FLYING FADERS II

flying faders

Features

FEATURES

Your customers know what moving fader automation system they want to use. If you ask them, the most likely response is “Flying Faders”. Designed from the ground up to be powerful and easy to use, Flying Faders is the Just Mix moving fader automation system. And check out how the ACX automated console expander can help you book additional sessions by easily adding more Flying Faders channels to your existing console.

Details

Details

Specs

SPECS

“The first thing that I really noticed as on vocals, sold me on it immediately. It made the vocals sound really present, which required less EQ and less compression to really get them to stand out on the track.” – Jerry Finn, Producer,
Blink 182’s Take Off Your Pants & Jacket + Enema of the State

Just Mix… Just Got Better!

Flying Faders has the reputation for being the ‘Just Mix’ automation system, allowing users to get the job done by not getting in the way. Flying Faders II builds on that reputation, by introducing new computer hardware, a modern operating system, highly requested new features, and the same ease of use that mixers have come to expect. For two decades, Flying Faders has been at the forefront of console automation technology making great analog consoles even better. Now, Flying Faders II further enhances your investment by updating the software and hardware interface to the latest, cutting-edge work environment.

Windows 7 Compatible USB Interface

Flying Faders II provides plug & play simplicity, requiring only a Windows 7® compatible computer* and the new Flying Faders Automation – USB Interface. With no changes required to your Flying Faders console or hardware to install in the computer, upgrading a system couldn’t be easier. Simply install the Flying Faders II software, plug the USB interface into the computer, plug the Flying Faders fiber optic cable and timecode into the USB interface, run the configuration dialog, and you’re ready to ‘Just Mix’ in a matter of minutes!

Step Into The Future While Embracing The Past

When mixing with Flying Faders II for the first time, you’ll find the system works like it always has—simply press RUN, hit play, and ‘Just Mix’. The standard Flying Faders console interface is still there, with several new key combinations to access great new features, allowing you to work even more efficiently right from the Channel Modules. The intuitive new computer interface allows new users to quickly learn Flying Faders II, while experienced users will quickly feel up to speed even on newly added features.

User Experience

Enjoy a new computer environment that maintains the traditional work concept of Flying Faders Classic.

  • Windows 7® Compatible

    Use the lastest computers with Microsoft’s best operating system ever.

  • New Graphic Interface

    The new GUI provides easier access and interaction with mix information and parameters.

  • Updated Console Interface

    More parameters may be set directly from the Channel Modules and/or Master Module.

User Experience

Enjoy a new computer environment that maintains the traditional work concept of Flying Faders Classic.

  • Windows 7® Compatible

    Use the lastest computers with Microsoft’s best operating system ever.

  • New Graphic Interface

    The new GUI provides easier access and interaction with mix information and parameters.

  • Updated Console Interface

    More parameters may be set directly from the Channel Modules and/or Master Module.

USB Interface

New external USB 2.0 interface that obsoletes the Flying Faders Classic ISA cards fitted inside the computer.

  • Automation

    Standard: single fiber optic transceiver allows up to 128 channels of automation.

    Optional: dual fiber optic transceivers allows up to 256 channels of automation.

  • Recall

    Optional: connector for Neve™ VR Series console.

  • Timecode

    Balanced XLR input to easily connect linear timecode.

Channels

Channels are enhanced with several new time-saving features available from the Channels Tab.

  • Channel Swap

    Swap allows a Mix in progress to easily be conformed to a change in patch order. Simply click Swap to rotate the order of selected Channels. When the layout is correct click Apply. Even recall data moves with the Channels!

  • Channel Views

    Views are named collections of Channels, such as Drums, Strings, Vocals, etc. After creating a View, simply select its name from the View List to select just those Channels for Trim and Edit operations.

  • Channel IO Names

    Channel IO names are now section specific providing clear relationships to their console counterparts.

Channel Buttons (Mute, EQ, Insert, Cut, etc.)

All Channel Buttons now have full Record and RSI modes, as well as the ability to link.

  • Mode Control

    The upper RECORD button on the Channel Module can now be reassigned, providing mode control for each of the Channel Buttons that belong to the Channel.

  • Record Safe

    Channel Buttons set to RSI: Ready that do not have mode control are automatically made Record Safe, causing them to behave as if set to RSI: Safe.

  • Enhanced RSI: Safe

    Channel Buttons set to RSI: Safe may now be toggled while automation is stopped and ‘auditioned’ while automation is in play.

  • Expanded Linking

    All Channel Buttons that belong to a Channel now participate in a Link. Optionally, linking may be disabled for a Channel Button type.

Groups

New features allow Groups to be incorporated more dynamically within the workflow.

  • Slave Edit

    A new Select mode allows a Channel to be removed from a Group with the Group moves and mutes added to it, or added to a Group with the Group moves subtracted from it.

  • Group Suspend

    Groups can be suspended at anytime in order to modify the Slave balance without Master influence or to trim a Master without trimming its Slaves. Simply click the Suspend: Group button in the Trim or Options form, or press SHIFT + GROUP on the Master Module.

  • Sync Groups

    Changing Groups during a mix can affect playback of earlier Mixes in the Mix Tree. A Group Sync button now appears when the current Group assignments do not match the PlayMix Groups. Pressing the button restores the PlayMix Group assignments, ensuring correct playback.

  • Improved Group Viewer

Links

New features make Links more powerful and easier to use.

  • Link Suspend: Channels

    Link Touch between Channels can be suspended at anytime in order to easily create a non-linked move, trim, or toggle without disturbing Link memberships. Just click the Suspend: Link button in the Trim or Options form, or press SHIFT + LINK on the Master Module.

  • Link Suspend: Controls

    All Controls are now capable of linking, with the ability to turn Link Touch on or off for each type of Control either from the Controls Tab or by pressing a Control while pressing LINK on the Master Module.

  • Improved Link Viewer

RSI

Mixing is easier and more flexible now with the changes to RSI and all Controls having RSI modes.

  • Preset Not Required

    Controls set to RSI: Isolate no longer take Presets. When a Control without a Preset is changed to RSI:Ready or RSI: Safe the Control will take a Preset at its first chance, creating a RecordPass if necessary.

  • Save & Restore

    The position and RSI of every Control is now saved with a Mix and restored when the Mix is opened, ensuring that even Controls without a Preset are properly positioned.

  • Changing Modes

    Changing directly to another RSI mode is now possible, even while the Control is touched and automation is in play, allowing for creative recording possibilities.

  • Default Select mode

    RSI is automatically selected whenever another Select mode is deselected.

  • Global RSI

    The global RSI mode of each Control type may be globally set from within the Controls Tab.

Trim

A new Trim engine brings several requested features to Flying Faders—Faders may be trimmed with automation in play or stop, and trimming may be fully controlled exclusively from the console or GUI interface. Also, Trim now generates a Mix Pass only when exiting from Trim, if any Fader has a trimmed value.

  • Automation Play or Stop

    Trim values may be entered while automation is playing or stopped.

  • Apply On Exit

    Trim values are applied only upon exiting from Trim.

  • Trim Cancel

    Trim is now cancelled by simply performing a global Match before exiting Trim. A global Match button is also now available from within the Trim form, making it easy to cancel when trimming entirely from the GUI interface.

  • Channel Select

    A Fader may now be selected for Nudge Trim using the Channel module SELECT button.

Edit

All Flying Faders Classic Edit modes are incorporated, as well as a new Paste Edit that allows portions of a Mix to be copy/pasted to different timecode points.

  • Single Edit Form

    All Edit operations now reside within a single form instead of across multiple dialogs.

  • Paste

    The new Paste feature allows a Mix Region to be pasted with 1/4 frame accuracy at any timecode point, making it easy to duplicate a portion of the Mix.

Mix Finder

A new Mix Finder makes it easy to find and select a Mix for the PlayMix or AltMix within the Mix Tree.

  • Branches

    Mix Tree Branches may be viewed either in creation order or relationally, with each Branch indicating the Mix from which it’s derived allowing its lineage to easily be traced. Selecting a Branch moves the PlayMix or AltMix to the last Mix Node for that Branch.

  • Mixes

    Mixes may be viewed either in there entirety or just those in the lineage of the currently selected Mix Tree Branch. Selecting a Mix moves the PlayMix or AltMix to that Mix, changing the Branch if required.

  • Mix Info

    Labels, file names, and pop-up info appear in the Mix Finder, making important Mixes stand out and easy to identify. Named Mixes also appear in a dropdown list making them easy to select.

Mix Save

  • Unsaved Changes Prompt

    The Save Mix button ‘lights’ whenever a new Mix is recorded.

  • Automatic File Naming

    The last Mix Label is automatically used as the file name when saving a Mix.

  • Automatic File Versioning

    If the current Mix Label is identical to a file name residing in the current Save Folder an incremental version number is automatically added. This prevents Mix files from being written over without using the ‘Save As‘ command.

  • Position & RSI

    The position and RSI mode of every Control is now saved as part of the Mix.

  • Solo Sets

    Solo Sets are now saved as part of the Mix.

  • Recall

    Option to take a new Store, copy the current Store, or omit a Store during ‘Save As’.

    Option to automatically take a new Store or copy the current Store during ‘Save’.

  • AutoSave Frequency

    AutoSave can now be set to occur after a number of passes, ranging from 1–10.

Mix Open

More Mix parameters are restored when a Mix is opened.

  • Channel Align

    The Channel layout is easily changed during Mix Open, allowing you to conform the Mix to your console layout.

  • Position & RSI Restored

    The saved position and RSI of every Control is now restored, ensuring that Controls without a Preset are properly positioned.

  • Solo Sets Restored

    The saved Solo Sets are restored.

Mix Import

Easily import elements from other Mixes into your current Mix, from Channel Names to the Recall Store.

  • Import Options

    A checklist allows the inclusion or exclusion of various Mix elements on import.

  • Channel Align

    The Channel layout of the imported Mix is easily changed during Mix Import, allowing you to conform it to the current Mix.

Classic Exchange

Easily move files from Flying Faders Classic and Neve Recall to Flying Faders II format and back again.

  • Translate To Classic – Floppy Disk

    Select some Flying Faders II Mix files, select a floppy drive, and click OK—that’s all it takes to create a floppy with Mix and Recall files in a format that can be read by a Flying Faders Classic computer.

  • Translate From Classic – Floppy Disk

    Select a floppy drive and click OK to import a floppy full of Classic Mixes and Recall Backup Files as Flying Faders II Mix files.

  • Translate From Classic – Hard Disk

    Just like ‘Import From Classic – Floppy Disk‘ except that it imports everything from the Mixes or Recall directories from your Flying Faders Classic II hard drive.

IO Tools

New configuration and diagnostic tools make setup and testing easier than ever.

  • IO Config

    Whether using predefined or custom Channel Layouts, setting up your system takes only moments.

  • IO Diagnostics

    The command line diagnostic tools have been replaced with one easy to use diagnostics window.

MIDI

MTC and MMC support provides easier DAW integration.

  • MTC (MIDI Timecode)

    MIDI timecode is now supported via a user supplied MIDI interface.

  • MMC (MIDI Machine Control)

    MIDI transport control from the Neve™ V Series transport keys is now supported via a user supplied MIDI interface.

Transport Control

Flying Faders II provides basic transport control using Classic TCSI protocol or MMC (see MIDI above).

  • Classic Transport Control

    Classic Transport Control using an Adam–Smith System 2600 or Timeline Lynx SSU requires the Flying Faders II computer to have a built-in RS-232 port, RS-232 serial card, or USB to RS-232 adaptor.

Recall Option

Recall for Neve™ VR Series consoles is now integrated directly into Flying Faders. A Store is simply part of saving a Mix, with the ability to take a new Store, copy the current Store, or omit a Store. Opening a Mix file automatically launches the Recall Manager, which allows up to 3 channels to be recalled simultaneously.

  • Integrates With Neve™ VR Series Consoles

    Simply plug the recall cable into the USB Interface. Recall is automatically setup when configuring your Flying Faders system.

  • Stores Saved In Mix Files

    ‘Save As’ option to take a new Store, copy the current Store, or omit a Store for the Mix file.

    ‘Save’ option to automatically take a new Store or copy the current Store for the Mix file.

  • New Recall Manager

    The Recall Manager launches automatically whenever a Mix is opened or imported.

    With Multi-window support, up to 3 channels may be recalled simultaneously and Channel Buckets and Center Section may be moved between Recall windows.