Euphonix System 5 User Manual

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

1

EUPHONIX - SYSTEM 5 INDEPTH

Table of Contents

System 5 ........................................................................................................................... 4

System 5 Key Features .................................................................................................... 4

Innovative Solutions ........................................................................................................ 4

System Components ....................................................................................................... 5

The Control Modules ....................................................................................................... 6

Typical Equipment Rack ................................................................................................. 6

System 5 Control Surface - 6 Module Frame ............................................................... 7

Channels .......................................................................................................................... 8

Strips .................................................................................................................................. 9

Inputs .............................................................................................................................. 11

Channel Process Order ................................................................................................ 12

EQ & Filters ..................................................................................................................... 12

Dynamics ....................................................................................................................... 13

Bus Routing and Aux Sends .......................................................................................... 14

Pan Controls .................................................................................................................. 15

Meters ............................................................................................................................ 16

Master Facilities ............................................................................................................. 17

Multi-Operator Systems ................................................................................................ 23

Film Post-Production Monitoring Panel ...................................................................... 24

System 5 Multi-Operator Conguration ..................................................................... 25

SnapShot Recall™ ......................................................................................................... 26

Total Automation™ ...................................................................................................... 26

Fader and Knob Automation Modes ......................................................................... 27

Conforming ................................................................................................................... 27

CM403 Joysticks ............................................................................................................ 27

Patching - PatchNet ..................................................................................................... 28

File Management .......................................................................................................... 29

DF66 DSP SuperCore with MADI I/O & Router............................................................ 30

SC263 Studio Computer ............................................................................................... 31

Interfaces to the Analog & Digital Worlds .................................................................. 32

EuCon Hybrid Option .................................................................................................... 34

Digital Factory, Normandy, France............................................................................. 36

System 5 InDepth

Version 12

All system specifications are subject to change without notice

euphonix.com

Copyright © 2007 Euphonix Inc. All rights reserved. MC, System 5, System 5-MC, S-5, PatchNet, eMix, EuCon, StudioHub, GainBall, SnapShot, SnapShot Recall

are trademarks of Euphonix Inc. Other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Euphonix Inc., 220 Portage Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA. ph: [phone] fax: [phone]

2

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

EUPHONIX - SYSTEM 5 INDEPTH

System 5 Two-Operator Console
Shepperton Studios, U.K.

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

3

INTRODUCTION

System 5

System 5 is a high performance digital audio mixing system
specifically designed for audio post-production and music ap­plications. System 5 has been re-engineered to add a host of
new features ..

• New Control Surface

- New touch-sensitive LED color-coded knobs

- New higher-resolution TFT screens

- Faster processors and more memory

- Improved fader resolution around 0dB

• New EuCon Hybrid Option

- Control multiple DAWs from the System 5 Surface

- Save Layouts of DSP and DAW tracks together

System 5 Key Features

• Easy to use and learn—intuitive interface

• Modular surface and I/O design

• Constant visual feedback for the operator

• Highest sound quality

• Star format Ethernet module interconnection resulting in

more secure operation and no communication bottleneck

• Mixer Channel & Bus Size:

- modular up to 300 channels

- each channel has 4 band EQ, dynamics and two filters

- up to 48 mix buses, 48 group buses, 24 aux sends, 72

external inputs

• High-resolution LED meters next to each fader

• 240 SnapShot Recalls of all console settings

• 48 Layouts for different surface configurations

• PatchNet - digital router/patchbay

• Surround panning and monitoring as standard

• Spill function for easy access to multi-format sources

• 8 Knobs & 100mm touch sensitive moving fader per strip

• TFT high-resolution displays at the top of each channel

for metering (up to 5.1), EQ, dynamics & pan graphs and

routing

• Dynamic automation of most parameters to timecode

• Conform to picture

• Comprehensive machine control facilities integrating with

Soundmaster, Colin Broad, Tamura and JSK

• Up to 3-operator configuration

• New software features

- Aux to faders

- Scene automation

- Dual zone Spill area

- Buses can be controlled from Strips

- Bus processing

• New DSP SuperCore & Studio Computer

- Faster and more powerful

- More channels & buses

- Supports bus processors

- Fewer rack components

- Up to 1,536x1,536 router (24x24 MADI)

• New modular converters including SDI support

Innovative Solutions

Layouts

Place sources anywhere on the surface and save the positions
as Layouts for fast access to tracks you need the most.

Multi-Format Masters

Control a surround sound source on one fader.

Spill

Spill brings all the elements of Multi-Format Master to the sur­face for individual adjustment.

With Spill the 5.1 (or any other format)

Multi-Format Master is ‘spilled’ out to
its six discrete elements for individual

control

EuCon Hybrid Option

The new EuCon Hybrid option lets System 5 control multiple
DAWs simultaneously bringing DAW tracks onto the console
surface for mixing. No other control system or console

comes close to the power and total integration of
Euphonix control surfaces with EuCon.

4

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

System Components

Control Surface

Much like any audio console the System 5’s surface includes
channel strips and a center section for master facilities. The
surface is modular, making it easy to add extra channel strips
at any time.

Connections to the rack are Cat 5 Ethernet so placement is not
restricted by complex cabling. No audio flows through the con­trol surface as the audio electronics are housed remotely.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The console surface controls the Euphonix DSP SuperCore
and, with the EuCon Hybrid Option, can control DAW tracks
on multiple external DAWs via the EuCon control protocol over
Ethernet .

New Digital Processing Core

Audio signals are processed in the new modular DSP SuperCore
which includes DSP for channels, MADI I/O and a router
(patchbay). The DSP SuperCore easily handles 24-bit 48kHz or
96kHz audio up to 40-bit floating point processing and is hard-
ware capable of even higher sample rates up to 384kHz.

Audio Interfaces

Audio Interconnections use AES10 MADI (up to 64 channels
of 24-bit digital audio data carried on a single 75ohm coax
cable or fiber). To interface the console to the outside world,
multi-channel digital and analog converters, digital format
converters with sample rate conversion, as well as remote
mic/line input amps, are available. Cabling is simplified be­cause converters can be placed next to the equipment they
interface to. The modularity means that the balance between
analog and digital I/O can be tailored to the specific needs
of the facility.

System 5 Control Surface

DSP SuperCore

Converters

eMix

Operations such as system setup, file management, patch­ing, and diagnostics are managed by a program called eMix
which runs with a screen and keyboard, usually situated next
to the console. PatchNet, a powerful digital patching system
that handles patching for all the console’s inputs and outputs,
replaces a traditional patchbay with a system that can store
and recall every single patch that is made.

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

eMix Software

5

Ethernet

Switch

MIC LINE INTERFACE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1

9

17

2

10

18

3

11

19

4

12

20

5

13

21

6

14

22

7

15

23

8

16

24 A1 A2 D1 D2

1-8

9-16

17-24

Trim

TRIM

96
48

44.1

CUSTOM

AES
WORD
INTERNAL
AUTO

SR
CONV

1

9

17

2

10

18

3

11

19

4

12

20

5

13

21

6

14

22

7

15

23

8

16

24 A1 A2 D1 D2

1-8

9-16

17-24

Trim

TRIM

96
48

44.1

CUSTOM

AES
WORD
INTERNAL
AUTO

SR
CONV

1

9

17

2

10

18

3

11

19

4

12

20

5

13

21

6

14

22

7

15

23

8

16

24 A1 A2 D1 D2

1-8

9-16

17-24

Trim

TRIM

96
48

44.1

CUSTOM

AES
WORD
INTERNAL
AUTO

SR
CONV

96
48

44.1

CUSTOM

FORMAT CONVERTER

FC

726

WORD
MADI
FORMAT A
AUTO

AES

FORMAT B

FORMAT A

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

SDIF-2
PRODIGI
TDIF
ADAT

MADI

PROTOOLS
AES
SRC

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

16

20
24

OUTPUT BIT

DEPTH

16

20
24

SRC ENABLE

ON (STD)

OFF
ON-ALT

MADI

CH 49-56CH 41-48CH 33-40CH 25-32CH 17-24CH 9-16CH 1-8

FC726

Digital I/O

1-56

ML530

Mic Pre

1-24

AM713

ADC

Mic Pre

AM713

ADC
1-26

26 Analog

Out

26 Analog

In

24 Mics

Ethernet

EuCon to

Surface

56 Digital

In and Out

MA703

DAC
1-26

1

9

17

2

10

18

3

11

19

4

12

20

5

13

21

6

14

22

7

15

23

8

16

24 A1 A2 D1 D2

1-8

9-16

17-24

Trim

TRIM

96
48

44.1

CUSTOM

AES
WORD
INTERNAL
AUTO

SR
CONV

MA703

DAC

Monitors

MONITOR-COMMS INTERFACE

MC

524

MC524

Monitor

Controller

MADI

SC263
Studio
Computer

DF66 DSP
SuperCore
Up to 6
SP662 DSP
Cards

Monitors

CONTROL SURFACE

The Control Modules

The System 5 surface is modular and can include 6 different
modules (see opposite page) :

• CM401-T Master Control Module (1ft wide, 305mm)

• CM402-T Sub-Master Control Module (1ft wide, 305mm)

• CM403-F/J Film Module (1ft wide, 305mm)

• CM408-T 8-Fader Channel Strip Module (1ft wide, 305mm)

• CM409-F Blank Module (1ft wide, 305mm)

• Producer’s Desk - Flat worksurface with provision for built-in
high-res 23” TFT screen (2ft wide, 610mm)

Producer’s Desk

Typical Equipment Rack

The rack below shows a typical System 5 system equipment
rack. Further details about the converters may be found later in
the guide. As the system is modular, additional converters may
be added at any time in the future to allow the system to grow
to match production needs and to match the digital/analog ratio
of sources and destinations.

The typical system shown below has the following I/O
totals:

• 24 Mic Sources

• 26 Analog Line Sources

• 26 Analog Destinations

• 56 Digital Destinations (28 AES/EBU pairs)

• 56 Digital Sources (28 AES/EBU Pairs)

• 4 to 24 MADI I/O (4 per DSP Card)

System 5 Frame

The System 5 Frame comes in three standard sizes.*

Frame Height Width Depth

39.5” (1 m) 6’10” (2.08m) 41” (1.04m)

39.5” (1 m) 9’10” (3m) 41” (1.04m)

39.5” (1 m) 12’10” (3.9m) 41” (1.04m)

6 modules

9 modules

12 modules

* Custom Frame sizes are available.

Two frames are available - the traditional System 5 frame
shown opposite, or a more compact frame this is lighter and
more cost effective.

The main console modules connect to the equipment rack via
Ethernet cables for extremely simple hookup, allowing the sur­face to be placed long distances from the rack. The CM401-T
Master Control Module also includes talkback wiring.

6

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Panel and Joysticks

Optional CM403-F/J

Film Module with PEC Direct

CONTROL SURFACE

CM401-T

Master Control Module

Optional CM402-T

Sub-Master Control Module

CM408-T

System 5 Control Surface - 6 Module Frame

8 Fader Channel Strip Module

in each module

Color TFT Display

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

7

Function

4 of 7

Function

5 of 7

Function

6 of 7

Function

7 of 7

EQ

Filters

Pre-Fader

Output

Solo

PFL/AFL

Aux

Sends

Grp

Pan/Route

Mix

Pan/Route

S

ystem

Buses

Post-Fader

Direct Output

Fader

& Mute

Any Order

switchable in

pairs of channels

Insert

Function

3 of 7

Function

2 of 7

Delay

DYN

Key

Link

Trim & Phase

Input Select

Channel Inputs

A B

Function

2 of 8

Function

1 of 7

Meter

CHANNELS

Channels

The number of cards in the DSP SuperCore determine the num­ber of channels and buses that are available in each System

5. For a given number of cards in the DSP SuperCore, different
combinations of channels and buses may be quickly configured
using the eMix Mixer Model software. Usually a Mixer Model
is chosen during installation and is used throughout the life of
the system as it will best match the application requirements
of the studio.

Each System 5 channel has:

• 2 inputs, that may be fed from analog or digital sources

(using appropriate converters), labelled A & B. Either A, B

or A & B may be selected to feed the channel.

• phase reverse

• gain trim

• delay up to 2 secs

• insert send & return

• 4 band fully parametric EQ

• 2 filters

• dynamics including compress/expand-gate with hyster-

esis, key input and side chain filter

• touch sensitive moving fader

• multi-format panning to mix-minus/group and mix buses

• up to 48 group buses

• up to 24 aux send buses

• solo (APL, PFL, SIP)

• 2 direct outputs - pre-fader & post-fader

If mic preamps are connected to the channel these additional
controls are available which relate to the ML 530 remote mic/
line interface unit :

• input impedance - hi/lo

• phantom power

• hi pass filter

• analog input gain

8

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Strips

System 5 is built up of modules of 8 strips. Controls closely
resemble those of a traditional analog surface. In its simplest
form a single strip controls a single source so a 48 strip surface
could control 48 channels.

Swap (Replace)

However there is a very useful function
called “Swap” which allows single strips,
or every strip, to switch between two chan­nels. So 96 channels (sources) could easily
be controlled from 48 strips by Swapping
between the two layers at the push of a
button (1-48 and 49-96).

Swap Button

Designations:

Swap Source

Main Source

ON & Fader

Select/Punch

STRIPS

TFT Graphic Display:

meters, designation, pan, EQ,

dyn graphs, routing indication

System 5 adds further flexibility by allow­ing any source to be controlled from any
strip, it is even possible to have two strips
controlling a single source. This is where
Layouts come into play.

Wave Button

(brings source

to center)

Touch

Sensitive

Moving Fader

Layouts & Control Groups

The position of sources on the surface can
be saved and recalled as Layouts. For ex­ample one Layout could be sources 1-48
and another sources 49-96 for a console
with 96 channels and 48 strips. More im­portantly the most critical sources can be
placed next to the operator. For example,
dialog to the left and music sources to the
right of the center. Different Layouts can be saved so that the
engineer always has the most important sources within easy
reach. Layouts do not save and recall knob and fader settings,
they simply recall the layout of sources on the control surface.
SnapShots are used to save parameter settings. Control Groups
allow a number of faders to be controlled from a single strip.
Layouts can store/recall the entire desk or only certain strips
defined by the operator.

Dual Hi-Res
LED Meters

Central Control of Strips

The Master Control Module includes a complete strip for cen­tral control of any source. The optional CM402-T module also
includes additional knobsets that are available for control of EQ,
dynamics, aux sends, filters, input and routing at the same time.
Pressing the Wave key next to a source fader brings that source
to the center.

Knobset:

8 knobs with 4 character

displays

Knobset Function Select:

selects the 8 knobs to control

Input, Dyn, EQ, Filters, Aux, Pan

or Routing

Swaps the Strip between the

Main and Swap Source

Fader:

twin 4-character designations

(that may be linked to the facil-

ity router), solo, channel on,

channel select key for bringing

up the source in the center of

the console, 100mm long-throw

touch-sensitive motorized fader,

twin hi-res LED meters

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

9

STRIPS

Strips

New Rotary Touch Knobs

System 5 uses unique rotary illuminated touch-sensitive knobs
that instantly reset after a recall. The center of the knob also
includes a switch which can be used for certain knobset select
functions, and to punch in the knob automation, if the touch­sensitive knob automation option is switched off.

The displays reflect the type of control, for example a gain con­trol is shown opposite. Below are the different displays for dif­ferent functions:

Q Pan Gain Frequency

& Q

Knobsets

At the top of each strip are a set of 8 knobs with associated
switches. These knobs can be selected to control the following
parameters using the switches just below the knobs:

• Input Controls

• Dynamics

• EQ & Filters

• Aux Sends - level, pre/post and routing

• Pan

• Routing to Group/Clean Feeds and Mix Buses

The selected button in this photo shows that the knobset is
controlling EQ. To the left of these keys are processor In/Out
switches.

Knob with Push
Switch

Switch
Automation

Write

Knob Status LEDs

Touch - Blue
Auto-Glide - Yellow
Read - Green
Write - Red

Processor In/Out Keys

Bright Orange LED

Pointer

Knob Function Color

Input - Red
Expand - Green
Compress - Turquoise
Pan - Dark Blue
Aux - Yellow
EQ & Filters - Violet

Other Channel Functions

Here are just some extra functions available to the engineer:

• Copy and Paste one strip to another

• Use a single strip to select function such as EQ, Dynamics,
Aux for all strips

• Clear all controls

• Lock a strip to prevent changes when the Layout changes

• Select a strip to be controlled from the center section

• Expand a strip so that EQ, Dyn, etc. controls are spread across
several strips

10

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Knobset Function

Select Keys

Inputs

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24 Analog Line Level

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StudioHub Router

TCC Control

A Trim

(Digital)

Delay

A Phase

Phantom

Impedance

Hi-Pass

Analog Gain

Chan A In

(Digital)

A/B Select

B Trim

(Digital)

B Phase

Chan B In

(Digital)

A

B

Analog to Digital

Converter

Each channel has two digital inputs labelled A and B. Controls
for each input include:

• Gain Trim

• Phase Reverse

• Delay

• Input Select (A, B, or A+B)

Patching Input Sources
(PatchNet)

The PatchNet routing system (see page 28) is used to patch
sources to inputs. Any sources within the system, such as mix­minus/group outputs or externals may be sent to these inputs.

INPUTS

Impedance

High Z/Low Z

Phantom

In/Out

High Pass Filter

In/Out

External MADI inputs can also be directly patched. For Analog,
AES/EBU and other digital sources the Euphonix converters are
used. See the Converter section for details (page 32) .

Mic/Line Preamp

For variable gain analog mic in­puts Euphonix provides the ML
530 with 24 mic/line input pre­amps and the AM713 analog to
digital converter. If this is con­nected to the system the controls
for phantom power, input imped­ance, high pass filter and gain are
available on the channel strip.

This can also act as a direct box,
providing correct impedance
matching with balanced outputs
plus the benefit of gain control.

Analog Controls - ML 530 Mic/Line InterfaceDigital Controls - A Input shown

Analog Mic/Line Gain

Gain Trim

Phase

In/Out

Delay (up to 2 secs)

In/Out

Input Switch: A, B, A&B

Page to additional controls:

Input A, Input B, Processor In/Out

Input Function Selected

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

11

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EQ

Channel Process Order

Each channel has an insert point which can be placed in any of
the seven process positions. The Euphonix converters provide
analog and digital I/O for insertion of any type of device, such
as a delay line, into the signal path.

There are 7 processing sections:

• Delay

• Metering Source

• Insert Point

• EQ

• 2 Filters

• Dynamics

• Fader and Mute

These can be arranged in any order using the eMix application,
even when passing audio, but must be re-ordered at least two
adjacent channels at a time. For example, the EQ may be set to
follow dynamics, the insert may be placed after the EQ or dynam­ics, and metering, can be placed after the fader, on channels 1
and 2, or on channels 1-8.

EQ Select

Clear

High Band

Freq/Q Page

Freq Adj

Peak/Shelf

Gain Adj

High Band In/Out

High Mid Band

Freq/Q Page

Freq Adj

Gain Adj

High Mid Band In/Out

Low Mid Band

Freq/Q Page

Freq Adj

EQ & Filters

The EQ controls are shown opposite. Euphonix has a well­earned reputation for the highest quality EQ algorithms with
an uncompromised approach to design. System 5’s equalizer
is much more than just a simple EQ. The four bands are each
fully parametric, with additionally switchable peak/shelf selec­tion on two of the bands. Frequencies are not limited to fixed
ranges; each band covers the entire 20Hz - 20kHz spectrum,
with a gain +/- 24dB and local variable Q control. The Page key
at the bottom of the knobs brings up the Filters. There are two

Filters that can each be set to: High Pass, Low Pass, Band Pass

or Notch. Each filter has a frequency control. The notch filter
includes Q control and a “boost/listen” function, monitoring the
audio without the filter in the circuit, to help identify any prob­lematic frequency prior to selection. A 50/60 Hz hum, or other
unexpected noise problem can be taken care of without disturb­ing the program mix or compromising any equalizer settings as
with shared designs.

EQ Display

Whenever an equalizer is being adjusted a graphical display ap­pears to illustrate what the processor is doing to the audio at
the top of the channel.

12

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Gain Adj

Low Mid Band In/Out

Low Band

Freq/Q Page

Freq Adj

Peak/Shelf

Gain Adj

Low Band In/Out

Page Keys to Filters

EQ In/Out

EQ Knobset

Select

Dynamics

DYNAMICS

The System 5 has an extremely powerful dynamics section
comprising of a Compressor/Limiter, an Expander/Gate and side
chain key input with filter. System 5 allows both Compress and
Expand sections to be used together. The knobset shown op­posite is the simple Compress/Expand knobset with the main
controls for both sections available. The page keys at the bot­tom allow the knobset to be switched to a further 3 sets of
knobs that give more advanced control. Here are the full set of
parameters that can be adjusted:

Compressor

Release

Attack

Threshold

Ratio

Depth

Knee

Gain Make Up

Compressor In/Out

Dynamics Select

Clear

Compressor

Release

Attack

Threshold

Ratio

Compressor In/Out

Expander

Release

Expander/Gate

Release

Attack

Threshold

Ratio

Depth

Knee

Hold

Hysteresis

Expander/Gate In/Out

Side Chain

Filter Type - Hi Pass, Lo Pass, Band Pass, Notch

Side Chain Listen

Side Chain Source - Channel, Key Input, Link

Detector Type - Peak, Average

Dynamics Display

Whenever dynamics are being adjusted a graphical display is
shown on the display at the top of the strip to illustrate how the
processor is affecting the audio.

Attack

Threshold

Ratio

Expander In/Out

Page Keys

Dynamics In/Out

Dynamics Knobset Select

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

13

BUSES & ROUTING

Bus Routing and Aux Sends

Number of Buses - Mixer Models

The number of Mix, Group and Aux buses available in a Sys­tem 5 console is dependent on the number of cards in the DSP
SuperCore and the selected Mixer Model. Additional DSP cards
may be added at any time to increase the number of channels.

Bus Processing

The new DSP SuperCore supports dedicated bus processing
comprising filters and dynamics that can be attached to any mix,
group or aux bus and controlled from a Strip.

Mix Buses

The mix buses are grouped in Sections (Stems) to allow mixing
to different formats. For example, a stereo mix section has two
individual buses and a 5.1 mix section has six. Up to 16 mix sec­tions may be simply configured from the eMix setup software and
each may be given a name. System 5 supports up to 48 individual
mix buses. Formats are Mono, Stereo, LCRS, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 plus
custom formats. Routing a source to a Mix Section is done from
the switches on the Knobset after first pressing the Route - Mix
key. Just as with the Aux sends, as shown right, each On/Off key
switches the signal to that bus section. The channel signal may be
routed to all buses in that section with or without the pan inserted.
It is also possible to route to individual buses (direct assign) in each
section, for example, just the center bus of a 5.1 mix section.

Aux Select

Clear

(Aux 1 & 2 are setup as stereo)

Aux 1 & 2 Pan

Pan In/Out

Pre/Post

Aux 1 & 2 Level

Aux 1 & 2 On/Off

Pre/Post

Aux 3 Gain

Aux 3 On/Off

Pre/Post

Aux 3 Gain

Aux 3 On/Off

Pre/Post

Aux 3 Gain

Aux 3 On/Off

Pre/Post

Aux 3 Gain

Aux 3 On/Off

Group Buses

Up to 48 audio group/DAW send buses are available. They can
be set to any format from mono thru 7.1. Routing is similar to Mix
buses by pressing the Route - Group key then using the knobset On/
Off switches. For traditional sub-group control these buses may be
brought back into channels that can act as audio sub-group masters

- note that dedicated bus processing is also available. The Group
knobsets also include an overall group send level control.

Aux Send

Up to 24 Aux sends are available and can be configured in mono
or stereo pairs. Press the Aux function key to bring up the Aux
sends on the knobset. The example on the right shows typical
Aux sends with 1 & 2 working as a stereo send with pan. Sends
can be individually set to feed pre or post-fader and can be used
as effects sends or foldback sends. Aux masters are controlled
from the center section and include individual talkback and tone
insert provisions. Each send may be named to reflect its destina­tion. Aux sends can be flipped to be controlled from the faders

- very useful for setting complex monitor mixes and sends.

Pre/Post

Aux 3 Gain

Aux 3 On/Off

Pre/Post

Aux 3 Gain

Aux 3 On/Off

Aux Page To Additional Sends

Aux Knobset Select

Group and Mix Routing

Knobset Select

14

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Pan Controls

Pan Formats

Years of experience in the film world allows Euphonix to include
powerful surround features not found on other systems, with
an extremely simple user interface. For surround Mix Sections
(Stems) the following pan controls are available:

• Front Pan

• Surround Pan

• Rear Pan

• Boom Level

• Non-Boom Level

• Divergence

• Focus

• Rotate

PAN

Pan Select

Clear

Rotate

In/Out

Focus Front

On/Cut

Divergence Front

On/Cut

Multi-Format Masters and Spill

Stereo sources or surround sources such as a 5.1 pre-mix, or
the 6 sources in an audio sub-group (in the case of 5.1) can
be controlled from a single control strip called a Multi-Format
Master to save on space and to make adjustments, including
routing, much simpler. A function called Spill allows the com­ponent sources of the Multi-Format Master to be brought up on
the surface, for individual adjustment of each element, at the
push of the channel select button on the Multi-Format Master
or Control Group.

Panning Display

Whenever pan is being adjusted the display above the channel
indicates the pan position.

Non-Boom Level

In/Out (follow front)

Boom Level

In/Out

Pan Rear

In (bypass)/Out (phantom center)

Front/Surround Pan

In/Out (front)

Front Pan

(stereo pan for stereo formats)

In/Out

Page to Extra Pan Controls

Switch In Pan Controls to

Group and Mix Buses

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Pan Knobset Select

15

METERS

Meters

The meters above each strip may be set to show any source,
Mix, Group or Aux bus. Single or dual meters can be select­ed. For example, all strips could have the source fader signal
plus the first 48 strips could also show the mix bus levels.
The example shown to the right has been configured with a
single input meter displaying the source signal (channel 1)
and a dynamics meter.

The meter is accurate to within 1/4dB from 0dBfs down to
48dBfs and displays clip indication. The green bar to the left
of the meter lights showing the approach to peak level.

If the strip is set to a Multi-Format Master that has stereo
or surround format then the meter at the top of the strip will
show stereo or 5.1 metering.

It is also possible to set up the channel meters so that they
display metering for both the Main and Swap sources at the
same time.

Meter Presets

Meter presets allow the setup of meter combinations to
be stored and named for later recall - 24 are available. One
setup could contain primary source meters together with mix
bus signals, another Aux sends.

High Resolution Meter

Dynamics Meter

Source Designation

Channel Number

EQ Curve

(dynamics & pan curves show

when their knobsets are selected)

Bus Routing Indication

Button Designation

(for the two buttons at top of the strip)

Screen at the top of 8 strips showing 8 channel meters

EQ / Dynamics / Pan Display

Whenever EQ, Dynamics, and Pan are being controlled on the
knobset, a graphical display illustrates what is happening to
the audio.

Channel Routing Display

Source routing to the mix and group buses are also displayed.
The example shown top right is displaying the routing to the
48 group buses, with bus 1 & 2 selected.

16

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Master Facilities

8 Assignable Faders

Central Input, EQ,
Filters, Dynamics,

Aux, Pan, Channel

Controls

Group & Mix Route Buttons

Central Channel Assign Area

Aux / Group / Mix Bus Masters

4 x SLS/Cue Controls

Main Panel

Sub Panel

Solo/AFL/PFL

Main Monitor

Control & Display

Central Assign Strip

Master Fader

Automation Controls

Quick Access Panel

Transport & Locate

32 Channel

Select Keys

with Name

Displays

Central Assignable Controls

A source can be brought to the center section strip in the CM401­T Master Module either from one of the strips, by pressing the
Wave key, or by selecting a channel from the 32 keys on the
optional CM402-T Sub-Master module. These 32 keys, together
with source names and ON keys, are located just above the 8
assignable faders and can scroll through all the channels and
control groups on the console. Once a strip has been brought to
the center, control is exactly the same as on a strip elsewhere
on the console. The CM402-T module, as shown below, has 40

MASTER FACILITIES

extra knobs together with more displays and switches that are
available for expanded EQ, Dynamics, Aux, Input, Group and
Mix bus controls. The screen at the top shows extra metering
and larger graphs for EQ and Dynamics.

8 Assignable Strip Faders

At the bottom of the optional CM402-T are 8 faders. These can
be assigned to control any channel, control group or multi-for­mat master.

Optional CM402-T

Sub-Master Module

CM401-T

Master Module

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

17

SUB-MASTER MODULE

Master Facilities

CM402-T 32 Source Select Keys

These 32 buttons in the optional CM402-T module make it very
easy to move around the console from the sweet spot. The
display shows the channel name, and the right button beneath
each display selects this channel to the center strip. The left

button can act as an On/Off or a Solo button. The Page keys
at the bottom allow the 32 buttons to page to more channels.
These controls may also be switched to select control groups.

CM402-T Central Knobsets

Aux

Filters

Dynamics

18

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

EQ

Master Facilities

Dynamics & EQ

Once a source has been brought to the center, the two sets
of knobs at the bottom of the CM402-T Knobset Panel allow
dedicated control of dynamics (12 left knobs) and EQ (12 right
knobs). Functions are exactly the same as those found in the
strip controls. The CM402-T display includes simultaneous dy­namics, EQ and filter graphics to show the processor settings.

Upper Knobsets - Aux, Filters & Inputs

At the top of the CM402-T panel are two sets of 8 knobs that can
be switched to control Aux Sends, Filters, and Inputs. The func­tions available are exactly the same as those found in the strips.

CM402-T 48 Routing Keys

SUB-MASTER MODULE & BUS MASTERS

These 48 keys allow group and mix section routing on dedicated
keys.

Bus Masters

Bus Masters are controlled from the 8 knobs and function se­lect switches in the middle of the console. The knobset can be
switched between Group, Mix and Aux Bus Masters using the
function select keys at the bottom of the knobset. The page key
allows the 8 knobs to switch between sets of 8 controls (1-8,
9-16 etc.)

Each master has a gain trim and On/Off switch plus an insert.
For a Mix Section this will control the gain of all the buses with­in the section. For the Mix Masters the upper switch next to
each knob switches the knobs to allow On/Off and gain trim for
individual buses within each Section. The user can lock the bus
masters so the point of reference is always the same.

Master Fader

The Master Fader in the middle of the center section controls all
Mix Section output levels. It can also be locked out.

Bus Masters

Bus Designation

Mix Section Expand

Bus Level

On/Off

Page Keys

Bus Master

Knobset

Function Select

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

19

Monitor Selector

Externals Mix Stems

CR

Monitors

8 Out (max 7.1)

Main

8 Out (max 7.1)

Alt 1

6 Out (max 5.1)

Mon A

8 Out (max 7.1)

Alt 2

Stereo

Mon B
Stereo

Mon C
Stereo

Mon D
Stereo

Aux Sends

Stem

Rtn

Stem

MASTER METERS & MONITORING

Master Facilities

Master Meters

The flat screen display above the center section includes meter­ing for main monitor outputs. The number of meters will match
the monitor’s format (5.1 is shown in the example below).

The 8 meters at the bottom of the screen are for Aux, Group,
Mix outputs or the SLS/Cue monitors, depending on the bus
master knobset selection.

Solo, AFL, PFL

System 5 includes:

• Solo-In-Place (SIP)

• After Pan Listen (APL)

• Pre Fader Listen (PFL)

• Fader Backstop PFL

• Solo Safe - for isolating effects returns

from Solo-In-Place

The solo control knob in the center section allows the level of
APL and PFL to be set and pressing the top of the knob will clear
any solos. There is also a solo active LED.

Main Panel

The main panel in the center section is used for making monitor
selections as well as for many other functions including saving
and loading Layouts, Meter Presets and SnapShots. It is very
simple to operate with a straightforward menu structure and
designations which describe functions next to the actual keys.
The External Monitor Selection is shown opposite for selecting
external sources to the Control Room Monitors.

4 SLS/Cue

Mon Outs

(Currently switched to Solo Options)

Main Panel

Solo Options:

• Inter-cancelling, Momentary or Latching Solo switches

• Solo (AFL, PFL) can be sent to either of the two alternate

speaker outputs or can be sent to whichever is the cur-

rently selected speaker

• Solo can dim the monitors

Monitoring

System 5 has five monitor outputs; Control Room (main and two
alternates), and the SLS/Cue outputs Mon A, B, C and D. Each
of the 5 monitor feeds can select from external inputs config­ured as External Devices, the Mix Sections (Stems) both bus
and playback return, and the aux sends.

The format of the main control room monitors, and Mon A can
handle up to an 8 output surround format. Even the Alt 1 outputs
can handle 6 speakers which is very useful for a second set of
control room speakers when mixing in surround. Group outputs
are usually monitored on the strips but can also be picked up by
the External inputs using PatchNet.

20

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

CR Monitor

Solo

Master Facilities

External Inputs

Up to 32 devices may be configured for External sources in any
surround format up to 7.1. The monitor matrix is intelligent and
automatically selects the appropriate monitor format to match
the source’s format.

Monitor Source Selection

Each of the monitor outputs (CR, Mon A, B, C, D) have their own
level and source select key. It is important to note that these
are digitally controlled analog controls as they provide a quiet
and highly stable monitor output stage which is essential when
feeding powerful monitors at high levels.

The 8-character display shows the name of the selected source
and the switch on the level knob acts as a speaker mute.

MONITORING

Monitor Section and the Main panel to the right. Main panel shows

the Main Menu with all the major section headings

The Main Control Room feed can be sent to the Main Monitors,
Alt 1, or Alt 2.

Each of the 5 monitor outputs has a Source button. Pressing this
activates the Main panel.

Monitor Output Control
Main Control Room Monitor

The Main Control Room speaker section includes a digital read­out of level, 8-character source display and dedicated Dim and
Mute keys. The active speakers are indicated just above the level
control to show which speakers are switched on (L C R etc.).

It is also possible to switch off individual speakers, set dim level
and phase reverse the Left speaker. These options are acces­sible from the CR Output key which brings up menus on the
Main panel (see previous page).

Mon A, B, C & D

By pushing the Mon A, B, C & D level control switch these feeds
can be muted.

Monitor Format Fold Down

The Control Room Output key also brings up main monitor fold
down options such as folding down a 5.1 feed to LCRS, Stereo
or Mono. The way the outputs get folded down, and any level
drops, can be set by the user from the eMix software (shown
opposite). These settings can be stored as 24 user presets.

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

21

COMMUNICATIONS

Master Facilities

Communications
Facilities

System 5 includes a comprehensive communications system
including talkback, listenback, oscillator and slate. The Comms
Ctrl button, just above the main monitor controls, brings up all
the communications options on the Main panel. The Quick Keys
panel (shown opposite) can also used for fast access to comms
facilities.

Talkback

Two talkback mic inputs are available with phantom power. One
talkback mic is provided and is normally situated in the engi­neers position, a second can be added for the producer and lo­cated elsewhere in the control room. A remote talkback enable
switch input is provided. Mon A, B, C and D are usually used for
SLS or Cue feeds.

Talkback features:

• Talkback to Mon A

• Talkback to Mon B

• Talkback to Mon C

• Talkback to Mon D

• Talkback to all 4 Monitors

• Individual level control of each talkback mic

• Talkback keys can latch or be momentary

• Talkback to Aux sends

• Main CR monitor dims during talkback

• Mon A, B, C or D dims during talkback

Oscillator

Digital oscillator again
accessible from the
Comms Control key and
keys on the Main panel.
Features:

• Dedicated 100Hz, 440Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz and user settable

key

• Sine or Pink Noise

• Oscillator level control

• Osc to Mix Sections

• Osc to Mix Minus/Group Buses

• Osc to Aux Sends

• Osc to All above

Quick Access Panel

This panel has 4 sets of 5 keys, factory set for quick access to
commonly used comms features.

The four buttons at the top bring up four sets of 5 keys, the one
shown right is the set of talkback keys.

All these functions can also be found in the main Communica­tion section of the Main Panel as explained opposite. The Quick
Access Panel simply bring the most frequently used keys closer
to the engineer.

Listenback

Four Listenback mic inputs are available. These include phan­tom power and individual level controls.

Listenback features:

• Listenback to Main Control Room Monitor

• Listenback to Alt 1 Monitor

• Listenback to Alt 2 Monitor

• Listenback can follow CR Speakers

• Listenback to Mon A, B, C, D

• 4 Listenback On/Off Switches

• Listenback can be latching or momentary

• Listenback can be set to dim CR speakers

22

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Multi-Operator Systems

MULTI-OPERATOR SYSTEMS

The System 5 can be supplied from single to three-operator
configurations, each operator having access to film monitoring
panels, dedicated automation, motorized joystick panning and
multi-operator solo functionality. These large systems can be
configured with hundreds of inputs and up to 48 mix buses.

It is becoming increasingly more popular to install single opera­tor systems for smaller film facilities and long format post-pro­duction applications. These System 5 consoles still benefit from
the film monitoring panels and motorized joystick panning but
only have one automation file system.

CM403-F/J Film Module

The form factor of the CM403 is the same as the standard con­trol module. The architecture is also the same as other modules
with a single Ethernet port connecting the module to the system
via the 100-BaseT Eucon switch. The CM403 houses a TFT and
fits three same-size panels (i.e., the Film Post Panel and/or the
Dual-Joystick Panel). The film panel can be placed above or be­low the joysticks depending on the preference of the operator.
The user has the option of placing their own motion controller
into the spare panel.

Machine Control

Film environments often require both operators to share control
over the machines. Machine control commands from two con­soles can be combined.

Track Arming

System 5 supports track arming up
to 48 tracks of a single machine
via MMC or P2. The 48 mix buses
are hard-mapped to the 48 tracks.
To support arming over multiple P2
machines (i.e., eight 6-track, six 8­track, or two 24-track machines), a
third-party device that distributes
48 tracks from one P2 port to mul­tiple P2 ports is required (contact
customer support for more infor­mation).

CM403-F/J with Film monitor panel and Joysticks

Solo-In-Place

Whenever a channel is in solo, on either the primary or second­ary surface, any sources currently assigned to the monitors are
temporarily removed (i.e., externals and returns). The monitors
automatically source the direct outputs from the console buses.
When the channel is no longer in solo, the monitors revert to
their setup prior to the solo.

Twin CM403 Film panels in the Shepperton System 5 console with

Colin Broad’s machine control panel top right.

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

23

FILM PANEL

Film Post-Production Monitoring Panel

The Film and Post Monitoring Panel fulfills the requirements for
a traditional PEC/Direct monitoring system for the film post-pro­duction environment. It can be used in single and multi-operator
System 5 consoles. Up to four Film Post Panels can be installed
in a system.

The Film Monitor module is divided into two distinct parts: the
traditional PEC/DIR panel on the left, and an additional utility
panel to the right. The right panel duplicates most of the master
section’s monitoring and setup functions.

The PEC/DIR Panel

This panel houses the traditional paddles used for PEC/DIR,
Bus/Playback, or Bus/Tape switching. The second sets of pad­dles are used to put track(s) into record. There are eight paddle
strips, with associated switches above them, and a master con­trol strip. Bus/Tape switching on the paddles is between the Mix
Sections and their associated returns. However, it is possible to
switch not only the whole bus section but the individual buses
(legs). By default, each mix bus section is assigned to a paddle.
The master simply controls all linked bus sections at once, (i.e.,
hit the On switch on the master and all linked On switches turn

On). The bus section name appears in the four-character display.
All operations take place within the console’s existing monitor
matrix and affect only the main (CR) monitors. Turn a section On
and it is sent to the monitors (same as the CM401-T monitor
section), solo a section and anything currently assigned to the
main monitors is removed, leaving only the required section.
The Ready switch enables dropping the tracks associated with
the bus-section into record using the record paddle.

Speaker Re-Assign

The system automatically sends mix buses to the correct moni­tor bus based on the bus section format. For example, when
monitoring FX, the left bus of the section is automatically sent
to the left monitor bus. It is sometimes required to override this
assignment and send a mix bus to a different monitor bus than
was intended. It is possible to use the Exp/Sel keys above the
displays on the PEC/DIR paddle to select buses within a section.
When a bus is selected, the Speaker Re-Assign panel illumi­nates the current monitor bus assignment. Selecting a different
speaker from the panel re-assigns the bus within the monitor
matrix.

24

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

CM403 TFT Display

Slave Console Master Console

Film

Panel

DSP SuperCore

DSP SuperCore

Bus Cascade

Converters

Converters

Audio Sources

and Recorders

TT002

Third-Party Machine

Control/Syncronizer

(Soundmaster, JSK)

MADI

Machine Control

Network

Converter

Monitor Controller

Main

Monitors

Film

Panel

Film

Panel

The TFT screen displays meters and an overview of the monitor
bus assignments. The top half of the screen displays metering.
The lower half of the screen displays 48 mix buses across the
top, the first eight bus sections down the side, and the eight
speaker (main monitor bus) outputs.

System 5 Multi-Opera-

tor Conguration

In a multi-operator film post environment, the user experiences
a single, large console that allows multiple operators. In real­ity, each section is a unique System 5 console, which allows a
maximum number of channels per operator. The Mix and Solo
buses are normally linked across the consoles. Often the Aux
and Group buses are not linked but local to each operator. In a
two-operator system, one console usually handles the FX and
the other Music and Dialog. Only one console, designated the
Master, uses its monitor matrix. Each operator has a Film Post
Panel located in their section. Although positioned near a par­ticular operator’s surface, each panel is connected to the Mas­ter console network allowing access to the monitor matrix.

MULTI-OPERATOR CONFIGURATION

Metering display showing all Stems

Metering display showing an expanded Stem

Bus/Track and Monitor Assignments display

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

25

SNAPSHOT RECALL & TOTAL AUTOMATION

SnapShot Recall™

A SnapShot stores console settings for recall at a later date.
System 5 supports 240 SnapShots per Title. The operator can
choose which parameters to include in a SnapShot. For exam­ple, a SnapShot may include every setting on all channels, a
single channel, or just the EQ or pan settings on a single chan­nel. SnapShots can be named and can also be modified. When
a Title is stored the state of the console is stored in that Title so
when it loads it brings back all console settings.

Total Automation™

As System 5 is a fully digital console, it has been designed with
Total Automation in mind. Almost all parameters on the console
may be dynamically automated to timecode including faders,
EQ, pans, Aux sends, dynamics, processor in/out and fader On/
Off.

The faders are motorized and touch-sensitive, as are the knobs,
which (with their unique illuminated displays) show automation
moves as they playback, with dedicated LEDs showing auto­mation status. Each switch that can be automated has its own
automation punch key.

In the center of the console are a set of dedicated automa­tion keys. These are used to select objects for inclusion into
the automation and for selecting the object status. Automation
may be written in small sections, which is more normal for post
work, or can be written as continuous moves throughout the
length of the Title.

Automation Status

Isolate - Object behaves manually.
Read - Object plays back automated move. When playing back

an automated move in READ the engineer can manually over­ride the control or fader by simply touching and moving the con­trol - nothing is written but the manual moves will be heard.

Write Absolute - moves are recorded.
Write Trim - trim moves can be written on top of an existing

move.
Auto Glide - This is a punch out mode for a soft ramped change
between the level at punch out and the underlying level. Glide
time can be user set.

Automation Performance Control

Several modes are avail­able to modify the main
automation status:

Preview - When activated
the engineer can preset a
value prior to punching an
object into write. Useful
for writing an abrupt jump
in level.

Suspend Preview - Al­lows the engineer to quick­ly switch between the new
value and the underlying
automated value.

Capture - Stores in mem­ory the values of objects
which are writing. Punch
Capture allows all these
objects to be punched back
into record at the stored
values.

Join - Stores in memory
which objects were writ­ing when the transport
was stopped (i.e. objects
that were not punched out
manually). The join key allows all these objects to be punched
back into record.

Auto Join - Automatically punch all the objects that were
writing when the transport was stopped back into write at the
timecode where the transport was stopped.

Fill - Four keys that allow a level or switch state to be writ­ten from the punch out point to the start, or to the end of a
region. Can also write the punch out level or state between two
points.

All Match - Punches out all objects currently writing. Objects
will glide back to previously recorded values.

26

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Fader and Knob Automation Modes

H i F

On Switch read/write
LEDs

Master / Slave / Link
Indicators

Select/Punch for ON

Underlying ON Status

Auto Glide

Function (such as EQ,
Dynamics, Pan etc.)
Select/Punch

Select/Punch
for Switch

Switch (usually an
audio function
such as ON/OFF)

Automation LEDs for
the Knob
Touch - Blue
Auto-Glide - Yellow
Read - Green
Write - Red

Select/Punch
switch for the
knob

Switch Automation
Write LED - Red

Fader read/write
LEDs

Select/Punch for
Fader

Fader Touch

Touch Sensitive
Moving Fader

Automation Mode Write LED Read LED

Isolated off off
Read off on
Read 'Suspended' off fast pulse
Write Absolute on off
Write Trim on on
Writing Automation medium flash
In ATO/Glide fast pulse
In Preview slow pulse

AUTOMATION

Conforming
Automation to Picture

As video or film sections are inserted, deleted, and moved dur­ing post-production, the Conform utility realigns the automation
data to match the edited film. Data from an Edit Decision List
(EDL) with the start time, end time, and duration for each edit,
along with the type of operation (insert, delete, move) is en­tered into the Conform utility. The Conform utility creates a new
mix with the EDL changes.

CM403 Joysticks

Twin motorized joysticks can be assigned to any channels.

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

27

Audio Processing

MADI Router Hub

Analog

AES/EBU

Devices

Mic/Line

MADI

Analog

AES/EBU

Mic/Line

Monitors

MADI

MADI

MADI

MADI

MADI

Console I/O

PatchNet

Control

Control

Audio Interfaces

DSP SuperCore

EMIX-PATCHNET

Patching - PatchNet

System 5 includes a large comprehensive digital patchbay
called PatchNet, operated from the eMix software program
which runs on a monitor next to the console.

eMix

PatchNet is one of the eMix menus. Other menus that are ac­cessible on this computer are the File Directory, Bus Format­ting, System Setup, Format Fold Down, External Source Setup
& Conform.

PatchNet

System 5 ’s patching system. PatchNet operates in the same way
as an engineer would make a patch on a traditional patchbay.
First the source is located and selected, then the destination,
and the patch can then be made.

The screen below shows PatchNet in operation. The left hand
side of the screen shows the groups of signals, such as console
A & B inputs, or External Inputs. Once the group of signals is
selected every signal in that group appears on the main part of
screen for patching. Multiple signals can be selected making it
a simple job to patch 48 bus outputs to 48 recorder inputs, for
example.

Patches are saved within Titles. So when the session starts and
the engineer loads the Title, the complete patchbay comes back
exactly as it was left at the end of the last session.

Default Title

Each studio can set up default PatchNet wiring and naming af­ter installation. This includes naming of all studio patchpoints
such as mic inputs and effects devices. Normalling of standard
connections such as sources to inputs and console outputs to
device inputs can also be setup. These initial settings are simi­lar to the studio wiring, normalling and patchbay labelling in an
analog studio. These default settings are brought into PatchNet
each time a new Title is created. They can be updated at any
time to reflect the addition of new equipment.

Individual Patchpoint list

within a group

e.g. A/B Channel Inputs

Sub-Category of patch-

e.g. A/B Inputs, Inserts

Tabs page through

points

patchpoints

Shows all selected

patchpoints as sources

28

and destinations

Main Category. Click to select other categories of patchpoints

- Console I/O, Device Inputs, Device Outputs or MADI Cabling

Buttons select different eMix screens

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Text in a cell indicates
what is patched to that
cell

Patches the selected
patchpoints

Unpatches selected
patchpoints

Shows log of any failed
patches

Unselects all patchpoints

EMIX-FILE MANAGEMENT

File Management

eMix

eMix is the management software program for System 5 and
runs on a screen that sits next to the console. The program com­prises the following modules:

• Directory

• PatchNet

• System Diagnostics and Mixer Models

• Mix and Group Bus Setup

• Monitor Fold Down Setup

• External Inputs Setup

• Conform (see page 27)

Directory

System 5 has the following file hierarchy: Drives - Projects ­Titles - Mixes. A project is a folder which contains Titles.

A project is like a folder and can be used to house all an oper­ator’s Titles or all Titles in a Show. The Titles are where all the
important data relating to a session is stored.

eMix - Directory Screen

eMix - Main Mix Bus Setup - Creating Mix Sections

The directory includes all the features you would expect from a
file management system such as copy, paste, rename, open and
close. The eMix computer includes a large hard disk, recordable
CD-RW drive and floppy drive. The CD-RW can be used to store
and remove Project/Title information. Loading a Title brings back
all the stored information about that title including Last Setup,
Layouts, Meter Presets, SnapShots and, most importantly, the
PatchNet digital patchbay.

PatchNet

See previous page.

System Mixer Models

eMix allows the combination of channels, buses and externals
to be changed very simply so that the system can be tailored to
each application and installation.

Mix, Group, Fold-Down,
External Setup

Sections of eMix allow the mix and group bus formats, external
formats and monitor fold down to be defined. Up to 48 external
devices are available and can be set to be any format and can also
be named such as 5.1 format DVD player or stereo CD player.

eMix - External Inputs Setup

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

29

DSP SUPERCORE

DF66 DSP SuperCore with MADI I/O & Router

The new lightweight and compact DF66 DSP SuperCore is the
primary signal-processing engine and router for System 5 digital
mixing consoles. It is comprised of a system board and up to six
plug-in SP662 DSP cards. The SuperCore has more than enough
DSP horsepower, system functionality, and reliability to satisfy
today’s demanding music and post applications.

DF66 DSP SuperCore

The DSP SuperCore provides:

• DSP Processing - Massive amount of scalable DSP avail­able for fully featured channels and busses with Delay, EQ
& Dynamics processing. Each SP662 card adds 4.8 GFLOPS
of processing power.

• MADI I/O - each SP662 card adds 4 MADI inputs and out­puts (256 x 256 paths at 48kHz)

• Router controlled by the console’s PatchNet Software

SP662 Card

DSP SuperCore Features

The DSP SuperCore is packed with advanced features that stand out from the competition:

• Compact, lightweight, modular and scalable

• Over 300 signal paths per DSP SuperCore at 48kHz

• Independent EQ, filters and dynamics processing per channel

• Up to 2 seconds delay per channel

• Bus processing with dynamics and filters

• 4,096-path FPGA audio router on each SP662 DSP card

• Up to 24x24 MADI I/O (1536x1536 paths @ 48kHz) per DSP SuperCore

• Hardware compatible with 192/384 kHz

• DSPs support 40 bit, 32 bit IEEE floating point and 32 bit fixed point formats

• Hybrid FPGA and DSP technology to accommodate 40 bit floating point (extended preci­sion) operation, for timing precision, and wide feature set

• Parallel signal processing utilizing SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) architecture

• Optional SNMP System Management Controller remotely monitors operating conditions
and notifies the user to take action to avert system failure

• Optional 100% changeover redundancy

30

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

SC263 Studio Computer

STUDIO COMPUTER

The new SC263 Studio Computer runs the eMix software
which includes the file management system and the PatchNet
software. It includes twin drives set up as a RAID array for re­dundant storage of all data. There is a separate keyboard and
mouse for this computer and an external screen for showing the
eMix software. Alternatively, instead of an external screen, a
CM411 Video Display Module (similar to a CM409-F blank mod­ule but with a TFT display) can be purchased to have the eMix
display integrated into the main console surface.

SC263 Studio Computer

The SC263 includes an Ethernet port for connection to the Sys­tem 5 LAN and is fitted with two controller cards:

• TCC Card for controlling ML530 remote mic preamps and
the MC524 monitor controller

• TT002 card for machine control, including a single RS422
port, MMC port, video ref plus 32 GPIO for use with the
console the events system (available Sept 07)

System 5 Console at Sydney Opera House Recording Studio

Connected via ber MADI to Euphonix Consoles in Opera House, Concert Hall & Drama Theater

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

31

I/O

Interfaces to the Analog & Digital Worlds

Internally, System 5 uses MADI to route and patch digital audio.
MADI is a very stable and robust AES sanctioned format that
allows up to 64 channels of digital audio (at 24-bit, 48kHz) along
a single coax cable.

To interface to analog and other digital formats such as AES/
EBU, Euphonix provides a full range of high quality converters in
multi-channel, 19” rack mounting cases.

AM713 Analog to MADI Converter

26 balanced analog on XLR plus an AES or S/PDIF pair to MADI.

MA703 MADI to Analog Converter

MADI to 26 balanced analog on XLR plus an AES or S/PDIF pair.

DM714 AES/EBU to MADI Converter

13 AES/EBU pairs on 110ohm XLR, or 75ohm BNC, with two extra
analog balanced inputs plus an AES or S/PDIF pair to MADI.

All signals such as Aux sends, mix minus/group outputs, mix
outputs, channel inputs, inserts and dynamic key inputs are
MADI and require the Euphonix converters for analog or AES/
EBU connection. Commercial MADI converters are also avail­able including PCI cards for connecting MADI into and out of
PCs.

Because the system is modular, it is easy to start working with
the System 5 in an analog environment and then add digital
converters in future as more of the facility’s sources move to
digital.

MD704 MADI to AES/EBU Converter

MADI to 13 AES/EBU pairs on 110ohm XLR or 75ohm BNC with­two extra analog balanced outputs plus an AES or S/PDIF pair.

MI715 Analog to MADI Converter

16 balanced analog line level inputs and 8 AES/EBU digital inputs
plus an AES or S/PDIF pair to MADI.

MO705 MADI to Analog Converter

MADI to 16 balanced analog line level outputs and 8 AES/EBU
digital outputs plus an AES or S/PDIF pair.

ML530 Remote Mic Preamp

24 remote controlled mic preamps with XLR inputs. Usually sup­plied with AM713 Analog to MADI converter. The mic preamps
are controlled remotely using TCC serial control from the SC263
Studio Computer.

32

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

Interfaces to the Analog & Digital Worlds

SH612 StudioHub

The SH612 is a comprehensive professional 12x12 MADI router.
Although the new DSP SuperCore includes complete MADI rout­ing for System 5, the SH612 is available for use as a standalone
router and can be controlled from any Windows PC using the
optional SH612 Route Manager patching software.

Modular I/O System

The new range of modular converters is based around a 3RU
19” chassis conforming to the DIN 41494 specification with
dual redundant power supplies. Cards may be fitted in slots at
the front and the rear for high density configurations. Although
designed primarily for broadcast use, modules such as the SDI
de/embedders may be useful in a post or music facility. 10 dif­ferent input/output cards are available in any configuration:

• MADI Interface Module (coax or fiber)

• 4ch SDI De/Embedder Module

• 8ch SDI De/Embedder Module

• 8ch HD/SD SDI De/Embedder

• 4 Ch AES/EBU Input/Output Module - 75Ω BNC or 110Ω XLR

• 8 Ch AES/EBU Input Module - 75Ω BNC or 110Ω XLR

• 8 Ch AES/EBU Output Module - 75Ω BNC or 110Ω XLR

• 4 Ch Analog Line Input Module

• 4 Ch Analog Line Output Module

• 4 Ch Microphone Input Module

• Ethernet Remote Control Module

• Sync Module

• 4x Wordclock Output Module

• Power Module

I/O

FC726 Digital Format Converter
with SRC

Bi-directional digital format conversion of up to 56 channels
with sample rate conversion. Formats supported; MADI, SPDIF­2, ProDigi, TDIF, ADAT Optical, AES/EBU. 56 channels of AES/
EBU are always available regardless of what formats are being
used.

FT730 FiberTran
Fiber Optic MADI Extender

The FT730 FiberTran can extend MADI and Digital Sync for up to
1km over fiber optic cable. The FT730 can also extend TCC con­trol to an ML530 mic pre or the MC524 monitor controller when
used with a Euphonix System 5 or Max Air console.

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

33

Pro Tools Mac G5

Logic Pro Mac G5

System 5 Studio Computer

Euphonix DSP SuperCore

EuCon Hybrid

Pilot Computer

2 Ethernet Cards

Bridges the System 5 LAN and

DAW LAN

Nuendo PC

Pyramix PC

MCs & System 5-MCs

DAD AX24 Converter/Mic Pre

Logic Pro

Screens DVI

System 5 LAN

Ethernet Switch

DAW LAN

Ethernet Router

Nuendo

Pro Tools

Pro ToolsPyramix

Euphonix DSP

Save and recall different combinations of channels with Layouts

Groups

DVI Switch from

System 5 EuCon

Panel via

USB-GP I/O

EUCON HYBRID OPTION

EuCon Hybrid Option

Get Connected

The new EuCon Hybrid option for System 5 extends the control
capabilities of the console beyond the dedicated DSP Core to
the outside world, bringing DAW tracks from multiple worksta­tions onto the console surface for mixing. No other control

system or console comes close to the power and total
integration of Euphonix control surfaces with EuCon.

Any DAW running the EuCon Client Application on the network
can have its tracks selected for placement and control on the
System 5 surface. The position of DAW tracks on the surface is
completely flexible. Multiple tracks from separate DAWs may
be placed in any order on the surface simultaneously next to
Euphonix DSP channels. These channel Layouts may be saved,
making them easy to access and organize - one Layout for DSP
channels, one for Pro Tools and one with combinations from
multiple DAWs for example.

This greatly extends the capability of any System 5 console and
allows operators access to DAW tracks that would otherwise
be available only as traditional playback sources. It is now pos­sible to have direct, high-speed access to any of these tracks,
their plug-ins and metering.

EuCon

The EuCon control protocol makes all this connectivity possible and is
transparent to the user. The EuCon Hybrid Pilot Computer scans the
Ethernet network for available workstations. Any PC or Mac applica­tion, not just DAWs, can be controlled from the System 5 surface.

The EuCon Client Application is installed on each PC or Mac
workstation for basic connectivity. This allows control surface
commands, such as fader or knob moves, to be translated into
EuCon, HUI or Mackie Control commands for each application.
Native EuCon applications that directly support the EuCon proto­col, such as Nuendo, Logic Pro, and Pyramix, have an extremely
high level of integration with high-resolution, high-speed con­nectivity to all of the application’s functions, including multi­channel metering and EQ/pan curves. Control is fast and highly
responsive. EuCon Hybrid also provides extensive high-speed
control of Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro, and Digital Performer through
a combination of Mackie HUI or Control Universal protocols and
Euphonix-specific protocol extensions.

In addition to fader, pan, aux sends, metering and routing,
EuCon Hybrid allows access to the track’s plug-ins from the 8
knobs on the System 5.

34

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

EuCon Hybrid Option

EUCON HYBRID OPTION

With the EuCon Hybrid option installed, DAWs running the
EuCon Client Application are highlighted in the sub-panel and
can be selected for access by the System 5.

DAW Tracks can be assigned to any strip in any order and saved
using Layouts (up to 48 Layouts). Auto-Assign works just the
same as with normal System 5 channel strip assignments. DAW
tracks also appear in the list of available sources when assign­ing directly from the strip. DAW tracks can be independently
placed on the control surface. For example, Pro Tools track 1
could be placed next to its track 24 which could be followed by
track 14 from a Nuendo system.

The MC Controller includes multiple banks of 24 SmartSwitches,
programmed with keystroke or EuCon commands, which are
saved in Application Sets specific to each application. These
Soft Keys are available for use on the System 5 and appear on
the Main Panel for the selected DAW.

The System 5 includes a jog/shuttle wheel at the
bottom of the CM401-T center section. One of the
most useful features of EuCon control is the abil­ity to assign different functions to this wheel. As
well as Jog and Shuttle the wheel may also be
used for adjusting clip based functions in some
EuCon DAWs such as trim head/tail, fade in/out,
slip, move and clip gain.

Automation functionality of DAW tracks is de­pendent on the features within each DAW. Any
fader, knob or switch automation for DAW tracks
is written directly to the DAW software and is
not associated with the Euphonix System 5 auto­mation of DSP Core channels. Faders are touch­sensitive and knobs include auto-pickup function­ality. Any automation playing back from the DAW
will move the appropriate faders, and display
changes on the knob LED rings and switches.

Setup - Select DAWs on

network for System 5 access

Toggle Tracks or Soft Keys

Auto-Assign Tracks

DAW Select - push to bring

DAW Tracks and Soft Keys

Setup - Select DAWs on

network for System 5 access

EuCon Hybrid Package

• EuCon Hybrid Pilot Computer (PC 254h)
fitted with:

- Two Ethernet ports for connecting to
the System 5 and external DAW networks

- EuCon Hybrid Software Package

- Latest software Application Sets

Toggle Soft Keys or Tracks

DAW Select - push to bring

DAW Tracks and Soft Keys

The Main Panel provides access to Tracks and Soft Keys for
each connected workstation. With Tracks displayed (upper
photo), the list of tracks currently available from the applica­tion in focus on the connected workstation is shown. With Soft
Keys selected (lower photo) the selected DAWs soft keys are
available for sending out EuCon commands and Keystroke com­mands to the DAW.

Main Panel

DAW Track Select

with Name (1st 8 chars)

Page Tracks

Sub Panel

to the Main Panel

DAW Soft Key

Page Soft Keys

to the Main Panel

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth

35

System 5 with 144 faders & 620 channels

Digital Factory, Normandy, France

Largest console in the world

36

System 5 Digital Audio Mixing System - InDepth