex mple 3
for more det ils.
Sigma’s IP Address
By default, Sigma uses a fixed IP address of 192.168.1.201/sigmaweb. Alternatively, Sigma can be set to use a dynamically
assigned (DH P) address if your installation precludes a simple direct connection. Switching between the two options is
done in Sigma’s SETTINGS page in your web browser. See ‘Connecting to and Using Sigma’ chapter for more information.
Useful Built-In Features
Reverting from DHCP to Fixed IP
If a situation arises where Sigma is set to DH P but you are unable to connect via a DH P, take the following steps:
1) Power Sigma off
2) Set your computer network settings to be a fixed IP address
3) Power Sigma on
This will force Sigma into reverting to its fixed IP address.
How to check the current IP address of Sigma
Once connected to Sigma, it is possible to change the fixed IP address as desired. In a situation where
you forget what the fixed IP address is set to, press and hold the first USER button on the front panel
and whilst keeping this held down, press the second USER button. Sigma will use the front panel LEDs
to readout the IP address it is set to.

Page 14
NETWOR CONNECTION EXAMPLES
1. Fixed IP – Direct Connection
This is the simplest way to setup Sigma with your computer. Sigma comes configured to use a fixed IP on first startup.
Please note that Macintosh computers with multiple Ethernet ports can only use one of those ports at any one time!
If you are using a Macintosh computer, you should ensure that Airport is switched off. We
strongly recommend this as Airport is known to cause conflicts with ipMIDI data and may
stop Sigma from working. If you wish to use the internet, we suggest you configure Sigma
with a Router/Switch (see example 2).
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Network Connection Configuration - Macintosh
• On your computer go to System Preferences and click on the Network icon.
•Set Configure IPv4 to Manually then fill in the IP Address and Subnet Mask boxes with the numbers shown below. The
IP address should be in the 192.168.1.X range with a Subnet of 255.255.255.0.
‘X' should be a number between 3 and 254. Make sure that the ‘X’ number is not the same as Sigma’s address and/or
any other device on the network.
Network Connection Configuration - Windows
• Go to Network and go into Local Area Connection Properties.
• Open up the option Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Select Use the following IP address and then fill in the IP Address and Subnet mask boxes as shown below.

Page 16
2. Router (and Switch) Connection using DHCP - Allows Access to Internet
This connection method allows you to connect multiple devices to your network and access the internet at the same time.
The premise behind this method is that your Internet router acts as a DH P server, dynamically assigning IP addresses
to all the devices on your network. The simplest configuration would be as follows:
If you have more devices that you need to connect on your network, adding an Ethernet switch will allow more things to
be connected.
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Network Connection Configuration - Macintosh
• On the Mac, go to System Preferences and click on the Network icon.
•Set Configure IPv4 to Using DHCP.
Network Connection Configuration - Windows
• Go to Network and go into Local Area Connection Properties.
• Open up the option Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• hoose the option Obtain an IP address automatically.

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3. Connection in a facility that has multiple SSL Consoles/Multiple ipMIDI devices
If you are in a studio that has multiple SSL consoles/ipMIDI devices, we recommend that you purchase one of our ‘LAN
integration network switches’ from the SSL web store. Due to the nature of UDP, if you have two SSL consoles/ipMIDI
devices on the same network with a normal router/switch setup, then you may find that an ipMIDI device in one room will
start affecting another ipMIDI devices in another room. Our managed switch blocks UDP data on two of the ports, solving
the problem and allowing uplinking in a multi-room facility. Please visit the following link for more details and a picture
example:
store.solidstatelogic.com/catalog/36.
CONTROLLING SIGMA WITH A TABLET / SMARTPHONE
You can use a tablet/smartphone device to control Sigma by using it to access the web browser. Before attempting to
connect your tablet to Sigma, please ensure that you have established Sigma on your local area network, using one of the
three methods detailed above.
In order for your tablet/smartphone to communicate with Sigma, you will need a Wireless Router. The Wireless Router will
act as a bridge, connecting your tablet to Sigma.
Connecting to Sigma using an iPad via a Wireless Router
Fixed IP
1. onnect your iPad to your wireless router signal in (Settings > WI-FI)

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2. Launch web browser and type in Sigma’s static IP address - 192.168.1.201/sigmaweb
DHCP Network
1. onnect your iPad to your wireless router in (Settings > WI-FI).

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2. Download an app that allows you to see devices on your network. “My Devices” by Zoftware Design®, Inc is free to
download. Please be aware that “My Devices” is an iPhone app that also works on iPad. So in the iPad app store, make
sure your search is set to iPhone Apps, not iPad apps.
3. Go to Settings > MyDevices on your iPad. Ensure that all ‘Device Filters’ are OFF. Turn ‘Use Safari’ ON in ‘Web View’.
4. Launch app and and select your SSL Sigma device on the network.