Avid Technology Music Mixer 7.3 User Manual

D-Command

Version 7.3

™

Legal Notices

This guide is copyrighted ©2007 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.

003, 003 Rack, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O, 888|24 I/O, 882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O, AudioSuite, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, Avid Xpress, AVoption, AVoption|V10, Beat Detective, Bruno, Command|8, Control|24, D-Command, D-Control, D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, DAE, Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus, DigiDrive, DigiRack, DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, DV Toolkit, EditPack, Impact, Interplay, M-Audio, MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox, MediaComposer, MIDI I/O, MIX, MultiShell, OMF, OMF Interchange, PRE, ProControl, Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Reel Tape, Reso, Reverb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound Designer II, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, TL Space, Velvet, and X-Form 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 9106-55465-00 REV A 10/07

Comments or suggestions regarding our documentation? email: techpubs@digidesign.com

Warning

This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Communications & Safety Regulation Information

Compliance Statement

The models D-Command and XMON comply with the following standards regulating interference and EMC:

• FCC Part 15 Class A

• EN55103 – 1, environment E4

• EN55103 – 2, environment E4

• AS/NZS 3548 Class A

• CISPR 22 Class A

• ICES-003 Class A

Canadian Compliance Statement:

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

CE Compliance Statement:

Digidesign is authorized to apply the CE (Conformité Europénne) mark on this compliant equipment thereby declaring conformity to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.

Australian Compliance:

Radio and Television Interference

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Communications Statement

This equipment has been tested to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device. Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Digidesign, Inc., could void the Certification and negate your authority to operate the product. This product was tested for CISPR compliance under conditions that included the use of peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system components. Digidesign recommends the use of shielded cables and connectors between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices.

Safety Statement

This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards: UL60065 7th /IEC 60065 7th and Canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 60065:03. Digidesign Inc., has been authorized to apply the appropriate UL & CUL mark on its compliant equipment.

Warning

Important Safety Instructions

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to authorized Digidesign personnel.

Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a risk of shock and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING VENTILATION:

Do not install D-Command anywhere or in any way that blocks free air flow at any time around the back panel of the unit.

SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE:

Before powering on the D-Command unit, be sure to allow it to reach room temperature. The unit includes some components that are senstive to cold temperatures, so it is recommended that you unpack the unit and allow it to acclimate before turning it on for the first time.

Part I Introduction

Chapter 1. Introduction to D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

D-Command Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

D-Command System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

System Expansion Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Connection Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2. D-Command Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

D-Command Main Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

D-Command Fader Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

D-Command XMON Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Part II Installation

Chapter 3. Setting Up the Fader Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Assembling an Expanded System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 4. Connecting D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

D-Command Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 5. Configuring D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Starting Up and Shutting Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Setting D-Command Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

System Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Part III Reference

Chapter 6. Channel Strip Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Channel Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Global Controls Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Miscellaneous Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Contents v

Chapter 7. Plug-in Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Plug-ins and D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Dynamics Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

EQ Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Chapter 8. Transport and Navigation Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Transport Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Zoom/Navigate Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Nudge/Bank Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Chapter 9. Management Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Window Management Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Session Management Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Soft Keys Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Chapter 10. Monitor and Meter Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Monitor Section Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Chapter 11. Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Normal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Custom Fader Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Working with Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Appendix A. Utility Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Entering Utility Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Navigating Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Exiting Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

D-Command System Info Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

D-Command Name Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

D-Command Test Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Resetting D-Command to Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

D-Command Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Appendix B. Audio Connections and Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

25-Pin Female Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

15-Pin Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Tech Pubs Style Guidevi

Part I: Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command

Welcome to the D-Command™ worksurface for Digidesign® ICON systems.

D-Command System Components

D-Command provides hands-on control of Pro Tools®, and offers powerful options for customizing the Pro Tools mix environment.

D-Command Features

The D-Command system provides controls for most Pro Tools recording, editing and mixing tasks, and a versatile remote-controlled audio monitoring system.

Control Features

• Touch-sensitive, motorized 100mm faders

• Touch-sensitive, multi-purpose rotary controls

• Dedicated controls for assignment and activation of inputs, outputs, inserts and sends

• Flexible display of pan, insert, send, plug-in and mic pre controls

• Dedicated EQ and dynamics plug-in control sections

• Dedicated controls for all channel strip functions including recording and input monitoring modes, mute, solo, and channel select

• Dedicated controls for automation mode, enable and safe status

• Custom Fader Mode for flexible channel and parameter mapping

• Full transport and navigation controls, including location commands and scrub/shuttle capability

Monitoring Features

• 6-channel control room monitoring system supports mono through 5.1 surround monitoring, with up to 5 possible input sources and 3 selectable output paths

• 2-channel cue system with 4 separate outputs and selectable talkback feed

• Built-in talkback microphone and external talkback mic input

• Standalone mode for monitoring without Pro Tools

• External source metering

The following components are included in a D-Command 8-channel or 24-channel system:

Main Unit

• D-Command Main Unit

•AC power cord

•Ethernet cable

• Ethernet “crossover” cable (for direct connection to CPU without a hub)

• Ethernet loopback plug (for Ethernet testing)

• 9/64-inch hex driver (for removing side panels)

• 5/32-inch hex driver (for connecting Main Unit and Fader Module)

Fader Module

(Required for 24-Channel System)

• D-Command Fader Module unit

•AC power cord

•Ethernet cable

XMON Monitoring System

•XMON Interface

•AC power cord

•XMON cable

System Expansion Options

An additional 16-channel Fader Module can be added to D-Command, for a total of 24 faders. For details on D-Command expansion and customization options, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command 3

Operational Requirements

Connection Requirements

Temperature and Ventilation

D-Command should be installed and operated in a climate-controlled environment, away from heat sources, and with adequate ventilation. D-Command should be operated at an ambient temperature that does not exceed 100 degrees F (35 degrees C).

The back panel and the front half of the bottom panel of each unit should be exposed to ambient air. Blocking or partially blocking the back panel or bottom panel of a D-Command unit may cause the unit to malfunction and may void your warranty.

Water and Moisture

D-Command units should be operated away from sources of moisture or humidity and should be protected from liquid spills.

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you need to clean the D-Command top surface, apply a non-chlorine bleach based cleaning solution to a cloth or paper towel, then carefully wipe the surface. Do not use abrasives, cleaning solutions with chlorine bleach, or spray cleaners.

Power Connections

Each unit (D-Command Main Unit, Fader Module, and XMON Monitor Interface) requires its own power connection.

Make sure your power source is correctly rated for the number of units you are connecting. A surge protected power source (not included) is highly recommended.

Ethernet Connections

Each D-Command unit communicates with Pro Tools using Ethernet. A single Main Unit can be connected to the host computer without an Ethernet hub. To connect multiple D-Command units to the host computer, an Ethernet hub (not included) is required.

Audio Connections

All external analog audio inputs and outputs for control room monitoring and studio communication are connected to the XMON interface. D-Command connects to the XMON interface with a single 15-pin cable (included). All analog inputs and outputs on the XMON use DB-25 connectors.

Audio Cables for D-Command Monitoring

Digidesign offers a range of DigiSnake cabling options for connecting Digidesign interfaces and external sources to the XMON monitoring system. For details, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).

System Requirements

D-Command requires the following system components:

• Pro Tools|HD® system (which includes at least one Pro Tools|HD audio interface)

An expanded Pro Tools|HD system is required for higher track counts.

For complete system requirements, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).

Compatibility Information

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, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).

D-Command Guide4

Mechanical Specifications

29.25 in

(74.3 cm)

14.4 in

(36.6 cm)

0.5 in

(1.27 cm)

2.55 in

(6.48 cm)

2.68 in

(6.79 cm)

4.24 in

(10.78 cm)

10.23 in

(25.98 cm)

32.3 in

(82 cm)

29.25 in

(74.3 cm)

D-Command side dimensions

D-Command top dimensions (Main Unit)

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command 5

D-Command top dimensions (Main Unit and Fader Module)

55.6 in

(141.2 cm)

29.25 in

(74.3 cm)

D-Command Guide6

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview

Monitor Section

Global controls

Custom Fader controls

Window Management section

Session Management section

Soft Keys section

Nudge/Bank section

Zoom/Navigation section

Miscellaneous controls

Talkback Microphone

Main Time Scale display

Automation Mode controls

Dynamics Section

EQ Section

Tra n sp or t

Section

Rotary Encoder

section

Meter

section

Channel Strip

Display controls

Channel

Channel Strip

Mode controls

Modifier

faders

keys

D-Command Main Unit

Main Unit Top Panel

Figure 1. D-Command Main Unit top panel

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview 7

Meter Display

Soft Keys Section

The Meter display on the D-Command Main Unit can be set to show the output levels, or levels associated with a track or plug-in. See “Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)” on page 93.

Main Time Scale Display and Location Indicator

The Main Time Scale display and Location indicator mirrors the Main Time Scale in Pro Tools. See “Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)” on page 93.

Dynamics and EQ Sections

The D-Command Main Unit provides dedicated Dynamics and EQ sections for plug-ins that support Dynamics and EQ plug-in mapping. See “Plug-ins and D-Command” on page 49.

Monitor Section

The Monitor section on the D-Command Main Unit includes a full set of controls for the control room, headphone/cue, and talkback/listenback sections of D-Command. See “Monitor Section Controls” on page 85.

Zoom/Navigation Section

The Zoom/Navigate section on the D-Command Main Unit is used to control navigation, display, and selections in the Pro Tools Edit window. See “Zoom/Navigate Section” on page 72.

The Soft Keys section on the D-Command Main Unit provides access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from the control surface. It also provides access to preferences and settings specific to D-Command. See “Soft Keys Section” on page 75.

Transport Section

The Transport section on the D-Command Main Unit includes a full set of transport controls, switches for setting the transport mode, scrub/shuttle controls, as well as advanced audition and locate controls. See “Transport Section” on page 67.

Global Controls

The Global controls are a set of channel-related controls in the center of the D-Command Main Unit, allowing easy access to powerful assignment, display, and channel function controls. See “Global Controls Section” on page 38.

Custom Fader Controls

The Custom Fader mode switches on the D-Command Main Unit invoke a special set of D-Command modes, called Custom Fader modes, which let you set aside and customize channel strips for display and editing of a variety of functions. See “Custom Fader Controls” on page 42.

Automation Mode Controls

Nudge/Bank Section

The Nudge/Bank section on the D-Command Main Unit is used to control the display of Pro Tools tracks on the control surface. See “Nudge/Bank Section” on page 72.

Window Management and Session Management Sections

The Window Management and Session Management sections on the D-Command Main Unit include controls for opening and closing Pro Tools windows, and managing and saving Pro Tools sessions. See “Window Management Section” on page 73 and “Session Management Section” on page 74.

The Automation Mode controls mirror the function of the on-screen Automation Mode selector for each track, and let you change automation modes during playback. See “Automation Mode Controls” on page 44.

D-Command Guide8

Main Unit Back Panel

Footswitch jack

Ethernet connector

XMON Monitoring System

connector

AC Power

Power switch

Figure 2. D-Command Main Unit back panel connectors

AC Power

The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable. The D-Command Main Unit is auto power-selecting (100V to 240V) and automatically works with a standard modular power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any country.

Power Switch

The Power switch applies power to the D-Command Main Unit.

Footswitch Jack

The footswitch jack on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit is a 1/4-inch TRS jack that supports two footswitch connections. See “Footswitch Connections” on page 18.

Ethernet Connector

The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit provides communication to Pro Tools. See “Ethernet Connections” on page 17.

XMON Monitoring System Connector

The 15-pin connector on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit provides remote control of all audio monitoring functions from the D-Command Monitoring section. See “XMON Monitoring System Connection” on page 19.

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview 9

D-Command Fader Module

Channel Strip

Rotary Encoder

section

Meter

section

Channel Strip

Mode controls

Channel faders

Channel Strip

Function controls

Modifier keys

Fader Module Top Panel

Figure 3. D-Command Fader Module top panel

Meter Section

The Meter section on the D-Command Fader Module can display track levels, plug-in meters, and other parameters depending on D-Command metering preferences.

Channel Strip

Each channel strip on the D-Command Fader Module has identical channel controls, including two touch-sensitive rotary encoders, display and mode controls, and a touch-sensitive fader. See “Channel Strips” on page 31.

Modifier Keys

Each D-Command Fader Module has a set of four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the function of the Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers. See “Modifier Key Switches” on page 37.

D-Command Guide10

Fader Module Back Panel

AC Power

The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable. The D-Command Fader Module is auto power-selecting (100V to 240V) and automatically works with a standard modular power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any country.

Power Switch

The Power switch applies power to the Fader Module.

Ethernet Connector

The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Command Fader Module provides communication to Pro Tools. See “Ethernet Connections” on page 17.

D-Command XMON Interface

Power switch

MIDI Receive indicator

Mute indicator

Mute button

D-Command monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Command monitoring section.

XMON Front Panel

Figure 4. XMON front panel

Power Switch

The Power switch applies power to the XMON Interface.

Mute Indicator

The Mute indicator shows the mute status of XMON.

MIDI Receive Indicator

The MIDI Receive indicator shows MIDI activity between XMON and D-Command.

Mute Button

The Mute button mutes all XMON outputs. It is not possible to unmute XMON with this button. The XMON mute state can only be cleared from the D-Command Monitor section (see “Monitor Section Controls” on page 85).

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview 11

XMON Back Panel

Cue Inputs

Cue Outputs

Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs

Main Outputs Alt Outputs Talkback/ Meter Calibration Control Surface AC Power

Listenback/ Utility

Screws

The back panel of the XMON interface includes connectors for all external analog audio inputs and outputs for D-Command. See “Audio Connections” on page 19.

Figure 5. XMON back panel

D-Command Guide12

Part II: Installation

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module

Front bracket Center bracket Rear bracket

10-32 x 3/4-inch

socket cap screw

6-32 x 3/8-inch

Philips pan head screw

This chapter explains how to add the Fader Module to the D-Command Main Unit.

Placement of D-Command Fader Module

When placing the D-Command Fader Module in studio furniture or on a table top, make sure to account for the dimensions of the assembled system, allowing for at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of open space behind the finished unit. This meets the ventilation requirements for the D-Command units.

When bracketing together your system, you will need additional clearance on either side of the unit to push the Fader Module and the Main Unit together, as well as sufficient clearance in front and behind the units to allow you to attach the brackets. You will also need access to the rear of the unit to make cable connections.

The Fader Module is designed to be attached to the left of the D-Command Main Unit.

Assembling an Expanded System

The D-Command Main Unit can be attached to the D-Command Fader Module, using the front, middle, and rear brackets included with the D-Command Fader Module.

Assembly Hardware

The following hardware is provided with the D-Command Fader Module (spare pieces may be included).

Brackets

• Front Bracket

• Center Bracket

• Rear Bracket

Figure 2. D-Command expanded system connecting brackets

Screws

• (10) 10-32 x 3/4-inch socket cap screw

• (4) 6-32 x 3/8-inch Philips pan head screw

Figure 1. D-Command with Fade Module (bottom view)

Figure 3. Screws for D-Command connecting brackets

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module 15

Attaching the Units

Remove screws

D-Command

Fader Module

To attach the D-Command Fader Module to the Main Unit:

1 Remove the plastic end cap from the left end of the Main

Unit.

2 Place the Fader Module to the left of the Main Unit, and

press the D-Command units together.

3 Slide both units forward far enough to have complete access

to the front bracket screw holes.

4 Attach the front bracket, using four 10-32 3/4-inch socket

cap screws.

When bracketing together a D-Command system, leave all sc rews on the Fade r Module loose e no ugh to allow you to adjust the position of the units relative to each other. After all three brackets are installed, and the units are pressed fully together, you will fully tighten the Fader Module screws.

5 Slide the connected units backwards far enough to have

complete access to the rear screws.

6 Remove the four Philips head screws indicated in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Rear view of D-Command and Fader Module

7 Attach the rear bracket, using four 10-32 3/4-inch socket cap

screws and four 6-32 x 3/8-inch Philips pan head screws.

8 Carefully slide the connected units forwards far enough to

have complete access to the center bracket screw holes.

9 Attach the center bracket, using two 10-32 3/4-inch socket

cap screws.

10 Press the D-Command units together. If necessary, use a

ratcheting nylon strap to press the units together by running the strap around the two units. Make sure the nylon strap does not contact any switches or encoders on the surface.

11 Tighten the bracket screws on the Fader Module.

12 Attach the plastic end cap to the Fader Module.

D-Command Guide16

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command

Footswitch jack

Ethernet connector

XMON Monitoring System connector

D-Command Connections

D-Command units require power and Ethernet connections to operate with Pro Tools. An optional footswitch connection is also available on the Main Unit. The connectors on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit are shown in Figure 5.

Be sure to make all connections with your D-Command units and computer turned off.

Figure 5. D-Command Main Unit back panel connectors

Power Connections

Each D-Command unit (Main Unit and Fader Module) and the XMON Monitor Interface requires its own power connection. D-Command Main Units, Fader Modules, and XMON Interfaces are auto power-selecting (100V to 240V) and automatically work with a standard modular power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any country. A power cable is provided with each D-Command unit and the XMON interface.

To make D-Command power connections:

 For each D-Command unit and the XMON Interface, con-

nect the included AC power cord the unit and to a power source.

Ethernet Connections

Each D-Command unit communicates with Pro Tools using Ethernet. An Ethernet cable is included with each D-Command unit.

If you are connecting only one D-Command unit to your computer:

1 Connect one end of the supplied Ethernet cable to the

Ethernet port on the back panel of D-Command.

2 Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate Ether-

net port on the computer.

If you are connecting more than one D-Command unit to your computer:

1 Install an Ethernet hub (not included) according to its in-

structions, apply power to it, and verify that it is functioning properly.

2 Connect the Ethernet hub to the Ethernet port on your

computer.

3 For each D-Command unit, connect one end of the supplied

Ethernet cable to a port on the Ethernet hub (do not use any port labeled for LAN connection), and connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of the unit.

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 17

Using D-Command on an Ethernet Network

You can purchase a combined 10/100-BaseT Ethernet hub that can simultaneously support D-Command over 10-BaseT and other network traffic over 100-BaseT. This will let you use D-Command over a local area network.

Moderate network traffic (such as e-mail) should not affect communication between D-Command and the computer. If your network experiences heavy traffic, you may want to create a dedicated Ethernet network for D-Command.

Controlling Pro Tools Systems Over a Network

When D-Command is connected to an Ethernet network, it will be available to be declared by any Pro Tools system on that network. This lets you control different Pro Tools systems on the network with a single D-Command console. (You can only control one Pro Tools system at a time.)

Footswitch Connections

You can connect two SPST (single-pole, single-throw) footswitch units to the D-Command Main Unit to control any of the following functions:

• Starting and stopping Pro Tools playback

• Starting Pro Tools recording

• Toggling Talkback on and off

The footswitch connector is a single 1/4-inch TRS jack on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit.

To wire a TRS connector for the D-Command footswitch jack:

 Use the following wiring convention: Tip = Footswitch 1,

Ring = Footswitch 2, Sleeve = Ground.

D-Command Guide18

Audio Connections

Cue Inputs

Cue Outputs

Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs

Main Outputs Alt Outputs Talkback/ Meter Calibration Control Surface AC Power

Listenback/ Utility

Screws

D-Command monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Command monitoring section. All external analog audio inputs and outputs for control room monitoring and studio communication are connected to the XMON interface.

XMON provides 18V phantom for its three external mic inputs (External Talkback Mic, Listen Mic 1, Listen Mic 2).

All audio connections are made with standard DB-25 connectors. The back panel of the XMON is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. XMON back panel

XMON Monitoring System Connection

D-Command connects to XMON with a single 15-pin XMON cable. A 50-foot (15.25 m) cable is included with the D-Command Main Unit. The system supports up to an 80-foot (24.5 m) cable.

To connect the XMON to D-Command:

1 Connect the included AC power cord to the back panel of the XMON and to a power source. A surge protected power source

is highly recommended.

2 Connect one end of the included XMON cable to the Control Surface port on your XMON unit, and the other end to the 15-pin

XMON Monitoring System connector on the back panel of the D-Command Unit.

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 19

Control Room Monitoring Connections

AFL/PFL

Input

(2 channels)

Main Input

(6 channels)

Surround

Input

(6 channels)

Stereo 1

Input

(2 channels)

Stereo 2

Input

(2 channels)

Stereo 3

Input

(2 channels)

Listen

Mic 1

Listen

Mic 2

Level

Input Source Select

AFL/PFL

Level

Pro Tools Solo Command

Mono

Summing

Level, Dim, Solo, Mute, Trim + Cal

Control Room Output Select

Main Output (6 channels)

Alt Output (6 channels)

Mini Output (2 channels)

[To Cue System]

Figure 7. Control room monitoring system block diagram

Inputs

Outputs

• Main Inputs (6 channels), balanced, +4 dBu (from Pro Tools)

• Surround Inputs (6 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Stereo 1 Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu/–10dBV

• Stereo 2 Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu/–10dBV

• Stereo 3 Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu/–10dBV

• AFL/PFL Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Listen Mic 1 (external), mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power)

• Listen Mic 2 (external), mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power)

• Main Control Room Outputs (6 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu

• Alt Control Room Outputs (6 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu

• Mini Control Room Outputs (2 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu

D-Command Guide20

Headphone/Cue System Connections

Main Monitor

Input

Cue 1

Input

(2 channels)

Cue 2

Input

(2 channels)

Internal

Talkback

Input

External

Talkback

Input

Talkback

switch Talkback

Assign

Internal

Talkback

Level

External

Talkback

Level

Talkback/Slate Out (1 channel)

Cue 1 Out (2 channels)

Cue 2 Out (2 channels)

HP Out (2 channels)

Studio LS (2 channels)

(2 channels)

[from Control Room System]

Figure 8. Headphone/Cue system block diagram

Inputs

• Main Monitor Input (2 channels)

• Cue 1 Input (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Cue 2 Input (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Internal Talkback Mic (from internal mic)

• External Talkback Mic, mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power)

Outputs

• Cue 1 (2 channels), +4 dBu

• Cue 2 (2 channels), +4 dBu

• Headphone (2 channels), to internal headphone jack

• Studio Loudspeaker (2 channels)

• Talkback/Slate Output (1 channel)

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 21

Analog Outputs 1-8

Analog Outputs 9-16

Cue Inputs Main Inputs

Main OutputsCue Outputs Talkback/ListenbackAlt Outputs

Analog Outputs 1-8

1-2: Studio 3-4: Cue 1 5-6: Cue 2

1 = L 2 = (Lc*) 3 = C 4 = (Rc*) 5 = R 6 = Ls 7 = Rs 8 = LFE

1 = Ext Talkback Mic Input 2 = Listen Mic 1 Input 3 = Listen Mic 2 Input 4 = AFL Input 1 5 = AFL Input 2 6 = Mini Speaker Out 1 (L) 7 = Mini Speaker Out 2 (R) 8 = Talkback/Slate (Out)

Cue System

Amplifiers

Main

Speakers

Alternate

Speakers

Various

Inputs

and

Outputs

DB-25 to DB-25 connectors

DB-25 to XLR snakes

192 I/O

XMON

* Main Speaker Outputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but Lc and Rc outputs cannot be controlled independently from the D-Command monitor section. Global Volume, Solo, and Mute controls affect all outputs.

Example XMON Wiring Diagram

The following diagram shows basic XMON connections for a Pro Tools|HD system with a Digidesign 192 I/O with 16 analog outputs (with a 192 AD card installed).

Figure 9. Wiring diagram for 192 I/O and XMON

D-Command Guide22

Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command

Starting Up and Shutting Down the System

Your D-Command-based system must be started up and shut down in a specific order.

Start your D-Command-based system in this order:

1 Turn on external hard drives first. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for

them to come up to speed.

2 Turn on the D-Command units.

3 If you plan to work with MIDI equipment, turn on MIDI in-

terfaces and other MIDI devices.

4 Turn on all Pro Tools audio interfaces.

5 Turn on the computer.

6 Turn on the XMON interface.

7 Turn on monitor amplifiers or self-powered speakers.

Shut down your D-Command-based system in this order:

1 Turn off monitor amplifiers or self-powered speakers.

2 Turn off the XMON interface.

Software Configuration

All D-Command software is included when Pro Tools software is installed. The Pro Tools software installer places the D-Command Personality folder on the system drive.

Refer to the Getting Started Guide that came with your system for instructions on installing or updating Pro Tools software.

Updating System Firmware

Each release of Pro Tools software includes the most current D-Command firmware. When you declare a D-Command unit in the Pro Tools Peripherals dialog, Pro Tools compares the firmware of all connected units to the version available in Pro Tools software, and prompts you if an update is available.

If you are prompted to update firmware, follow the on-screen instructions to load the latest firmware to each D-Command unit.

Declaring D-Command Units in Pro Tools

Communication between D-Command and Pro Tools is configured from Pro Tools.

3 Turn off all Pro Tools audio interfaces.

4 Shut down the computer.

5 If using MIDI equipment, turn off MIDI interfaces or con-

trollers.

6 Turn off the D-Command units.

7 Turn off external hard drives.

To declare D-Command units in Pro Tools:

1 Choose Setups > Peripherals, and click Ethernet Controllers.

Ethernet Controllers display in the Peripherals dialog

2 Select Enable. Pro Tools scans the Ethernet connection for

any Ethernet controllers connected to the system.

Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command 23

3 Select the units in the order you want them arranged left to

right.

Setting D-Command Preferences

It is not necessary to declare units in the same sequence as they are physically arranged.

As each unit is selected, Pro Tools scans it and brings it online. The current status of each unit is indicated in the Peripherals dialog in the following ways:

• Bold indicates a connected unit.

• Italics indicate an offline or disconnected unit.

• Underlining indicates that the selected unit is in use by another Pro Tools system.

4 After declaring one or both units, click OK to close the Pe-

ripherals window.

When communication is established, Pro Tools displays colored outlines identifying each bank of Pro Tools tracks.

The colors in each unit row are used to identify controller focus on-screen in Pro Tools. The bank, track, insert, send, or other element currently the focus of D-Command is outlined in the color associated with each unit.

Naming D-Command Units in Pro Tools

You can set the names for D-Command units from Pro Tools.

To name D-Command units in Pro Tools:

1 Choose Setup > Peripherals, and click Ethernet Controllers.

2 Click Name Units.

This section describes the settings and preferences for D-Command that are set directly from the control surface. For details on preferences that are set from Pro Tools, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Fader and Switch Preferences

The following settings and preferences affect operation of the faders and switches on D-Command.

Fader Bank Justification

The Bank Justification preference determines whether banks of channels in Normal mode are left-, center-, or right-justified on the control surface.

To set bank justification:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes the Bank Justification preference (“BnkJus”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “BnkJus” to choose

between the “Left,” “CentrL,” “CentrR,” and “Right” settings.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Faders On/Off

The Faders On/Off preference lets you temporarily turn off D-Command faders to prevent fader movement when monitoring a mix.

Naming D-Command units

3 Enter the names for the units and click OK.

You can also set the names for D-Command Main Units and Fader Modules directly from the units themselves, by using Utility mode. For details on naming D-Command units in Utility mode, see “D-Command Name Page” on page 112.

D-Command Guide24

To toggle D-Command faders on and off:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes the Faders On/Off preference (“Faders”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Faders” to toggle all

faders on and off.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Touch Value

Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size

The Touch Value preference determines whether faders and encoders, when touched, temporarily show the value of the parameter they are controlling.

To toggle display of values on or off:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Touch Value (“TchVal”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “TchVal” to cycle dis-

play of all values On, all values Off or just fader values off (“NoVol”).

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Select Switch Latch Mode

The Select Switch Latch mode determines whether channel Select buttons follow latching or non-latching (exclusive-or) behavior when in Select mode.

To set the Select switch mode:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Select Switch Latch mode (“Select”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Select” to toggle the

setting between the “Latch” and “ExclOr” (non-latching) settings.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

The Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size preference determines the number of channels to be used when displaying channels in the Custom Fader modes. Options are 4 and 8 faders for a Main Unit, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 faders for an expanded system.

You can choose settings for each of these sizes (indicated by the prefix “Min”) that use the minimum number of channels necessary, so that the Custom Fader section dynamically resizes to match the number of channels in the group.

To set the maximum Custom Fader bank size:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes the following Custom Fader Bank Size preferences:

CFPIug (CF Bank Size for Plug-ins) Determines the number of channels allocated for Custom Fader Plug-in mode.

CFGrp (CF Bank Size for Custom and Mix/Edit Groups) Determines the number of channels allocated for Custom Groups mode.

CFTyp (CF Bank Size for Track Type) Determines the number of channels allocated for Custom Fader Tracks mode.

2 Do one of the following:

• To increment the number of channel strips, press the Soft Key that corresponds to the preference setting you want to change.

– or –

• To decrement the number of channel strips, hold Shift and press the Soft Key that corresponds to the preference setting you want to change.

Custom Fader Preferences

Custom Fader Justification

The Custom Fader Justification preference determines whether channels in Custom Fader mode are left-, center-, or right-justified on the control surface.

To set Custom Fader justification:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Custom Fader Justification (“CFJus”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “CF Jus” to choose be-

tween the “Left,” “CentrL,” “CentrR,” and “Right” settings.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Display of Hidden Tracks in Custom Faders

You can set D-Command to show hidden tracks in the Custom Fader views. You can then mix those hidden tracks, but you cannot select or record-enable them. Hidden track names are displayed in yellow in the Custom Faders.

To make hidden tracks visible in Custom Fader views:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Custom Fa der Tracks (“C FTrks” ).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “CFTrks” to toggle the

setting between Show Hidden Tracks (“ShwHdn”) and Hide Hidden Tracks (“HidHdn”).

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command 25

Custom Fader Plug-In Mode View Definition

Encoder Order

There are three view options available for display of plug-in parameters in the channel displays of the Custom Faders. These options, or view definitions, are accessible from the D-Command operation preferences.

To set the Custom Fader Plug-In Mode view:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Plug-In View Definition (“PIDef”).

2 Repeatedly press the Soft key that corresponds to “PIDef” to

choose between the following settings for the Plug-In Mode view:

Name View Shows the track name, plug-in name and channel format of the currently focused plug-in in the channel displays of the Custom Faders.

Expanded View Shows additional plug-in controls in the channel displays of the Custom Faders. This view can also be seen at any time by pressing and holding the Plug-In switch in the Custom Fader section until the switch flashes. See “Expanded Plug-In View” on page 105.

Fade r View Maintains track names on channel displays and fader control of track volume while Custom Fader plug-in parameters are displayed in the channel encoders. Entering Expanded view or Plug-In Map mode automatically exits Fader view.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Encoder Preferences

The following preferences affect operation of the rotary encoders on D-Command.

The Encoder Order preference determines whether inserts, sends, and pan controls will be displayed in order from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top on D-Command rotary encoders.

To set the Encoder Order preference:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Encoder Order (“Encod”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Encod” to toggle the

setting between “Bot-Tp” (bottom-to-top ordering) and “Tp-Bot” (top-to-bottom ordering).

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Display Preferences

The following preferences affect the interaction of D-Command with on-screen display of elements in Pro Tools.

Target Track from Application

The Target Track from Application preference determines whether selecting an Insert or Send on-screen makes its track the focused track on the D-Command Main Unit. For details on focusing a track on D-Command, see “Focusing a Track” on page 97.

To set the Target Track from Application preference:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Target Track (“ApTrgt” ).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “ApTrgt” to toggle the

setting between “Yes” and “No.”

Rotary Encoder Mode

The Rotary Encoder mode affects responsiveness of rotary encoder knobs. Fixed mode is at normal resolution. The velocity modes set different rates of encoder acceleration. In Fine mode, response is fixed and at fine resolution.

To set the Rotary Encoder mode:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Rotary Encoder mode (“Rotary”).

2 Press the upper Soft Key that corresponds to “Rotary” to step

through the “Fixed,” “Vel-Sl” (velocity-sensitive, slow), “Vel-Md” (velocity-sensitive, medium), “Vel-Fa” (velocity-sensitive, Fast), and “Fine” settings.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

D-Command Guide26

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Channel Window Display

The Channel Window display preference determines whether displaying plug-in or send pan parameters (by pressing an encoder Select switch) on D-Command opens the corresponding plug-in or send window on-screen in Pro Tools.

This preference also determines whether the Channel Select switches in the Dynamics or EQ sections change the channel display of multi-mono plug-ins.

 When this preference is set to “Yes,” the on-screen display

of plug-in and send windows changes to reflect the state of the control surface.

 When this preference is set to “No,” the on-screen display of

plug-in and send windows does not change to reflect the state of the control surface.

To set the Channel Window display preference:

1 In the Console Prefs Soft Keys section, press the Operation

switch repeatedly to display the page that includes Channel Window (“ChanWn”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “ChanWn” to toggle

this setting between “Yes” and “No.”

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Operation switch to exit.

Meters Pre/Post Fader

The Meters Pre/Post Fader preference toggles channel metering between pre- and post-fader modes.

To toggle channel meters between pre- and post-fader metering:

1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Meters” to toggle the

setting between “PreFad” (pre-fader metering) and “PostFd” (post-fader metering).

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Meter Preferences

The following preferences affect operation of the meters on D-Command.

Send Meters On/Off

The Send Meters On/Off preference toggles send metering on and off. Send levels are displayed on the LED rings surrounding the D-Command rotary encoders. This metering follows Send pre- or post-metering settings in Pro Tools.

To toggle send meters on and off:

1 Press the Meter switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “SndMtr” to toggle

the setting On and Off.

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Insert Meter On/Off

The Insert Meters On/Off preference toggles insert metering on and off. This preference applies when inserts are displayed on the LED rings surrounding the D-Command rotary encoders.

To toggle insert meters on and off:

1 Press the Meter switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

Center Meters Track/Output

The Center Meters Track/Output preference toggles the 8-channel meter display on the Main Unit meter bridge between main output levels and the focused track.

When set to meter the focused track, you can view levels for multichannel tracks up to 6 channels (5.1 surround).

To toggle the center meters between output and track metering:

1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “CtrMtr” to toggle the

setting between “Output” and “Track.”

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

VCA Slave Metering On/Off

The VCA Meters On/Off preference toggles metering of VCA slave track levels on VCA channel rotary encoders on and off.

To toggle VCA slave track metering on and off:

1 In the Soft Keys section, press the Meter switch repeatedly to

display the page that includes the VCA Meters On/Off preference (“VCAMtr”).

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “VCAMtr” to toggle

the setting On and Off.

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “InsMtr” to toggle the

setting On and Off.

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command 27

System Calibration

Recalibrating D-Command Faders

If a fader on a D-Command Unit shows response problems, you can recalibrate the faders with the Recal command in Utility mode. See “Recal” on page 115 for details.

Calibrating the Output Meters

You can calibrate the output meters on the Main Unit meter bridge from XMON, in order to match metering levels in Pro Tools with metering levels of external sources. The example below uses a Digidesign 192 I/O as the reference source.

To calibrate the D-Command output meters:

1 Set the reference level of your 192 I/O according to the in-

structions in the 192 I/O Guide.

2 With the 192 I/O analog output connected to the XMON

Main Input, send a calibration tone to the D-Command Main Outputs, and note the output level on the D-Command meters.

3 Disconnect the 192 I/O analog output from the XMON

Main Input and connect it to an XMON Stereo Input.

4 Activate the corresponding Alt Output.

5 Adjust the trim pots on the back panel of the XMON until

the output level for each channel on the D-Command matches the level displayed for the Main Output.

6 When you are finished, reconnect the 192 I/O analog out-

put to the XMON Main Input.

Calibrating SPL Indication on the Monitor Section

The D-Command Monitor section lets you display output level in dB or dB SPL. You can calibrate the SPL display to reflect the sound pressure level at the mix position. See “Calibration Mode Switch” on page 91.

D-Command Guide28

Part III: Reference

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls

Channel Strip

Channel Fader

Mode controls

Function controls

Automation Mode and Channel Status indicators

Rotary Encoders

Encoder

LED ring

Encoder knob

Encoder display

Mute/Pre indicators

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch

Encoder

Automation Mode

indicator

Clip/Flip indicators

Select switch

Channel Strips

The D-Command Main Unit has 8 channel strips, and the D-Command Fader Module has 16 channel strips. Each channel strip (Figure 1) has identical controls, including two touch-sensitive rotary encoders, display and mode controls, and a touch-sensitive fader.

Rotary Encoder Section

Each channel strip has two touch-sensitive rotary encoders with LED ring, alphanumeric display, mode switches, and status indicators. Rotary encoders control channel input, send, pan, and mic pre parameters.

Channel Strip Rotary Encoder

Encoder Knob

The encoder knobs on D-Command channel strips are touch-sensitive. When you touch the encoder, the encoder display switches from the parameter name to the parameter value. Touch display of parameter values can be turned off.

Figure 1. D-Command Channel Strip

When you are automating a parameter controlled by an encoder, touching the encoder knob starts writing automation.

When assigning a channel input or output, or an insert or send, the encoder knob is used to scroll through available inputs, outputs, inserts, or sends.

Inputs, Outputs, Inserts and Sends

When assigning a channel input or output, or an insert or send, the encoder knob is used to scroll through available inputs, outputs, inserts, or sends. When adjusting the phantom power on a remote-controlled mic preamplifier (such as the Digidesign PRE), the encoder knob can be used to toggle phantom power on and off.

Instrument Tracks

On Instrument tracks, the bottom encoder knob is used to control MIDI Volume.

VCA Master Tracks

On VCA Master tracks, the encoder knobs are used to control the Volume of slave tracks.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 31

Encoder LED Ring

Inserts

Each encoder has a ring of 15 LEDs. Discrete or stepped information is shown by single LEDs, and continuously variable information is shown by an expanding series of LEDs.

In Normal mode, encoder LED rings can show send level, pan position, plug-in parameter values, and mic pre settings. In Flip mode, they show track level.

Instrument Tracks

On Instrument tracks, the bottom encoder LED ring shows MIDI Velocity.

VCA Master Tracks

On VCA Master tracks, encoder LED rings show levels of slave tracks.

Encoder Automation Mode Indicator

Below each encoder knob is an LED marked “auto,” which lights when the corresponding parameter is enabled for automation. The indicator lights green for Read mode, yellow when armed for automation in any of the Write modes, and red when writing automation in any of the Write modes.

Encoder Display

Each encoder has a six-character display that shows parameter names. When the corresponding encoder knob is touched or moved, the display shows parameter values.

When assigning an insert, the encoder Select switch is used to confirm the selection of the following elements on each level:

• Insert type (TDM plug-in, RTAS plug-in, Multi-Mono TDM plug-in, Multi-Mono RTAS plug-in, or Hardware Insert)

• Plug-in subfolder (such as EQ, Dynamics, Pitch Shift, Reverb, or Delay)

• Individual insert or plug-in

Sends

When assigning a send, the encoder Select switch is used to confirm the selection of the following:

• Send type (interface or bus)

• Send assignment

When viewing a send, the encoder adjusts level. In Send Pan mode, the fader adjusts level and the encoder adjusts Pan.

VCA Master Tracks

On VCA Master tracks, encoder Select switches focus the corresponding slave tracks in the Focus Channel section.

Bypass/Mute/Pre Switch

Each encoder has a Bypass/Mute/Pre (B/M/P) switch whose function depends on what is currently displayed on the encoder. With Sends, the function of the B/M/P switch also depends on the current Switch Mode setting.

Encoder displays use color inversion to indicate the following:

• Green: Default color for input, insert, send, pan, and mic pre parameter names and values

• Inverted green: Inactive input, inactive output, inactive plug-in or inactive send names

Clip and Flip Indicators

When viewing inserts on an encoder, these LEDs light to indicate the send or insert has clipped (red LED) or has been flipped to the fader (yellow LED).

Mute and Pre Indicators

When viewing sends on an encoder, these LEDs light to indicate that the send is muted (red LED) or set to pre-fader operation (green LED).

Encoder Select Switch

Each encoder has a Select switch that is used to assign an insert or send to that encoder, or to display send parameters for editing.

See “Switch Mode Switch” on page 40 for more information on changing the Switch mode and viewing the current function of the B/M/P switch.

Inserts

When a plug-in name is displayed on an encoder (in the top level Inserts display), the B/M/P switch bypasses the corresponding plug-in. The B/M/P switch lights when the plug-in is bypassed.

Sends

When a send name is displayed on an encoder, the B/M/P switch does one of the following:

• If the Switch Mode is set to Mute, the B/M/P switch mutes the corresponding send. The red Mute LED lights to indicate that the send is muted.

• If the Switch Mode is set to Pre, the B/M/P switch toggles the corresponding send between pre- and post-fader operation. The green Pre LED lights to indicate that the send is set for pre-fader operation.

D-Command Guide32

Mic Pre

Page Up switch

Inserts switch

Pan switch

Bypass/Mute

switch

Sends switch

Page Down switch

In Mic Pre mode, mic pre parameters are displayed on a channel strip’s encoders. In addition, the B/M/P switches do the following:

• Top encoder, page 1: toggles phantom power on and off

• Bottom encoder page 1: toggles mic pre Pad on and off

• Top encoder, page 2: toggles mic pre HPF on and off

• Bottom encoder page 2: toggles mic pre Polarity

• Top encoder, page 3: toggles phantom power on and off

• Bottom encoder, page 3: toggles mic pre Insert on and off

Instrument Tracks

Channel Strip Mode Controls

Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Mode controls for displaying and editing pan, plug-in, mic pre, insert, or send parameters on the encoder section of the D-Command channel strip.

On Instrument Tracks, the bottom B/M/P switch is used to control MIDI Mute state.

VCA Master Tracks

On VCA Master tracks, B/M/P switches are used to control the Mute state of slave tracks.

MIDI Controls on Instrument Tracks

The Instruments View in Pro Tools contains MIDI controls that can be displayed on the encoders of D-Command channel strips.

To display MIDI controls on an Instrument track:

 In the Channel Strip Mode controls section of the Instru-

ment channel strip, press the Inserts switch and the Sends switch simultaneously.

The MIDI controls appear on the encoders as follows:

• Top encoder: MIDi Pan

• Bottom encoder: MIDI Volume

• Bottom B/M/P switch: MIDI Mute

• Bottom encoder LED ring: MIDI Velocity meter

To exit display of MIDI controls:

 Press another switch in the Channel Strip Mode section.

Channel Strip Mode controls

Page Up and Page Down Switches

Control parameters are arranged on channel strip rotary encoders in pages, or groups of up to two parameters at a time.

The Page Up and Page Down switches light to indicate the presence of additional pages of pan, plug-in, mic pre parameters, or (for VCA Master tracks) slave tracks, in the corresponding direction on each channel strip. If no additional pages are available, neither switch is lit.

To move the page display of parameters on the encoders up or down:

 Press a lit Page Up or Page Down switch.

Inserts Switch

When you press the Inserts switch, you enter Inserts mode, and the plug-in names for the first two plug-ins on that channel strip are displayed on the encoder displays. If there are additional plug-ins on the channel, the channel’s Page Up switch lights.

To open a plug-in window from any channel on D-Command:

 Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the Select

switch for the plug-in.

Slave Track Display on VCA Master Tracks

In normal Mode, VCA Master tracks show their slave tracks in their rotary encoders, as follows:

• Encoder knob: Slave track Volume control

• Encoder LED ring: Slave track meter level

• Encoder B/M/P switch: Slave track mute

• Encoder Select switch: Focuses slave track in Focus Channel Strip

If there are more than two slave tracks for a VCA Master, you can the press the channel Page Up/Page Down switches to display the additional slave tracks on the rotary encoders.

To close the plug-in window:

 Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the Select

switch again.

The Inserts switch flashes when a plug-in on that channel has clipped. To clear a clip, press the Clear Clip switch in the Session Management section. See “Clear Clip Switch and Plug-in Clip Indicator” on page 74 for more information.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 33

Pan Switch

When you press the Pan switch, you enter Pan mode, and the pan controls for the channel strip are displayed on the encoder displays.

To open/close the Output window on-screen for a track:

1 Press the Pan switch on the channel.

2 Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the chan-

nel’s encoder switch.

If the track is a multichannel track, its Page Up switch lights to indicate that there are multiple pages of pan controls. Multichannel pan controls are arranged as follows:

Surround Pan Display, Page 1

Display Pan Control

LFE LFE channel

Cntr% Center Speaker Percentage

Surround Pan Display, Page 2

Display Pan Control

F Div Front Divergence

Rear Rear Pan

Surround Pan Display, Page 3

Display Pan Control

F/R Front/Rear Balance

Front Front Pan

Surround Pan Display, Page 4

Display Pan Control

R Div Rear Divergence

Rear Rear Pan

Two-Knob Surround Panning

When working in surround, you can link the front and rear pan controls on D-Command to facilitate X-axis motion in the sound field.

To link front and rear surround panners:

1 Press the Operation switch in Console Prefs section until

“2KbPan” appears in the Soft Keys.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “2KbPan” to toggle

the preference on or off.

Mic Pre Mode

When you press a channel strip’s Inserts switch and Pan switch simultaneously, you enter Mic Pre mode. In Mic Pre mode, the controls for an available remote-controlled microphone preamplifier (such as the Digidesign PRE) are displayed on the channel strip’s rotary encoders for editing. The Page Up switch lights to indicate more available parameter pages.

Microphone preamplifiers are declared in the Pro Tools peripherals dialog, and assigned to channels in the Pro Tools I/O Setup dialog.

Bypass/Mute Switch

The function of the Bypass/Mute switch depends on what is currently displayed on the channel strip’s encoders.

Surround Pan Display, Page 5

Display Pan Control

F/R Div Front/Rear Divergence

F/R Front/Rear Balance

Surround Pan Display, Page 6

Display Pan Control

F Div Front Divergence

Front Front Pan

D-Command Guide34

Inserts

 In the top level Inserts view (when plug-in names are dis-

played on a channel strip’s encoders), the Bypass/Mute switch bypasses all plug-ins on that channel.

Sends

 In the top level Sends view (when send names are displayed

on a channel strip’s encoders), the Bypass/Mute switch mutes all sends on that channel.

VCA Master Tracks

 On VCA Master tracks, the Bypass/Mute switch uses

Mix/Edit Groups mode to display (or “spill”) the slave tracks for the VCA in Custom Faders.

Sends Switch

Input Monitor Mode

switch

Channel Select

switch

Solo switch

Mute switch

Channel display

Automation Mode

switch

Record Enable

Automation Trim switch

switch

Channel Strip Function Controls

When you press the Sends switch, you enter Sends mode, and the send names for the first two sends on that channel strip are displayed on the encoder displays. If there are additional sends on the channel, the channel’s Page Up switch lights. The 10 available sends are displayed in five pairs (A–B, C–D, E–F, G–H, I–J).

Send Pan Mode

Send Pan mode allows you to adjust send panning and level at the same time. Send Level is controlled by the channel fader and Send Pan is controlled by the encoder.

To enter Send Pan mode:

1 Press the Sends switch to display sends on the channel’s en-

coders.

2 Press the encoder Select switch that corresponds to the send

you want to display.

To return to the top level display of sends on the channel strip:

 Press the Sends switch again.

To link a Send’s Pan controls to the Main Pan controls of a track:

1 Put the track in Send Pan mode for the Send you want to

link.

2 Press the B/M/P switch on any of the active encoders on the

track to toggle the FMP status of the send.

Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Function controls for controlling channel selection and focus, mute, solo, and record enable status, input monitor mode, and automation mode.

Channel Strip Function controls

Input Monitor Mode Switch

The Input Monitor Mode switch toggles the input monitoring mode for that channel between Auto Input and Input Only mode. The switch lights when the channel is in Input Only mode.

Record Enable Switch

The Record Enable switch toggles record enable status for the channel. When the channel is record-enabled and the Pro Tools transport is stopped, the switch flashes. During recording, the switch lights continuously.

Record Safe Mode To record safe a track from D-Command, hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the track’s Record Enable switch.

Channel Select Switch

The function of the Channel Select switch depends on the Select/Focus Mode setting. See “Select/Focus Mode Switch and Indicators” on page 41 for more information on changing the Select/Focus mode.

Select Mode If the Select/Focus Mode is set to Select, the Channel Select switch selects the channel in Pro Tools. The switch lights when the channel is selected. In this mode, the Channel Select switch can be set to follow latching or exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 35

Focus Mode If the Select/Focus Mode is set to Focus, the Chan-

Automation Mode

indicators

Group Status

indicator

Custom Fader Mode

indicator

AutoMatch

indicators

Channel Fade r

nel Select switch brings that channel’s Dynamics and EQ controls into the Dynamics and EQ sections of the Main Unit for editing. In this mode, because only one track can be focused at a time, the Select switch follows exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior only.

In Focus mode, if the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Operations preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switch also places a duplicate of the focused channel in the channel strip to the immediate left of the Global Controls section.

Solo Switch

The Solo switch toggles solo status for the channel. When a channel is soloed, the Solo switch lights, and the Mute switches on other channels in the session flash to indicate implicit mute. The Solo switch function follows the Pro Tools Operation preference for latched operation.

Solo Safe Mode To solo safe a track, hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the track’s Solo switch.

When a track is solo safed, its Solo switch flashes once.

Automation Mode Switch

The Automation Mode switch cycles the channel through the Pro Tools automation modes (Write, Touch, Latch, Read and Off). The active mode is shown by the Automation Mode LED indicators to the left of each channel’s fader. When in Off mode, none of the indicators is lit.

The Automation Mode switch lets you cycle the channel through Touch, Latch, and Read modes during playback, but it prevents you from entering Write of Off mode during playback. To directly enter Write or Off mode during playback, use the Automation Mode controls in the lower left of the Main Unit. (See “Automation Mode Controls” on page 44.)

Automation Trim Switch

The Automation Trim switch toggles the channel into the corresponding Trim mode for Write, Latch, Touch, and Read modes. Active Trim mode is shown by the yellow Trim mode LED indicator to the left of each channel’s fader. The Automation Trim switch has no effect while the channel is in Off mode.

Mute Switch

The Mute switch toggles mute status for the channel.

 When a track is muted, its Mute switch lights solid.

 When a track is implicitly muted (when another track is so-

loed), its Mute switch flashes.

Channel Display

Each channel display shows the channel information in the following display modes. In each mode, when the channel fader is touched, the display shows the channel volume in dB.

Track Name Mode Shows the track name only.

Group/Name Mode Shows the group membership of the track

(by group letter) and an abbreviated track name.

Track Position Number/Name Mode Shows the track position number and an abbreviated track name.

Headroom Mode Shows the abbreviation “HR” followed by the remaining headroom in dB.

Level Mode Shows the track volume level in dB only.

Channel displays use colors and backlighting to indicate the following:

• Green: Channel names and values

• Inverted green: Inactive channel

Fader Section

Channel Strip Fader section

Fader

The touch-sensitive faders on D-Command channel strips control channel volume in Normal mode, and a wide range of parameters in Flip mode or the Custom Fader modes. When you touch a fader, its channel strip display changes from track name to track volume level (in Normal mode), or from parameter name to parameter value (in Flip modes or Custom Fader modes). When you are automating a parameter on a fader, touching the fader starts writing automation.

D-Command Guide36

Automation Mode Indicators

Shift Control Start/Win (Windows)

Option (Mac)

Alt (Windows)

a (Command) (Mac)

Modifier Key Switches

The Automation Mode indicators, located to the left of each channel’s fader, indicate the active automation mode. WR (Write), TC (Touch) and LT (Latch) are red LEDs; TM (Trim) is a yellow LED; and RD (Read) is a green LED.

 When in Write mode, the Write indicator flashes at all

times.

 When in Touch or Latch modes, the corresponding indica-

tor lights solid until automation writing begins.

 When a track in Latch mode is primed for writing automa-

tion, its Latch mode indicator flashes.

 When automation writing begins, the appropriate indicator

flashes.

 If automation is turned off for the channel (Off), none of

the indicators is lit.

Group Status Indicator

The Group Status indicator (a green LED marked GRP), located to the left of each channel’s fader, lights to indicate that the channel is a member of an active Mix or Edit group in Pro Tools. If the channel is a member of an inactive group, or if groups are suspended, this indicator is off.

Each D-Command Main Unit and Fader Module has a set of four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the function of the Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers.

Modifier Keys (Fader Module)

Shift Switch (Windows and Mac)

The Shift switch duplicates the function of the Shift key on your computer keyboard.

Control Switch (Windows and Mac)

The Control switch duplicates the function of the Control key on your computer keyboard.

Custom Fader Mode Indicator

The Custom Fader Mode indicator (a blue LED marked CF), located to the left of each channel’s fader, lights to indicate that the channel is currently in Custom Fader Mode.

AutoMatch Indicators

The AutoMatch indicators (green arrow-shaped LEDs), located to the left of each channel’s fader, light to indicate the direction you need to move the fader in order to match the automation level previously written for that track. This is especially useful when editing fader automation.

Win Switch (Windows) or Option Switch (Mac)

The Win/Option switch duplicates the function of the Windows key (also called the Start key) or the Option key (Mac) on your computer keyboard.

Alt Switch (Windows) or Command Switch (Mac)

The Alt/Command switch duplicates the function of the Alt key (Windows) or the Command key (Mac) on your computer keyboard.

The order of the modifier keys on the D-Command reflects the order of the corresponding keys on a Windows or Mac keyboard, from left to right.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 37

Global Controls Section

Global Modifier

Custom Fader

controls

Talkback switch

Automation Mode

controls

Switch Information controls

Automation Enable

controls

Automation Write

controls

Flip switches

controls

The Global Controls section (Figure 2) is a set of channel-related controls in the center of the D-Command Main Unit.

Flip Switches

The two yellow Flip switches in the Global Controls section correspond to the two rotary encoders on the D-Command channel strips.

Flip Mode

The Flip switches invoke Flip mode, which transfers controls from the corresponding rotary encoder to the fader on each channel strip, allowing convenient editing and automation of send, pan, plug-in, and mic pre parameters directly from the channel faders.

In Flip mode, the rotary encoder control swaps with the channel fader; the encoder Select switch swaps with the channel Select switch; the encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switch swaps with the channel Mute switch; and the encoder display swaps with the channel display.

In Flip mode, the Flip switch lights for the affected row of encoders, and the yellow Flip LED below each affected encoder is lit.

Instrument Tracks and Flip Mode

When MIDI controls for Instrument tracks are displayed on the encoders, they can be transferred (or “flipped”) to the channel faders, allowing control of MIDI Volume or MIDI Pan from the channel faders.

In Flip mode, Instrument track controls are transferred as follows:

• The fader on each channel controls the parameter (MIDI Volume or MIDI Pan) that was assigned to the encoder, and the encoder controls track Volume.

• The channel Mute switch controls the MIDI Mute function, and the B/M/P switch on the encoder controls channel mute.

To transfer controls from a row of rotary encoders to the channel faders:

 Press the Flip switch that corresponds to the encoder row.

To exit Flip mode:

 Press a lighted Flip switch.

When D-Command is in Flip mode and you enter Make Inactive mode or Assign mode, it is temporarily taken out of Flip mode, but the Flip switch remains lit. When you exit Make Inactive mode or Assign mode, controls return to their flipped positions.

Figure 2. Global Controls section

D-Command Guide38

Automation Write Controls

Automation Write to Start

Write to Current Parameter

Automation

Write to All

Automation

Write to End

Write to All Enabled Parameters

switch

Enable Plug-in Automation

Enable Send Level Automation

Enable Send Mute Automation

Enable Volume

Automation

Enable Pan

Automation

Enable Mute

Automation

Enable Send Pan Automation

switch

End Switch

The Automation Write controls invoke the manual “Write to Start/End/All” commands, the automatic “Write to Start/End/All on Stop” automation commands, and the “Write to Current Parameter” and “Write to All Enabled Parameters” snapshot automation commands in Pro Tools.

Automation Write controls

Start Switch

The Start switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to the start of a selection or track when performing an automation pass.

To manually Write to Start:

 Press the Start switch during playback.

The End switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to the end of a selection or track when performing an automation pass.

To manually Write to End:

 Press the End switch during playback.

To enable automatic Write to End on Stop:

 Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and

press the End switch.

To disable automatic Write to End on Stop:

 Press the flashing End switch.

Current Switch

The Current switch writes a snapshot of the current parameter value to the currently displayed automation parameter.

All Enabled Switch

The All Enabled switch writes a snapshot of all current parameter values to all enabled automation parameters.

To enable automatic Write to Start on Stop:

 Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and

press the Start switch.

To disable automatic Write to Start on Stop:

 Press the flashing Start switch.

All Switch

The All switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to an entire selection or track when performing an automation pass.

To manually Write to All:

 Press the All switch during playback.

To enable automatic Write to All on Stop:

 Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and

press the All switch.

To disable automatic Write to All on Stop:

 Press the flashing All switch.

Automation Enable Controls

The Automation Enable controls are used to enable or suspend writing of each type of automation on all channels. When writing is enabled for a type of automation, its corresponding switch is lit.

These Automation Enable controls mirror the function of the corresponding buttons in the Pro Tools Automation Enable window.

Automation Enable controls

Plug-in Switch

The Plug-in switch enables and suspends writing of automation for any automation-enabled plug-in parameters on all tracks in the session.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 39

Volume Switch

Show ValuesSwitch Info

Switch Mode switch

switch switch

Pre-Fader Mode indicator

Mute Mode

indicator

Escape switch

Select/Focus Mode

Solo Clear switch

Display Mode

Suspend Automation switch

Switch and indicators

Do to Selected

Set to Default

Do to All switch

Suspend Groups

switch

The Volume switch enables and suspends writing of channel volume automation on all tracks in the session.

To set the Switch Mode:

 Press the Switch mode switch until the appropriate indica-

tor lights (Mute or Pre).

Pan Switch

The Pan switch enables and suspends writing of channel pan automation on all tracks in the session.

Mute Switch

The Mute switch enables and suspends writing of channel mute automation on all tracks in the session.

Send Level Switch

The Send Level switch enables and suspends writing of send level automation on all tracks in the session.

Send Pan Switch

The Send Pan switch enables and suspends writing of send pan automation on all tracks in the session.

Send Mute Switch

The Send Mute switch enables and suspends writing of send mute automation on all channels.

Switch Info Switch

The Switch Info switch can follow toggling or momentary behavior. If pressed briefly, it toggles the encoder display to show the function assigned to the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on each rotary encoder. If held, the function is shown until the switch is released.

Show Values Switch

The Show Values switch can follow toggling or momentary behavior. If pressed briefly, it toggles the encoder display between parameter name and parameter value. If held, parameter value is shown until the switch is released.

The operation of the Show Values switch is not affected by the Touch Display of Parameter Values setting in the Operations Soft Key Section.

Global Modifier Controls

The Global Modifier controls are used to change modes for the channel Select switches, channel displays, clear Solo and Mute states, and globally suspend automation.

Switch Information Controls

The Switch Information controls are used to change the mode and display of encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switches, and globally show encoder parameter values.

Switch Information controls

Switch Mode Switch

The Switch Mode switch toggles the function of encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switches between Mute and Pre-Fader functions when displaying sends on the encoders.

• When the Switch Mode is set to Bypass, the encoder B/M/P switch mutes the corresponding send.

• When the Switch Mode is set to Pre, the encoder B/M/P switch toggles the corresponding send between pre- or post-fader operation.

D-Command Guide40

The Transport must be stopped to toggle sends between pre- and post-fader operation.

Global Modifier controls

Escape Switch

The Escape switch is used to exit modes and to cancel operations or on-screen dialogs. When an action has occurred that can be exited or canceled with the Escape switch, the switch flashes.

Select/Focus Mode Switch and Indicators

Page Up switch

Inserts switch

Pan switch

Bypass/Mute

switch

Sends switch

Page Down switch

The Select/Focus Mode switch toggles the function of channel Select switches between Select and Focus mode. The LEDs on either side of this switch indicate the current mode.

 In Select mode, channel Select switches are used to select

channels in Pro Tools.

 In Focus mode, channel Select switches are used to focus a

channel in the Focus Channel section on the Main Unit.

Do To All and Do To Selected Switches

The Do To All and the Do To Selected switches on D-Command can be used in two different ways: to apply actions to multiple tracks in a Pro Tools session, and to change the display mode of multiple channel strips on D-Command.

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches can follow momentary or latching behavior.

 When single-pressed, their effect applies only to the next

operation.

 When held, they apply to all operations carried out while

being held.

 When double-pressed, they latch on and flash until pressed

a second time.

3 Depending on the current channel strip display mode, you

can apply the following across all tracks or all selected tracks in the session:

• Mic Pre Controls: Polarity, Pad, Impedance, Source, Gain

• Send Pre/Post: B/M/P switch in Send Pre/Post mode

• Send Mute: B/M/P switch in Send Mute mode

• Plug-in Bypass: B/M/P switch in Inserts mode

4 You can also carry out any of the following tasks across all

tracks or all selected tracks in the session:

• Assigning Inputs, Outputs, Inserts and Sends

• Activating/deactivating Inputs, Outputs, Inserts, Sends and Tracks

• Resetting controls with the Set to Default switch

• Changing panner linkage

• Changing panner editor choice

5 When you are finished, if Do To all or Do To Selected are

latched on, press the flashing Do To All or Do To Selected switch to exit the corresponding mode.

Changing Parameter Display on D-Command Channel Strips

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches can be used to display and edit pan, mic pre, insert, or send parameters across all tracks or all selected tracks in a session.

Applying Actions to Multiple Tracks in Pro Tools

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches are convenient for performing tasks such as muting, soloing, assigning sends, or assigning the same plug-in across multiple tracks in a session.

To apply actions to multiple tracks in a Pro Tools Session:

1 Do one of the following:

• Press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch to apply the action to one parameter.

– or –

• Double-press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch to latch the corresponding action and apply it to multiple parameters.

2 Press any of the following switches to apply the correspond-

ing action to all tracks or all selected tracks in the session:

• Channel Mute switch

• Channel Solo switch

• Channel Solo Safe: Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) + Solo switch

• Automation Mode switch

• Automation Trim switch

• Channel Select switch (in Select mode)

• Record Enable switch

• Record Safe: Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) + Record Enable switch

• Input Monitor Mode switch

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches are applied independently to channel strips in Normal mode and Custom Fader mode. This independent operation lets you put banks of channels in several display modes at once (for example, pan on channels in Normal mode, and plug-ins on channels in Custom Fader mode).

To change the display mode of D-Command channel strips:

1 Press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch.

2 Press any of the following Channel Strip Mode switches on

any individual channel to apply the corresponding action to all channels or to all selected channels on D-Command:

•Inserts switch

•Pan switch

• Bypass/Mute switch

•Sends switch

• Inserts + Pan switches (Mic Pre mode)

• Inserts + Sends (Instrument mode)

Channel Strip Mode controls

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 41

3 When you are finished, if Do To All or Do To Selected are

Map switch

Lock switch

Window switch

Groups switch

Tracks sw it ch

Plug-in switch

Bank/Cycle switch

Focus Channel

display

latched on, press the flashing Do To All or Do To Selected switch to exit the corresponding mode.

Display Mode Switch

The Display Mode switch toggles the channel display between the five display modes: Track Name, Group/ Name, Channel Number/Name, Headroom Value, and Level modes. See “Channel Display” on page 36 for more information.

Set To Default Switch

The Set to Default switch lets you reset parameters that are currently visible on the D-Command surface to their default values. This switch works in both Normal and Custom Fader modes.

Suspend Groups Switch

The Suspend Groups switch suspends all groups in the session.

The Suspend Groups switch follows latching behavior, and flashes to indicate groups are suspended. To exit Suspend Groups mode, press the Suspend Groups switch again.

Automation Suspend Switch

The Automation Suspend switch suspends reading and writing of all automation on all tracks in the session. All channels are left in their current automation mode, but automation operations are temporarily suspended.

The Automation Suspend switch flashes while automation is suspended.

The Set to Default switch can follow momentary or latching behavior.

 When single-pressed, its effect applies only to the next op-

eration.

 When double-pressed, it latches on and flashes until pressed

a second time.

You can also use the Set to Default switch to remove plug-in assignments from channels. See “Assign Inserts Switch” on page 46.

While the Set to Default switch is pressed or latched on, the following parameters can be reset:

To reset a channel’s track volume to 0 dB:

 Press Set to Default + the channel Select switch.

– or –

 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and touch the channel

fader.

To reset a channel’s pan control to 0 (center)

 Press Set to Default + the pan encoder Select switch.

Solo Clear Switch

The Solo Clear switch clears all latched Solo switches in the session. This switch flashes when any channel is soloed.

Custom Fader Controls

The Custom Fader controls invoke a special set of D-Command modes, called Custom Fader modes, which let you set aside and customize channel strips for display and editing of a variety of functions. The Custom Fader modes are Groups mode, Tracks mode, and Plug-in mode. See “Custom Fader Modes” on page 100 for complete information on Custom Fader modes.

To reset a send’s level to 0 dB:

 Press Set to Default + the send encoder Select switch. This

sets the send level to 0 dB, regardless of the Send default setting in Pro Tools Operation preferences.

To reset a channel’s mic pre gain to 0 dB:

 Press Set to Default + the mic pre gain encoder Select switch

To set a plug-in’s parameters to their default values:

 Press Set to Default + the Compare switch for the plug-in.

(The Compare switch appears in the D-Command Dynamics and EQ sections, and in Custom Fader Expanded Plug-In view.)

D-Command Guide42

Custom Fader controls

Focus Channel Display

 When a Custom Fader mode is active, the Focus Channel

display shows the name of the Custom Group, Mix/Edit Group, or the plug-in displayed on the Custom Fader channels.

 When no Custom Fader mode is active, the Focus Channel

display shows the name of the focused channel.

Groups Switch

Map Switch

The Map switch works with Custom Groups mode, Mix/Edit Groups mode, and Plug-in mode. While in these modes, the Map switch lets you further customize the control layout by mapping individual rotary encoder controls to faders within the Custom Fader channels.

The Map switch has no effect on other D-Command channels in Normal mode.

The Groups switch invokes Groups mode, which lets you select either Mix/Edit Groups or Custom Groups. Invoking Mix/Edit Groups let you create, edit, and recall Pro Tools Mix and Edit groups to the Custom Fader channels.

Invoking Custom Groups lets you create a custom collection of channels and arrange them in any order in the Custom Fader channels. Custom Groups are a D-Command feature, and are not reflected on-screen in Pro Tools.

For more information about Custom Groups, see“Custom Groups Mode” on page 101.

To toggle between Custom Groups and Mix/Edit Groups:

 Press the Bank/Cycle switch repeatedly until the appropri-

ate mode is displayed in the Focus Channel display (Custom or Groups).

Tracks Switch

The Tracks switch invokes Track Type mode, which lets you bring all Pro Tools tracks of a certain type (Audio tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, MIDI tracks, Instrument tracks, VCA Master tracks, or Master Faders) to the Custom Fader channels.

Lock Switch

The Lock switch applies to Custom Fader Plug-in mode only. This switch locks the plug-in that is currently displayed in the Focus Channel display, so that it does not change when you focus a different channel in the duplicate Focus Channel strip. The Lock switch lights when the plug-in is locked.

 When Custom Fader Plug-in mode is active, the locked

plug-in appears in the Custom Fader channels, so you can focus a different channel in the Focus Channel section and keep the locked plug-in in the Custom Fader channels.

 When Custom Fader Plug-in mode is not active, the locked

plug-in appears in the Focus Channel display, so you can focus a different channel on the duplicate Focus Channel Strip and keep the locked plug-in in the Focus Channel section. (When you enter Custom Fader Plug-in mode, the locked plug-in will be displayed on the Custom Fader channels.)

Window Switch

The Window switch opens and closes the plug-in window on-screen for any plug-in whose name is displayed in the Custom Faders display.

Plug-in Switch

The Plug-in switch invokes Plug-in mode, which lets you bring the plug-in controls from the first insert of the currently focused channel to the Custom Fader channels.

To cycle through the available inserts:

 In Plug-in mode, press the Bank/Cycle switch repeatedly

until the desired insert is brought into the Custom Fader channels.

Bank/Cycle Switch

 While in Custom Groups or Mix/Edit Groups mode, the

Bank/Cycle switch is used to bank faders within the Custom Fader channels, if there are more channels than can be displayed at one time.

 While in Custom Fader Plug-in mode, the Bank/Cycle

switch cycles through the plug-ins on the focused channel, displaying their controls on the Custom Fader channels.

 When no Custom Fader mode is active, the Bank/Cycle

switch cycles through the plug-ins on the focused channel, displaying their names in the Custom Faders display.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 43

Automation Mode Controls

Automation Trim

Automation Read

Automation Off

Mode switch

switch

Mode switch

Automation Write

Mode switch

Automation Touch

Mode switch

Automation Latch

Mode switch

Talkback switch

Trim Switch

The Automation Mode controls are used to display and set automation modes. These switches light to indicate that at least one channel is in that automation mode. If multiple channels are selected and set to different automation modes, all applicable mode switches are lit.

These Automation Mode controls let you change automation modes during playback, and mirror the function of the on-screen Automation Mode selector for each track.

Automation Mode controls

To set the automation mode of one or more channels:

1 Hold an Automation Mode switch (Write, Touch, Latch,

Trim, Read, or Off).

The Trim switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Trim mode.

Read Switch

The Read switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Read mode.

Off Switch

The Off switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Off.

Talkback Switch

The Talkback switch, located at the bottom of the Global Controls section on the Main Unit, provides control of the D-Command Talkback function.

2 Press the Select switches on the channels whose automation

mode you want to set.

To set the automation mode of one or more selected channels:

1 Press the Do To Selected switch.

2 Press the Select switches on the channels whose automation

mode you want to set.

3 Press an Automation Mode switch.

To set the automation mode on all channels:

1 Press the Do To All switch.

2 Press an Automation Mode switch.

Write Switch

The Write switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Write mode.

Touch Switch

The Touch switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Touch mode.

Talkback switch

The Talkback switch can follow momentary or latched behavior. If held, the switch is active only when pressed down.

If rapidly double-pressed, the switch latches on and flashes to indicate that talkback is active. Press the switch again to turn off talkback.

Talkback can be activated automatically. See “Auto Talkback Switch” on page 90 for more information.

Talkback level is set with the Talkback controls in the Monitor section. See “Talkback/Listen System” on page 90 for more information.

Latch Switch

The Latch switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Latch mode.

D-Command Guide44

Miscellaneous Controls

Timeline

controls

Assign

controls

Make Inactive

controls

Plug-in Automation

controls

Main Counter

switch

Link Edit and

Timeline switch

Edit/Timeline Selection switch and indicators

Assign Inputs

switch

Assign Sends

switch

Assign Outputs switch

Assign Inserts switch

The Miscellaneous Controls section includes Timeline, Assign, Make Inactive, and Plug-in Automation controls.

Miscellaneous controls

Timeline Controls

Timeline controls

Main Counter Switch

The Main Counter switch cycles through the time code display modes (Bars:Beats, Min.Secs, Time Code, Feet+Frames and Samples) on the Main Time Scale display.

Assign Controls

The Assign controls are used to assign inputs, outputs, inserts, and sends to channels. Each switch puts D-Command into a temporary Assign mode in which elements are assigned or removed from channels. The switch flashes while Assign mode is in effect.

You can enter Assign mode while Pro Tools is playing back. To confirm the assignment of inputs, outputs, and sends, the transport must be stopped. You can, however, confirm the assignment of inserts during playback.

Assign controls

Assign Inputs Switch

The Inputs switch invokes Assign Inputs mode, in which the bottom row of encoders shows channel inputs.

When assigning an input, the Select switch on the bottom encoder is used to navigate down through Input menu levels, and the encoder knob is used to scroll through available choices at each level:

• Input type (Interface or Bus)

• Individual inputs

Link Edit and Timeline Switch

The Link Edit and Timeline switch toggles the Link Edit and Timeline Selection command on and off. The switch is lit when the selections are linked.

Edit/Timeline Switch and Indicators

The Edit/Timeline switch toggles the D-Command transport function between the edit selection and the timeline selection. The indicators above the switch light to show which is displayed. If Edit and Timeline Selections are linked, these values will be the same.

The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder is used to navigate back up the Input menu levels.

Assign Outputs Switch

The Outputs switch invokes Assign Outputs mode, in which the bottom row of encoders shows channel outputs.

When assigning an output, the Select switch on the bottom encoder is used to navigate down through Output menu levels, and the encoder knob is used to scroll through available choices at each level:

• Output type (Interface or Bus)

• Individual outputs

The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder is used to navigate back up the Output menu levels.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 45

Assign Sends Switch

The Sends switch invokes Assign Sends mode, in which the channel encoders shows the sends on a channel.

When assigning a send, the encoder Select switch is used to navigate down through Send menu levels, and the encoder knob is used to scroll through available choices at each level:

• Send type (Interface or Bus)

• Individual sends

The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on each encoder is used to navigate back up the Send menu levels.

Assign Inserts Switch

The Inserts switch invokes Assign Inserts mode, in which the channel encoders show the inserts on a channel. When assigning an insert, the encoder Select switch is used to navigate down through Insert menu levels, and the encoder knob is used to scroll through available choices. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder is used to navigate back up the Insert menu levels.

The order in which plug-ins appear in the Insert menu is determined by the Pro Tools Display preference for plug-in organization.

If the Organize Plug-in Menus by Category option is selected, menu levels and choices include:

• Insert type (TDM plug-in, RTAS plug-in, Multi-Mono TDM plug-in, Multi-Mono RTAS plug-in, or Hardware Insert)

• Plug-in category sub-folders (such as EQ, Dynamics, Pitch Shift, Reverb, and Delay)

• Individual insert or plug-in

To assign an input, output, send or insert:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

2 On the channel where you want to make the assignment,

turn an encoder knob to select from the first level of menu choices.

3 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing Assign switch to confirm the assignment.

– or –

• Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the assignment.

To assign multiple inputs, outputs, sends, or inserts:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

2 Turn the encoder knobs and use the encoder Select and By-

pass/Mute/Pre switches to select each assignment.

3 Do one of the following:

• Press the flashing Assign switch to confirm all the assignments at once.

– or –

• Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel all the assignments.

To remove an input, output, send or insert:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

If the Organize Plug-in Menus by Category option is not selected, the Plug-in subfolder level is not present.

D-Command Guide46

2 For the assignment you want to remove, press the encoder

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch repeatedly until you reach top level menu for the assignment.

3 Turn the encoder knob counter-clockwise until no assign-

ment is visible.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing Assign switch to confirm the removal.

– or –

• Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the removal and restore the assignment.

MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument Tracks

Assign Inputs

switch

Assign Outputs switch

Inputs Inactive

switch

Sends Inactive

switch

Outputs Inactive switch

Inserts Inactive switch

Inputs Inactive Switch

The Assign Inputs and Assign Outputs switches can be used to assign the MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument tracks.

To assign a MIDI Input or Output on an Instrument track:

1 Press the Assign Inputs or Assign Outputs switch to enter the

corresponding Assign mode. Encoder row #1 shows MIDI inputs/outputs.

Assignment controls

2 On each channel where you want to make an assignment,

turn the encoder knob in encoder row #1 to select from the first level of MIDI menu choices.

3 Press the encoder’s Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through MIDI menu levels.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing Assign switch to confirm the assignments.

– or –

• Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the assignments.

The Inputs switch invokes Inputs Inactive mode and displays channel inputs in the bottom row of encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder toggles the input inactive and active.

Outputs Inactive Switch

The Outputs switch invokes Outputs inactive mode and displays the main channel outputs in the bottom row of encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder toggles the output inactive and active.

Sends Inactive Switch

The Sends switch invokes Sends Inactive mode and displays the channel’s sends on its encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on each encoder toggles the corresponding send inactive and active.

Inserts Inactive Switch

The Inserts switch invokes Plug-ins Inactive mode and displays a channel’s inserts on its encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on each encoder toggles the corresponding insert inactive and active.

To toggle an input, output, send, or insert active/inactive:

1 Make sure the channel is showing the top-level view for the

element you want to make active/inactive.

Make Inactive Controls

The Make Inactive controls are used to make tracks, inputs, outputs, sends, or plug-ins inactive. Each switch puts D-Command into a temporary Make Inactive mode in which elements are made inactive or reactivated. The switch flashes while Make Inactive mode is in effect.

Make Inactive Controls

Making a Track Inactive

Tracks can be made inactive in any Make Inactive mode.

To toggle a track inactive/active:

1 Press any of the Make Inactive switches.

2 Press channel strip Select buttons to deactivate or reactivate

the corresponding tracks.

3 Press the flashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode

2 Press a Make Inactive switch to enter the appropriate Make

Inactive mode.

3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switches on encoders to deacti-

vate or reactivate their corresponding track elements.

4 Press the flashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 47

Plug-in Automation Controls

Enable Parameter

switch

Automation Safe switch

Automation Safe Switch

The Plug-in Automation controls are used to enable parameters for automation and to place them in automation safe mode.

Plug-in Automation controls

Enable Parameters Switch

The Enable Parameters switch lets you enable parameters for automation by touching or pressing their controls.

In Enable Parameters mode, the Enable Parameters switch is lit. While in this mode, the Auto LED for any rotary encoder enabled for automation is lit red, and the switch for any parameter enabled for automation is lit.

To toggle automation on and off for plug-in parameters:

1 Press the Enable Parameter switch.

2 Touch the rotary encoders or press the switches for the con-

trols for which you want to toggle automation on or off.

3 Press the Enable Parameter switch again to exit Enable Pa-

rameters mode.

You can also toggle automation for a plug-in parameter by holding Control+Start+Alt (Windows) or Command+Control+Option (Mac) and touching the rotary encoder for the parameter.

The Automation Safe switch invokes a mode in which the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for each plug-in or send and the channel Select switch for each track become Safe switches.

Plug-ins and Sends

While in Automation Safe mode, pressing a Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on a plug-in or send protects any automation on that plug-in or send from being overwritten. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for any protected plug-in or send is lit, reflecting the state of the Safe button in the on-screen plug-in or send output window.

Tracks

While in Automation Safe mode, pressing a channel Select switch protects volume, pan and mute parameters on that track from being overwritten. The channel Select switch for any protected track is lit, reflecting the state of the Safe button in the on-screen track output window.

To toggle automation safe on and off:

1 Press the Automation Safe switch.

2 Press the channel Select switch on the tracks for which you

want to toggle automation safe status. The automation safe status of the track is reflected by the Safe button in the track’s on-screen output window.

3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for the plug-ins or sends

for which you want to toggle automation safe status.

4 Press the Automation Safe switch again to exit Automation

Safe mode.

D-Command Guide48

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls

5 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

Plug-ins and D-Command

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

D-Command provides dedicated Dynamics and EQ sections for plug-ins that support dynamics and EQ plug-in mapping. These sections include encoders and switches that map to standard controls for each plug-in type.

Plug-ins of all types can be focused across multiple D-Command channels using Custom Fader Plug-ins mode. See “Plug-In Mode” on page 104.

Plug-in Channel Formats

D-Command supports mono, stereo, multichannel and multi-mono plug-in channel formats up to six channels wide.

With D-Command, you can display, edit, and link specific channels of multi-mono dynamics and EQ plug-ins directly from the Channel Select switches in the corresponding section.

Assigning and Removing Plug-ins

You can make plug-in assignments directly from D-Command in several ways. In Inserts mode, plug-ins can be added on an insert-by-insert basis. In Assign Inserts mode you can assign plug-ins to insert positions on multiple tracks.

To assign a plug-in in Inserts mode:

1 Press the Inserts switch to display inserts on the channel

where you want to assign the plug-in.

2 If the insert location where you want to assign a plug-in is

not showing, press the Page Up or Page Down switches on the channel where you want to make the assignment until the appropriate location is displayed.

3 Do one of the following:

• If the insert location you want to use is empty, press the corresponding encoder Select switch.

• If a plug-in is already present in the insert location you want to use, press and hold the corresponding encoder Select switch.

4 At the insert position where you want to make the assign-

ment, turn the encoder knob to select from the first level of menu choices.

6 When the plug-in you want to assign is displayed, press the

encoder Select switch to confirm your selection.

To assign plug-ins to multiple tracks:

1 Press the Assign Inserts switch to enter Inserts Assign mode.

The first two send or insert positions will show on the encoder displays by default.

2 To display and edit other insert positions, press the Page Up

or Page Down switches on the channel where you want to make the assignment.

3 At the insert position where you want to make the assign-

ment, turn the encoder knob to select from the first level of menu choices.

4 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

5 When the plug-in you want to assign is displayed, press the

encoder Select switch to confirm your selection.

6 Repeat steps 2–5 to make additional insert assignments.

7 Press the flashing Assign switch to confirm the assignments

and exit Inserts Assign mode.

To remove a plug-in:

1 Press the Set to Default switch.

2 Press the encoder Select switch for each plug-in you want to

remove.

3 Press the flashing Set to Default switch to exit Set to Default

mode.

Default Plug-in Preferences

You can set a default EQ plug-in and default Dynamics plug-in in Pro Tools, which makes them available for quick assignment from D-Command.

To set a default EQ or Dynamics plug-in:

1 In Pro Tools, choose Setup > Preferences and click Mixing.

2 Under Setup, choose a plug-in from the Default EQ or De-

fault Dynamics pop-up menu.

3 Click OK to close the Preferences window.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 49

Focusing Plug-ins on D-Command

Opening Plug-in Windows On-Screen

A plug-in is focused when its controls are mapped to the knobs, switches or faders on D-Command. Its parameters can then be edited and automated from the control surface. D-Command lets you focus a plug-in with or without displaying its window on-screen.

You can focus plug-ins in multiple locations on D-Command: in the Dynamics section, in the EQ section, and in the Custom Faders section.

When a plug-in is focused on D-Command and displayed on-screen in Pro Tools, a colored outline appears in the plug-in window header.

To focus a plug-in in the Dynamics or EQ section:

1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by

pressing the track’s Select switch. The first dynamics and EQ plug-ins on that track are automatically focused in the corresponding D-Command section.

2 Press the Cycle switch in the Dynamics or EQ section to fo-

cus successive dynamics or EQ plug-ins on that channel. (The No Insert option is always available.)

To focus a plug-in in the Custom Faders section:

1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by

pressing the track’s Select switch. The name of the first plug-in that is not a dynamics or EQ plug-in appears in the Focus Channel display.

2 Press the Plug-in switch in the Custom Faders section. The

switch lights to indicate the mode is active. The plug-in name and channel format appear in the Custom Fader channel displays, and the plug-in’s parameters appear in the Custom Fader channel encoders.

3 In the Custom Faders section, press the Bank/Cycle switch

to cycle through the plug-ins on the focused channel. (The No Insert option is always available.)

The plug-in whose name appears in the Custom Faders display is focused in Custom Fader mode. See “Plug-In Mode” on page 104.

When plug-in names are shown on the encoder displays, a plug-in can be quickly brought into Custom Fader mode by pressing its associated encoder Select switch.

There are several ways to open plug-in windows on-screen from D-Command.

To open a plug-in window from any channel on D-Command:

 Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the en-

coder Select switch for the plug-in.

To open a plug-in window on a focused track:

1 Focus a track in the Focus Channel section by pressing its Se-

lect switch.

2 In the Custom Faders section, press the Bank/Cycle switch

to cycle through the plug-ins on the focused track. Plug-in names are shown in the Custom Faders display.

3 In the Custom Faders section, press the Win switch to open

the plug-in whose name is displayed.

To open a focused dynamics or EQ plug-in window:

 Press the Window switch in the Dynamics or EQ section of

D-Command.

To open or close all focused plug-in windows:

 Press the Plug-in switch in the Window Management sec-

tion.

To close all open plug-in windows:

 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and press the Plug-in

switch in the Window Management section. This closes all real-time and AudioSuite plug-in windows.

To set D-Command to automatically open plug-in windows:

1 Press the Operations switch in the D-Command Soft Keys

section twice.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “ChanWn” until its

value is “Yes.”

With this preference set to “Yes,” when you insert a new plug-in, press an encoder Select switch to edit a plug-in, or cycle through plug-ins on the focused track, the plug-in window will automatically open on-screen.

D-Command Guide50

Managing Multiple Plug-in Windows

Making Plug-ins Inactive or Active

D-Command lets you open and swap multiple plug-in windows on-screen. This makes it possible keep multiple plug-in windows open while focusing on different tracks (for example, in a session where several tracks have dynamics and EQ plug-ins).

Targeting Plug-ins

A plug-in is said to be targeted on-screen when its target icon in the plug-in window header is lit red. The first plug-in window to be opened is automatically targeted.

 When a plug-in window is targeted, it is replaced when you

open any new plug-in window.

 When a plug-in window is not targeted (when its target icon

is grey) the plug-in window will remain on-screen.

To open multiple plug-in windows:

 Hold Shift while opening each new window. The new

plug-in windows are not targeted.

To swap multiple plug-in windows while changing track focus:

1 Focus a track with multiple plug-ins (for example, dynam-

ics, EQ and pitch shift plug-ins) by pressing the track’s Select switch.

2 Open multiple plug-in windows on the focused track while

holding the Shift modifier.

3 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while changing focus

to another track with multiple plug-ins by pressing that track’s Select switch.

Focused plug-ins with open windows swap into new plug-in windows on-screen, wherever plug-ins are present in the new track.

You can toggle the active/inactive status of a plug-in directly from a channel strip without putting D-Command into Make Inactive mode.

To toggle a plug-in active/inactive directly from a channel strip:

1 Press the Inserts switch on a channel strip to display the

names of the plug-ins on the channel’s encoders.

2 If the insert location for the plug-in that you want to make

active/inactive is not showing, press the Page Up or Page Down switches on the channel until the appropriate location is displayed.

3 Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Control+ Command

(Mac) and press the encoder Select switch for the plug-in.

Copying and Pasting Plug-in Settings

You can copy plug-in settings from a plug-in and paste them into another copy of the same plug-in directly from a channel strip on D-Command.

To copy and paste plug-in settings:

1 Press the Inserts switch on a channel strip to display the

names of the plug-ins on that channel’s encoders.

2 If the insert location for the plug-in whose settings you want

to copy is not showing, press the Page Up or Page Down switches on the channel until the appropriate location is displayed.

3 Copy the settings of a plug-in by holding Shift+Control

(Windows) or Shift+Command (Mac) and pressing the Select switch under the name of the plug-in.

4 Paste the settings into another instance of the same plug-in

by pressing the B/M/P switch under the name of that plug-in.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 51

Enabling Plug-in Automation

When plug-in names are displayed in top-level view on a D-Command channel strip, you can quickly enable all parameters of a plug-in for automation.

You can also use the Do To All or Do To Selected switches on D-Command to automate multiple plug-ins in the same insert position in a session.

To toggle automation on and off for a parameter of a plug-in:

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names appear in the encoder displays of that track.

To toggle automation on and off for all plug-ins in a given Insert position:

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the insert

position for the plug-ins you want to automate.

3 Press the Do To All switch in the Global controls section.

4 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for any plug-in at the insert position (Insert 1–5) where you want to enable plug-in automation.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the name

of the plug-in you want to automate.

3 Press an encoder Select switch to display that plug-in’s pa-

rameters on the Custom Fader encoders.

4 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for the plug-in parameters you want to enable for automation.

To toggle automation on and off for all parameters of a plug-in:

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the name

of the plug-in you want to automate.

3 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for the plug-in whose parameters you want to enable for automation.

To toggle automation on and off for plug-ins in a given Insert position on all selected tracks:

1 Select the tracks containing the plug-ins you want to enable

for automation.

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the insert

position for the plug-ins you want to automate.

3 Press the Do To Selected switch in the Global controls sec-

tion.

4 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for any plug-in at the insert position (Insert 1–5) where you want to enable plug-in automation.

D-Command Guide52

Dynamics Section

Knee/Hysteresis/Q

Attack/Q

Gain/Hold/Input Level

Ratio/Range/Frequency

Release/Frequency

Threshold/Output Level

Gain Reduction

meter

Channel Select

switches

Dynamics Edit/Display/Page controls

control

Output

meter

Clip

indicator

The Dynamics section includes standard controls for compressor, gate, and limiter plug-ins, an array of controls for managing the display and editing of plug-in parameters, and for selecting or linking channels in multi-mono plug-ins.

D-Command Dynamics section

Dynamics Plug-in Support

Dynamics processing plug-ins may have widely varying controls, depending on their applications. The D-Command Dynamics Section provides dedicated knobs and switches to accommodate a wide range of possible plug-ins. Not all plug-ins will require all the Dynamics controls, while others may have more parameters than can be displayed in the Dynamics section at one time. To display all controls in any plug-in, use Custom Fader Plug-ins mode. (See “Plug-In Mode” on page 104.)

Displaying Dynamics Plug-ins

The D-Command Dynamics section automatically focuses the first dynamics plug-in on the channel displayed in the Focus Channel section on the Main Unit.

To display successive dynamics plug-ins that are on the focused channel, press the Cycle switch in the Dynamics section.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 53

Knee/Hysteresis/Q and

Knee/Hysteresis/Q control

Q indicator

Knee

indicator

Ratio/Range/Frequency

control

Ratio

indicator

Frequency indicator

Hysteresis

indicator

Range indicator

Attack/Q control

Release/Frequency

control

Release

indicator

Frequency indicator

Attack

indicator

Q indicator

Ratio/Range/Frequency Controls

Knee/Hysteresis/Q and Ratio/Range/Frequency controls in the Dynamics section

Knee/Hysteresis/Q Control

The top encoder in this section controls the knee shape, the hysteresis value, or the Q value for the current plug-in page, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Ratio/Range/Frequency Control

The bottom encoder in this section controls the compression ratio, the range value, or the filter frequency for the current plug-in page, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Attack/Q and Release/Frequency Controls

Attack/Q and Release/Frequency controls in the Dynamics section

Attack/Q Control

The top encoder in this section controls the attack value, or the Q value for the current plug-in, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Release/Frequency Control

The bottom encoder in this section controls the release value for the current plug-in, or the filter frequency for the current plug-in page, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

D-Command Guide54

Gain/Hold and Threshold Controls

Gain/Hold control

Hold indicator

Gain

indicator

Threshold

control

Input indicator

Threshold

indicator

Output indicator

Gain/Hold and Threshold controls in the Dynamics section

Gain/Hold/Input Control

The top encoder in this section controls the gain (make-up gain), the hold value for the current plug-in page, or the input gain for the current plug-in, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Threshold/Output Control

The bottom encoder in this section controls the threshold value for the current plug-in page, or the output gain for the current plug-in, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 55

Dynamics Channel Select Controls

Dynamics display

Master Link switch

Bypass indicator

Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch

Channel Select switches

Lock switch

Save and Save As switches

Channel Select controls in the Dynamics section

Dynamics Display

The LED display in the Dynamics section show the name of the focused plug-in by default. When any rotary encoder is touched, the display shows the corresponding parameter value.

Lock Switch

The Lock switch is used to lock the focus of the Dynamics section on the current plug-in. When the plug-in focus is locked, the current plug-in remains in the Dynamics section, even when a different track is focused on D-Command. This switch lights when the plug-in focus is locked.

Save and Save As Switches

The Save and Save As switches perform the Save and Save As commands in the Plug-in settings menu. The Save command saves current parameter settings to the current plug-in settings file, and the Save As command saves the parameter settings to a new plug-in settings file.

To save a Dynamics plug-in setting from D-Command:

1 Press the Save or Save As switch in the Channel Select con-

trols of the Dynamics section. The Save or Save As switch flashes while the Save Settings dialog is open.

Channel Select Switches

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem and the Channel Select switches have no effect.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the controls for the channels are usually linked and edited together.

However, you can edit plug-in settings for individual channels of a multi-mono plug-in by using the Channel Select switches to unlink all of the channels, or to link specific channels.

There are Channel Select switches for the following channels:

•L (Left)

•C (Center)

•R (Right)

• Ls (Left Surround)

•Rs(RightSurround)

•LFE

A maximum of six channels (5.1 surround) may be in use at any time.

2 Type a name for the plug-in setting.

3 Do one of the following:

• Click OK to save the settings and close the dialog.

• Press the flashing Save or Save As switch to save the settings and close the dialog.

• Press the Escape switch to exit the dialog without saving the settings.

D-Command Guide56

Master Link Switch

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem, and the Master Link switch has no effect.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the Master Link switch toggles the Master Link button in the plug-in window, which links or unlinks all channels of the plug-in. When the Master Link button is enabled, the Link switch is lit.

Select/Link/Bypass Mode Switch

The Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch determines the function of the Channel Select switches with multi-mono plug-ins.

Select Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches determine which channel of a multi-mono plug-in is the focus of the plug-in controls. When a channel is selected, its switch is lit. If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked behavior.

In Select mode, if the D-Command Channel Window Display preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also change the channel display in the plug-in window.

Bypass Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches determine which channels of a multi-mono plug-in are bypassed. When a channel is bypassed, its switch is lit. If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked behavior.

Link Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches determine which individual channels of a multi-mono plug-in are linked together. Linked channels are indicated by switches that are lit.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 57

Dynamics Edit and Display Controls

Page switch

External Key switch

Compare switch

Cycle switch

Master Bypass switch

Key Listen

switch

Automation switch

Automation Safe switch

Window switch

Edit and Display controls in the Dynamics section

External Key Switch

The External Key switch turns the Key Input on or off for plug-ins that support side-chain processing with external input. This switch lights when Key Input is on.

Key Listen Switch

The Listen switch turns the Key Listen function on or off for plug-ins that support auditioning the Key Input. This switch lights when Key Listen is on.

Automation Switch

The Automation switch lets you enable Dynamics parameters for automation by touching or pressing their controls in the Dynamics section only.

In Automation mode, the Auto switch is lit. While in this mode, the Auto indicator for any rotary encoder enabled for automation is lit red, and the switch for any parameter enabled for automation is lit.

To toggle automation on and off for individual Dynamics parameters:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Touch the rotary encoders or press the switches in the Dy-

namics section for which you want to toggle automation.

3 Touch any rotary encoder or press any switches in the Dy-

namics section.

4 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

Automation Safe Switch

The Automation Safe switch toggles the Safe button in the plug-in window, which protects existing automation for that plug-in from being overwritten.

Window Switch

The Window switch is used to open and close the on-screen window for the currently focused plug-in.

Compare Switch

The Compare switch toggles the Compare button in the plug-in window, which alternates between the currently saved plug-in setting and any changes you have made.

Cycle Switch

The Cycle switch steps through all available Dynamics plug-ins on the focused channel.

Master Bypass Switch

3 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

To toggle automation on and off for all parameters of a Dynamics plug-in:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Do one of the following:

• Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac).

– or –

• Hold Do to All.

D-Command Guide58

The Master Bypass switch bypasses the plug-in.

Page Switch

With plug-ins that have more than one page of controls, the Page switch lights. Pressing this switch steps through the pages for the currently displayed plug-in.

The current function of the rotary encoders in the Dynamics section is shown by the corresponding indicator LEDs. Active controls are shown in the on-screen plug-in window by colored outlines.

Dynamics Gain Controls and Meters

Gain Reduction meter

Output meter

Clip Indicator

Level meters in the Dynamics section

Output Meter and Clip Indicator

The Output meter shows the output level for the current plug-in. The Clip indicator lights when a clip is reported by the plug-in, and can be cleared by pressing the Clear Clip switch in the Session Management section.

Gain Reduction Meter

The Gain Reduction meter shows the amount of gain reduction for Compressor/Limiter functions (using the range shown on the left) and Expander/Gate functions (using the range shown on the right).

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 59

EQ Section

Low Filter/

High-Pass Filter

Channel Select

switches

EQ Edit and Display controls

controls

Low-Mid Filter/

Mid Filter

controls

High-Mid Filter/

Level

controls

High Filter/

Low-Pass Filter

controls

Output meter

The EQ section includes standard controls for a variety of multi-band equalization plug-ins, an array of controls for managing the display and editing of plug-in parameters, and controls for selecting or linking channels in multi-mono plug-ins.

D-Command EQ section

EQ Plug-in Support

EQ processing plug-ins may have widely varying controls, depending on their applications. The D-Command EQ section uses paging to accommodate the widest range of plug-ins possible.

Each encoder column controls several frequency bands, which are chosen by pressing the Page switch. LEDs light to indicate the frequency band that is currently active for editing. Notch/Shape switches are located on the Low and High band to change filter types.

To simultaneously display all controls in any plug-in, use Custom Fader Plug-ins mode. (See “Plug-In Mode” on page 104.)

Displaying EQ Plug-ins

The D-Command EQ section automatically displays the first EQ plug-in on the channel that is focused in the Focus Channel section on the Main Unit.

To display successive EQ plug-ins that are on the focused channel:

 Press the Cycle switch in the EQ section.

D-Command Guide60

Low Filter and High-Pass Filter Controls

Q encoder

Notch/Shape switch

Shelf indicator

Filter In switch

Gain encoder

High-Pass Filter indicator

Frequency encoder

Low Filter

indicator

Notch indicator

Q encoder

Filter In switch

Gain encoder

Mid Filter indicator

Frequency encoder

Low-Mid Filter

indicator

Low-Mid Filter and Mid Filter Controls

Low Filter and High-Pass Filter controls in the EQ section

Q Encoder

The top encoder controls the Q of the selected filter. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Notch/Shape Switches and Indicator

The Notch/Shape switch let you switch between the two filter types when they are available. The indicators on either side of the switch light to show which type of filter is active.

Frequency Encoder

The middle encoder controls the filter frequency for the currently selected band. When the filter is a notch filter, the encoder controls the center frequency. When the selected filter is a low-pass filter, the encoder controls the cutoff frequency. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain Encoder

The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Low-Mid Filter and Mid Filter controls in the EQ section

Q Encoder

The top encoder controls the Q of the selected filter. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Frequency Encoder

The middle encoder controls the center frequency for the currently selected band. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain Encoders

The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the corresponding EQ band in the plug-in.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the corresponding EQ band in the plug-in.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 61

High-Mid Filter and EQ Level Controls

Q/Input level encoder

Filter In switch

Gain encoder

Level indicator

Frequency/Output level

High-Mid Filter

indicator

encoder

Q encoder

Notch/Shape switch

Shelf indicator

Filter In switch

Gain encoder

Low-Pass Filter indicator

Frequency encoder

High Filter

indicator

Notch indicator

High Filter and Low-Pass Filter Controls

High-Mid Filter and EQ level controls in the EQ section

Q/Input level Encoder

The top encoder controls the Q of the High-Mid filter, or the Input level. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Frequency/Output Level Encoder

The middle encoder controls the center frequency for the currently selected band, or the Output level. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain Encoder

The bottom encoder controls the gain for the High-Mid band. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the corresponding EQ band in the plug-in.

Low Filter and High Filter controls in the EQ section

Q Encoders

The top encoder controls the Q of the selected band. The Auto indicator under each encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Notch/Shape Switches and Indicator

The Notch/Shape switch let you switch between the two filter types when they are available. The indicators on either side of the switch light to show which type of filter is active.

Frequency Encoder

Gain Encoder

The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

D-Command Guide62

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the corresponding EQ band in the plug-in.

EQ Channel Select Controls

EQ display

Master Link switch Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch

Channel Select switches

Bypass indicator

Lock switch

Save and Save As switches

Channel Select controls in the EQ section

EQ Displays

The LED display in the EQ section shows the name of the focused plug-in by default. When any rotary encoder is touched, the display shows the corresponding parameter value.

Lock Switch

The Lock switch is used to lock the focus of the EQ section on the current plug-in. When the plug-in focus is locked, the current plug-in remains in the EQ section, even when a different track is focused on D-Command. This switch lights when the plug-in focus is locked.

Save and Save As Switches

To save an EQ plug-in setting from D-Command:

1 Press the Save or Save As switch in the Channel Select con-

trols of the EQ section. The Save or Save As switch flashes while the Save Settings dialog is open.

2 Type a name for the plug-in setting.

3 Do one of the following:

• Click OK to save the settings and close the dialog.

• Press the flashing Save or Save As switch to save the settings and close the dialog.

• Press the Escape switch to exit the dialog without saving the settings.

Channel Select Switches

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem and the Channel Select switches have no effect, except with multichannel plug-ins (such as Focusrite d2) that directly support channel selection.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the controls for the channels are usually linked and edited together.

However, you can edit plug-in settings for individual channels of a multi-mono plug-in by unlinking all of the channels, or by using the Channel Select switches to link specific channels.

There are Channel Select switches for the following channels:

•L (Left)

•C (Center)

•R (Right)

•Ls (Left Surround)

•Rs(RightSurround)

•LFE

These choices can be used to support all possible channel configurations in Pro Tools. A maximum of six channels (5.1 surround) may be in use at any time.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 63

Master Link Switch

Select/Link/Bypass Mode Switch

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem, so the Master Link switch has no effect, except with multichannel plug-ins (such as Focusrite d2) that directly support channel linking.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

The Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch determines the function of the Channel Select switches with multi-mono plug-ins.

In Select mode, if the D-Command Channel Window Display preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also change the channel display in the plug-in window.

Link Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches determine which individual channels of a multi-mono plug-in are linked together. Linked channels are indicated by switches that are lit.

D-Command Guide64

EQ Edit and Display Controls

Cycle switch

Master Bypass switch

Automation switch

Automation Safe switch

Page switch

Compare switch

Window switch

Clip indicator

Output meter

Edit and Display controls in the EQ section

Automation Switch

The Automation switch lets you enable EQ parameters for automation by touching or pressing their controls in the EQ section only.

To toggle automation on and off for individual EQ parameters:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Touch the rotary encoders or press the switches in the EQ

section for which you want to toggle automation.

3 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

To toggle automation on and off for all parameters of an EQ plug-in:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Do one of the following:

• Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac).

– or –

• Hold Do to All.

3 Touch any rotary encoder or press any switches in the EQ

section.

4 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

Automation Safe Switch

The Automation Safe switch toggles the Safe button in the plug-in window, which protects existing automation for that plug-in from being overwritten.

Compare Switch

The Compare switch toggles the Compare button in the plug-in window, which alternates between the currently saved plug-in setting and any changes you have made.

Window Switch

The Window switch is used to open and close the on-screen window for the currently focused plug-in.

Output Meter and Clip Indicator

The Output meter shows the output levels for the current plug-in. The Clip indicator lights when a clip is reported by the plug-in, and can be cleared by pressing the Clear Clip switch in the Session Management section.

Cycle Switch

The Cycle switch steps through all available EQ plug-ins on the focused channel.

Master Bypass Switch

The Master Bypass switch bypasses the plug-in.

Page Switch

The Page switch steps through the pages for the currently displayed plug-in. The Page switch lights when plug-ins have more than one page of controls. Active controls are shown in the on-screen plug-in window by colored outlines.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 65

D-Command Guide66

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls

Scrub/Shuttle

Pro Tools Transport

switches

Transport Modes switches

Audition switches

Locate switches

Master Record Mode

switch

controls

Rewind

Fast

Forward

Stop

Play

Record

MIDI Merge indicator

Transport Section

The D-Command Transport section includes transport switches, switches for setting the transport mode, scrub/shuttle switches and controls, and advanced audition and locate switches.

D-Command Transport Section

Transport Switches

Pro Tools Transport switches

Pro Tools Transport

The D-Command Pro Tools Transport switches correspond to the controls in the Pro Tools Transport window.

Rewind Switch Moves backward through the Pro Tools session beginning from the current cursor position.

Fast Forward Switch Moves forward through the Pro Tools session beginning from the current cursor position.

Stop Switch Stops playback of the Pro Tools session.

Play Switch Begins playback of the Pro Tools session from the

current cursor position.

Record Switch Arms Pro Tools for recording. The exact function of the Record switch depends on the current Pro Tools record mode (QuickPunch, TrackPunch, Wait for Note, Pause).

MIDI Merge Indicator Shows when MIDI Merge is activated.

Latching Behavior for Fast Forward and Rewind Switches

You can set Fast Forward or Rewind to follow latched behavior from the D-Command Transport section.

To set Fast Forward to latch:

 Hold the Fast Forward switch and momentarily press the Re-

wind switch.

To set Rewind to latch:

 Hold the Rewind switch and momentarily press the Fast

Forward switch.

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls 67

Playback of Timeline Selection and Edit Selection

Scrub

switch

Tr im

switch

Shuttle

switch

Scrub/Shuttle Wheel

from the Transport

When the Timeline and Edit selections in the Edit window are unlinked, you can set the D-Command Transport to control playback of either the Timeline selection or the Edit selection.

To locate the cursor in the Edit window while in Continuous Scroll Mode:

 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and press the Mark In or Mark Out switch in the Audition section.

To focus the D-Command Transport on the Timeline selection:

 Press the Edit/Timeline Selection switch in the Miscella-

neous Controls section so that the Timeline LED is lit.

To focus the D-Command Transport on the Edit selection:

 Press the Edit/Timeline Selection switch in the Miscella-

neous Controls section so that the Edit LED is lit.

Scrub/Shuttle Controls

The Scrub/Shuttle controls are used for scrubbing, scrubbing while trimming, shuttling, and making selections.

Selecting with the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel

To create selections with the Scrub/Shuttle wheel:

1 Locate the cursor in a track.

2 Press the Scrub switch or the Shuttle switch.

3 Do one of the following:

• Hold the Mark In switch and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel counter-clockwise to create or extend the selection to the left.

– or –

• Hold the Mark Out switch and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel clockwise to create or extend the selection to the right.

To scrub while adding to the front of a selection:

 Hold Start+Shift (Windows) or Control + Shift (Mac) while

scrubbing the front of the selection.

To scrub while adding to the end of a selection:

 Hold Start+Shift+Alt (Windows) or Control+Shift+Option

(Mac) while scrubbing the end of the selection.

Scrub/Shuttle controls

Scrub/Shuttle Wheel

The Scrub/Shuttle wheel is used to control cursor position in Pro Tools and for locating external machines.

Scrolling and Locating in Pro Tools Windows

To horizontally scroll the contents of the Edit window or Mix window:

1 Focus the window you want to scroll by clicking in it or by

pressing the corresponding window key in the Window Management section.

2 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while turning the

Scrub/Shuttle Wheel.

To vertically scroll the contents of the Edit window or Mix window:

1 Focus the window you want to scroll by clicking in it or by

pressing the corresponding window key in the Window Management section.

2 Hold Shift while turning the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel.

To scrub with fine resolution while adding to the front of a selection:

 Hold Start+Shift+Control (Windows) or Con-

trol+Shift+Command (Mac) while scrubbing the front of the selection.

To scrub with fine resolution while adding to the end of a selection:

 Hold Start+Shift+Alt+Control (Windows) or Con-

trol+Shift+Option+Command (Mac) while scrubbing the end of the selection.

Continuous Zooming in the Edit Window

To horizontally zoom continuously in the Edit window:

 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) while turning

the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel.

To vertically zoom continuously in the Edit window:

 Hold Control+Alt (Windows) or Command+Option (Mac)

while turning the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel.

D-Command Guide68

Moving Windows On-Screen with the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel

Master Record Enable switch

Shuttle Switch

To move a Pro Tools window horizontally on-screen:

 In the Window Management section, hold the switch for

the window and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

To move a Pro Tools window vertically on-screen:

 In the Window Management section, hold the switch for

the window, hold Shift, and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

Nudging Track Position or Focus on D-Command with the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel

To nudge the position of tracks on D-Command in Normal mode:

 Hold any of the Nudge/Bank switches and turn the

Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

To nudge the position of tracks on D-Command in Custom Fade rs:

 Hold the Bank/Cycle switch in the Custom Faders section

and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

Trim Switch

The Trim switch places the transport in Trim/Scrub mode, which lets you scrub to locate an edit point, then trim to that point.

To use Trim/Scrub:

1 Navigate to a region or selection you want to trim.

2 Press the Trim switch.

To trim to the end of a selection, hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while pressing the Trim switch.

The Shuttle switch places the transport in Shuttle mode, which lets you locate the cursor in the Edit window.

To use Shuttle mode:

1 While Pro Tools is stopped, press the Shuttle switch.

2 Rotate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel clockwise to shuttle forward,

or counter-clockwise to shuttle backward.

3 To exit, press the Shuttle switch again.

Scrub, Trim/Scrub and Shuttle modes can be used to create selections and define regions in the Pro Tools Edit window.

Master Record Enable Switch

Master Record Mode switch

The Master Record Enable switch toggles record enable status for all applicable audio tracks in a session. This switch flashes when channels are record-enabled and the Pro Tools transport is stopped, and lights continuously during recording.

If any tracks in the session are record-enabled, pressing the Master Record Enable switch takes them out of their enabled state. If no channels are record-enabled, pressing the Master Record Enable switch places all applicable audio tracks into record-enabled state.

3 Press the Scrub switch.

4 Rotate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel to move the cursor to the

trim location.

5 To trim to the cursor location, press the Trim switch again.

To cancel without trimming, press Escape.

Scrub Switch

The Scrub switch places the transport in Scrub mode, which lets you scrub from the cursor position or across a selection.

To use Scrub mode:

1 While Pro Tools is stopped, press the Scrub switch.

2 Rotate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel clockwise to scrub audio for-

ward, or counter-clockwise to scrub audio backward.

3 To exit, press the Scrub switch again.

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls 69

Transport Mode Switches

Pro Tools Online

switch

9-Pin Remote

switch

Loop Playback

switch

Machine Online

switch

TrackPunch

switch

QuickPunch

switch

Audition

switch

Pre-Roll

switch

Mark In

switch

Mark Out

switch

Post-Roll

switch

Audition Switches

The Transport Mode switches are used to put the Pro Tools transport in the various playback and record modes.

Transport Mode switches

Pro Tools Online Switch

The Pro Tools Online switch toggles the Pro Tools online state. The online state is mirrored in the Online button in the Pro Tools Transport window.

While Pro Tools is online and waiting for time code, this switch flashes. When time code is received, this switch lights continuously.

9-Pin Remote Switch

The Audition switches are used to activate pre-roll and post-roll in playback, define selection in and out points, and trigger automatic playback of ranges

Audition switches

Audition Switch

The Audition switch toggles Audition mode on and off. When Audition mode is on, this switch lights.

When Audition mode is on, you can quickly listen to either the start or end of a selection, with or without pre-roll or post-roll, by pressing the following switches:

Pre-Roll Switch Plays audio starting at the pre-roll point up to the beginning of the selection.

With Digidesign MachineControl, the 9-Pin Remote switch enables 9-pin Remote Deck Emulation mode.

Machine Online Switch

WIth Digidesign Machine Control, the Machine Online switch toggles the state of the Pro Tools transport between “Transport = Pro Tools” and “Transport = Machine” (in Serial Deck Control mode) or between “Transport = Pro Tools” and “Transport = Remote” (in Remote mode).

Loop Playback Switch

The Loop Playback switch toggles Loop Playback mode in Pro Tools. When Loop Playback mode is active, this switch lights. The Loop Playback state is mirrored in the Play button in the Pro Tools Transport window.

QuickPunch Switch

The QuickPunch switch toggles QuickPunch record mode in Pro Tools. When QuickPunch mode is active, this switch lights. The QuickPunch state is mirrored in the Record button in the Pro Tools Transport window.

Mark In Switch Plays audio starting at the selection start through the length of the post-roll amount.

Mark Out Switch Plays audio back-timed from the selection end by the pre-roll amount.

Post-Roll Switch Plays audio starting at the end of a selection through the post-roll amount.

Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Switches

When Audition mode is off, the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll switches toggle pre-roll and post-roll playback on and off in Pro Tools. When pre-roll or post-roll is active, the corresponding switch lights.

When Audition mode is on, the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll switches play a range of audio around the current Edit selection.

TrackPunch Switch

The TrackPunch switch toggles TrackPunch record mode in Pro Tools. When TrackPunch mode is active, this switch lights. The TrackPunch state is mirrored in the Record button in the Pro Tools Transport window.

D-Command Guide70

Mark In and Mark Out Switches

Go To Start

switch

Go To End

switch

Back

switch

Back & Play

switch

Instant

Playback

switch

Back Switch

When Audition mode is off, the Mark In and Mark Out switches are used to define selection start and end during playback, or when using the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

When Audition mode is on, the Mark In and Mark Out switches play a range of audio around the current Edit selection.

To move the selection start:

With the transport stopped, hold the Mark In switch and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

To move the selection end:

With the transport stopped, hold the Mark In switch and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

To move the entire selection:

With the transport stopped, hold both the Mark In and Mark Out switches and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

Locate Switches

The Locate switches move the Pro Tools transport to the designated location.

The Back switch stops the Transport (if it is moving) and moves the playback cursor back (earlier in time) by the amount of time selected in Back settings pop-up in Pro Tools. You can also click repeatedly to move back multiple times.

Forward Mode

Forward mode can be invoked by pressing Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac), and pressing the Back switch.

Back & Play Switch

The Back and Play switch combines the function of the Back switch and the Transport Play switch. The playback cursor moves back by the amount of time selected in the Back settings preference in Pro Tools.

If pre-roll is enabled, the pre-roll time will be observed in addition to the Back time if pre-roll is enabled.

Forward & Play Mode

Forward & Play mode can be invoked by doing the following:

To move the playback location forward and begin playback:

 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and press the Back and

Play switch in the Transport section.

Locate switches

Go To Start Switch

The Go To Start switch returns the playback cursor to the beginning of the session.

Go to End Switch

The Go To End switch moves the playback cursor to the end of the session.

Instant Playback

The Instant Playback switch primes Pro Tools for playback, so that pressing Play will begin playback instantaneously. This switch can also be used during recording to put Pro Tools in Record Pause mode.

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls 71

Zoom/Navigate Section

Zoom Mode

Navigate Mode

Arrow

switches

switch

Zoom Preset switches

Nudge Left and Right switches

Bank Left and Right switches

The Zoom/Navigate section is used to control navigation, display, and selections in the Pro Tools Edit window.

D-Command Zoom/Navigate Section

Zoom Mode Switch

The Zoom Mode switch puts the arrow switches in Zoom mode.

Zoom Preset Switches

The Zoom Preset switches recall the five horizontal Zoom presets in Pro Tools.

To store a Zoom Preset:

1 Using either the Horizontal Zoom buttons or the Zoomer

tool, set the zoom level that you want to store.

2 While pressing Control (Windows) or Command (Mac),

press a Zoom Preset switch.

To recall a Zoom Preset:

 Press the corresponding Zoom preset switch.

Nudge/Bank Section

The Nudge/Bank section controls the display of any channels in Normal mode on the D-Command surface. If any channels are in any of the Custom Fader modes, they are not affected by Bank or Nudge commands, and the other channels move around them.

Navigate Mode Switch

The Navigate Mode switch puts the arrow switches in Navigate mode.

Arrow Switches (Up, Down, Previous, Next)

The function of the Arrow switches depends on the current mode.

Zoom Mode When set to Zoom Mode, the Up and Down Arrow switches change the vertical zoom and the Previous (Left) and Next (Right) Arrow switches change the horizontal zoom.

Navigate Mode In Navigate mode, the Up and Down Arrow switches move the edit cursor up and down among tracks, and the Previous (Left) and Next (Right) Arrow switches move the edit cursor left and right among region boundaries or transients (according to the Tab to Transients setting).

Tex t Entr y In both Zoom or Navigate modes, the Arrow switches can be also used to navigate on-screen text fields and enter numerical values in the on-screen Main and Sub Counters, Start/End/Length fields, and Pre/Post Roll fields in the Edit and Transport windows. The Previous (Left) and Next (Right) Arrow switches move between fields, and the Up and Down Arrow switches change the value.

D-Command Nudge/Bank Section

Nudge Switches

The Nudge switches move the display of tracks on the control surface to the left or right, one channel at a time.

To nudge the track focus forward or backward by one channel:

 With a track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, hold Con-

trol (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the left or right Nudge switch.

Bank Switches

The Bank switches move the display of tracks on the controls surface to the left or right by the number of available channels on the control surface.

To nudge the track focus forward or backward by eight channels:

 With a track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, hold Con-

trol (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the left or right Bank switch.

D-Command Guide72

Chapter 9: Management Sections

Transport switch

Edit switch

Mic Pre switch

Pan switch

Plug-in switch

MIDI Event List switch

Workspace Browser switch

Memory Locations switch

Mix switch

Window Management Section

The Window Management section includes controls for opening and closing Pro Tools windows on-screen. When a window is open, its corresponding switch is lit.

D-Command Window Management section

Workspace Browser Switch

The Workspace Browser switch opens and closes the DigiBase Workspace Browser. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and press this switch to close all DigiBase windows.

MIDI Event List Switch

The MIDI Event List switch opens and closes the MIDI Event List or brings it to the front.

Mic Pre Switch

The Mic Pre switch opens and closes the Mic Pre window for the focused track.

Memory Locations Switch

The Memory Locations Switch opens and closes the Memory Locations window

Transport Switch

The Transport switch opens and closes the Transport window

Pan Switch

The Pan switch opens and closes the Pan window for the focused track. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) to close all Pan windows.

Mix Switch

The Mix switch opens the Mix Window or brings it to the front.

Edit Switch

The Edit switch opens the Edit Window or brings it to the front.

Plug-in Switch

The Plug-in switch opens and closes windows for any currently targeted plug-ins in the session. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) to close all plug-in windows.

Chapter 9: Management Sections 73

Session Management Section

All Notes Off

switch

Redo

switch

Undo

switch

Clear Clip

switch

Publish

switch

Save

switch

Plug-in Clip

indicator

Go To switch

The Session Management section includes controls for session-wide management and save operations.

D-Command Session Management section

Go To Switch

The Go To switch is used to focus a specific track onto the Focus Channel section on the Main Unit.

To go to a specific track:

1 Press the Go To switch.

2 Enter the track position number for the track and press En-

ter.

Clear Clip Switch and Plug-in Clip Indicator

D-Command indicates occurrences of signal clipping on audio tracks, sends, and plug-ins. (Clip indication on D-Command follows the clip settings in the Pro Tools Display preferences.)

The Clear Clip switch lights if a clip occurs on an audio track or on a send anywhere in the session. The Plug-in Clip indicator lights if a clip occurs on a plug-in anywhere in the session. In addition, D-Command shows clipping with the following indicators:

• If an audio track clips, the meter clip LED for the clipping channel’s lights red.

• If a send clips, the Send switch flashes in the Channel Strip Mode controls section. In addition, if one of the encoders on the channel strip is controlling the clipping send, the corresponding encoder clip LED lights red.

• If a plug-in clips, the Insert switch flashes in the Channel Strip Mode controls section. In addition, if one of the encoders on the channel strip is displaying the clipping plug-in, the corresponding encoder clip LED lights red.

All Notes Off Switch

The All Notes Off switch can be used to silence stuck notes with MIDI devices. It sends an All Notes Off message to each channel for all connected MIDI devices.

Publish Switch

The Publish switch executes the Send Session Via DigiDelivery command in Pro Tools, opening the Send To DigiDelivery dialog on-screen.

Save Switch

The Save switch executes the Save Session command in Pro Tools. Whenever a change is made in a session and the Save command is available, this switch lights.

To save the current session:

1 Press the Save switch. The switch flashes, prompting confir-

mation of the Save command.

2 Do one of the following:

• To confirm the Save command, press the Save switch again.

– or –

• To cancel the Save command, press Escape.

Redo Switch

The Redo switch executes the Redo command in Pro Tools.

Undo Switch

The Undo switch executes the Undo command in Pro Tools.

Pressing the Clear Clip switch clears all clip indicators on D-Command, and in the Pro Tools session.

D-Command Guide74

Soft Keys Section

Audio Files switch

Management

controls

Show/Hide switch

Utility

switch

Soft Key switches and displays

Edit

controls

Track S iz e switches

Automation

controls

Memory/MIDI

controls

Console Preference

controls

The Soft Keys section provides access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from the control surface. It also provides access to preferences and settings specific to D-Command. The section consists of six variable-function soft keys and displays, along with a matrix of mode switches that change the functions shown in the displays. When a function is shown in a Soft Key display, pressing the corresponding Soft Key switch activates that function.

Some controls invoke multiple pages of Soft Key functions. To cycle through multiple pages of the same control, repeatedly press the control switch.

D-Command Soft Keys section

Default Soft Key Display

When a session is first opened, the Soft Key displays show basic information about the session:

•Session Name

• Bit: Session Bit Depth

• Sampl: Session Sample Rate

• File: Session File Type

• Tcode: Session Time Code Rate

• Delay Compensation On/Off Status

Delay Compensation can be toggled on and off from this display. The other settings shown above cannot be changed from the Soft Keys section.

Soft Keys Display with Pro Tools Dialogs

When Pro Tools has a dialog on-screen, the two lower Soft Keys temporarily display “Escape” and “Enter,” letting you cancel or confirm the dialog from the control surface.

Exiting from Soft Key Modes

You can exit a Soft Key mode and return to the top level Soft Key display by holding Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and pressing the currently lit Soft Key switch.

Chapter 9: Management Sections 75

Management Controls

Snapshot

switch

Group

switch

Tr ac k

switch

Playlist switch

Window

switch

Management controls

Snapshot Switch

The Snapshot switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

•Captre: Capture

• Punch Captre: Punch Capture

• Snap 1–4: Snapshots 1–4

Pages 2–12

• Snap 5–48: Snapshots 5–48 (in groups of 4)

Group Switch

The Group switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Create Edit: Create Edit Groups

• Create Mix: Create Mix Groups

• Create Both: Create Mix and Edit Groups

• Suspnd: Suspend Groups

• Modify: Modify Groups

Window Switch

The Window switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Auto Enabls: Window > Automation Enable

• Track Arm > Track Arming

• Beat Det: Event > Beat Detective

• Session Setup: Setup > Session

• Tasks: Window > Task Manager

• Projct Browser: Window > Project Browser

Page 2

• Color Pallet: Window > Color Palette

• Big Countr: Window > Big Counter

• Undo Histry: Window > Undo History

• Disk Space: Window > Disk Space

• Video Window: Window > Video

• System Usage: Window > System Usage

Page 3

• I/O Setup: Setup > I/O

• HW Setup: Setup > Hardware

• PB Engine: Setup > Playback Engine

• Disk Alloc: Setup > Disk Allocation

• Preferences: Setup > Preferences

• Peripherals: Setup > Peripherals

Page 2

• Preset 1-6: Recall Group Presets 1-6

Track Switch

The Track switch displays the following commands:

• N ew Trac k: Track > New

• Dup Track: Track > Duplicate

• Delete Selectd: Track > Delete

• Make Act/In: Track > Make Active/Inactive

• Bounce: File > Bounce To > Disk

Playlist Switch

The Playlist switch displays the following playlist commands:

• New: New Playlist

• Duplicate: Duplicate Playlist

• Delete Audio: Delete Unused Audio Playlists

• Delete MIDI: Delete Unused MIDI Playlists

D-Command Guide76

Edit Controls

Function 1

switch

Function 2

switch

Function 3

switch

Modes switch

Too ls

switch

Edit controls

Edit Function 1 Switch (Basic Edit Commands)

The Edit Function 1 switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

•Cut: Edit > Cut

• Copy: Edit > Copy

• Paste: Edit > Paste

• Clear: Edit > Clear

• TCE To TLSel: Edit > TCE Edit to Timeline Selection

Page 2

• CutSP AllAut: Edit > Cut Special > All Automation

• CopySP AllAut: Edit > Copy Special > All Automation

• CutSP PanAut: Edit > Cut Special > Pan Automation

• CopySP PanAut: Edit > Copy Special > Pan Automation

• CutSP PI Aut: Edit > Cut Special > Plug-in Automation

• CopySP PI Aut: Edit > Copy Special > Plug-in Automation

Page 3

• PsteSP Merge: Edit > Paste Special > Merge

• ClrSP AllAut: Edit > Clear Special > All Automation

• PsteSP RepFil: Edit > Paste Special > Repeat to Fill Selection

• ClrSP PanAut: Edit > Clear Special > Pan Automation

• PsteSP ToCurr: Edit > Paste Special > To Current Automation Type

• ClrSP PI Aut: Edit > Clear Special > Plug-in Automation

Page 2

• SendTo Back: Region > Send to Back

• SendTo Front: Region > Bring to Front

• Group Region: Region > Group

• Ungrp Region: Region > Ungroup

• Ungrp All: Region > Ungroup All

• Regrp Region: Region > Regroup

Edit Function 3 Switch (Manipulation Commands)

The Edit Function 3 switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Duplicate: Edit > Duplicate

•Repeat: Edit > Repeat

• Shift: Edit > Shift

• Insert Silnce: Edit > Insert Silence

• Lock Region: Region > Lock/Unlock

• Mute Region: Region > Mute/Unmute

Page 2

• Loop Region: Region > Loop Region

• Unloop Region: Region > Unloop Region

• ID/Rem SyncPT: Region > Identify/Remove Sync Point

• Rename Rgns: Region > Rename Regions

• Quantz ToGrid: Region > Quantize to Grid

• RgnDrop: Region List > Timeline Drop Order > L to R/Top to Bottom

Edit Modes Switch

The Edit Modes switch displays the Pro Tools Edit modes:

• Shuffl: Shuffle Mode

•Spot: Spot Mode

• Slip: Slip Mode

• Grid Rel: Relative Grid Mode

• Grid Abs: Absolute Grid Mode

Edit Function 2 Switch

The Edit Function 2 switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Trim to Sel: Edit > Trim > To Selection

• Cpture Region: Edit > Capture Region

• Seprte: Edit > Separate Region

• Heal Seprtn: Edit > Heal Separation

• Consolidate: Edit > Consolidate Selection

• Time Stamp: Audio Regions List > Time Stamp Selected

Edit Tools Switch

The Edit Tool Tools switch displays the Pro Tools Edit Tools. To cycle through multiple versions of the same tool, repeatedly press the corresponding Soft Key.

• Zoom: Normal/Single Zoomer tools

• Trim: Standard/Scrub/TCE Trimmer tools

• Select: Selector tool

• Grabbr: Time/Separation/Object Grabber tools

•Scrubber tool

• Pencil: Square, Random, Free, Line, Triangle, Arc, S-Curve

To select the Smart Tool, press any two buttons for the Trimmer, Selector or Grabber simultaneously.

Chapter 9: Management Sections 77

Memory/MIDI Controls

Memory Location

switch

MIDI

switch

Memory/MIDI controls

Memory Location Switch

The Memory Location switch (“Mem Loc”) displays the names of Memory Locations in pages of six. The Soft Key display is paged by repeatedly pressing the Memory Location switch in the Soft Keys section. To page backwards, hold Shift while pressing the Memory Location switch.

MIDI Switch

The MIDI switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Wait Note: Transport Window > Wait for Note button

• Count Off: Transport Window > Countoff button

• Merge Record: Transport Window > MIDI Merge button

• Transpose: Event > MIDI > Transpose

• Veloc: Event > MIDI > Change Velocity

• Click On/Off: Options > Click

Page 2

• Change Tempo: Change Tempo window

• Change Meter: Change Meter window

• Split Notes: Event > MIDI > Split Notes

• Select Notes: Event > MIDI > Select Notes

• Quantz: Event > MIDI > Grid/Groove Quantize

• Input Quantz: Event > MIDI > Input Quantize

Page 3

•Write RTProp: Track > Write MIDI Real Time Properties

• Remove DpNote: Event > Remove Duplicate Notes

Audio Files Switch

The Audio Files switch displays the following commands for importing and exporting data into Pro Tools:

Open Recent Session Commands

When no session is open, the Audio Files switch displays the names of the ten most recent Pro Tools sessions in its display pages 1 and 2.

When a session is open, the Audio Files switch displays the names of the ten most recent Pro Tools sessions in the first two pages in its display pages 3 and 4.

To open a recent session:

1 In the Soft Keys section, press the Audio Files switch repeat-

edly until the session name is displayed in the Soft Keys.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the session name.

Audio Files Switch (Page 1)

• Import Audio: File > Import > Audio

• Import MIDI: File > Import > MIDI

• Import SesDat: File > Import > Session Data

• Import RgnGrp: File > Import > Region Groups

• Import Video: File > Import > Video

Audio Files Switch (Page 2)

• Export Region: Region List Menu > Export Regions as Files

• Export MIDI: File > Export > MIDI

• Export OMFAAF: File > Export > Selected Tracks as New AAF/OMF

• Export Text: File > Export > Session Info As Text

Audio Files Switch (Page 3 and 4)

• Recent Sessns: Open recent sessions (listed by name)

Show/Hide Switch

The Show/Hide switch displays commands from the Show/Hide Tracks List menu.

Show/Hide Switch (Page 1)

• Show All: Show All Tracks

• Hide All: Hide All Tracks

• Show Selctd: Show Only Selected Tracks

• Hide Selctd: Hide Only Selected Tracks

• Show Inactv: Show Only Inactive Tracks

• Hide Inactv: Hide Only Inactive Tracks

Show/Hide Switch (Page 2)

• Show Audio: Show Only Audio Tracks

• Hide Audio: Hide Only Audio Tracks

• Show Aux: Show Only Auxiliary Inputs

• Hide Aux: Hide Only Auxiliary Inputs

• Show MIDI: Show Only MIDI Tracks

• Hide MIDI: Hide Only MIDI Tracks

Show/Hide Switch (Page 3)

• Show Instmt: Show Only Instrument Tracks

• Hide Instmt: Hide Only Instrument Tracks

• Show VCA: Show Only VCA Master Tracks

• Hide VCA: Hide Only VCA Master Tracks

You can select multiple Show/Hide categories by holding Shift while pressing the corresponding Soft Key.

D-Command Guide78

Console Preferences

User

switch

Operation

switch

Meter

switch

Console Preferences

The Console Preference switches control D-Command preferences only, and do not affect the Pro Tools on-screen display.

RefLvl (Reference Level) Lets you change the D-Command meter display to help monitor program material with respect to different reference levels.

Operation Switch

The Operation switch controls operations specific to D-Command, and does not affect the Pro Tools on-screen display. For details on setting preferences, see “Setting D-Command Preferences” on page 24.

The Operation switch has three pages of Soft Key functions.

User Switch

The User switch displays a user-configurable, custom set of Soft Keys, chosen from any of the other Soft Key displays. To cycle through both pages of User Soft Key selections, repeatedly press the User switch.

To add a Soft Key command to a User Soft Key selection:

1 In the Soft Keys section, press the User switch repeatedly to

display the page (Page 1 or Page 2) where you want to add the operation.

2 Press the Soft Keys to display the page containing the oper-

ation you want to add.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Soft Key for the operation.

To remove a Soft Key command from the User Soft Key selection:

1 Press the User switch repeatedly to display the operation

you want to remove.

2 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Soft Key for the User operation.

Meter Switch

Operation Switch (Page 1)

BnkJus (Bank Justification) Determines whether banks of

channels in Normal mode are justified at the left, left center (to the left of the Main Unit), right center, (to the right of the Main Unit) or right side of the control surface.

CF Jus (Custom Fader Justification) Determines whether channels in Custom Fader mode are placed at the left, center-left, center-right, or right side of the control surface.

Rotary (Rotar y Encoder Mode) Determines responsiveness of rotary encoder knobs. Fixed mode is at normal resolution. The velocity modes set different rates of encoder acceleration. In Fine mode, response is fixed and at fine resolution.

Encod (Encoder Order) Determines whether inserts, sends, and pan controls will be displayed in order from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top on D-Command rotary encoders.

PIDef (Plug-in View Definition) Determines the view of plug-in parameters in the Custom Fader section (Name view, Expanded view, or Fader view).

FCStrp (Focus Channel Strip) Determines whether focusing a channel in the Focus Channel section also places a duplicate of the focused channel in the channel strip to the immediate left of the Global Controls section.

The Meter switch displays the following D-Command meter preferences:

SndMtr (Send Meters) Toggles send metering on channel rotary encoders on and off.

InsMtr (Insert Meters) Toggles plug-in metering on channel rotary encoders on and off.

VCAMtr (VCA Meters) Toggles metering of VCA slaves on channel rotary encoders on and off.

Meters Toggles channel metering between pre- and post-fader modes.

CtrMtr (Center Meters) Toggles the 8-channel meter display on the Main Unit meter bridge between main output levels and the focused track.

When Focus Channel Strip is enabled, all controls and modes are linked. You can, however, use four encoders simultaneously by using the Page Up or Page Down switches to bring a different set of sends or inserts to the duplicate channel’s encoders.

Operation Switch (Page 2)

CFPIug (CF Bank Size for Plug-ins) Determines the number of

channels allocated for Custom Fader Plug-in mode.

CFGrp (CF Bank Size for Custom and Mix/Edit Groups) Determines the number of channels allocated for Custom Groups mode.

CFTyp (CF Bank Size for Track Type) Determines the number of channels allocated for Custom Fader Tracks mode.

Chapter 9: Management Sections 79

ApTrgt (Target Track from Application) Determines whether se-

AutoMatch

switch

Join

switch

Actions

switch

Modes switch

lecting an Insert or Send on-screen focuses its track on the D-Command Main Unit.

ChanWn (Channel Window Display) Determines whether displaying plug-in or send pan parameters (by pressing an encoder Select switch) on D-Command opens the corresponding plug-in or send window on-screen in Pro Tools. Also determines whether the Channel Select switches (in the Dynamics or EQ sections) change the channel display of multi-mono plug-ins.

 When this preference is set to “Yes,” the on-screen display

of plug-in and send windows changes to reflect the state of the control surface.

 When this preference is set to “No,” the on-screen display of

plug-in and send windows does not change to reflect the state of the control surface.

Import PIMaps (Import Plug-in Maps) Opens “Choose a mapping file” dialog in Pro Tools.

Export PIMaps (Export Plug-in Maps) Opens “Save Plug-in Mapping As” dialog in Pro Tools.

For more information about importing and exporting plug-in maps, see “Exporting and Importing .pim Files” on page 107.

Trk/Ed (Link Track and Edit Selection) Toggles the Options > Link Track and Edit Selection option, which automatically selects a track or range of tracks when a selection is made in the track’s timeline.

The duplicate Focus Channel strip is not available when D-Command is in a Custom Fader mode.

Operation Switch (Page 4)

Import PIMaps (Import Plug-in Maps) Opens “Choose a map-

ping file” dialog in Pro Tools.

Export PIMaps (Export Plug-in Maps) Opens “Save Plug-in Mapping As” dialog in Pro Tools.

Faders (Faders On/Off) Turns off D-Command faders to prevent fader movement when monitoring a mix.

FilBnk (Always Fill Channel Strips When Banking) Toggles the preference setting that maximizes the number of channels displayed in Normal mode when banking. When selected, banking follows end stop behavior.

FillCF (Always Fill Custom Faders When Banking) Toggles the preference setting that maximizes the number of channels displayed in Custom Faders when banking. When selected, banking follows end stop behavior.

Select (Select Switch Latch Mode) Determines whether channel Select buttons follow latching or exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior when in Select mode.

Operation Switch (Page 3)

SoloFc (Focused Track Follows Solo) Determines whether a so-

loed track is automatically focused in the Focus Channel section (this function works in both Select and Focus modes)

TchVal (Touch Display of Parameter Values On/Off) Turns off the display of parameter values when faders or encoders are touched.

Brdcst (Broadcast) Determines whether the XMON monitoring system is in Broadcast mode, which prevents AFL and PFL solo modes from changing the XMON Control Room Input source.

2KbPan (Two-Knob Panning) Toggles linking of front and rear pan controls in surround panner windows to facilitate left-right motion in the surround field.

CFTrks (Custom Faders Display Hidden Tracks) Determines whether tracks that are hidden in Pro Tools are displayed or hidden in Custom Fader modes. Tracks that are hidden in Pro Tools but shown in Custom Faders cannot be Selected or Record enabled.

Automation Controls

Automation controls

AutoMatch Switch

The AutoMatch switch enables AutoMatch command in Latch or Write automation modes.

Join Switch

The Join switch is used to manually resume writing automation on all channels that were previously writing automation after an automation pass is interrupted.

D-Command Guide80

Actions Switch

Actions Switch (Page 3)

The Actions switch displays the following commands:

Actions Switch (Page 1)

Prview (Preview) Puts Pro Tools in Preview mode

Punch Prview (Punch Preview) Executes the Punch Preview

command

Prview Suspnd (Preview Suspend) Suspends Preview mode

Captre (Capture) Executes the Capture command

Punch Captre (Punch Capture) Executes the Punch Capture

command

See “Previewing Automation” on page 108 and “Capturing and Recalling Automation” on page 108 for more information on these commands.

Actions Switch (Page 2)

Wrt To Start (Write To Start) Writes current automation val-

ues from the insertion point backward to the beginning of a selection or track while performing an automation pass.

Wrt To Punch (Write To Punch Point) Writes current automation values back to the point where writing of automation began

Copy To Send Opens the Copy To Send dialog to allow copying of track control values to each selected track’s send (Edit > Automation > Copy To Send).

Thin Auto (Thin Automation) Performs the Thin Automation command. (Edt > Automation > Thin).

Colesc VCAAtm (Coalesce VCA Automation) Executes the Track > Coalesce VCA Master Automation command

Colesc TrmAtm (Coalesce Trim Automation) Executes the Track > Coalesce Trim Automation Command

Clear TrmAtm (Clear Trim Automation) Executes the Track > Clear Trim Automation Command

Suspend TrmAtm (Suspend Trim Automation) Temporarily suspends Trim automation to allow auditioning of Trim moves

Wrt To All (Write to All) Writes current automation values to an entire selection or track while performing an automation pass.

Wrt To End (Write to End) Writes current automation values from the insertion point forward to the end of a selection or track while performing an automation pass.

Wrt To Next (Write to Next Breakpoint) Writes current automation values from the insertion point forward to the next automation breakpoint while performing an automation pass.

Snap Back Causes all Latch or Write enabled tracks to exit their current automation pass and return instantly to the previously written automation levels. During playback, this command stops writing of automation without applying any AutoMatch ramping.

Chapter 9: Management Sections 81

Modes Switch

Modes Switch (Page 2)

The Modes switch displays the following D-Command Modes:

Modes Switch (Page 1)

AWrtTo Start (Auto Write to Star t on Stop) Automatically

writes current automation values from the insertion point backward to the beginning of a selection or track when the transport is stopped after an automation pass.

By default, Automatic Write to Start on Stop mode is enabled for a single automation pass only. To configure the mode to remain enabled after an automation pass, hold Start+Alt (Windows) or Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the AWrtTo Strt switch.

AWrtTo Punch (Auto Write to Punch Point on Stop) Writes current automation values back to where the current automation pass began.

By default, Automatic Write to Punch Point on Stop mode is enabled for a single automation pass only. To configure the mode to remain enabled after an automation pass, hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while pressing the AWrtTo Punch switch.

AWrtTo All (Auto Write to All on Stop) Writes current automation values to an entire selection or track when the transport is stopped after an automation pass.

By default, Automatic Write to All on Stop mode is enabled for a single automation pass only. To configure the mode to remain enabled after an automation pass, hold Start+Alt (Windows) or Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the AWrtTo All switch.

AWrtTo End (Auto Write to End on Stop) Writes current automation values from the insertion point forward to the end of a selection or track when the transport is stopped after an automation pass.

By default, Automatic Write to End on Stop mode is enabled for a single automation pass only. To configure the mode to remain enabled after an automation pass, hold Start+Alt (Windows) or Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the AWrtTo End switch.

AWrtTo Next (Auto Write to Next Breakpoint on Stop) Writes current automation values from the insertion point forward to the next automation breakpoint when the transport is stopped after an automation pass.

Automatic Write to Next Breakpoint on Stop remains enabled after each automation pass, until you disable it by pressing the lit AWrtTo Next switch.

Wrt To Currnt (Write To Current Parameter) Writes the current control value to the currently displayed automation parameter (Edit > Automation > Write To Current).

Wrt To All Ena (Write To All Enabled Parameters) Writes current control values to all enabled automation parameters (Edit > Automation > Write To All Enabled).

Trm To Currnt (Trim To Current Parameter) Applies the current trim value to the currently displayed automation parameter (Edit > Automation > Trim To Current).

Trm To AllEna (Trim To All Enabled Parameters) Applies current trim values to all enabled automation parameters (Edit > Automation > Trim To All Enabled).

Gld To Currnt (Glide To Current Parameter) Applies a transition between automation values to the currently displayed automation parameter (Edit > Automation > Glide To Current).

Gld To AllEna (Glide To All Enabled Parameters) Applies a transition between automation values to all enabled automation parameters (Edit > Automation > Glide To All Enabled).

Modes Switch (Page 3)

Match Time (AutoMatch Time) Lets you use the Scrub/Shuttle

wheel to set AutoMatch time, the amount of time it takes for automation values to return to the previously written values after an automation pass stops.

Glide Time (AutoGlide Time) Lets you use the Scrub/Shuttle wheel to set AutoGlide time, the amount of time it takes for surround pan values to move between two points in an automation pass performed with the optional Surround panner.

LchStp (Allow Latch Prime in Stop) Toggles the Allow Latch Prime in Stop preference, which allows tracks in Latch mode to be primed for writing automation while the transport is stopped. When a track in Latch mode is primed for writing automation, its Latch mode indicator flashes.

PlgAut (Plug-In Controls Default to Auto-Enabled) Toggles the preference that enables plug-in controls automatically when they are added to a track

AutCls (Coalesce when Removing Slaves from VCA Group) Toggles the preference that automatically coalesces automation to slave track when they are removed from a VCA-controlled group

TrmCols (Coalesce Trim Automation) Sets the preference that determines when Trim automation is coalesced (After Every Pass, On Exiting Trim Mode, or Manually)

Auto Join Auto Join is used in Latch mode to automatically resume writing of automation after the transport is stopped and started again during an automation pass.

D-Command Guide82

Modes Switch (Page 4)

Tra ck Si ze Up switch

Track Size Down switch

MmtTch (Latching Behavior for Switched Controls in Touch)

Toggles the preference that determines the behavior of switched controls in Touch mode.

Utility Switch

StdVCA (Standard VCA Logic for Group Attributes) Toggles the preference that disables normal group linking behavior when a VCA is assigned to a group

WrtWrn (Suppress Automation “Write To” Warnings Toggles the preference that suppresses dialogs after invoking the Write To Start/End/All commands

PanLnk (Use Absolute Pan Linking) Toggles the preference that determines the behavior of pan controls in grouped tracks

SndTrm (Include Sends in Trim Mode) Toggles the preference that determines whether Send Faders go into Trim mode along with Main Volume

CtlUnd (Include Control Changes in Undo Queue) Toggles the preference that determines whether mixer changes appear in the Undo queue

Utility switch

The Utility switch places the D-Command in Utility mode. When D-Command is in Utility mode, this switch flashes.

Utility mode lets you view D-Command system information, name D-Command units, run D-Command diagnostic tests, and set certain D-Command hardware preferences. For complete information on Utility mode, see Appendix A, “Utility Mode”

Track Size Switches

Track Size controls

The Track Size Up and Down switches increase and decrease the track height of all tracks where a selection or edit cursor is present.

Chapter 9: Management Sections 83

D-Command Guide84

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections

Output Channel Select

and Mode switches

Monitor

Mode

controls

Talkback/Listenback

controls

Input source switches

and Output controls

Cue

controls

Monitor Section Controls

The Monitor section includes a full set of controls for the control room monitoring, headphone/cue, and talkback/listenback sections of D-Command. All input and output connections to the D-Command monitoring system are made on the XMON interface, which is connected to the D-Command console with the XMON cable, and remotely controlled from this section.

D-Command Monitor section

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 85

Input Source Switches and Output Controls

Output Level control

Stereo Input switches

Output

controls

Mini Output On/Off switch

Main Output On/Off switch

Alt Output On/Off switch

Sum switch

Surround

Main switch

switch

Input source

switches

Input source switches and Output controls

Input Source Switches

The monitor system has five input sources:

• Main Inputs (6 channels)

• Surround Inputs (6 channels)

• Stereo 1 Inputs (2 channels)

• Stereo 2 Inputs (2 channels)

• Stereo 3 Inputs (2 channels)

These sources are selected by pressing their corresponding Input switches, which light when the source is activated.

Input Level Trim Mode

Each input source can be trimmed independently, to allow for setting of different reference levels or to compensate for differences in gain structure. Available trim values range from –20 dB to +10 dB in 0.5 dB steps.

To trim input levels:

1 Press and hold the Input Source Selector switch for the input

you want to trim, until the switch flashes.

2 Turn the Main Output Level encoder knob to set the trim

value. The monitor section display shows “Trim” and the trim value in dB.

3 Press the flashing Input Source Selector switch to exit Trim

mode.

D-Command Guide86

Sum Switch

In normal operation, the Input Source switches follow exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior, allowing only one source to be monitored at a time.

However, D-Command has a Sum mode that allows multiple input sources to be monitored at the same time. When Sum mode is on, multiple input source switches can be active.

Sum mode ignores any input trim values when it is active.

To add or remove inputs in Sum mode:

1 Press the Sum switch. The switch lights to indicate Sum

mode is on.

2 Press any number of Input Source switches to toggle their

corresponding inputs on or off. It is possible to turn all inputs off in this mode.

To exit Sum mode:

 Press the Sum switch again. Monitoring reverts to the input

that was selected when you entered Sum mode.

Output On/Off Switches

The monitor system has three outputs:

• Main Control Room Outputs (6 channels)

• Alt Control Room Outputs (6 channels)

• Mini Control Room Outputs (2 channels)

Only one output can be active at a time. The Output On/Off switches follow exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior. When you activate an output, its name and gain value (in dB) are shown in the monitor section display.

Output Level Control

The monitor system output section has a touch-sensitive rotary encoder for control of output level. When the encoder knob is touched, the monitor section display shows the current level in dB. Gain ranges from a minimum of –INF to a maximum of +10 dB, in 1 dB steps.

Output Level Trim Mode

Each output level control can be trimmed independently, to allow for setting of different reference levels or to compensate for differences in gain structure. Available trim values range from –20 dB to +10 dB, in 0.5 dB steps.

To trim output levels:

1 Press and hold the On/Off switch for the output you want to

trim, until the switch flashes.

2 Turn the encoder knob to set the trim value. The monitor

display shows the trim value in dB.

3 Press the flashing On/Off switch to exit Trim mode.

Headphone/Cue Controls

Studio Loudspeaker switch

AFL/PFL Level switch

Assign Talkback switch

Cue Input Source

switches

Headphones

switch

Set Source

switch

Cue Output On/Off switch

Cue Output

Level control

Cue controls

Cue Input Source Switches

The Headphone/Cue monitor system has three input sources:

• Cue 1 Input (2 channels)

• Cue 2 Input (2 channels)

• Main Monitor Input (2 channels)

The following table shows possible outputs for each input source. (Talkback can be added to each of the outputs.)

Input Possible Outputs

Cue 1 Cue 1, Headphone, Studio LS

Cue 2 Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS

Main Monitor Cue 1, Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS

To assign an input source to an output:

1 Press the switch for the output for which you want to assign

an input. The switch will light, and the Monitor LED display will show the currently selected source.

2 Press the Set Source switch repeatedly to cycle through the

available source choices.

Assign Talkback Switch

The Assign Talkback switch lets you add the talkback signal to any of the Headphone/Cue system outputs. The Assign Talkback switch lights to indicate that talkback is active for a given output.

Cue Output On/Off Switches

The Cue system has four available outputs:

• Cue 1 (2 channels)

• Cue 2 (2 channels)

• Headphone (2 channels)

• Studio Loudspeaker (2 channels)

The two Cue Outputs, Headphone Output, and Studio Loudspeaker Output can be active in any combination, including all on or all off.

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 87

Output Channel Select Controls

Channel Select switches

Solo/Mute switch and indicators

AFL and PFL switches

Set Up switch

Output Channel Select controls

Set Up Switch

Individual Output Trim Mode

Each output channel can be trimmed individually for each of the three control room outputs (Main, Alt, and Mini), allowing you adjust the channel balance for each set of control room speakers. Trim values are stored for each of the three outputs. Available trim values range from –30 dB to +10 dB, in

0.5 dB steps.

To trim the output level for an individual output channel:

1 Activate the control room output (Main, Alt, or Mini) whose

channel levels you want to trim.

2 Press and hold the Channel Select switch for the output

channel you want to trim, until the switch flashes.

The Set Up switch resets output trim levels to their default values.

Channel Select Switches

The Channel Select switches let you solo or mute individual channels of the Control Room outputs. The function of the Channel Select switches depends on the mode of the Solo/Mute switch.

• When the mode is set to Solo, each Channel Select switch solos the corresponding output channel.

• When the mode is set to Mute, each Channel Select switch mutes the corresponding output channel.

In both modes, the Channel Select switches follow latched behavior, allowing multiple outputs to be soloed or muted. The Channel Select switches light to indicate that they are active.

There are Channel Select switches for the following channels:

•L (Left)

•C (Center)

•R (Right)

•Ls (Left Surround)

•Rs(RightSurround)

•LFE

3 Turn the Output Level encoder to set the trim value for the

channel. The monitor display shows “Trim” and the trim value in dB.

4 Press the flashing Channel Select switch to exit Trim mode.

5 Repeat the above steps for each output channel and each set

of outputs (Main, Alt, or Mini) you want to trim.

Solo/Mute Switch and Indicators

The Solo/Mute switch toggles the function of the Channel Select switches between Solo and Mute modes. The indicators light to indicate which mode is active.

These choices support all possible channel configurations in Pro Tools. A maximum of six channels (5.1 surround) may be in use at any time.

D-Command Guide88

AFL and PFL Switches

Broadcast Mode for AFL and PFL Monitoring

The AFL and PFL switches invokes After Fader Listen and Pre Fader Listen Solo modes.

AFL and PFL modes send signal to a separate output path with independently adjustable levels for each mode. The XMON Control Room Input source is automatically changed to monitor the AFL/PFL input, unless you put D-Command in Broadcast mode (see “Broadcast Mode for AFL and PFL Monitoring” on page 89). This lets you monitor the soloed channels in the Main control room monitors (with Broadcast mode off) or in a dedicated solo monitoring system (with Broadcast mode on).

AFL and PFL Solo modes require the use of the Surround Mixer plug-in.

To select the Solo mode:

1 Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec-

tion to select the corresponding Solo mode.

Setting AFL and PFL Levels

Levels can be set separately for AFL and PFL modes from the D-Command Monitor section.

You can put the D-Command monitoring system in Broadcast mode, which prevents AFL and PFL solo modes from changing the XMON Control Room Input source. This lets you solo channels while preserving the main monitor mix.

You can then use the AFL/PFL path selector in the I/O Setup dialog to route the AFL/PFL solo signal from the Pro Tools audio interface to a separate set of speakers or headphones.

To put the XMON monitoring system in Broadcast mode:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Soft Key section.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Broadcast”

While in Broadcast mode, any channels soloed while in AFL or PFL are still sent to the AFL/PFL path, but XMON does not switch the Control Room Input source to monitor that path.

While in Broadcast mode, any channels soloed while in SIP mode will still cause all other tracks to be muted.

To set the AFL or PFL level:

1 Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec-

tion.

2 Turn the Cue output level control. The AFL/PFL level is

shown in the Monitor displays.

To set the AFL or PFL level to its default setting:

1 Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec-

tion.

2 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and touch the Cue

output level control.

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 89

Talkback/Listen System

External Talkback switch

Talkback/Listen Level control

Auto Talkback switch

Listen Mic Select switches

Internal Talkback

switch

Talkback switch

Control Room Output controls

Talkback Controls

The Talkback system has two talkback microphone inputs (one external, one built-in) both using the touch-sensitive rotary encoder for control of output volume. When either switch is lit, the monitor section display show the corresponding volume level in dB. Level control on each ranges from a minimum level of –INF to a maximum level of +30 dB.

Auto Talkback Switch

The Auto Talkback switch activates a mode in which the talkback and listen microphones are automatically turned on whenever the Pro Tools transport is not in Play or Record. When Auto Talkback is active, the Auto Talkback switch lights, and the Talkback switches flash.

While in Auto Talkback mode, you can temporarily disable and re-enable talkback, while staying in Auto Talkback mode.

To temporarily disable Talkback while in Auto Talkback mode:

 Press either of the flashing Talkback switches.

To re-enable talkback while in Auto Talkback mode:

 Double-press either Talkback switch so it flashes again.

Talkback Switch

The Talkback switch, located at the bottom of the Channel Strip Master section on the Main Unit, controls the D-Command Talkback function.

Talkback Level Control

When the External Talkback switch is lit, the Level control adjusts the volume for the external talkback microphone. When the encoder knob is touched, the monitor section display shows the level in dB.

The Talkback Level control also adjusts the volume of the built-in (Internal) microphone, located on the meter bridge of the D-Command Main Unit.

Talkback Dim Function

When Talkback is engaged, the Dim switch lights and the Dim function is automatically applied to the Main outputs. Any adjustment of the Dim level affects both the Talkback Dim function and the Control Room Output Dim function.

To set the Dim level:

1 Press and hold the Assign Talkback switch until the switch

flashes.

2 Turn the Cue Output Level encoder to set the Dim value.

The monitor section shows the Dim value in dB.

Talkback switch

The Talkback switch can follow momentary or latched behavior. If held, the switch is active only when pressed down.

If rapidly double-pressed, the switch latches on and flashes to indicate that talkback is active. Press the switch again to turn off talkback.

D-Command Guide90

Listen Control

Calibration Mode

switch

Dim switch

Mono switch

Mute switch

The Listen system has two selectable microphone inputs, both using the touch-sensitive rotary encoder for level control.

To calibrate Control Room outputs to display SPL:

1 Send the reference material to the Main Control Room Out-

puts, and set the output level in Pro Tools to your studio reference level (for example, –18 dBFS).

Listen Mic Select Switches

There are two Listen Mic Select switches for the external listen microphone inputs:

•Mic 1

•Mic 2

Either or both of these inputs can be active at any time. When one input is active, the encoder controls the level of that input independently. When both inputs are active, the encoder controls both levels simultaneously, maintaining any relative offset between the two.

Level control ranges from a minimum level of –INF to a maximum level of +30 dB.

Dim Level Control

The Dim Level control lets you adjust the amount of level reduction applied by the Dim switch, located at the bottom of the Monitor section. Level reduction ranges from –30 dB to 0dB, in 1dB steps.

When the Dim encoder knob is touched, the monitor section display shows “Dim” and the gain reduction in dB.

Monitor Output Mode Controls

2 Pan the signal to center (so that equal level is sent to all

Main Control Room Output speakers).

3 Set the speaker-to-speaker balance for all speakers in the sys-

tem using Output Trim mode for each channel, using the sound pressure level meter to measure SPL at the mix position. See “Individual Output Trim Mode” on page 88.

4 Solo the Center speaker, and adjust the Main Control Room

Output level encoder until the sound pressure level meter measures the target reference level (for example, 85 dB) at the mix position.

5 Press and hold the Calibration Mode switch until it flashes.

6 Adjust the Main Control Room Output level encoder until

the target reference level is displayed in the Monitor Section display.

7 Press the flashing Cal switch.

8 Repeat steps 4–7 for the Alt and Mini outputs.

To toggle the output display between dB and dB SPL:

1 Select the output whose display you want to toggle (Main,

Alt, or Mini).

2 Press the Calibration Mode switch.

 When the Calibration Mode switch is lit, output is displayed

in dB SPL.

 When the Calibration Mode switch is unlit, output is dis-

played in dB.

Monitor Output Mode controls

Calibration Mode Switch

The Calibration Mode switch invokes a mode that changes the output value displayed by the Monitor section display from gain (expressed in dB) to sound pressure level (expressed in dB SPL) for each of the control room outputs. This switch lights when an SPL value is shown for the active output.

To display output levels in dB SPL, you must first calibrate each output. This SPL calibration requires the use of a pink noise source (or other reference material) and a sound pressure level meter to measure the output of individual control room speakers.

Mono Switch

The Mono switch mixes the Left and Right signals of any of the output modes (any surround channels are not affected) to provide mono output, useful for checking phase and balance relationships. The Mono switch lights to indicate that it is active.

Mono Trim Mode

Mono output can be trimmed to adjust its reference level in comparison to other outputs. Available trim values range from –12dB to 0dB, in 0.5dB steps.

To trim mono output:

1 Press and hold the Mono switch until it flashes.

2 Turn Alt Output encoder knob to set the Mono trim value.

The monitor display shows “Trim” and the trim value in dB.

3 Press the flashing Mono switch to exit Trim mode.

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 91

Dim Switch

The Dim function applies an adjustable gain reduction to the Control Room outputs. This function affects all three output destinations. The Dim switch toggles the dim function on and off, and lights to indicate that it is active.

Mute Switch

The Mute switch toggles the mute state for all Control Room outputs. Mute operates globally on all three output destinations. The Mute switch lights to indicate that it is active.

If the Mute switch on the XMON interface front panel is activated, the Mute switch on D-Command must be used to unmute the monitor system. (Outputs cannot be unmuted from XMON front panel.)

D-Command Guide92

Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)

Channel Strip Meter displays

Time Scale display

Talkback Microphone

Time Scale display format indicators

Output Meter displays

Meter and Time Scale displays (Main Unit)

Meters

The Channel Strip Meter display features dual 32-segment LED bar graphs for each channel, and can display pre- or post-fader levels depending on the D-Command Meter Preferences setting. In Custom Fader mode, these meter displays can show plug-in input and output meters, gain reduction meters for dynamics plug-ins, and other parameters. The top LED is red and indicates clipping on the corresponding channel or parameter.

The Output Meter display includes eight 32-segment LED bar graphs with clip indication for displaying output levels or the level of the track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, depending on the D-Command Meter Preferences setting.

For details on setting meter preferences, see “Meter Preferences” on page 27.

Time Scale Displays

The Time Scale displays on the Main Unit mirrors the Main Time Scales in Pro Tools.

Time Scale Display Format Indicators

The indicators to the left of the Time Scale displays show the currently displayed format for both the Main Time Scale and the Sub Time Scale. Formats include:

• Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Milliseconds

• Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames

•Feet+Frames

• Bars|Beats

Talkback Microphone

The built-in D-Command talkback microphone is located between the Meters and the Time Scale display.

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 93

Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels

The Pro Tools Reference Level meter preference lets you change the D-Command meter display to help monitor program material with respect to different reference levels.

At each setting except 0 dB, a single LED lights continuously across the meter bridge at a fixed point to indicate that reference level. You can then compare the peaks of the program material to the indicated level.

The following reference level settings are available:

0dB This is the normal setting used for referencing material to a 0 dB (full code) reference level.

–14 dB This reference level setting lights a single LED at –14 dB across the meter bridge.

–18 dB This reference level setting lights a single LED at –18 dB across the meter bridge.

–20 dB This reference level setting lights a single LED at –20 dB across the meter bridge.

To set a D-Command meter reference level:

1 In the Soft Keys section, press the Meter switch.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “RefLvl” to cycle among the meter reference level settings.

3 Press the Meter switch to exit.

D-Command Guide94

Avid Technology Music Mixer 7.3 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command

D-Command System Components

D-Command Features

System Expansion Options

Operational Requirements

Connection Requirements

System Requirements

Mechanical Specifications

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview

D-Command Main Unit

D-Command Fader Module

D-Command XMON Interface

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module

Assembling an Expanded System

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command

D-Command Connections

Audio Connections

Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command

Starting Up and Shutting Down the System

Software Configuration

Setting D-Command Preferences

System Calibration

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls

Channel Strips

Global Controls Section

Miscellaneous Controls

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls

Plug-ins and D-Command

Dynamics Section

EQ Section

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls

Transport Section

Zoom/Navigate Section

Nudge/Bank Section

Chapter 9: Management Sections

Window Management Section

Session Management Section

Soft Keys Section

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections

Monitor Section Controls

Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)

Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels