SSL FAQs Entry
From Ssl-wiki
This is a collection of questions which are frequently asked, esp. by new SSL users, FAQs covered by the official SSL forum will not be mentioned here again!
Questions about missing SSL Features
Where is the key lock/master tempo!
How can I make tracks have the same volume?
How can I record my mixes?
Crate Management
Why do my crates disappear?
Crates which do not contain any songs will be deleted automatically once you close and restart SSL.
How do I add/remove the various columns in my crates
How does SSL save the crates and it songs?
Why are my changes to crates not stored?
Why are my changes like cue points, loops, tags etc. not stored?
Why cant I delete any tracks/crates in 1.5 although protect library is unticked in the setup screen?
How can I restore a complete crate which I accidently deleted?
Physical Connections and Setup
How do I connect SSL with my turntables and my mixer?
How do I connect my SSL setup if a DJ is already playing and I am supposed to play after him?
Why do I hear a hum from my SSL box when I switch to phono?
Why do I hear generally hear hum/static?
How do I connect my SSL box with CDJs to a 2(or 3) channel mixer?
Do I need an external power supply? What is it good for?
Which external power supply do I need?
The current SSL manual recommends a nice external power supply from Radio Shack model: 273-1778 Type N Plug.
However, an update was posted on the SSL user forum that mentions the Radio Shack model has been changed and updated to the 273-1768 Power Supply. Don't forget to grab the Type N Plug (since the PS does not include a plug).
Tags
My BPMs are not read correctly
How can I add BPMs?
What happens with my cue points, loops and overviews if I move my files?
Where does SSL store cue points and loop informations?
How can I convert my tags to version 2.3 using iTunes?
SSL Confirmed Plans for the future
Does SSL work with the new Intel Macs (MacbookPro and iMac (pro?)? (Mac specific)
Will SSL work with Rosetta? (Mac specific)
How about ASIO (PC) and core-audio (MAC) drivers?
Does SSL work with the new Windows version "Vista"? (PC specific)
Playing problems
I have audio drops
Help, SSL crashes!
Help, my tracks play loud and distorded!
Why cant I see or use some of my tracks which I bought from iTunes?
Why do my tracks dont play from the beginning when I use internal mode/auto play mode?
How do I use my iTunes bought tracks within SSL?
Why do some wav files dont play from SSL?
Recording problems
How can I record my vinyls with SSL?
Why do I only hear a beep tone when I try to record my set with SSL 1.5 and the new introduced sample vinyl function?
Known problems/Issues
With specific hardware/laptops
Mac OS X
Overheating issues with Powerbooks and Pentium 4 PC Laptops
Audio Equipment
Which needles are the best for use with SSL?
What are the best turntables for SSL?
First let me say that there is no "best" turntable brand for SSL, and having said that, there are two main categories of turntables:
Belt Drive The inner workings of this turntable has a "belt" much like a belt in your car. What happens the belt gets old? It has to be replaced, right? Right ;-) Also, belt drive turntables are almost never used by DJ's because the belt drive does not have any power for when you "manipulate" the vinyl. Everything seems to drag.
Direct Drive A direct drive turntable on the other hand does not use belts. The platter is attached directly to the motor. Most of these kinds of turntables give you pretty decent startup times, and decent stop times as well. If you are into DJ'ing or turntablism, the direct drive turntables are the ones to go with!!
Now in terms of brands, many people go with (in no order of preference):
- Technics 12xx
- Numark TTX1
- Vestax PDX
Do I need special (gold coated) USB or audio cables?
Misc
SSL can play, mp3, ogg, aif, or wav; what format should I use and what are the pro's con's?
What encoding setting shall I use?
- The recommended mp3 encoding using LAME is "--alt-preset standard" using the 3.90.3 version (taken from http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125 , correct link]:
- establishing "the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" at the time.
- Latter information has changed, the latest recommended version by the LAME developers is 3.97.beta1
- For those not using LAME (such as iTunes users), you can mimic LAME's settings by using a variable bitrate (VBR) format.
What are recommended mp3 encoders?
There are two main kinds of recommended mp3 encoders. These are ones based on the LAME encoder and ones based on the Fraunhofer codec. The LAME encoder is generally considered to be of better quality and is free. LAME is used by many CD ripping tools such as EAC, although it is not usually supplied but must be downloaded separately. The Fraunhofer encoder is found in many comercial programs such as Adobe Audition and also in iTunes.
Why doesn't SSL use Firewire like FS2, or USB2? Doesn't Firewire give a lower latency?
How stable is the SSL pitch?
I (nik) have done several measurements to quantify the quality of the additional pitch shift/drift introduced by the SSL system. You have to remember that any analog system will suffer from a percentage of pitch, even if you use standard turntables with quartz lock there are very small pitch changes due to wow and flutter. On Technics 1200's the wow+flutter should be around [FIXME]. Then you also gotta consider there is additional wow+flutter introduced by the master lathe when pressing the SSL vinyls
My SSL system seems to have pitch variations!
- Did you calibrate properly? Make sure you have a proper signal.
- Make sure your control records are in a good shape. If not you will experience randoms slow-downs and crackles.
I need a laptop stand!
Check out the laptop stand from Serato called HiRes, click here for more info.
Also, check out the Uberstand, click here for more info.
