Avid Command 8 User Guide

Download

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

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

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

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

Command|8 Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL SEL

PAGE MASTER BYPASS

CONSOLE VIEW

REC

PAN

SEND INSERT

ESC

UNDO STANDALONE

DISPLAY

1394

MIDI

INOUT1

OUT2

METER

ENTER

SAMPLE RATE

44.1 48

88.2

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

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

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:

Connect AC power (see “Connecting AC

Power” on page 9).

Out 1 Out 2

L RL L RR

Source

Outputs

Audio

Connect MIDI devices (see “Connecting MIDI

MIDI

Power Socket

Devices” on page 12).

Conﬁgure MIDI (see “Conﬁguring MIDI” on

page 13).

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

Connect USB (“Connecting USB” on page 9).

Install Command|8 software (see “Installing

Software for Command|8” on page 9).

Connect audio for monitoring (see “Connect-

ing Analog Audio for Monitoring” on page 11).

Connect a footswitch for punch recording (see

“Connecting a Footswitch” on page 12).

Command|8 Guide

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:

Make sure the power switch is in the Off posi-

tion (down).

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:

Start up your computer, logging in as Admin-

istrator.

Make sure Command|8 is powered on (see “Connecting AC Power” on page 9 for more information).

Connect one end of the included USB cable to

the USB port on the rear panel of Command|8.

Connect the other end of the USB cable to an

available USB port on your computer.

When prompted to install software, see the appropriate Windows or Macintosh installation instructions that follow.

Installing Software for Command|8

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:

Connect power and USB as instructed in “Connecting AC Power” on page 9 and “Connecting USB” on page 9.

Make sure you have already installed Pro Tools, including the Command|8 options, and restarted your computer. Start up your computer with Administrator privileges.

When the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, ignore the prompt — leave the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog open on screen.

Insert the Pro Tools Installer into your CDROM drive.

Launch the Pro Tools Installer, and choose to Modify the installed components.

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:

Start up your computer using your Adminis-

trator account.

Check to make sure the Command|8 Personality ﬁle is installed (Applications / Digidesign / Controllers/Command|8).

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.

When asked about driver signing, click Con-

tinue.

Click Finish.

Restart your computer.

Command|8 Guide

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:

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.

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

When you add a device in Apple Audio MIDI Setup while Pro Tools is running, it will be automatically enabled as an input device. If you want to prevent MIDI data from a control surface reaching Pro Tools, you can disable a control surface as an input device.

For more information on recording MIDI and enabling input devices, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Troubleshooting

If your system does not seem to be responding correctly, check all MIDI connections and settings. If there is still a problem, repeat the installation and configuration steps.

Once enabled in Peripherals, Command|8 will be available every time you launch Pro Tools until you deselect it in the MIDI Control Surfaces window, or communication is lost.

Communication Test

To test Command|8 communication with Pro Tools:

1 With Pro Tools running, make sure Com-

mand|8 is enabled and recognized by Pro Tools (see “Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools” on page 14).

2 Open a session.

3 Make sure the Control Room LEVEL knob is

all the way down (off).

4 Press PLAY on Command|8. Pro Tools starts

playing.

5 Move a fader or knob on Command|8, and the

corresponding on-screen control should move.

To set basic Pro Tools monitoring levels:

1 While still playing back, check that Ext

Sources is dark (not enabled) in the Control Room monitor section.

2 Turn the Control Room LEVEL or Headphone

LEVEL to a desirable listening level.

Lost Communication

To re-establish communication, repeat the instructions in “Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools” on page 14. If problems persist, check your MIDI configuration (see “Configuring MIDI” on page 13).

Lost Communication after Reconnecting Command|8

On Windows, you must reinstall the Command|8 software if you move Command|8 to a different USB port. The software installation only installs software to the USB port to which the Command|8 is connected. If you move Command|8 to a different port and Pro Tools cannot communicate, reinstall software and try again (see “Installing Software for Command|8” on page 9).

3 Continue adjusting levels, and press STOP to

stop playback.

The Control Room section is explained in detail in Chapter 3, “Command|8 Overview.”

Command|8 Guide16

Incomplete or Eratic Communication

If Command|8 seems to be communicating inconsistently, or incompletely, try the following.

To refresh and reinitialize Command|8 in Pro Tools:

1 Choose Setups > Peripherals > MIDI Control

Surfaces.

2 In the Device selector, choose None and click

OK.

3 On Command|8, make sure the Standalone

switch is completely off (not ﬂashing or lit).

4 Choose Setups > Peripherals > MIDI Control

Surfaces, and repeat the steps to enable Command|8 in Pro Tools (see “Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools” on page 14).

Windows MIDI Troubleshooting

If Command|8 is not recognized by Windows XP after installing its software from the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM, it may indicate that the maximum number of MIDI driver entries in your registry (10) has been exceeded. In most cases, at least one duplicate or obsolete entry can be deleted to accommodate Command|8 USB communication by doing the following:

To check the number of MIDI drivers in your registry:

1 Choose Start > Run.

7 Click the Current Version tab.

8 Choose Drivers.32 to display the Drivers.32

tab.

9 Look at the entries in the right hand panel for

MIDI entries listed as “midi” “midi1” and so on.

10 If the highest “midi” entry is 8, then no ac-

tion is required. (Skip the following steps and repeat the software installation steps in “Windows Software for Command|8” on page 10 to see if problems persist.)

– or –

If there is an entry for “midi9” then the maximum number of MIDI drivers has been reached and at least one must be removed in order for the Command|8 driver installation to succeed.

To update the number of MIDI drivers in your registry:

1 Identify any identical (duplicate) entries and

delete the one with the highest entry number. For example, if there are “rddv1009.dll” entries in midi3 and midi4, delete the higher one (midi4).

2 Identify any unused or obsolete entries and

delete them.

3 Repeat the software installation instructions

(see “Installing Software for Command|8” on page 9).

2 Run “regedit” to display the Windows registry

editor.

3 Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE tab.

4 Expand the SOFTWARE tab.

5 Expand the Microsoft tab.

6 Expand the Windows NT tab.

Chapter 2: Installing and Conﬁguring Command|8 17

Command|8 Guide18

chapter 3

Command|8 Overview

This chapter introduces you to the Command|8 control surface and its main control sections, as well as describing the different operating modes in which Command|8 can be used.

Command|8 Operating Modes

When powered on, Command|8 will be in Standby mode. Command|8 also has two operating modes: Pro Tools mode, or Stand-alone mode.

Standby Mode

Command|8 is in Standby mode when it is first powered on, waiting for you to either launch Pro Tools (or a supported Avid system) or enter Stand-alone mode.

Pro Tools Mode

When connected and powered on, Command|8 enters Pro Tools mode whenever you launch Pro Tools. With a session open while in Pro Tools mode, Command|8 faders, transport switches, rotary knobs, and switches directly control Pro Tools sessions and tracks. Command|8 MIDI ports can be used as you would those on a standard MIDI interface.

Avid Mode

When connected and powered on, Command|8 enters Avid mode whenever you launch a supported version of Avid Symphony, Avid Media Composer, Avid Xpress, or Avid Xpress Pro. Faders automatically map to the Automation Gain Tool channels 1–8; Mute switches map to Track On controls; Solo maps directly to solo (Automation Gain Tool); Channel Select maps to track selection (Automation Gain Tool); and the Channel Mode switches map to track Snap Record. See your Avid documentation for more information on these features.

Stand-Alone Mode

With Command|8 in Stand-alone mode, the unit becomes a MIDI control surface, MIDI interface, and analog monitoring controller that operates independently from Pro Tools.

Command|8 can be toggled back and forth between Pro Tools and Stand-alone modes at any time, providing tactile control of Pro Tools as well as software synthesizers, Rewire applications, and other devices in use in your sessions.

For more information, see Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone Mode.”

Chapter 3: Command|8 Overview 19

Command|8 Control Surface

Figure 1 identifies each of the main Command|8 control sections.

LCD

Console/Channel View section

Modifiers

Figure 1. Command|8 control sections

Fader Strips

Meters

Monitor section

USB and MIDI Activity LEDs

Navigation and

Zoom

Transport

Command|8 Guide20

LCD Display

The LCD is a large, two-row display that shows up to six characters per fader strip. The LCD is where track names, inserts, sends, parameter names, values, session time, and text messages are displayed.

The LCD displays track, insert, send, and other parameters depending on the current view, as selected by the Channel/Console switches. For example, in Home view, the LCD displays track name in the lower row, while the upper row displays pan at the far left and the Timeline counter at the upper right.

Views in Pro Tools Mode

When Command|8 is used with Pro Tools, many of its controls perform more than one function, depending on which of three primary

views you are in: Home View, Console View or Channel View.

Console View

Command|8 is in Console View when any of the Console View selectors Pan, Send, or Insert is lit in the Console View area.

Console View lets you toggle Command|8 to show pan position, send assignments or insert assignments for all channels on the control surface. Think of Console View as a global view of a given control (pan, send, or insert) on each channel. (See “Console View Switches” on page 24.)

When you first open a Pro Tools session, Command|8 is in Console View with the Pan switch lit. This default view is also known as “Home View.”

Channel View

Command|8 is in Channel View when any of the Channel View selectors (EQ, Dynamics, Insert or Pan/Send/PRE) is lit in the Channel View area below the LED display.

Home View

Home View is the default view in Pro Tools that you see when you first open a session. Home view is functionally identical to Console View with the Pan controls displayed.

Channel View lets you display plug-in assignments, insert names, or send assignments at the same time. You can think of Channel View as a way to quickly see which channels have EQ, Dynamics, Inserts, and sends. (See “Channel View Switches” on page 25.)

Chapter 3: Command|8 Overview 21

Fader Strips

Command|8 provides eight fader strips with identical controls.

Meter LEDs

Rotary Encoder

Track and Record Status LEDs Select

Solo

Mute

motors and their automated movements may be distracting. You can temporarily shut off (or mute) motorized fader movement using the F4/Fader Mute switch.

To mute faders:

1 Press F4/Fader Mute. While enabled, faders

park and do not respond to touching or movement. Previously recorded automation continues to affect playback; the faders are simply “clutched” or disengaged from reading.

2 Press F4/Fader Mute again to re-engage faders

and unmute them.

Fader

Fader strip

Channel Faders

Each channel has its own 100 mm, servo-driven, touch-sensitive, motorized fader for controlling levels of audio and MIDI tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, and Master Faders. In Flip mode, the faders control send levels and plug-in parameters. For more information about Fader Gain (+12 dB and +6 dB sessions) see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Fader Mute

Because Command|8 faders are motorized, they move to follow automation when playing back and recording (when the track is set to an automation read or write mode, and not Off). During critical listening passes, the sound of the fader

Channel Solo and Mute Switches

Each channel has Solo and Mute switches, located above the fader. These switches show the Pro Tools Solo and Mute status for each track. When a track is soloed, the Mute switches on other tracks in the session flash. When a track is muted, the Mute switch is lit continuously.

The Solo switch function follows the Pro Tools Operation preference for latched operation. (See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for details.)

Channel Select Switch

Each channel has a Channel Select switch that performs several functions, depending on the view:

Home View The Channel Select switches select the corresponding track (indicated on-screen by a highlighted track name) for record enabling, grouping, and other channel-related commands in Pro Tools.

Console View The Channel Select switches select inserts on a particular channel for editing, or select sends between pre- or post-fader.

Command|8 Guide22

Channel View The Channel Select switches select and edit individual send or insert settings as displayed across the LCD.

2 Hold the Display Mode switch. The lower row

of the LCD displays send level for the currently selected send (A–E).

Channel Status LEDs

The Pan/Meter switch to the right of the encoder row lets you choose between left and right sides of a stereo signal.

Channel Meter LEDs

Each channel includes a ﬁve-segment LED meter, scaled at 0, –3, –6, –12, and –42 dBFS.

Channel Data in the LCD

The LCD displays a variety of channel information, including track, send and insert names, pan position, send levels, or plug-in control information. When you move a fader or rotary encoder, the LCD temporarily shows the value for that control, then returns to the default display.

With the Display Mode switch, you can temporarily display alternate data in the LCD. This lets you confirm track and insert selection when matching levels or comparing settings. For example:

To display fader level in the LCD:

1 Make sure the Pan switch is lit in the Console

section to the left of the encoders. The LCD displays Pan L in the upper left.

2 Hold the Display Mode switch. The lower LCD

row shows the fader level until you release Display Mode. Rotate an encoder while the Display Mode switch is pressed to display Pan.

To display send level in the LCD:

1 Make sure the Send switch is lit in the Console

section.

Other view options available from the Display Mode switch are noted throughout this guide, where relevant.

Global Fader Controls

The following controls affect the assignment and operation of all the faders.

Flip Switch

The Flip switch (located to the left of the Navigation keys) invokes Flip mode. Flip mode transfers control assignments from the rotary encoders to the corresponding channel faders, allowing you to use the touch-sensitive faders to edit and automate send and plug-in values.

Send Flip Mode When in Home View or Console View, the Flip switch maps send level to the channel faders. The LCD displays the selected send (A–E) for each channel.

Plug-In Flip Mode When in Channel View and working with a plug-in insert, the Flip switch moves any plug-in control assignments from the rotary encoders to the faders, letting you use the touch-sensitive faders to edit and automate plug-in control values.

Master Fader Switch

Pressing the Master Fader switch (to the left of the Navigation keys) arranges all Master Fader tracks in the current session on the right-hand side of the control surface. Pressing this switch a second time returns the control surface to the previous view.

Chapter 3: Command|8 Overview 23

Console and Channel View Controls for Pan, Sends, and Inserts

The Console and Channel View sections give you control over many on-screen elements in Pro Tools.

Plug-In Bypass

Console View

selectors

Insert/Send

Position

selectors

Figure 2. Command|8 Console and Channel View controls

Display Mode

Channel View selectors

Plug-in Page switches

Escape/Cancel

Select

Both Console and Channel views let you view and access pan, sends, and plug-ins for editing, and automation.

Console View Switches

The different Console Views let you see pan, send, and insert settings of multiple tracks at once in the LCD. Parameters can be adjusted using the switches and rotary encoders.

Pan Sets the rotary encoders to adjust pan. This is the default view that appears when you first launch a Pro Tools session, where the faders control track volume and the rotary encoders control channel pan positions. The LCD shows the track names, and temporarily shows the channel pan positions when the encoder is moved, or volume information when the fader is moved. In this view, pressing a Channel Select switch selects the corresponding track in Pro Tools.

Send Sets the rotary encoders to adjust Send level. This view assigns send level controls to the rotary encoders. The LCD shows the names of currently assigned sends across all channel strips for a given send position (Sends A–E in Pro Tools). In this view, pressing a Channel Select switch toggles the selected send on that track between pre- and post-fader operation.

Insert Sets the rotary encoders to inserts or parameters. This view displays the names of currently assigned inserts (hardware inserts or plugins) across all channel strips for a given insert position (Inserts A–E in Pro Tools) in the LCD. If a hardware insert or plug-in is selected in Pro Tools, its name flashes in the LCD. In this view, pressing a Channel Select switch directly under a plug-in name puts Command|8 into Channel View and displays the plug-in controls across all channel strips.

Command|8 Guide24

Insert/Send Position Indicators A–E Select the send or insert A, B, C, D, or E. These switches determine which of the five available send or insert positions (marked A–E in Pro Tools) are displayed in Console View.

Default Resets a fader to its default setting (only applies to fader-mapped parameters).

Display Mode Selects display mode options.

Mon/ø Toggles Auto Input and Input Only

Monitor mode for record enabled tracks.

Channel View Switches

Channel View focusses on a single track (channel strip) and displays all plug-in, pan, send, or inserts horizontally across the entire LCD.

Dynamics

Insert

Pan/Send/PRE

< Page >

Master Bypass

ESC

Channel View Selectors

EQ Identifies channels with equalizer plug-ins assigned to them by illuminating their Channel Select switches. If no EQ plug-ins are present, no Channel Select switches will be lit.

When you press an illuminated Channel Select switch, controls for the first EQ plug-in on that track are assigned to the rotary encoders and displayed in the LCD.

Switched controls (such as Master Bypass or Phase Invert functions) are controlled by the Channel Select switches.

Dynamics Identifies channels with dynamics plug-ins (such as compressors or limiters) assigned to them by illuminating their Channel Select switches. If no dynamics plug-ins are present, no Channel Select switches will be lit.

When you press an illuminated Channel Select switch, controls for the first Dynamics plug-in on that track are assigned to the rotary encoders and displayed in the LCD.

Channel View Selectors

Switched controls are controlled with the Channel Select switches below the corresponding LCD display.

Chapter 3: Command|8 Overview 25

Inserts When you press the Inserts switch, Command|8 identifies channels with any kind of insert assigned to them (including plug-ins or hardware I/O inserts) by illuminating their Channel Select switches. If no inserts are present, no Channel Select switches will be lit.

Plug-In < Page > Switches Plug-In controls are organized in pages. In a process much like banking of channel faders, when a plug-in has more controls than can fit on the LCD at one time, you can use these switches to page through the plug-in controls.

When you press an illuminated Channel Select switch, the names of all inserts on that track are displayed in the LCD. To select a plug-in insert for editing, press the corresponding Channel Select switch. (While the names of hardware I/O inserts are displayed, they have no editable parameters, so the Channel Select switches and the rotary encoders have no effect on them.)

Pan/Send/PRE Identifies channels with sends assigned to them by illuminating their Channel Select switches. If no sends are present, no Channel Select switches will be lit.

When you press an illuminated Channel Select switch, the LCD and the first rotary encoder show track pan position for that track. (If the track is a stereo track, you can toggle between left and right pan by pressing the Pan/Meter switch immediately to the right of the encoders.)

Channel Scribble Strips 3–7 show send names and the rotary encoders (3–7) control the levels for all five sends on that track. In this mode, the Channel Select switches on channels 3–7 toggle pre- and post-fader metering for the corresponding send.

When a plug-in has multiple pages of controls, the current page (out of the total number) is displayed next to the plug-in Name in the LCD. The Plug-In Page switches will flash to indicate a next or previous page.

Plug-In Master Bypass Switch This switch bypasses either a single plug-in or all plug-ins on a channel, depending on the current view. If the controls for only one plug-in are displayed, only that plug-in will be bypassed. If all the plug-ins on a channel are displayed, all of those plug-ins will be bypassed. If no plug-ins are displayed, the Master Bypass function is unavailable.

Hardware I/O inserts cannot be bypassed in Pro Tools, so the Plug-In Master Bypass switch has no effect on them.

ESC (Escape) When flashing, this switch lets you cancel certain operations on the Command|8, such as Channel View selections and many on-screen dialogs in Pro Tools.

Command|8 Guide26

Transport, Navigation, and Zoom Controls

These controls mirror the operation of on-screen transport and navigation controls in Pro Tools. In addition, Function keys let you invoke special control surface commands.

Fader Bank, Nudge, and

Display Zoom switches

Fader Flip switch

Master Fader switch

Navigation and Zoom keys

Window Show/Hide

switches

Transport controls

Figure 3. Command|8 transport and navigation controls

Transport Controls

The primary Transport controls match those in the Pro Tools Transport. The additional Record/Playback Mode switches above the Transport controls let you select playback and recording mode.

Function/Utility switches

Record/Playback Mode

switches

Window Show/Hide Switches

Plug-In Opens or closes the window for the currently selected plug-in

Mix Opens, brings forward, or closes the Pro Tools Mix window

Edit Opens, brings forward, or closes the Pro Tools Edit window

Command|8 Transport controls

Primary Transport switches

Chapter 3: Command|8 Overview 27

Navigation and Zoom Section

Function/Utility Switches

These multi-purpose keys control the display of Pro Tools tracks on the Command|8 control surface, on-screen zoom functions, and other Pro Tools navigation functions. See “Navigating” on page 32.

Bank, Nudge, and Zoom Switches

Bank When the Bank switch is enabled (lit), the Left and Right arrow keys move the Command|8 tracks across the Pro Tools mixer eight faders at a time.

Nudge When the Nudge switch is enabled (lit), the Left and Right arrow keys move the Command|8 tracks across the Pro Tools mixer one track at a time.

Zoom When the Zoom switch is enabled (lit), the Left and Right arrow keys zoom the Pro Tools Edit window display horizontally, and the In and Out keys zoom the display vertically.

Navigation and Zoom Keys

The Bank, Nudge, Zoom, and Arrow keys are used to bank and nudge tracks to the faders, zoom in and out, navigate in text entry fields, and drop Selection In and Out markers on-thefly.

F1 Utility Enters Utility mode. This is where you set control surface and input preferences, as well as run pre-programmed diagnostic tests.

F2 MIDI Edit Lets you edit and name custom MIDI maps to use Command|8 in stand-alone mode only. See Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone Mode.”

F3 PRE/MIDI Recall Enters PRE mode, and accesses controls that let you recall and select presets. For PRE information, see “Controlling PRE” on page 37. For MIDI recall information, see Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone Mode.”

F4 Fader Mute Temporarily disables Command|8 fader movement while working with Pro Tools, allowing you to monitor audio playback without fader noise. To disable fader movement, press F4 while in Pro Tools mode. To restore fader movement, press F4 a second time. The Fader Mute feature has no effect on fader automation or audio levels during playback.

F5 Focus Toggles the LCD display between the current plug-in view and the previous Command|8 view (Console or Channel view, or a multi-mono stream list). To return to the original view, press F5 a second time.

Bank, Nudge, and Zoom switches

Arrow keys (Left, Right, Up, and Down)

Navigation, Zoom, and Function controls

Command|8 Guide28

Monitoring Controls

Command|8 provides a Control Room section for control over monitor and headphone level. Connect inputs and outputs for monitoring as described below to utilize Command|8 analog monitoring features.

Control Room

Main/External Source

Mute

Headphone

Output

Headphones

The Headphone Level adjusts only the output of the Headphones port (located to the right of the headphone Level control).

To adjust headphone level:

■ Adjust the Headphone level control.

Headphone output is not affected by status of the monitor Mute switch, but does follow status of the Mono switch.

Mono

Level

Control Room and Headphone controls

Level

To adjust the volume of the Speaker outputs:

■ Adjust the Main Level control.

To adjust Headphone volume:

■ Adjust the Headphone level control.

To toggle input between Main and External Source:

1 Press the External Source switch to toggle in-

put source. When enabled (lit), Command|8 will monitor the External Source input. When off (unlit), Command|8 monitors the Main input. Command|8 lets you listen to either Main, or Ext Source, but not both simultaneously.

To mute the Speaker output:

■ Press Mute in the Control Room section.

To monitor in mono:

■ Press the Mono switch.

Modiﬁers Switches

The Modifiers section is located to the left of the faders, below the Console switches. The Modifier switches provides Windows and Macintosh modifier keys for Pro Tools shortcuts. Use these keys as substitutes for those on your computer keyboard.

Modiﬁers switches

Standalone Switch

The Standalone switch, located between above and to the right of the Navigation keys, toggles Command|8 Standalone mode on and off. When lit, Command|8 is in Standalone mode. When unlit, Command|8 returns to its previous operating mode.

For more information, see Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone Mode.”

Chapter 3: Command|8 Overview 29

USB and MIDI Activity LEDs

The USB and MIDI Activity LEDs indicate USB and MIDI communication status.

The USB LED stays lit when Command|8 is in Pro Tools mode. In other operating modes, the USB LED will darken when controls are moved

The MIDI LED indicates MIDI activity at each of the Command|8 MIDI ports.

Command|8 Guide30

chapter 4

Using Command|8 with Pro Tools

This chapter explains how to use Command|8 in a Pro Tools session for recording and mixing.

Controlling the Transport

Use the controls in the Transport section to play, stop, record, and cue Pro Tools.

Primary Transport switches

Command|8 transport, navigation, zoom, and other controls

RTZ (Return to Zero) Sets the playback cursor to the beginning of the session.

REW (Rewind) Rewinds through the session from the current cursor position.

FFW (Fast Forward) Fast-forwards through the session from the current cursor position.

Record/Playback Mode Switches

Use the additional Transport switches to enable Loop Playback, Loop Recording, and QuickPunch modes.

Command|8 also supports TrackPunch recording. See “Punch Recording” on page 35.

Loop Play Toggles Loop Playback on and off.

Loop Rec Toggles Loop Record mode on and off.

QuickPunch Toggles QuickPunch Record mode

on and off.

Undo and Redo

To undo the last operation:

■ Press Undo.

To redo the last undone operation:

■ Press Shift/Add+/Ctl+Undo.

STOP Stops playback or recording.

PLAY Begins playback from the current cursor

position.

REC (Record) Arms Pro Tools for recording.

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 31

Navigating

Command|8 lets you select windows, bank other tracks to its faders, and zoom in and out using the controls in the Navigation/Zoom section.

Toggling Pro Tools Windows with the Plug-In, Mix, and Edit Switches

The Plug-In, Mix, and Edit switches in the Windows section open and select their corresponding window in Pro Tools.

Plug-In Opens or closes the currently targeted plug-in window. If no plug-in windows are open, the switch opens the window for the first insert on the currently selected track will open.

3 Repeat as necessary.

To show full track names in the LCD, press Display Mode plus the corresponding channel Select switch. The selected track’s full name is displayed across the LCD for as long as you depress Display Mode and the Select switch. Release both to return to the previous view.

To scroll tracks across the faders one at a time:

1 Press Nudge. When enabled, its LED is lit.

2 Press the Left or Right Arrow keys in the Nav-

igation section to nudge one track to the left, or one track to the right.

To manage banking, rearrange tracks in the Mix and Edit windows.

An open plug-in window is not necessarily the current target. See “Plug-Ins and Inserts” on page 39 for details.

Mix Opens or closes the Mix window.

Edit Opens or closes the Edit window.

Banking Tracks to the Faders

To bank eight tracks at a time to the faders:

1 Press Bank. When enabled, its LED is lit.

2 Press the Left or Right Arrow keys in the Nav-

igation section to bank to the previous (left) or next (right) eight tracks in the session.

Zooming

To zoom in using Command|8:

1 Press Zoom. When enabled, its switch is lit.

2 Press the appropriate Arrow key in the Naviga-

tion section to zoom in or out: Press the Right arrow key to zoom in; Press the Left arrow key to zoom out.

To increase or decrease waveform or MIDI resolution:

1 Click with the mouse to place the Play cursor

within the track you want to adjust.

2 Press Zoom.

3 Press the Up arrow key to increase Waveform

or MIDI resolution, or press Down to decrease.

Command|8 Guide32

Navigating Text Entry Fields

When editing text and numeric values, the Left and Right Arrow keys let you navigate among editable fields. The Up and Down keys increment or decrement the selected value.

Selection In/Out Points

In Bank and Nudge modes, the Navigation keys mirror the function of the Up and Down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. These let you mark selection in and out points on the fly, and to move a highlight (selection range) to neighboring tracks.

3 Do one of the following:

•Press the Up Arrow key to move the selection range to the previous track (above in the Edit window, or to the left in the Mix window). Press the Down Arrow key to move the selection range to the next track (below in the Edit window, or to the right in the Mix window).

•Hold Shift/Add while pressing the Up or Down Arrow keys to extend the selection to the previous or next tracks.

•Hold Opt/Alt All while pressing Up or Down to remove a track from an already existing selection.

To mark a selection by dropping In and Out points:

1 Make sure the Edit cursor is in the track in

which you want to select material, and begin playback.

2 At the desired in point, press the Down Arrow

key.

3 At the desired out point, press the Up Arrow

key.

To move a selection to the previous or next track:

1 Make a selection in a track.

2 Make sure the Pro Tools is stopped.

Memory Locations

Pro Tools Memory Locations (markers) can be created directly from Command|8 during playback or while stopped.

To create a Memory Location:

1 Cue Pro Tools to the desired location, or begin

playback.

2 At the desired location, press Enter (located

among the switches above and to the left of the Navigation keys).

Enter

Undo

Mem Loc

3 Use the mouse to conﬁgure the Memory Loca-

tion dialog onscreen.

4 Press Enter again to save, or press Undo to

cancel.

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 33

To open the Memory Locations window:

■ Press the Mem Loc switch. Press Mem Loc

again to close the Memory Locations window.

Recording

Command|8 lets you record audio and MIDI, with support for QuickPunch and TrackPunch recording modes, Loop Recording, and TrackInput monitor switching. Command|8 also directly supports the Digidesign PRE remote controllable microphone preamp.

4 Press the Rec switch a second time to exit

Record Enable mode and return to the previous Command|8 view.

– or –

Leave Command|8 in Record Enable mode and use the Transport to begin recording (the Transport remains active in track Record Enable mode).

To take tracks out of record enable:

1 Press the Rec switch. When the Record Enable

function is active, the Record Enable switch ﬂashes.

Basic Audio and MIDI Recording

Basic audio and MIDI recording involves record enabling tracks, arming the transport for recording, and recording.

Record Enabling Tracks

To enable tracks for recording:

1 Make sure the Transport is stopped.

2 Press the Rec switch located immediately to

the right of the channel Select switch row. When Record Enable mode is activated, the lower row of the LCD shows track names, and the Rec switch ﬂashes.

3 Press the Channel Select switch for the tracks

you want to enable for recording. When a track is armed for recording, its Record Ready LED flashes.

2 Press the Channel Select switch on any track

whose Record Ready indicator is ﬂashing to disarm the track for recording. Press the Record Enable switch a second time to exit Record Enable mode and return to the previous Command|8 view.

Arming the Transport and Recording

To record:

1 Make sure you have cued Pro Tools to the ap-

propriate location, or selected the record range in a track. (See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for complete instructions.)

2 Record enable tracks as explained in “Record

Enabling Tracks” on page 34.

3 Press the transport Record switch to arm

Pro Tools for recording.

4 Conﬁgure input monitoring as needed (see

“Monitoring while Recording” on page 36).

5 Press Play to begin recording. When ﬁnished

recording, press Stop.

To undo a record pass:

■ Press Undo.

Command|8 Guide34

Punch Recording

Command|8 supports QuickPunch and TrackPunch recording. This section explains how to utilize these features from Command|8. For complete information on capabilities and requirements of punch recording, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

TrackPunch and Record Enabling Tracks

Before tracks can be punched in and out using TrackPunch, they must first be TrackPunch enabled as well as record enabled. Command|8 features for TrackPunch provide convenient and flexible control of TrackPunch and record enable status.

QuickPunch Recording

To record using QuickPunch:

1 Press the QuickPunch switch (above the pri-

mary Transport switches). When enabled, its LED is lit.

2 Record enable tracks (see “Basic Audio and

MIDI Recording” on page 34).

3 Conﬁgure input monitoring as needed (see

“Monitoring while Recording” on page 36).

4 Begin playback.

5 Press the Command|8 master Record switch

(in the Transport section) to punch all enabled tracks in and out.

TrackPunch Recording

(Pro Tools|HD System Only)

Command|8 supports TrackPunch as well as TrackInput monitor switching. For more information, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

To TrackPunch enable and record enable tracks:

1 Make sure TrackPunch mode is enabled.

2 Press the Rec switch to enter Record Enable

mode.

3 Press the channel Select switch for each track

you want to TrackPunch enable. A single press TrackPunch enables and record enables the track as explained previously.

4 Press the channel Select switch again. This

takes the track out of record enable but leaves it TrackPunch enabled. Onscreen the track Record button is lit blue

Hold Opt/Alt All+Shift/Add to TrackPunch enable all selected tracks.

To TrackPunch enable tracks without record enabling them:

1 Make sure TrackPunch mode is enabled and

the Transport is stopped.

2 Press Ctl/Clutch+Channel Select to Track-

Punch enable that track.

Enabling TrackPunch Mode

To enable TrackPunch mode:

■ Hold Ctl/Clutch and press the Transport

Record switch repeatedly until the Pro Tools transport displays a “T” in the Record button on screen.

3 To TrackPunch enable additional tracks, press

Ctl/Clutch+Channel Select for each desired track. Onscreen, the track record buttons ﬂash blue and red indicating they are both TrackPunch enabled and record enabled.

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 35

To take tracks out of TrackPunch and record enable:

1 Press Ctl/Clutch+Select (Windows) or

/Ctl+Select (Macintosh) on each track. One press immediately places the track in Record Safe mode.

2 Repeat to take the track out of Record Safe and

leave it not TrackPunch enabled or record enabled. Use the standard Pro Tools modiﬁers to Apply to All (Opt/Alt All) or Apply to Selected (Shift+Opt/Alt All). If some tracks are already TrackPunch enabled, applying to all will ﬁrst take all tracks out of TrackPunch enable. Repeat step 3 and all tracks will TrackPunch enable.

To take a track out of record enable but leave it TrackPunch enabled:

1 Press the Rec switch.

2 Press the corresponding Channel Select

switch.

Punching In and Out using TrackPunch

To punch on individual tracks using TrackPunch:

1 Conﬁgure Pro Tools for TrackPunch recording

as explained in the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

2 TrackPunch and record enable tracks as ex-

plained previously.

3 Press the Transport Record switch to arm

Pro Tools for recording.

To punch multiple tracks simultaneously using TrackPunch:

1 Enable TrackPunch mode.

2 Press the Rec switch, then press the channel

Select switch to TrackPunch enable and record enable tracks.

3 Begin playback.

4 Press the Transport Record switch to punch all

TrackPunch and record enabled tracks in and out simultaneously.

Monitoring while Recording

Command|8 lets you toggle Pro Tools record monitor modes, as well as use TrackInput monitor switching.

Toggling the Record Monitor Mode

To toggle record enabled tracks between Auto Input and Input Only Monitoring modes:

1 Make sure the transport is stopped.

2 Press Mon/ø to toggle Monitor mode. The

LCD displays Auto when Auto Input mode is enabled, and Input when Input Only mode is enabled.

TrackInput Monitor Switching

(Pro Tools|HD Systems Only)

4 Begin playback.

5 Use the channel Select switches to punch in

and out on individual tracks.

Command|8 Guide36

To use TrackInput monitoring:

1 Press Opt/Alt All+Mon/ø (Windows) or

Ctl/Clutch+Mon/ø (Macintosh). The upper left of the LCD displays Select Input Monitor, and the Mon/ø switch ﬂashes.

2 Press the channel Select switches to toggle

tracks between Input monitoring and disk monitoring. When Input is enabled, the LCD above the selected track displays Input. When monitoring from disk, the LCD displays AutoIn.

To query Input status of all tracks:

1 Make sure no tracks are record enabled.

2 Press Mon/ø to temporarily display the input

status (Input, or AutoIn) of all displayed tracks.

3 To query other tracks, bank those tracks to the

faders and repeat.

Loop Recording

Controlling PRE

(Digidesign PRE Microphone Pre-Amp)

If you use one or more PRE units with your Pro Tools system, you can use Command|8 rotary encoders to adjust channel gain.

MIDI Connections for PRE with Command|8

PRE can be connected to Command|8 MIDI In and MIDI Out 1 ports, or to an available pair of ports on another MIDI interface being used with Pro Tools. PRE must be connected and enabled within Pro Tools before Command|8 can control it (see the PRE Guide for more information).

Command|8 supports Loop Record mode for audio and MIDI.

To enable Loop Record mode:

■ Press the Loop Rec switch in the Transport

section. When enabled, the Loop Rec switch LED is lit. Press the Loop Rec switch again to take Pro Tools out of Loop Record mode.

MIDI Recording

MIDI tracks can be record enabled using the same techniques as with audio tracks. See “Basic Audio and MIDI Recording” on page 34.

On Macintosh systems using the Command|8 MIDI ports as a MIDI interface, make sure no MIDI tracks are assigned to “Port 1.” This port is reserved for Command|8 control surface communication. Use Port 2, or Port 3, depending on which port is connected to your MIDI device as explained in “Configuring Command|8 MIDI Interface Connections” on page 15.

Adjusting PRE Gain

To adjust PRE gain from Command|8:

1 Make sure PRE is connected, and that it has

been enabled in the Peripherals dialog (see the PRE Guide for details).

2 Make sure you have assigned PRE inputs to

one or more tracks. (You cannot assign PRE inputs to tracks from Command|8; you must use the mouse and onscreen controls in Pro Tools.)

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 37

3 Press F3 PRE/MIDI Recall. The LCD displays

PRE unit number, channel number, and gain value in the LCD above each audio track. Because multiple PREs can be in use, unit and channel number are indicated as follows.

PRE unit number (top row) per channel (lower row) as displayed in the LCD

1/1 10 1/2 21 1/3 54 cont.

(ch 1) (ch2) (ch3) (chs4–8)

• The ﬁrst two numbers per channel indicate unit and channel number. Above, “1/1” indicates PRE unit #1, channel 1; “1/2” indicates unit #1, channel 2). If using two units, their channels (when banked) would be listed as “2/1”, “2/2” and so on.

• The two digit gain value for that unit and channel (PRE gain ranges from 0–69).

To view and adjust send levels for all currently banked tracks (Console View):

1 Press the Send switch to the left of the rotary

encoders to enter Send view.

2 Select a send (A–E) by pressing the corre-

sponding switch from among the Send A–E switches at the far left of the control surface. The LCD displays the status of the selected send (A–E) of each currently banked track (whether assigned to a bus, output, or none).

A–E

Send

4 Rotate the encoder below the desired unit and

channel shown to adjust PRE gain on that channel.

5 Bank left or right to bank other PRE tracks to

the channel strips.

Sends

Command|8 lets you adjust Pro Tools send level, pan, pre/post fader tap, and send mute. (You cannot assign or remove sends from Command|8; use Pro Tools onscreen controls and the mouse instead.)

Sends can displayed and accessed in either Console or Channel View modes.

The F5 Focus switch toggles between the current and previous Console or Channel view. See “Function/Utility Switches” on page 28.

To view and adjust sends on a single track (Channel View):

1 Press the Pan/Send switch in the Channel

View switch section.

2 Press a channel Select switch. The correspond-

ing track Name appears in the LCDs upper row, Pan in the ﬁrst channel of the lower row, and the ﬁve sends for the track are listed across channels 3–7. This means that Send A for the selected track is shown in channel 3, Send B in channel 4, and so on. The send assignment is shown above each channel (bus 1-2, output 3-4, and similar).

3 Use the rotary encoders to adjust send levels.

To check the selected track name, press and hold Display Mode. Release to return to the previous view.

Command|8 Guide38

To lock the LCD to show send level:

1 Press /Ctl+Display Mode. The LCD will con-

tinue to display send level even if the channel fader is adjusted. Press the Pan switch to return to default view.

Inactive sends are indicated with “@” preceding their display.

To toggle a send between pre- and post-fader:

■ With the desired send displayed, press the

Channel Select switch. A lit (yellow) Select switch indicates pre-fader; unlit indicates postfader.

Muting Sends

To mute a send:

■ Press /CTL+Select on the channel contain-

ing the send you want to mute.

3 Adjust send level using the channel faders,

and adjust send pan using the rotary encoders.

To show send level in the LCDs, press Display Mode while in Flip mode. Release to return to the previous view.

To mute a send in Send Flip mode:

■ Press the channel Mute switch.

To toggle pre/post fader status in Send Flip mode:

■ Press the channel Select switch.

For stereo tracks with stereo sends, pressing the Pan/Meter switch immediately to the right of the encoders toggles between left and right signals. Both the LCD and the LEDs above the Pan/Meter switch indicate whether the left or right pan position is displayed.

The switch LEDs light red to indicate bypassed, green to indicate in (not bypassed), and alternating red and green to indicate mixed states of muted and un-muted sends.

Send Flip Mode

Send Flip mode lets you flip control of send level to the touch-sensitive faders. Send Mute is mapped to the channel mute switch, the encoders control send pan (if a stereo send), and the channel Select switches toggle pre/post fader status.

To enter Send Flip mode:

1 Press Send, then select a send A-E as described

above.

2 Press the Flip switch (to the left of the Naviga-

tion keys).

Plug-Ins and Inserts

Command|8 lets you quickly access and adjust plug-ins using the Channel View switches, rotary encoders, and other controls. Command|8 supports Pro Tools target windows for control surface focus (see “Target Plug-Ins and Plug-In Windows” on page 40).

You cannot edit plug-ins or inserts on Command|8 when used in combination with Digi 002. Use the Digi 002 control surface, or Pro Tools onscreen controls.

The EQ and Dynamics switches provide direct access to EQ and Dynamics category plug-ins, respectively (see “EQ and Dynamics” on page 42).

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 39

Flip mode maps plug-in controls to the faders for finer control when editing or automating. Hardware inserts can be taken in and out of bypass (see “Plug-In Flip Mode” on page 42).

The F5 Focus switch toggles between the current and previous Console or Channel view. See “Function/Utility Switches” on page 28.

Target Plug-Ins and Plug-In Windows

Command|8 can select, target, and open the window of a plug-in. Whenever you open a plug-in using Command|8, that plug-in becomes the control surface target window and is the focus of Command|8 faders, switches, and rotary encoders (as available).

Pro Tools 6.4 and higher supports multiple target windows. While this adds flexibility for simultaneously viewing and editing parameters from a control surface, it requires that you make sure you verify the target window whenever multiple plug-in windows are open, and whenever you first open a session.

For example, support for multiple targets means that an open (onscreen) plug-in window may not necessarily be the current control surface target. In addition, a plug-in window does not necessarily have to be open to be the target. This can occur when opening sessions that were saved with windows and targets in certain states of focus.

Selecting and opening plug-ins from Command|8 Console and Channel view controls automatically target the selected plug-in.

Opening Plug-Ins

Plug-ins can selected in Console or Channel View modes. Selecting a plug-in for editing makes it the Command|8 target.

Console view lets you view, select, and bypass from among the current plug-in assignments of multiple tracks. Channel view lets you navigate among all plug-ins and inserts on a single track.

To view and select plug-ins of all currently banked tracks (Console view):

1 Press the Insert switch to the left of the rotary

encoders. The upper row of the LCD displays the current insert A–E, and indicated Console view by displaying “All Channels.” The lower row shows the name of any plug-ins in that insert position (A–E) for each currently banked track.

2 To select a different insert (A–E), press the cor-

responding A–E switch.

3 When the name of the desired plug-in is dis-

played, press the corresponding channel Select switch (in the channel below the displayed insert name). The plug-in window opens onscreen, and Command|8 displays the ﬁrst page of plug-in parameters across the LCD.

To view all inserts on a single track (Channel View):

1 Press the Insert switch in the Channel View

row. Track names are shown in the lower row of the LCD. The name of the most recently edited track ﬂashes.

Insert

For information on verifying the target, see “Adjusting Plug-Ins” on page 41.

Command|8 Guide40

2 Press the channel Select switch for the track

containing the plug-in you want to edit. The selected track name appears in the upper row of the LCD. The lower row shows the name of any plug-ins assigned in that track above channels 1–5 (channel 1 shows insert A, channel 2 shows insert B, and so on). Inserts with no plug-in or hardware insert assignments are indicated with a straight horizontal line.

To check the selected track name, press and hold Display Mode. Release to return to the previous view.

3 Press the corresponding channel Select switch

to select and open a plug-in.

Inactive inserts are indicated with “@” preceding their name.

Closing Plug-In Windows

To close all plug-in windows:

■ Press Opt/Alt All+Plug-In (in the Windows

section).

Once an insert is targeted for editing, you can adjust the displayed parameters, bank to other plug-in pages to access other controls, and use Flip mode to map plug-in parameters to the faders.

To adjust a plug-in parameter:

1 Select an insert for editing as described in

“Opening Plug-Ins” on page 40.

2 Use the rotary encoder under each displayed

parameter that maps to a variable control (sliders, knobs, and similar). Use the appropriate channel Select switch to toggle on/off switches.

Bypassing Plug-Ins

Command|8 provides the following ways to bypass inserts.

To bypass the currently focussed inser t:

1 Select an insert for editing and display its con-

trols in the LCD.

2 Press Master Bypass.

Adjusting Plug-Ins

A plug-in must be selected and targeted before you can adjust its parameters from Command|8.

To target a plug-in for editing from Command|8, do one of the following:

■ Select and open the plug-in using Com-

mand|8 Channel or Console views (see “Opening Plug-Ins” on page 40.

To target a plug-in window already open onscreen (making it the Command|8 focus);

■ Click in the header area of an open plug-in

window (the blank gray area next to the standard plug-in controls at the top of the window).

To bypass a plug-in from Console or Channel views:

1 Use the Console or Channel view switches to

display all inserts (A–E) on all currently banked tracks (Console view), or to display all inserts on a single track (Channel view). See “Opening Plug-Ins” on page 40.

2 Press /Ctl+Select on the channel corre-

sponding to the insert you want to bypass. Press again to disengage bypass.

The switch LEDs light red to indicate bypassed, green to indicate in (not bypassed), and alternating red and green to indicate mixed states of bypassed and un-bypassed plug-ins.

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 41

Navigating Plug-In Pages

To show other plug-in control pages:

■ Use the < Page > switches (in the Channel

View row below the LCD) to bank to the previous or next page of plug-in controls.

2 Press a ﬂashing Select switch to open the ﬁrst

EQ on that track, or the most recently edited EQ plug-in if more than one.

3 To cycle through multiple EQ plug-ins on the

track, hold the EQ switch and press the Channel Select switch again.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When working with a multi-mono plug-in, you can toggle the view between the left and right sides.

To select left or right sides of a multi-mono plug-in:

1 Select a track and display its inserts in Chan-

nel view as described previously.

– or –

Select a multi-mono insert and press Display+F5 to display the available signals (left, center, or right).

The LCD displays the track and plug-in name, with each mono signal listed across an appropriate number of channels.

2 Press a channel Select switch to select the cor-

responding left, center, or right signals of the plug-in.

3 Press the lit Select switch to the right to bypass

the corresponding signal (L, C, or R).

4 To move to a different track, press a channel

Select switch.

Plug-In Flip Mode

Plug-in Flip mode maps plug-in parameters to the faders, for greater control and touch-sensitive automation writing.

To use plug-in Flip mode:

1 Focus Command|8 on an active plug-in to dis-

play its parameters across the LCD. (See “Opening Plug-Ins” on page 40 for instructions.)

2 Press the Flip switch. The parameters that

were displayed for the rotary encoders are mapped to the faders.

3 To exit Flip mode, press the Flip switch a sec-

ond time.

To temporarily show the full name of a plug-in parameter in the LCD, press Display Mode+the corresponding channel Select switch. Release to return to the previous view.

EQ and Dynamics

The EQ and Dynamics switches let you quickly access EQ and Dynamics plug-ins in your session. (Dynamics plug-ins include compressors, limiters, expanders, and gates.)

To use EQ to access an EQ plug-in:

1 Press EQ in the Channel View section. Any

currently banked tracks containing EQ plug-ins are indicated by their Select switch ﬂashing.

Command|8 Guide42

Software Synths and Rewire Applications

Command|8 automatically supports any software synthesizers running as TDM or RTAS plug-ins in Pro Tools (see “Plug-Ins and Inserts” on page 39).

Stand-alone software synths, samplers, effects, and Rewire-compatible applications (such as Reason, Live, and similar) can also be controlled by Command|8, letting you switch back and forth between environments while maintaining tactile control of session functions.

Doing so utilizes Command|8 Stand-alone mode, in which faders, encoders, and switches can be programmed to control virtually any software or hardware device parameter that supports MIDI CC messages. Eight user presets can be stored and recalled in onboard memory, with support for SysEx dump and recall. For more information, see Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone Mode.”

Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools 43

Command|8 Guide44

chapter 5

Using Stand-Alone Mode

This chapter explains how to configure and operate Command|8 in stand-alone mode.

Overview of Stand-Alone Mode

In Stand-alone mode, Command|8 can be used with other (non-Pro Tools) software and hardware MIDI devices.

Each of the Command|8 faders, encoders, and switches in the fader strips (four per channel strip or 32 total) can be custom programmed to control any compatible parameter. For an overview of programmable controls and their default assignments, see “Mapping” on page 47.

As many as eight preset MIDI maps can be saved and recalled. Each preset can save custom maps of two pages of supported controls. Presets let you store maps for as many as eight unique devices.

Once stand-alone mode has been configured and your presets stored, you can be working with Command|8 in Pro Tools, then switch to stand-alone mode to refocus to a stand-alone software synth, or a ReWire-compatible application such as Reason or Live. (Because these are separate applications, and not plug-ins within the Pro Tools MIDI environment, stand-alone mode is required to control their faders, encoders, and switches.) Check to see if your software applications support USB MIDI communication and the Command|8 Personality protocol, or if 5-pin DIN MIDI connections are required to a compatible MIDI interface.

MIDI Compatibility

Command|8 supports any device that supports MIDI continuous controller (CC) and note data. SysEx dumping and loading is also supported in stand-alone mode. Drivers are provided that let Command|8 be used as a MIDI control surface on supported Windows or Macintosh computer with virtually any compatible software.

Chapter 5: Using Stand-Alone Mode 45

Stand-Alone Mode QuickStart

This section lists the basic steps required use Command|8 in stand-alone mode. Detailed instructions for each step can be found later in this chapter (as indicated below).

Conﬁguring Stand-alone mode involves the following tasks:

1 Entering Stand-alone mode (see “Selecting

Stand-Alone Mode” on page 46.

2 Navigating and selecting presets (see “Navi-

gating Presets and Pages” on page 47.

The last saved (or default) MIDI map is recalled and its status is displayed in the LCD, similar to the following:

Example display of a preset in stand-alone mode

Fader1 Fader2 (3–6) Fader7 Fader8

00 00

• The upper LCD row displays the fader name (Fader1, Fader2).

• The lower row shows the current value (level).

Move any fader to see its position displayed in the lower row of the LCD.

3 Programming Command|8 faders, encoders,

and switches for the device you are controlling, if necessary, with custom naming options (see “Editing MIDI Maps” on page 49.

4 Naming, saving, and recalling presets (see

“Presets to Save and Recall Maps” on page 51).

Selecting Stand-Alone Mode

To place Command|8 in Stand-alone mode:

1 Press the Standalone switch, next to the Status

LEDs.

Standalone switch

Editing a preset does not automatically save the changes stored locally by Command|8. As you progress through the following pages and program your presets, be sure to use the Command|8 Save commands frequently to save your edits to flash memory. You can also save preset configurations with SysEx. See “Presets to Save and Recall Maps” on page 51.

When in stand-alone mode, the switch LED lights.

Command|8 Guide46

Navigating Presets and Pages

About Preset Pages

In stand-alone mode, the F3 PRE/MIDI Recall switch enters a display mode that lets you navigate and select among the eight available Command|8 presets.

To navigate to a different MIDI Map preset (1–8):

1 In Standalone mode, press F3 PRE/MIDI Re-

call. The LCD shows the number and name of the current preset above channels 1 and 2, respectively. Cancel, Recall, and Save commands are provided in channels 6–8, similar to the following.

F3 PRE/MIDI Recall display

Preset Number

ch 1 ch 2 ch 6 ch 7 ch 8

2 Rotate the channel 1 encoder to scroll the Pre-

Name Cancel Recall Save

Edited

set# through the eight available presets. If any custom names have been saved for presets, their names will also appear in the channel 2 LCD.

Each Command|8 preset provides two pages, or banks, of programmable controls. In other words, the progammable faders, encoders, and switches can each be given two unique assignments per preset (one assignment, per control, per page).

To bank to the other page of a preset:

■ In Standalone mode, press the Bank switch.

By default, both pages of each preset share identical values for programmable faders, encoders, and switches within the same preset. This provides an efficient and practical starting point for complex custom mapping, as pages automatically share the most common and needed assignments (such as faders always controlling volume).

By default, page 1 uses MIDI channels 1–8, and page 2 uses MIDI channels 9–16. You can customize MIDI channel assignment as needed (see “Programming Controls” on page 49).

3 To cancel MIDI Recall and return to the previ-

ously displayed preset, press the channel 6 Select switch.

4 To select the currently displayed preset, select

Recall by pressing the channel 7 Select switch. The LCD prompts you to conﬁrm that you want to recall and load the selected preset from internal ﬂash memory.

5 To conﬁrm, press the channel 7 Select switch

(OK). The selected preset is loaded and displayed across the LCD.

To begin programming controls, see “Programming Controls” on page 49. To begin by naming and saving your presets, see “Presets to Save and Recall Maps” on page 51.

Mapping

Command|8 faders, encoders, and 24 of its switches can be programmed, or mapped, to CC values required to control other devices. As many as eight presets can store unique, custom MIDI maps, each with two pages (or banks) of programmable switch functionality.

In addition, the primary Transport switches, as well as the eight Channel Mode switches, are factory-assigned in all presets (and can not be customized).

Chapter 5: Using Stand-Alone Mode 47

Mapping is a simple process that involves the following tasks:

■ Edit MIDI Maps. Touch to select faders, en-

coders, and switches, then assign custom MIDI Continuos Controller or switch values to match the target device, as needed. See “Editing MIDI Maps” on page 49.

– and –

■ Use Presets to Save and Recall Maps. Save and

recall up to eight custom MIDI maps in Command|8 Presets. See “Presets to Save and Recall Maps” on page 51 for more information.

The Channel View selectors (EQ, Dyn, Insert, Pan/Send, < > Plug-In Page, Master Bypass, and Esc) are dedicated (pre-programmed) to CC 121–127 as follows (they retain these assignments even when switching pages or presets, and can not be changed.

Channel View switch CC assignments

Switch CC assignment

EQ 121

Dynamics 122

Insert 123

Controls in Stand-Alone Mode

Faders Each fader can be mapped to any MIDI Continuous Controller (CC). Default is Volume (#07). Start and end MIDI values, as well as custom names, can be specified for each fader.

Encoders Each encoder can be mapped to any CC. Default is Pan (#10). Start and end MIDI values, as well as custom names, can be specified for each encoder.

Switches In stand-alone mode, 32 of the Command|8 switches are available in both pages of each preset.

Programmable switch rows

Programmable switches in stand-alone mode

The channel Mute and Solo switches are premapped to CC 14 (mute) and CC 15 (solo); Channel Select switches are not premapped.

Pan/Send 124

< Page 125

Page > 127

Master Bypass toggle Latch/Momen

Esc Name (edit)

Transport Switches The Transport switches are permanently mapped to standard MMC (MIDI Machine Control) messages. (The RTZ switch does not support MMC.)

The following controls are not programmable:

• Encoder mode selectors

•Display Mode

•Modiﬁers

•Master faders

•Flip

•Bank

•Nudge

•Arrows

•F1–F5

•Standalone

•Control Room switches.

Command|8 Guide48

Editing MIDI Maps

This section provides instructions for programming (mapping) Command|8 faders, encoders, and switches.

F2 MIDI Edit display, channels 5–8

Lo Val Hi Val Mode Name

0 127 Single Fader1

ch 5 ch 6 ch 7 ch 8

Custom mapping can be saved as presets, and presets can be created, named, and saved before doing any mapping. See “Presets to Save and Recall Maps” on page 51.

To enter MIDI Edit mode:

1 Make sure Command|8 is in stand-alone

mode.

2 Press F3 PRE MIDI Recall and select a preset to

edit. (See “Selecting Presets” on page 51.)

3 Press F2/MIDI Edit. The F2 switch LED ﬂashes,

and the LCD display shows parameters similar to the following tables (which show default assignments for Fader 1 as an example):

F2 MIDI Edit display, channels 1–4

Select control Chan CC

Fader1 1 7

ch 1 ch 2 ch 3 ch 4

• The currently selected control (usually Fader1 or the last edited) is shown in the lower row of channel 1.

• Channel 3 shows the current MIDI Channel in the lower row.

• Channel 4 shows the current CC value in the lower row.

• The upper row shows the available parameter names for (MIDI) Lo and Hi Value, Mode, and Name.

• The lower row shows the current value (1–127) for Lo and Hi Value, the current Mode (single or double), and the current control name (for example, Fader1).

4 To select a different control, touch a fader, ad-

just an encoder, or press one of the programmable switches. To select an encoder, rotate Encoder #1 to scroll through the list of a available encoders. The selected control name appears across controls as needed (see “Programming Controls” on page 49).

5 Press F2/MIDI Edit to exit MIDI Edit mode. If

you have changed any settings, you will be prompted to save before exiting. Follow the instructions onscreen. The F2 switch LED should stop ﬂashing.

Programming Controls

Programming controls involves the following basic steps:

• Selecting (focusing) the control

• Conﬁguring its MIDI channel, CC#, and other parameters

• Naming and saving the edited preset

To select a control to program:

1 Select a preset and enter MIDI Edit mode (see

“Selecting Presets” on page 51 for instructions).

Chapter 5: Using Stand-Alone Mode 49

2 Select the fader, encoder, or switch you want

to program by doing any of the following:

•To select a fader, move the fader. (See “Programming Faders” on page 50 for fader details.)

•To select an encoder, rotate the channel 1 encoder and scroll through the list of programmable switches until the Encdr (Encoder) names appear, then scroll to the desired encoder 1–8. (See “Programming Encoders” on page 50 for encoder details.)

•To select a switch, press any progammable switch (see “Programming Switches” on page 51 for switch details).

3 Make sure the name of the fader, encoder, or

switch you want to program is displayed in the lower row of the LCD above channel 1.

To set the MIDI channel:

■ Rotate the channel 3 encoder for Chan until

the desired channel is displayed (default is channel 1).

To set the CC#:

■ Rotate the channel 4 encoder for CC# until

the desired value is displayed.

To set a Lo or Hi MIDI Value:

1 Rotate the channel 5 encoder to set a MIDI Lo

Value (0–127).

2 Rotate the channel 6 encoder to set a MIDI Hi

Value (0–127).

To program a switch for momentar y or latching:

1 Select the switch to edit.

To set a fader or encoder for single or double precision:

1 Select the fader or encoder.

2 Rotate the channel 7 encoder (Mode) to

choose Single or Double.

To name a control:

1 Select the MIDI preset and control you want

to name.

2 Rotate the channel 8 encoder (Name). This

displays the Name parameters in the LCD.

3 Rotate encoder 2 to scroll and select lower-

case, upper-case, or numerics for the ﬁrst character of the custom name.

4 When the desired character is displayed, ro-

tate encoder 1 to move to the next character (its cursor ﬂashes). Repeat for the remaining characters to enter your custom name.

Programming Faders

Each fader can be mapped to any MIDI continuous controller. Each fader defaults to a unique MIDI CC number corresponding to Volume (#07). Assignment can be changed to any other CC number. Start and End MIDI values, as well as custom parameter names, can also be specified for each control.

Programming Encoders

Each encoder can be mapped to any MIDI continuous controller, and defaults to Volume (#07). Encoders support velocity sensitive editing, and can be custom named.

2 Rotate the channel 7 encoder (Mode) to

choose Latch or Momen (momentary).

Command|8 Guide50

Programming Switches

The 24 switches in the fader section that can be custom mapped in Standalone mode include the channel Select, Solo, and Mute switches.

The eight Channel View switches across the top of the channel strips are also available, but are permanently configured to CC 121–127 (left-toright). In addition, the Transport switches are permanently configured to MMC (MIDI Machine Control) transport command assignments.

5 When ﬁnished selecting a preset, press the

channel 7 encoder (Okay), or press the channel 6 encoder (Cancel) if you need to cancel the naming.

Edited presets must be manually saved to flash memory to be able to be recalled later (Command|8 warns you to save any changed presets if you leave Stand-alone mode, but it does not automatically save presets as you edit them). See “Saving Command|8 Presets” on page 51.

Saving Command|8 Presets

Presets to Save and Recall Maps

Presets are snapshots of MIDI mapping assignments that can be saved and recalled.

You can store up to eight presets to save custom mapping and MIDI channel assignment for a variety of devices, with custom names. Presets can be recalled at any time to instantly switch to a different device mapping.

Selecting Presets

To select a Comand|8 stand-alone mode preset:

1 In stand-alone mode, press F3 PRE MIDI Re-

call.

2 Rotate the channel 1 encoder to scroll

through available presets, and stop when the desired preset name is displayed.

3 To select the displayed preset, press the chan-

nel 7 Select switch (Recall).

4 Press the channel 7 Select switch (Okay) again

to conﬁrm you want to load the preset from ﬂash memory. (To cancel, press channel 6 Select.) The select preset is loaded and displayed in Command|8.

Command|8 presets can be saved to flash memory to save custom mapping of programmable controls, custom names, and all other parameters associated with all eight presets.

Command|8 presets can also be stored (dumped) to SysEx through USB or 5-pin DIN connections.

To save the current preset:

1 If not already opened and displayed, press F3

PRE MIDI Recall to select the desired preset.

2 Press the channel 8 Select switch (Save).

3 Press the channel 7 Select switch (OK) to save

the preset to onboard Flash memory. (To save presets through MIDI, see “Loading and Saving Presets with SysEx” on page 52.)

4 Command|8 asks you to conﬁrm that you

want to save the currently displayed preset to ﬂash memory (replacing and updating any previously stored preset in ﬂash memory).

5 To conﬁrm and save, press the channel 7 Se-

lect switch (Okay). To cancel without saving, press the channel 6 Select switch (Cancel).

Chapter 5: Using Stand-Alone Mode 51

Loading and Saving Presets with SysEx

Command|8 supports SysEx to store and recall presets into and out of Pro Tools or any compatible device. SysEx provides a standard and reliable way to quickly archive, and later retrieve entire sets of Command|8 presets.

To save the current presets to SysEx:

1 If not already opened and displayed, press F3

PRE MIDI Recall to select the desired preset.

2 If recording SysEx into Pro Tools MIDI track,

do the following:

• Enable Wait for Note

• Create a new MIDI track (if necessary) and conﬁgure input and output as described in the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

• Conﬁgure the MIDI Input Filter dialog to enable SysEx recording.

• Record enable the MIDI track, and arm the Pro Tools Transport for recording (be sure you enabled Wait for Note so that recording will not begin until the SysEx transfer starts).

3 Press the channel 8 Select switch (Save).

4 Press the channel 2 Select switch to cycle

through available destinations

•To save to a SysEx destination connected through USB (such as Pro Tools), choose MIDI/USB.

•To save to a SysEx destination connect through 5-pin DIN MIDI connections, choose MIDI/DIN.

5 When the desired destination is chosen, press

the channel 7 Select switch (OK).

6 When Command|8 prompts you to save the

currently displayed preset to ﬂash memory, do one of the following:

•To conﬁrm and save, press the channel 7 Select switch (Okay). This replaces the preset previously stored in ﬂash memory.

– or –

•To cancel without saving, press the channel 6 Select switch (Cancel).

If you OK the SysEx dump, the LCD displays a status message until the transfer is completed, after which it returns to the previous preset view.

To load (recall) presets from SysEx:

1 Make sure the device from which you will be

loading SysEx data is connected properly to Command|8 (either through a USB MIDI or a 5pin DIN MIDI connection).

2 If loading from a Pro Tools track, cue Pro Tools

to the appropriate location before the SysEx data.

3 Press F3 PRE MIDI Recall. Scroll to the Com-

mand|8 preset where you want to load (overwrite) the incoming preset being recalled.

4 Press the channel 7 Select switch (Recall).

5 Press the channel 2 Select switch to choose ei-

ther USB MIDI or MIDI/DIN to recall from. If loading from a Pro Tools MIDI track, choose USB MIDI.

6 Press the channel 7 Select switch (Okay).

Command|8 waits for SysEx data to begin arriving.

7 Begin the SysEx source device (if using

Pro Tools, begin playback). Command|8 displays a status message while loading.

Command|8 Guide52

Naming Presets

Naming Controller Assignments

You can save custom names for presets, making it easier to manage multiple presets for different devices.

To name a Command|8 preset:

1 Press the Standalone switch (located next to

the USB and MIDI status LEDs), to enter standalone mode.

2 Press F3 PRE MIDI Recall.

3 Navigate to the preset you want to name by

rotating the channel 1 encoder until its number (or previous name, if any) is displayed.

4 Press the channel 2 Select switch to enter Pre-

set Name mode. The LCD displays a ﬂashing cursor in the lower row of channel 1.

5 To name your preset, choose letters by rotat-

ing the channel 2 encoder (Char) until the desired letter or number is shown. Scroll through the entire range of choices to access upper case letters.

6 Rotate the channel 1 encoder (Cursor) clock-

wise to advance the ﬂashing cursor to the next (or any) character space available for the preset name. Rotate the channel 2 encoder to choose a character, and repeat for additional characters.

You can give each programmable control its own custom name. Some people get by with the default controls and their own memory. Others will appreciate the ability to give parameters names that indicate the control to which they are mapped, such as whether a fader or encoder is mapped to a frequency slider in an EQ or a filter resonance control in a soft synth.

To save names for programmed controls:

1 Select the preset containing the control you

want to name.

2 Select the control for MIDI editing.

3 Rotate the channel 8 encoder (Name). The

LCD now displays Cursor, Char, Cancel, and Okay in the upper row, with a ﬂashing cursor in the lower row above channel 1.

4 To enter a name, rotate the channel 2 encoder

(Char) until the desired letter or number is displayed.

5 Rotate the channel 1 encoder (Cursor) to

move the cursor to the next character space, and repeat until you have entered the desired name.

7 When you have entered the desired name,

press the channel 7 Select switch (Okay). Or, to cancel, press channel 6 Select (Cancel).

Chapter 5: Using Stand-Alone Mode 53

Command|8 Guide54

appendix a

Utility Functions

Command|8 Utility functions include the following:

• Software and ﬁrmware version display

• Fader calibration

•Tests for faders, encoders, LEDs, switches, and the LCD

Accessing Utility Mode

To access Command|8 Utility mode:

1 Press F1 Utility. The LCD displays the avail-

able Utility functions across the upper row. The corresponding channel Select switch select each option.

2 Press a channel Select switch to choose a Util-

ity function.

3 To cancel a Utility function or test at any time,

press Select on channel 8 (the LCD displays ESC above channel 8), or press Utility again.

Viewing Command|8 Version Data

This Utility function lets you check the current firmware version and other statistics useful when upgrading, or when contacting technical support.

To display Command|8 version data:

1 Access Utility mode.

2 Select Vers by pressing the corresponding

channel Select switch. The LCD shows version information about various components of Command|8.

3 To exit, press channel eight Select (below the

LCD display ESC).

Appendix A: Utility Functions 55

Fader Tests

4 Press the channel 8 Select switch to stop the

test.

Command|8 provides tests for fader and group performance.

Use this routine to return the motorized, touchsensitive faders to their factory calibration setting.

Touch Circuit Test

To reset the faders:

1 Press F1 Utility, to enter Utility mode.

2 Select Fadcal by pressing the channel 1 Select

switch. Do not touch the faders, as the fader routine begins immediately and moves the faders through their range of travel. The lower row of the LCD shows fader resolution while the test is in process.

3 Faders park at the bottom of the fader paths

when recalibration is complete.

4 Press the channel 8 Select switch (Esc) to exit.

Fader Tests

These functions test fader performance and fader group resolution. You can use these routines to troubleshoot the mechanical elements of the Command|8 faders.

To test fader group resolution:

1 Press F1 Utility, if necessary, to enter Utility

mode.

2 Select Fader by pressing the channel 2 Select

switch.

3 Select Group by pressing the channel 3 Select

switch.

4 One by one, touch and move each fader. The

other seven faders follow, and the LCD displays resolution for each fader as they move through their range so you can compare fader performance as both a group master and slave.

LED Tests

Use this test to check all LEDs of similar color simultaneously.

To test LEDs:

1 Press F1 Utility, if necessary, to enter Utility

mode.

2 Select LED by pressing the channel 3 Select

switch. The LCD displays tests for each color LED used in Command|8. Choices include Grn (green), Red, Yel (yellow), and All.

To test fader resolution:

1 Press F1 Utility, if necessary, to enter Utility

mode.

2 Select Fader by pressing the channel 2 Select

switch. The LCD displays the available fader Utility functions.

3 Select FadTst by pressing the channel 2 Select

switch. Do not touch the faders.

Command|8 Guide56

3 Select a test by pressing the channel Select

switch corresponding to the desired color. To test all LEDs simultaneously, select All. The selected color (or all) LEDs light solid.

4 Select another color LED test by pressing its

corresponding channel Select switch.

5 To exit LED test mode and remain in Utility

mode, press channel 8 Select (Exit).

6 To exit Utility mode entirely, press F1 Utility.

LCD Display Test

Encoder Test

Use this test to assess the performance of the LCD.

To test the LCD:

1 Press F1 Utility, if necessary, to enter Utility

mode.

2 Select Disp (Display) by pressing the channel

4 Select switch.

3 Press channel 1 Select to start the LCD test. All

pixels in the LCD light solid, letting you quickly tell if any area of the display is damaged.

4 To turn to all black, press channel 3 Select.

5 To exit Display Test mode, press channel 8 Se-

lect (Exit).

6 To exit Utility mode, press F1 Utility.

Switch Test

Use this test to evaluate the performance of Command|8 switches.

Use this test to evaulate the performance of the Command|8 rotary encoders.

To test the encoders:

1 Press F1 Utility, if necessary, to enter Utility

mode.

2 Select Encodr (Encoder) by pressing the chan-

nel 6 Select switch.

3 Rotate any encoder to test it. Encoder value is

displayed in the LCD while testing.

4 To exit Encoder test mode, press channel 8 Se-

lect (Exit).

5 To exit Utility mode, press F1 Utility.

To test switches:

1 Press F1 Utility, if necessary, to enter Utility

mode.

2 Select the Switch test by pressing the channel

5Select switch.

3 Press any Command|8 switch to test it. The

LCD displays the location and name of each switch as you test it.

4 To exit Switch test mode, press channel 8 Se-

lect (Exit).

5 To exit Utility mode, press F1 Utilityl.

Appendix A: Utility Functions 57

Command|8 Guide58

index

Symbols

+4 dBu 11 @ (inactive send or insert) 39

Numerics

–10 dBV 11

AC power 9 A–E

plug-ins and inserts 40 sends 38

AMS 13 analog 11 Arrow keys

defining selections 33 moving selections up and down 33

audio connections 11 Avid

mapping 19 mode for Command|8 19 supported applications 19

Bank 32 bank swapping 3 banks 3 bypass

plug-ins 41

C|8 Surface 14 CC# (Stand-alone mode) 50 Chan (Stand-alone mode) 50 channel controls

faders 22 mute switch 22 Select 22 solo switch 22

channel select switch 22 Channel View 21

switches in stand-alone mode 48

Command|8

system requirements 2 top panel 20

Console View 21 control room

connections 11

control surface targets 3 Control|24 7

dBFS 23 Display Mode 23

LCD options 23

Edit 32 encoders

Stand-alone mode 48

entering (selecting) 46 Ext Source 11

Index 59

F1 Utility 55 F2 MIDI Edit 49 F3 PRE/MIDI Recall 37 F4 Fader Mute 22 F5 Focus 28

plug-ins 40 sends 38

Fader Flip 23 Fader Mute 22 faders 22

muting 22 Stand-alone mode 48 test and reset 56

firmware 10, 55 Flip

plug-ins 42 sends 39

focus

plug-ins and targets 40

footswitch 12

gain (PRE) group test

headphones 12 Home View 21

In and Out points 33 inactive

display of plug-in status 41 display of send status 39

inserts 26, 40

in Channel View 26

installation

guidelines 5

knobs (see rotary encoders)

LCD

test 57

LED

MIDI 30 test 56 USB 30

Live 45 Loop Record 37 lost communication 16

Main 11 mapping tracks to faders

see Bank and Nudge 32

Master Faders 23 meters

channel LEDs 23 pre and post fader 26 using the rotary LEDs 23

mic-pre (see PRE) MIDI

CC (Continuous Controller) 45 configuring AMS 13 configuring Windows and Macintosh 13 connections 12 continuous controller 45 editing maps in stand-alone mode 49 LED 30 Stand-alone CC assign 50 Stand-alone channel assign 50 start and end assignments 50 SysEx 45 USB 12

MIDI Control Surfaces

terminology 3

MIDI Machine Control (see MMC)

Mix MMC 48, 51

Command|8 Guide60

modes

Flip mode 23 operational 19

Monitor Inputs 11 monitoring

Auto Input and Input Only 36 connections for 11 using TrackInput 36

moving selections 33 multi-mono 42 mute

faders 22 sends 39

mute switch 22

Reason

and Stand-alone mode 45

recording 37

Loop mode 37 monitor modes 36 QuickPunch 35 TrackPunch 35

requirements 2 ReWire 45 Rewire

see Stand-alone mode

rotary encoders

test 57

Nudge 32

Pages

presets 47

Pages (plug-ins) 42 Pan/Meter 23 Pan/Send/PRE 26 plug-ins 26

Flip 42 in Channel View 26 inactive 41 multi-mono 42 opening and editing 39 paging 42 targets and focus 40

PRE 37

enabling MIDI for 15

pre and post fader

metering 26

presets

navigating Stand-alone 47

ProControl 7 programming

selecting controls 50

QuickPunch 35

scrolling tracks (see Nudge) 32 Select 22 sends

Flip 39 muting 39 viewing and adjusting 38 viewing level 23

software

and USB ports 10

solo switch 22 Stand-alone mode 46

and MMC 48 assigning CC 50 assigning control channel 50 assigning Start and End values 50 compatibility 45 F2 MIDI Edit mode 49 F3 PRE MIDI Recall 51 navigating 47 programmable controls and defaults 48 programming and editing 49 quickstart instructions 46 selecting controls to program 50

Standby mode 19 Start and End (MIDI) 50 switches

Stand-alone mode 48 test 57

SysEx 45 system requirements 2

Index 61

target

and control surfaces 3 and plug-in windows 40

test

LCD 57 LEDs 56 rotary encoders 57 switches 57

TrackInput monitoring 36 TrackPunch 35 tracks

banking 32 metering 23 scrolling 32

Transport

and MMC 48 switches in stand-alone mode 48

troubleshooting 16

Up and Down 33 USB 9

and AMS 13 LED 30 MIDI 12 port limitations 10

ventilation 5 view options 23 views

Channel View 21 Console View 21 F5 focus 40 Home View 21

Web site 2 Windows

Edit 32 Mix 32 Plug-In 32

Zoom 32 zoom controls 28

Command|8 Guide62

Avid Command 8 User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

contents

Introduction

Command|8 Features

Included with Command|8

System Requirements and Compatibility

Digidesign Registration

About www.digidesign.com

MIDI Control Surface Terms

About This Guide

Conventions Used in This Guide

Before You Begin

Installation Guidelines

Example Setups

Command|8 with Pro Tools Setup

Command|8 with Other Control Surfaces

Digi 002 and Command|8

ProControl or Control|24 and Command|8

Command|8 Back Panel

Connecting Command|8 to Pro Tools and Your Computer

Connecting AC Power

Connecting USB

Installing Software for Command|8

Windows Software for Command|8

Macintosh Software for Command|8

Firmware for Command|8

Connecting Analog Audio for Monitoring

Input Connections

Monitoring Overview

Output Connections

Headphones

Connecting a Footswitch

Connecting MIDI Devices

Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools

Enabling Input Devices

Troubleshooting

Communication Test

Lost Communication

Lost Communication after Reconnecting Command|8

Incomplete or Eratic Communication

Windows MIDI Troubleshooting

Command|8 Overview

Command|8 Operating Modes

Command|8 Control Surface

LCD Display

Views in Pro Tools Mode

Console View

Channel View

Home View

Fader Strips

Channel Faders

Channel Solo and Mute Switches

Channel Select Switch

Channel Status LEDs

Channel Meter LEDs

Channel Data in the LCD

Global Fader Controls

Flip Switch

Master Fader Switch

Console and Channel View Controls for Pan, Sends, and Inserts

Console View Switches

Channel View Switches

Channel View Selectors

Transport, Navigation, and Zoom Controls

Transport controls

Window Show/Hide Switches

Navigation and Zoom Section

Function/Utility Switches

Bank, Nudge, and Zoom Switches

Navigation and Zoom Keys

Monitoring Controls

Headphones

Standalone Switch

USB and MIDI Activity LEDs

Using Command|8 with Pro Tools

Controlling the Transport

Record/Playback Mode Switches