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A MIDI Controller built for Pro Tools?
I recently had a chance to pick up Novation’s Remote SL 61 key MIDI controller, which now boasts Pro Tools software integration through its revolutionary “Automap” protocol. By emulating Mackie’s HUI protocol, the RemoteSL is able to provide complete control over the Pro Tools mixer, transport, plug-ins, even navigation and zoom commands. After using the controller for about a month now I thought I would share my experiences here at the Pro Tools Corner and hopefully give any users (or soon to be users) of the RemoteSL some tips for getting things up and running with Pro Tools.
One of my biggest gripes about virtual instruments and plug-ins in general is the lack of tactile control. While working in the box has never sounded better, many aspects still lack the familiar “grab-and-go” gratification of classic hardware units. To fill this void, numerous companies have introduced DAW specific, “control surface” interfaces that extend beyond the keyboard and mouse, providing the user with a more tactile environment (be sure to read my PT Corner article on control surfaces for Pro Tools). While most of today’s MIDI keyboard controllers offer some form of virtual instrument manipulation through MIDI CC, many leave users scratching their heads wondering how to map these controls to their favorite plug-in. Dedicated controllers, such as Digidesign’s Command 8 or 003, can provide plug-in-play control over all aspects of Pro Tools, but often leave no space on one’s desk for both a MIDI controller and control surface.
Enter Novation’s RemoteSL, the first all-in-one USB MIDI Keyboard Controller to offer automatic, in-depth control of DAW software including Pro Tools. The RemoteSL ships in one of four configurations; a 25, 36, or 61-key keyboard, as well as a control surface only option without keys. Each model features 2 bright blue LCD “soft-label” displays, 8 faders, 16 rotary encoders, 32 buttons, and 8 velocity sensitive trigger pads (see the product description in the audioMidi store for the full specs). Space and ergonomics are big issues for me so I decided on the 61-key configurations as a all-in-one solution, replacing my existing MIDI keyboard, control surface and MIDI drum pad with one space saving and esthetically pleasing unit.
Setting up the Remote SL in Pro Tools
Now I am usually the kind of person that can figure out most DAW related tasks without cracking the manual, however I quickly realized that this was not going to be the case with the RemoteSL. After my initial brute force attempt at a set-up, I reluctantly cracked the manual only to find that the included PDF documents and software installers pre-dated Pro Tools support. Users will want to visit Novation’s website and download the latest Automap installer and PDF setup guide before attempting set-up (you can find those here).
Like most third party control surfaces the RemoteSL supports Pro Tools via HUI emulation (the HUI is a control surface manufactured by Mackie, now discontinued). Before using the RemoteSL as a HUI controller in Pro Tools, users must install the latest automap software from Novation and update the OS and automap templates on the unit. The automap software runs on both PC and Mac and was for the most part painless, aside from putting the unit into a special “update” mode, which the installer guides you through. Be sure to choose the “Install Pro Tools HUI support” option during the installation.
After setting the RemoteSL HUI mode to Pro Tools, simply select the HUI automap template from the RemoteSL’s template select knob (templates 34 & 35). While preparing the unit for Pro Tools was a bit challenging, getting Pro Tools to recognize the RemoteSL was pretty easy. Choose Setup>Peripherals>MIDI Controllers and select HUI under controller #1 and set the Send and Receive ports to “RemoteSL Port 2.” I was also able to get the HUI support working with my Digidesign MIDI IO interface, just by switching out the send and receive ports in peripherals and connecting the RemoteSL via standard MIDI cables. If you are going to use the RemotSL’s MIDI I/O be sure to disconnect the USB cable to prevent double-triggering within your sequencer, in this scenario you will have to power the unit with an AC adapter or using 4-C batteries (neither are included).
At first I kept receiving the error message: "Pro Tools is unable to communicate with HUI. Power-cycle HUI and check its connections. Note, if HUI is not in use, update the peripherals dialog to prevent further warnings." A quick trip to Novation’s Answerbase fixed that up, apparently it had to do with the ‘IDports’ setting in the global menu, which should be set to ‘Ub.’ Whatever that means, but it seemed to do the trick and the error went away.
Using the RemoteSL inside Pro Tools
First off, using the RemoteSL 61 as purely a MIDI keyboard controller was pretty straightforward and configuring the HUI controller is not a necessary component if that is all you wish to use it for. With plug-in play support, you can simply hit the units play mode button and start using it like any other USB MIDI controller. I like to describe the Novation keyboards as the “Rolls Royce” of MIDI controllers as the keys feel absolutely incredible, extremely playable with amazing velocity tracking. Plus the SL is easy on the eyes, unlike some of the cheaper looking units out there. Did I mention it also has a performance oriented, X/Y touchpad and spring loaded Pitch/Mod control? Personally I like the action and esthetics so much, I would pay full price for that alone! Fortunately, if you are just looking for the Novation feel without the bells and whistles, the Remote LE line carries the same semi-weighted keys as the SL without the extra controller features, or extra cost.
Unlike other MIDI controller surfaces that make use of MIDI CC’s to control supported virtual instruments, because of HUI emulation the RemoteSL can control almost any aspect of Pro Tools. Using only the RemoteSL I was able to control the Pro Tools transport, mixer (including volume faders, sends, pans, mutes, solos, automation and record enables), insert and configure plug-ins (not just virtual instruments but any plug-in), navigate and zoom inside the edit window, and route inputs, outputs and sends. Again, much like setting up the RemoteSL, the process of controlling Pro Tools was far from intuitive and I would suggest user’s print out the Pro Tools section so they can reference it while learning the ins and outs of the SL.
Potential users should note that the SL’s 8-faders are not motorized and therefore do not reflect changes made in the Pro Tools mixer via the mouse. However, the unit will wait to grab onto the fader until both match in value, thus avoiding any jumping movements common with MIDI CC messages. The faders can be banked in groups of eight or individually to show any track within the session. The RemoteSL will display truncated (4-character) track names on the LCD, however I found it a bit hard to position the unit for both maximum playability and display visibility. Users may opt to position the keyboard lower rather then higher to read the display, in my case I placed a piece of foam from the packaging to prop the back end up making the display a bit easier to read. The unit also has a handy contrast control which helps tune in the viewing angle.
The one element that attracted me to the RemoteSL (beside the key action) was the ability to control any Pro Tools plug-in, which was previously only available from a dedicated control surface designed for Pro Tools. Although the SL claims to be able to learn any plug-in in any application, through its plug-in automapping server, this only works via specially wrapped VST (on the PC) or Audio Unit (on the Mac) plug-ins, created by the automap wrapping utility. It is unclear whether the wrapper will offer RTAS or TDM support in the future, but I have a feeling it probably won’t happen any time soon. You may be able to get the VST wrapped plug-in to work on a PC by wrapping them again into RTAS (via FXpansions VST-RTAS wrapper) but since I was using a Mac, this wasn’t even an option for me to test.
At any rate, the HUI protocol offers support for plug-in control so I figured I would be able to use that instead of the Automap server. After spending some time with the manual I was able to insert and control plug-ins in Pro Tools from the RemoteSL, but it was not nearly as smooth as using a dedicated Pro Tools controller like the D-Command or Command-8 (which is understandable, as the SL is not purpose built for Pro Tools). Combinations of buttons must be pressed to access the inserts and controlling complex plug-ins with dozens of parameters was quite difficult. If I did end up using the SL for plug-in control, I generally would use it only on plug-ins with a limited number of controls, like compressors, single-band EQs, etc. In a situation where I wanted to automate a specific plug-in parameter in real time, it would probably be worth setting it up on a knob in the SL, otherwise it seemed like too much hassle. On a positive note, I did like the RemoteSL’s transport features; play, stop, loop playback, all easily accessed from the unit seamlessly. The 8 drums pads can be used for programming beats or triggering loops but are also used for banking tracks through the 8 faders, edit navigation and zooming, which is pretty cool and convenient.
As a side note, if you use Reason the RemoteSL is almost purpose built for tweaking the rack (be sure you have reason 3.04 or later installed). This is where I felt the automap protocol really shined. Simply by clicking on an element of the reason rack I was able to bring up its full set of parameters automatically, as if the RemoteSL was reading my mind. This is the kind of experience I would have hoped for in Pro Tools, but I understand that it can be a hard DAW for third parties to support.
In closing, I am quite satisfied with my RemoteSL purchase. The action is amazing, and once you getting working with it in Pro Tools, some of the features can be pretty useful. While in my opinion, it does not totally replace the need for a dedicated control surface in Pro Tools, it is the closest thing on the market to an “all-in-one” unit and Novation seems committed to ongoing support of its automap feature, so I solute them for their fine efforts.
Pro Tools Tidbits
- Digidesign has officially shipped Structure, the latest software sampler for Pro Tools.
- Arturia announced their new “V” collection, a new bundle package including all of their synth emulations.
- Native Instruments announced their new “Classic Keys” bundle, containing Akoustik Piano, Elektrik Piano, and B4.
- Waves announced their new API collection, plug-in emulations of 4 classic API processors. Available as stand-alone or included with the Mercury Bundle.
If you have a Pro Tools related question that you would like me to take a shot at answering or have any feedback, please send it to brian@audioMIDI.com. I will do my best to select the questions that seem to stump the most people.
As always, stay tuned to the audioMIDI.com eNews for the latest reviews and new product info.
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