Avid Command 8 User Guide
Command|8 Guide
for Pro Tools TDM and LE Systems on Windows or Macintosh
Digidesign
2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA
tel: 650·731·6300
fax: 650·731·6399
Technical Support (USA)
tel: 650·731·6100
fax: 650·731·6384
Product Information (USA)
tel: 650·731·6102
tel: 800·333·2137
International Offices
Visit the Digidesign Web site
for contact information
Web Site
www.digidesign.com
Copyright
This guide is copyrighted ©2004 by Digidesign, a division of
Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights
reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be
duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of
Digidesign.
DIGIDESIGN, AVID and PRO TOOLS are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology,
Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements and
availability are subject to change without notice.
PN 932012395-00 REV A 04/04
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Digidesign,
3401-A Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94304-1348, USA
650-842-7900
declare under our sole responsibility that the product
Command|8
complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
and correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Command|8
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by
Digidesign, could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Canadian Compliance Statement:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES003
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada
Australian Compliance
European Compliance
contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
Command|8 Features
Included with Command|8
System Requirements and Compatibility
About www.digidesign.com
MIDI Control Surface Terms
About This Guide
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Chapter 2. Installing and Configuring Command|8
Before You Begin
Installation Guidelines
Example Setups
Command|8 Back Panel
Connecting Command|8 to Pro Tools and Your Computer
Installing Software for Command|8
Connecting Analog Audio for Monitoring
Connecting a Footswitch
Connecting MIDI Devices
Configuring MIDI
Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools
Communication Test
Troubleshooting
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Contents
iii
Chapter 3. Command|8 Overview
Command|8 Operating Modes
Command|8 Control Surface
LCD Display
Fader Strips
Console and Channel View Controls for Pan, Sends, and Inserts
Transport, Navigation, and Zoom Controls
Monitoring Controls
Modifiers Switches
Standalone Switch
USB and MIDI Activity LEDs
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Chapter 4. Using Command|8 with Pro Tools
Controlling the Transport
Undo and Redo
Navigating
Recording
Sends
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Plug-Ins and Inserts
Software Synths and Rewire Applications
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Chapter 5. Using Stand-Alone Mode
Overview of Stand-Alone Mode
Stand-Alone Mode QuickStart
Selecting Stand-Alone Mode
Mapping
Editing MIDI Maps
Presets to Save and Recall Maps
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Command|8 Guide
iv
Appendix A. Utility Functions
Accessing Utility Mode
Fader Tests
LED Tests
LCD Display Test
Switch Test
Encoder Test
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Index
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Contents
v
Command|8 Guide
vi
chapter 1
Introduction
Welcome to Command|8, a control surface for
developed in collaboration between Digidesign
and Focusrite. Command|8 is a compact, and
flexible control surface for Pro Tools TDM and
LE systems, and supported Avid systems.
Command|8 Features
Some of the main features of Command|8 include:
• Eight fader strips, each featuring a motorized,
touch-sensitive fader, rotary encoder, LEDs,
and Solo, Mute, and Channel Select switches.
• Analog monitoring section with output and
level control for mains and headphones. Two
pairs of analog inputs are provided, one for
your main mix from Pro Tools, and one for alternate sources (such as CD, Mini-Disc, and
DAT players).
• One MIDI In port and two MIDI Out ports
providing 16 channels of MIDI input, and 32
channels of MIDI output.
• USB port for direct USB MIDI communication
with Pro Tools.
• Large, bright LCD for data display.
• 1/4-inch Punch In port for footswitch control
of recording.
•Transport controls and mode switches.
•Windows switches for Pro Tools display.
• Navigation and Zoom controls.
•Tactile control of track volume, pan, send
level, send pan, and record status, as well as
PRE (Digidesign mic preamplifier) gain.
• Fast and convenient access to sends, inserts,
plug-in pages, pan settings, and other track
functions.
• Five Function keys to access Utility, Fader
Mute, and MIDI mapping functions.
• AC power supply designed specifically for
Command|8.
• Stand-alone mode with snapshot save and recall, lets you use Command|8 to control any
device that supports MIDI Continuous Controller messages. Custom MIDI mapping can
be programmed as needed, and up to eight
snapshots can be saved locally in Command|8.
Included with Command|8
Items included with Command|8 are:
• Command|8 control surface
• Command|8 Guide
• USB cable
• Power adapter
• Pro Tools software for Command|8
• Registration card
Chapter 1: Introduction
1
System Requirements and Compatibility
Command|8 can be used with any supported
Pro Tools TDM or Pro Tools LE system for tactile
control of recording and mixing. Command|8
can also be used in Stand-alone mode and
mapped to control most digital audio workstations or devices that support MIDI.
Digidesign can only assure compatibility and
provide support for hardware and software it
has tested and approved.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, operating systems, and third-party devices, refer to
the latest compatibility information on the
Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com/compato).
Digidesign Registration
Make sure to complete and return the registration card included with Command|8. This is
your best way to receive news of updates and
other Digidesign product information. (See also
“About www.digidesign.com” on page 2.)
About www.digidesign.com
The Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com)
is your best source for information to help you
get the most out of your Pro Tools system. The
following are just a few of the services and features available.
Support
or Customer Service; download software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the
Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online Answerbase or join the
worldwide Pro Tools community on the Digidesign User Conference.
Training and Education
courses available online or find out how you can
learn in a classroom setting at a certified
Pro Tools training center.
Products and Developers
products; download demo software or learn
about our Development Partners and their plugins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events
design or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
Contact Digidesign Technical Support
Study on your own using
Learn about Digidesign
Get the latest news from Digi-
Command|8 Guide
2
To learn more about these and other resources
available from Digidesign, visit our Web site
(www.digidesign.com).
MIDI Control Surface Terms
About This Guide
Here are a few terms that apply to the use of a
MIDI control surface with Pro Tools.
Bank
A group of similar controls (such as faders,
rotary controls, or switches) that are arranged in
discrete channel strips. With Command|8, you
can operate one bank of controls at a time.
Bank Size or Bank Width
Corresponds to the
number of fader strips on your MIDI control surface. Command|8 has eight fader strips.
Bank Swap
The process by which you switch
control from one on-screen bank of channel
strip faders to another.
Global Controls
Controls that perform single
functions that never change. For example, the
transport switches affect all tracks, and do not
change when you switch banks.
Control Surface Focus
When you select a track,
send, plug-in, or output window for editing on a
control surface, it becomes the
cus
. This distinction is indicated by a colored
control surface fo-
outline surrounding the top panel of the window in Pro Tools.
This guide assumes you have already installed
Pro Tools, and that you already have an understanding of its features and operating conventions as explained in the
Guide
.
Pro Tools Reference
Conventions Used in This Guide
This guide uses the following conventions to indicate Pro Tools on-screen menu choices and
key commands:
:
Convention Action
File > Save Session Choose Save Session
from the File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control
key and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control
key and click the mouse
button
Right-click (Windows) Click with the right
mouse button
Command|8 features a Modifiers section that
provides the following modifier-key equivalents:
Command|8 Modifier Modifier Key Equivalents
Windows Macintosh
SHIFT/ADD Shift Shift
OPT(ALT)/ALL Alt Option
/(CTL) Control Command
CTL/CLUTCH Start Control
Chapter 1: Introduction
3
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most out of Command|8.
Warnings include information that could
affect the performance of Command|8
hardware or Pro Tools session data.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to other related sections in this guide or the Pro Tools guide.
Command|8 Guide
4
chapter 2
Installing and Configuring Command|8
This chapter explains how to install and configure Command|8.
Before You Begin
Before installing Command|8 for use with
Pro Tools:
■ Make sure Pro Tools is correctly installed and
operating before installing Command|8.
Pro Tools software includes software for Command|8, installed by default as part of the Easy
Install option.
If you did a Custom Install of Pro Tools,
you may need to reinsert your Pro Tools Installer CD while installing Command|8, as
noted later in this chapter.
Installation Guidelines
Unpack Command|8 from its shipping container, being careful not to lose any included
components or information sheets. Read all included material for any updates or other important information.
Place Command|8 on a flat surface near your
computer monitor. Make sure not to block the
back, sides, or front of Command|8 to maintain
proper ventilation. If mounting Command|8 in
studio furniture, be sure to leave adequate space
around the vents at the rear and front.
When installing Command|8, be aware of the
following guidelines and options:
• Pro Tools does not support the use of more
than one Command|8 at a time. In other
words, two or more Command|8 units cannot
be enabled simultaneously in Pro Tools.
• Command|8 must be the only MIDI control
surface enabled within Pro Tools.
• Command|8 can be used in combination with
non-MIDI control surfaces with some limitations. See “Command|8 with Other Control
Surfaces” on page 7 for more information.
• Command|8 can also be used as a stand-alone
MIDI control surface to control software
synths and Rewire applications, supported
Avid systems, and any device that supports
MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) communication. See Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone
Mode” for installation and operational information about stand-alone use.
Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8
5
Example Setups
Figure 1 shows Command|8 connected for use with Pro Tools, acting as a control surface, MIDI interface, and monitor controller.
Command|8 with Pro Tools Setup
Main Monitors
Audio outputs to Pro Tools
Audio outputs to Pro Tools
MIDI sound module
MIDI synth
Pro Tools
to Main Monitor Inputs
CD, DAT,
Mini-Disc
or other
Figure 1. Connecting Command|8 as a Pro Tools control surface, MIDI interface, and monitor controller
to Ext Source Inputs
In this setup, the Command|8 USB port is connected to the host computer. This provides the
communication necessary for Command|8 faders, encoders, and switches to control Pro Tools
sessions (as well as compatible Rewire applications running within the Pro Tools mix environment).
Mix output
USB to CPU
MIDI
Speaker Outputs
Headphones
Analog audio is from Pro Tools is sent from an
audio interface (such as an HD I/O,
Digi 002 Rack, or Mbox) to the Command|8
Main Monitor inputs. The Command|8 Speaker
Outputs are connected to powered monitors for
control room monitoring. An additional stereo
source is also connected to the Command|8 External Source Inputs. The Control Room and
A MIDI keyboard and sound module are connected to the Command|8 MIDI In and MIDI
Out ports. Because Command|8 utilizes USB
MIDI communication, you can use all three
MIDI ports to integrate MIDI keyboard and
other controllers, sound modules, and samplers
into your Pro Tools sessions.
Headphone controls let you select between input sources (Main, or External), with control
room Level, Mono, and Mute control. The
Headphone output follows the control room input source selection, with its own separate level
control that only affects the top panel Headphone port.
Command|8 Guide6
Command|8 with Other Control Surfaces
CHANNEL VIEW
INSERT PAN/SENDDYNAMICS
EQ
SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL
PAGE MASTER BYPASS
CONSOLE VIEW
REC
PAN
SEND INSERT
ESC
UNDO STANDALONE
DISPLAY
A
B
C
D
E
1394
MIDI
INOUT1
OUT2
LR
METER
ENTER
SAMPLE RATE
44.1 48
88.2
96
RECPLAYFFW STOPREWRTZ
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
MUTE
SOLO
BANK
NUDGE
ZOOM
(UTILITY) F1
(NAMING) F2
(SNAPSHOT) F3
(FADER MUTE) F4
(FOCUS) F5
FLIP
MASTER
FADERS
WINDOWS
PLUG-IN MIX
EDIT
PLAY/ REC MODE
LOOPPLAY LOOP REC QUICKPUNCH
MODIFIERS
SHIFT/ADD
COMM/CTL/CLUTCH
OPTION/ALL
z
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
+6
0
-10
-15
-20
-30
-90
-40
-60
-5
+3
L
R
IN
OUT
1 GAIN 2 GAIN 3 GAIN 4 GAIN
HEADPHONE
MONO
ALT SRC
TO IN 7-8
ALT SRC
TO MON
MUTE
LINE/ INST
MIC
MONITOR
LEVEL LEVEL
Digi 002 and Command|8
When used as a MIDI control surface with supported Digi 002 and Digi 002 Rack systems, Command|8 faders function as additional faders (9–16, when left justified). Figure 2 shows fader mapping
when Command|8 is used with a Digi 002. (Plug-ins cannot be edited on Command|8 when used
with a Digi 002.) Use Command|8 for expanded fader control, or remote transport and monitoring.
Digi 002
Command|8
Faders 1–8
Faders 9–16
Figure 2. Digi 002 (or Digi 002R) and Command|8 fader mapping
ProControl or Control|24 and Command|8
Command|8 can be used simultaneously with ProControl or Control|24 as a remote Transport for isolation rooms, drum booths, and other locations for remote control of play and record functions.
When used with ProControl or Control|24, Command|8 faders overlap (duplicate) the left-most eight
faders currently banked on Control|24.
Figure 3 shows basic connections when adding Command|8 to a Control|24 system (connections for
ProControl would be similar).
Control Room Monitors
Control|24
Figure 3. Control|24-based Pro Tools system with Command|8 as a remote transport and monitor controller
Mic input
USB to
CPU
Alt or
monitor outputs
Command|8 in
vocal booth or
other
Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 7
Command|8 Back Panel
The figure below shows the Command|8 back panel connectors and switches.
+4/–10 switches
Main Ext
Monitor Inputs
Figure 4. Command|8 rear panel
Connecting Command|8 to Pro Tools and Your Computer
This section lists the basic steps required to connect Command|8 to Pro Tools. Detailed instructions for each step can be found later in this
chapter.
Installing Command|8 for Pro Tools involves the
following:
1
Connect AC power (see “Connecting AC
Power” on page 9).
In
Out 1 Out 2
L RL L RR
Source
Outputs
Audio
6
Connect MIDI devices (see “Connecting MIDI
MIDI
Power Socket
Devices” on page 12).
7
Configure MIDI (see “Configuring MIDI” on
page 13).
8
Configure Pro Tools (see “Enabling Com-
mand|8 in Pro Tools” on page 14).
For complete instructions to use Command|8 in
stand-alone mode, see Chapter 5, “Using StandAlone Mode.”
Punch In
USB
Power
switch
2
Connect USB (“Connecting USB” on page 9).
3
Install Command|8 software (see “Installing
Software for Command|8” on page 9).
4
Connect audio for monitoring (see “Connect-
ing Analog Audio for Monitoring” on page 11).
5
Connect a footswitch for punch recording (see
“Connecting a Footswitch” on page 12).
Command|8 Guide
8
Connecting AC Power
Connecting USB
Connect power using the included power supply cable. Command|8 is not powered through
its USB connection.
The Command|8 power supply is available
in three configurations (90– 120v for Japan
and USA, 220–230 Europe, and 220 for
UK); if travelling or ordering a replacement
unit, be sure to specify the country in which
you plan to use Command|8.
To connect power to Command|8:
1
Make sure the power switch is in the Off posi-
tion (down).
2
Connect the threaded end of the included
power supply cable to the Power socket on the
Command|8 rear panel. Use two hands, one to
insert and guide the plug in the socket, and the
other to ensure that the ring threads smoothly
and seats securely on the socket.
Only use the included power supply cable to
connect Command|8 power. Additional
power supplies are available from your
Digidesign dealer. Use of any other cable or
power supply may damage your unit.
Command|8 communicates with Pro Tools
through a USB connection to the host computer. Command|8 does not require a powered
USB connection. All power is supplied through
its AC connection.
To connect USB:
1
Start up your computer, logging in as Admin-
istrator.
2
Make sure Command|8 is powered on (see
“Connecting AC Power” on page 9 for more information).
3
Connect one end of the included USB cable to
the USB port on the rear panel of Command|8.
4
Connect the other end of the USB cable to an
available USB port on your computer.
5
When prompted to install software, see the
appropriate Windows or Macintosh installation
instructions that follow.
Installing Software for Command|8
3
Plug the power supply into an available AC
power outlet.
The Command|8 analog output section automatically mutes during power-up and
power-down.
Command|8 software is included on your
Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM, and this software is
required to use Command|8 with Pro Tools.
On Macintosh systems that only intend to
use Command|8 in standalone mode, no
software installation is required (Command|8 does not require a custom driver on
Macintosh systems using standalone
mode).
Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 9
Windows Software for Command|8
The Pro Tools Installer includes the option
“Command8 Controller and Driver.”
If you enabled the Command|8 option when installing Pro Tools, all software required by Command|8 is installed automatically.
If you installed Pro Tools and did not select this
option, first use your Pro Tools Installer CDROM to install the required Command|8 software. If Pro Tools was already installed, be sure
to Modify your installation. (See the
Started guide
tem for complete Pro Tools software installation
information.)
To install Command|8 software on Windows:
1
Connect power and USB as instructed in
“Connecting AC Power” on page 9 and “Connecting USB” on page 9.
2
Make sure you have already installed
Pro Tools, including the Command|8 options,
and restarted your computer. Start up your computer with Administrator privileges.
3
When the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, ignore the prompt — leave the Found
New Hardware Wizard dialog open on screen.
4
Insert the Pro Tools Installer into your CDROM drive.
5
Launch the Pro Tools Installer, and choose to
Modify the installed components.
6
When prompted, select the Command8 Controller and Driver option.
that came with your Pro Tools sys-
Getting
USB Ports and Command|8 Software
If you move your Command|8 USB cable to a
different USB port on your computer, you must
reinstall the Command|8 software.
The Pro Tools Installer creates a
Command8 folder in your Digidesign directory. This folder contains copies of all the
software you need to reinstall Command|8.
Use the contents of this folder if your
Pro Tools Installer is not available.
Macintosh Software for Command|8
To install Command|8 software on Macintosh:
1
Start up your computer using your Adminis-
trator account.
2
Check to make sure the Command|8 Personality file is installed (Applications / Digidesign /
Controllers/Command|8).
3
If it is not, insert the Pro Tools Installer into
your CD-ROM drive and launch the Install
Pro Tools application. Choose Custom Install
and select the Controllers option to install all
Controller Personality files.
Firmware for Command|8
Command|8 can be updated for new features
and capabilities by updating its firmware. Instructions for updating Command|8 firmware
can be found in the Read Me document that accompanies each release of updated firmware.
7
When asked about driver signing, click Con-
tinue.
8
Click Finish.
9
Restart your computer.
Command|8 Guide
10
Check the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com) for news of updated Command|8
firmware, as well as download and installation
instructions.
A firmware updater application and associated Read Me file are included as part of the
Command|8 software package.
Connecting Analog Audio for Monitoring
Input Connections
To monitor Pro Tools through Command|8:
1
Connect your Pro Tools stereo mix outputs
(usually Outputs 1–2) to the Command|8 Main
Left and Right monitor inputs on the back
panel. The Main inputs are balanced, TRS inputs.
2
Configure Main inputs for –10 dBV or +4 dBu
operation, as appropriate, using the button between the Left and Right inputs.
Analog audio connections let you use Command|8 for control room and headphone monitoring. Analog audio connections are not required for Command|8 to control Pro Tools
mixing functions.
The Command|8 analog audio features are
for monitoring only. Command|8 is not an
audio interface for Pro Tools systems.
Monitoring Overview
Command|8 provides the following analog audio connectors.
Input
•Two pairs of balanced, TRS inputs, labelled
Main and Ext Source on the rear panel of
Command|8. Each input pair is switchable between –10 dBV or +4 dBu operation.
Output
•Two channels of balanced, TRS output to connect to powered speakers, a monitor amplifier
or other monitor equipment. Outputs are
switchable between –10 dBV or +4 dBu.
• One stereo Headphone output, which mirrors
the currently selected monitor input source
(see “Monitoring Controls” on page 29).
To be able to monitor another stereo device
through Command|8:
1 Connect the analog outputs of a CD, DAT, or
other device to the Ext Source Left and Right inputs on the back panel.
2 Configure the Ext Source inputs for –10 dBV
or +4 dBu operation, as appropriate, using the
button between the Left and Right inputs.
Output Connections
To connect Command|8 to your monitoring
system:
1 Be sure to mute, turn down, or power off your
monitors or monitoring system.
The Command|8 analog output section automatically mutes during power-up and
power-down.
2 On the Command|8 top surface, turn the
Control Room Level knob all the way down.
3 Configure the Command|8 Main outputs for
–10 dBV or +4 dBu operation, as appropriate, using the –10/+4 button between the two output
ports on the back panel.
Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 11
4 Connect the Main Left and Right outputs on
the Command|8 back panel to the inputs of
powered monitors, a monitor amplifier, or other
monitor equipment.
Headphones
To connect headphones:
■ Connect a pair of headphones to the Head-
phones port next to the Control Room section.
The Headphones Level knob controls headphone level only. This Headphone output is designed to power a single pair of standard-quality
headphones, and is not designed to drive powered speakers or headphone distribution amplifiers.
Connecting a Footswitch
The Punch In connector on the Command|8
rear panel supports footswitch control of TrackPunch and QuickPunch audio punch-in and
punch-out recording features. Both continuous
on/continuous off and instantaneous on/off
pedals with a 1/4-inch TRS connector are supported.
To connect a footswitch:
■ Connect a footswitch to the Punch In connec-
tor.
Connecting MIDI Devices
Command|8 provides 16 channels of MIDI input and 32 channels of MIDI output through
the MIDI IN 1, MIDI OUT 1, and MIDI OUT 2
connectors on the back panel. The connectors
accept standard 5-pin MIDI cables.
Command|8 driver software, installed when you
install Pro Tools (or stand-alone) software, is required for MIDI communication to function.
These drivers are recognized by Windows Multimedia and the Device Manager (Windows), and
by AMS (Macintosh).
Use the following instructions to integrate
Command|8 with other MIDI equipment.
To connect MIDI devices to Command|8 for
Pro Tools:
1 Using standard 5-pin MIDI cables, connect
the MIDI Out port of a MIDI keyboard or other
MIDI device to the MIDI In 1 port of your Command|8, and connect the MIDI In port of your
MIDI device or controller to MIDI Out 1 port of
your Command|8.
2 Connect MIDI Out 2 of Command|8 to the
MIDI In port of an additional MIDI device (such
as a groove box or sound module).
3 To monitor or record the audio output of your
MIDI devices within Pro Tools, connect the audio outputs of your devices to available audio
inputs on your Pro Tools audio interface.
USB MIDI Communication and Command|8
Operating Modes
When connected to Pro Tools through USB,
Command|8 is recognized as a MIDI Control
Surface and MIDI interface (the Command|8
MIDI connectors are available as MIDI In and
Out ports).
Command|8 Guide12
Configuring MIDI
After connecting Command|8 and installing its
software, you may want to update your MIDI
system. This may be necessary when using Command|8 as both a control surface and as a MIDI
interface.
• On Windows, Command|8 should be automatically recognized once Pro Tools and
Command|8 software is installed and the
computer is restarted. If necessary, configure
the Device Manager to enable or troubleshoot
USB MIDI devices and ports. (See “Windows
MIDI Troubleshooting” on page 17.)
• On Macintosh, configure AMS to make Command|8 MIDI ports and devices attached to
them available in Pro Tools (see “Configuring
AMS” on page 13).
Configuring Windows Device
Manager
(Windows Only)
In Windows, make sure you have enabled the
USB port for Command|8 using the Device Manager. Make sure you have installed all necessary
Command|8 software. See “Installing Software
for Command|8” on page 9 for instructions.
2 Make sure you have connected any additional
MIDI keyboards or sound modules to the Command|8 5-pin MIDI ports on the back panel. (See
“Connecting MIDI Devices” on page 12.)
3 Make sure you have installed the most recent
version of Pro Tools and the included Command|8 software. (See “Installing Software for
Command|8” on page 9.)
4 Launch AMS.
5 Make sure that Command|8 is recognized, is
online, and that its three ports are available in
AMS.
6 Configure AMS for any devices attached to the
Command|8 MIDI In and Out ports by connecting their device icons to the appropriate Command|8 ports.
Do not connect any AMS devices to Command|8 Port 1. Port 1 is reserved for Command|8-to-Pro Tools control surface communication.
The following shows an example AMS Setup for
Command|8 and Pro Tools, with two MIDI devices attached to the back panel MIDI ports of
the Command|8. Note how Command|8 port 1
is not assigned to any external devices.
Configuring AMS
(Macintosh Only)
On Macintosh systems, use AMS to check MIDI
communication and update your AMS setup.
To update AMS for Command|8:
1 Make sure power and USB are connected as in-
structed. (See “Connecting Command|8 to
Pro Tools and Your Computer” on page 8.)
Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 13
The following table shows how AMS lists Command|8 MIDI ports:
Command|8 port equivalents in AMS
AMS (in/out) Command|8 back panel ports
Port 1 none (reserved for control surface
communication via USB MIDI)
Port 2 Midi In 1, Midi Out 1
Port 3 Midi Out 2
7 Save and close your updated AMS setup.
See the Getting Started Guide that came
with your system, and your Apple documentation, for more information about AMS.
Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools
5 Choose C|8 Surface (Windows) or Port 1 (Mac-
intosh) in the Receive From and Send To selectors.
Choosing the a port (Windows)
To enable Command|8 in Pro Tools:
1 Make sure your computer, Pro Tools hardware,
and Command|8 are powered on and operating
correctly.
2 Launch Pro Tools.
3 Choose Setups > Peripherals and open the
MIDI Controllers window.
4 Choose Command|8 from the Type pop-up
menu.
Command|8 Guide14
Choosing a port (Macintosh)
MIDI Out1 and MIDI Out2 are the back
panel 5-pin MIDI connectors. C8 Surface
(Windows) and Command|8 Port 1 (Macintosh) represent the USB MIDI connection
between Pro Tools and Command|8. For
more information, see “Configuring MIDI”
on page 13.
On Macintosh, Command|8 Port 1 must
only be used for control surface communication. If using Command|8 as a MIDI interface as well as a control surface, check all
MIDI tracks to make sure they are assigned
to Port 2, or Port 3. Do not assign MIDI
tracks to Port 1.
6 If Command|8 choices are not available, click
Cancel, then check all USB, MIDI, and power
connections to and from Command|8. Make
sure all software is installed and try again.
7 Click OK.
Configuring Command|8 MIDI
Interface Connections
The following example shows how to configure
Pro Tools to integrate a MIDI device connected
to Command|8 MIDI ports. This example shows
how the Digidesign PRE microphone preamp is
connected to Command|8 and configured in
Pro Tools for MIDI remote control of channel
gain.
For more information, see “Controlling
PRE” on page 37).
To enable a PRE connected to Command|8:
1 Make sure you have connected MIDI correctly
between PRE and the MIDI In and MIDI OUT 1
ports on Command|8.
2 Make sure Command|8 is installed and has
been enabled in Pro Tools (see “Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools” on page 14).
3 Choose Peripherals > Setup, and open the Mic
Preamp page.
4 Configure the Mic Preamp window by doing
the following (see the Digidesign PRE Guide for
details).
• On Windows, choose Command|8 MIDI Out
and In 1 for the Receive From and Send To
ports.
• On Macintosh, choose Port 2 Out and In.
• For each port, choose the MIDI channel appropriate for your PRE and channel.
Enabling a PRE connected to Command|8 MIDI ports
PRE defaults to MIDI channel 1, but can be
configured to communicate on any of the 16
available MIDI channels. Check your unit
(using the front panel MIDI CHAN/IO
switch) if you are unsure.
5 Click OK.
Enabling Input Devices
(Macintosh Only)
On Macintosh, you must enable the MIDI control surface as an input device in Pro Tools.
To enable an input device:
1 Choose MIDI > Input Devices.
2 Select the Command|8 MIDI control surface.
3 Click OK.
If Command|8 is not listed, check that it is
still enabled (see “Enabling Command|8 in
Pro Tools” on page 14).
Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 15
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