JL Audio MCS-3800 User Manual

MCS-3000 Series

Media Command Stations

User Reference Manual

Second Edition

MCS-3800 Controller

MCS-3400 Controller

MCS-3000X Expander

Important:

Certain audio and video systems have been engineered to specifically support the MCS-3000 series. The MCS-3000 series was selected by the manufacturers of those systems to be their ideal, de facto control station.

Please review the owners manuals and “read me” files that came with your audio or video system for references to the JLCooper MCS-3000 series.

MCS-3000 Series Users Manual Second Edition JLCooper part number for this manual: 932073

MCS-3000, MCS-3800, MCS-3400, MCS-3000X, Media Control Station, and Media Command Station are trademarks of JLCooper Electronics. All other brand names are the property of their respective holders.

About this Manual

This manual tends toward a pyramidal structure.

Essential concepts are presented first, followed by instructions with increasing amounts of detail. This allows the user to read as much as he or she needs, and then bail out and get back to work.

This manual is also intentionally repetitious. The same basic concepts about programming and operation tend to be repeated in every chapter, and sometimes more than once within a chapter where appropriate.

This re-enforces the concepts, but more importantly lets the user work with the MCS-3000 series controller with only one page of the manual open at a time, while minimizing having to hold the manual open to ten different places at the same time.

Introduction

The MCS-3000 series of control stations are the most advanced control products ever from JLCooper Electronics. This family of products includes the 8 fader MCS-3800 Controller, the 4 fader MCS-3400 Controller, the MCS-3000X 8 fader Expander, and the Surround Panner Module.

MCS-3800 and MCS-3400 Media Command Stations are moving fader control surfaces, expandable to sixty-four faders. Capable of controlling digital workstations for music and video production and post production, the MCS-3000 series is fully assignable and simple to operate.

MIDI I/O is standard. In addition, the MCS-3400 and MCS-3800 feature two expansion slots for optional cards which support other hardware interfaces and protocols. These include RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, P2 (9 Pin), ADB, and GPI.

This manual deals primarily with the MCS-3400 and MCS-3800 Controllers, and the MCS-3000X Expander, with standard MIDI I/O. The Surround Panner, and Option Cards are discussed in their own manuals.

Sending your product registration card allows us to notify you of any updates or related products as they become available.

Important

on the last 7 pages of this manual. This is a brief summary of the whole manual.

: There is a "Quick Operation Reference" found

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................. 3

Getting Started ......................................................... 7

This chapter discusses the MCS-3000 Series hardware, describing the front and rear panel controls, viewing the front panel in "sections", the displays and connectors, and how to interconnect it into your system.

Front Panel Displays and Controls............................7

Rear Panel ................................................................11

Expander Connection..............................................13

Hardware ...........................................................14

Electrical.............................................................15

Set ID with DIP Switch ......................................16

System Connections ................................................18

Power .................................................................18

Time Code..........................................................18

MIDI I/O ............................................................19

Card Slots ...........................................................19

OMS and FreeMIDI Definitions...............................20

Basic Operation .....................................................21

This chapter discusses some fundamental characteristics of the MCS-3000 Series, what it does when powered up, operating modes, and the ever-popular wave demo.

Power Up .................................................................21

Entering and Exiting Assign Mode ..........................21

LCD and Page Buttons.............................................22

Modes of Operation (User and Special)..................22

LED Behavior In Special Mode ...............................24

Manually Exiting Special Mode ...............................25

Wave Demo .............................................................26

The Mixer Section..................................................27

This chapter discusses how to assign and use the motorized, touch sensitive faders, their associated channel switches above the faders, select buttons and rotary encoders, Page and Bank buttons.

Attributes of the Mixer Section ................................27

Basic Bank Switching and Encoder Selection... 28

Fader Output and Input.....................................29

Touch Sensors....................................................29

Channel Switches...............................................30

Encoders, Select, and Page................................31

Assigning Mixer Controls, and Overview ...............32

To Assign Faders and Touch Sensors .....................33

Editable Parameters of Faders and Touch ..............34

To Assign the Rotary Encoders ...............................36

Editable Parameters of Rotary Encoders .................37

To Assign Mute, Solo, Aux, and Sel ........................38

Editable Parameters of Mute, Solo, Aux, and Sel....39

Mixer Operation Notes ...........................................41

The Transport Section...........................................47

This chapter discusses how to use the Transport controls, Jog and Shuttle, the Machine Enable (“M”) buttons, and the Keypad Locate Mode.

Attributes of Transport Section................................47

M Buttons ...........................................................48

Transports ..........................................................49

Jog Wheel and Shuttle Ring ...............................49

Locates ...............................................................50

Assigning Transport Controls, and Overview.........51

Editable Parameters for Transport and M Buttons..53

Command Types......................................................54

Transport Operation................................................57

Jog / Shuttle Operation............................................59

Jog / Shuttle Speed ..................................................61

Locate Operation .....................................................62

The Function Buttons Section .............................. 65

This chapter discusses how to use the assignable F buttons, W Buttons, the Cursor Buttons and M buttons.

Attributes of Function Buttons ................................65

Assigning Function Buttons, an Overview .............67

To Assign F and M Buttons .....................................68

Editable Parameters of F and M Buttons................. 69

F and M Button Command Types ...........................70

To Assign W and Cursor Buttons ............................73

Editable Parameters of W and Cursor Buttons........74

Function Button Operation Notes...........................76

The System Section................................................77

This chapter discusses Utility Mode And Keypad Program Change Mode, the LCD and LED Time Code Display.

Utility Mode .............................................................77

Manually Exiting Special Mode .........................78

Memory Protect..................................................78

Dump .................................................................78

Show TC.............................................................79

Bank Name ........................................................79

Offset (Feet and Frames) ...................................79

Jog and Shuttle Speed........................................80

Program Change Mode............................................81

Time Code Display ..................................................82

Display TC and Locates or Program Changes...82

Show SMPTE, No Frames, Feet : Frame ............ 82

Technical Information .......................................... 83

Dimensions ..............................................................83

Initialization Procedure ...........................................84

Initialized Settings....................................................84

Warranty ................................................................89

Quick Operation Reference (7 Page Summary) .. 90

Getting Started

Front Panel Displays and Controls

The illustrations show the MCS-3800, which is operationally the same as the MCS-3400.

It is helpful when considering the front panel layout to view the MCS-3800 or MCS-3400 in sections.

Some of the sections “overlap”, there are controls that can be used for more than one purpose. But viewing the unit in sections makes it easier to understand.

The displays and controls within the section under discussion are shown in the following illustrations by "graying out" the controls that are not part of the section under discussion.

The Mixer Section

The Mixer Section is comprised of the motorized, touch sensitive faders, the buttons above the faders, the five rotary encoders, and the Page and Bank Switches.

The Function Buttons Section

This is comprised of the buttons F1 through F8, Shift, W1 through W5, M1 through M5, the Cursor Buttons.

The Transport Section

The Transport Section is comprised primarily of the Transport Controls: Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop, Play and Record, and also the Jog / Shuttle mechanism.

Other controls that can be considered part of the Transport Section include the Keypad, since once of its functions is to send Locate commands.

The M buttons may be used to turn machines on and off, to determine, for example, which machines will go into Play when Play is pressed.

The Shift button is included, because the Transport and M buttons have Shifted functions as well.

For example, Play can start a hard disk recorder, while Shift Play starts a VTR.

The System Section

The System Section is comprised of the Cursor Buttons, the Rotary Encoders, and the Assign Button.

The Shift button is included, because Shift Assign puts the unit into Utility mode, and Shift Locate changes the function of the Keypad from Locates to Program Changes.

The LCD is used to primarily to display the names of controls and their parameters, locates and system settings.

The LED Display is used primarily for displaying time code. Time code is displayed as SMPTE time (with or without frames) or Feet and Frames. The right most decimal point lights when drop frame code is received.

The display also shows Program Change, Bank, and Channel number when in Program Change mode.

Rear Panel

MCS-3800 is shown, the MCS-3400 is similar.

From left to right we have:

• MIDI In, MIDI Out

• LCD Contrast Control

• MCS-3000X Expander Connector

• Time Code Input The input jack is 1/4”, unbalanced, that is, tip & sleeve.

• Card Slot #1 and Card Slot #2 Accepts optional, user installable plug in cards for additional control.

• Power Jack This supply is 12 Volts DC, at least 3A. The strain relief clip adjacent to the jack may be used to loop the power cord through to prevent accidental unplugging.

• Power Switch Flip up (red showing) to turn power on.

12 85

Expander Connection

The MCS-3000X Expanders may be physically attached to the MCS-3400 or MCS-3800 Controller, forming a continuous control surface.

(MCS-3800 shown with 3 MCS-3000X Expanders attached)

Alternately, the Expander can stand apart from the MCS Controller. In that case, an optional set of simulated stone endbells may be purchased to make the Expander more attractive.

(MCS-3000X shown with Optional End Bells attached.)

The instructions for physical interconnection, and electrical hookup are on the following pages.

Mounting MCS-3000X Expander to Controller

Important: Make All Connections with the Power Off.

Turn the power off of all MCS-3000 units before proceeding.

Plan Work Area

You will want to work at a spacious, well lit surface. Spread a cloth on the surface to avoid scratching units.

Remove Top of MCS-3400 or MCS-3800 Controller

Using the allen key provided with the Expander, remove the six top panel screws of the Controller. Remove any optional Cards from the card slots. Remove one screw under front center. Lift the whole top panel, a little forward and up. Invert and lay control-side down on a soft surface. (Circuit side up.)

Remove Top of MCS-3000X

Remove the six top panel screws of the Controller. Lift top panel, a little forward and up. Invert and lay controlside down on a soft surface. (Circuit side up.)

Move Left End Bell

Remove the two screws that secure Controller's left end bell. (These screws will be tight). Attach the left end bell to the left side of the Expander.

Connect Controller to Expander with Plates Provided

Place the Expander to the left of the Controller, side by side. Attach the thicker plate to the bottom of both units. Lay thin (spring steel) plate on top of both units.

Replace top panels of the Controller, guiding in the Time Code jack and the LCD Contrast control into their holes. Replace the top panel of the Expander. Replace top screws. Replace Controller bottom screw. Replace any optional Cards in their card slots.

3000X Expander Electrical Hookup

Important: Make All Connections with the Power Off.

Turn the power off of all MCS-3000 units before proceeding.

The 3000X (8 moving fader controller) can be used either: (1) Connected to an MCS-3800 (or 3400) or (2) “Stand Alone”, as a self contained control surface.

On the rear of the Expander is a small cluster of four switches, known as DIP switches.

(1) To connect to an MCS-3800 or, an MCS-3400

Set the rear DIP switch position #4 up (= off).

When the rear dip switch number 4 is up, that is, off, the MCS-3000X is connected to the MCS-3800 via its Modular “telephone-type” connectors. The MCS-3000X’s are connected by chaining them together with the supplied 4-conductor modular cables.

Connect Expander to Expander in a similar manner, using the cables provided.

The system is engineered so that it does not matter which of the two connectors you use, nor in what order you chain the expanders.

Warning: Use the cable provided with the 3000X. Do not use a standard “telephone handset” cable. If you use a standard “telephone handset” cable, you will short out and possibly damage the MCS-3800 or MCS-3000X. (Note that pin 1 always goes to pin 1.)

The data comes out of the MCS-3800, not the 3000X MIDI input and MIDI output.

Set the Expander ID#

On the rear of the Expander is a small cluster of four switches, known as DIP switches.

When the rear dip switch number 4 is up, that is, off, the 3 remaining switches are used to set the “ID” number of the 3000X Expander.

These switches set the ID# of each Expander, so the system knows which Expander represents channels 1 through 8, which is 9 through 16, etc.

Set the left-most Expander for ID#1 by making sure that all four switches are up, that is, off.

Follow this chart to set the ID# of multiple units. Off = Up

#4 #3 #2 #1 ID# Fader Numbers off off off off 1 9 - 16 off off off on 2 17- 24 off off on off 3 25- 32 off off on on 4 33- 40 off on off off 5 41- 48 off on off on 6 49- 56 off on on off 7 57- 64

Important: Be Sure Each Expander has a Unique ID#

A multiple expander system will not operate correctly if two or more units are set to the same ID#.

On power-up, turn the Expanders on before the MCS-3800. The MCS-3800 LCD will display the number of 3000X units connected.

(2) To Use 3000X “Stand Alone” without an MCS-3800

Set the rear DIP switch position #4 down (= ON)

When the rear dip switch number 4 is down, that is, on, you will use the MCS-3000X’s MIDI input and MIDI output.

(The MCS-3000X’s modular “telephone-type” connectors are not used in this modes)

When the rear dip switch number 4 is down, that is, on, the 3 remaining switches are used to select the protocol, that is, the input and output MIDI commands.

Information about the stand-alone protocols is covered in a separate document.

DIP Switch Setttings for Protocol Selection

Note that the switches are mounted upside down. Switch #4 is the left most switch, when viewed from the rear. Up = off. #4 #3 #2 #1 Mode on off off off 0 on off off on 1 on off on off 2 on off on on 3 on on off off 4 on on off on 5

System Connections

Power

Make sure the power switch is off before connecting the external power supply.

Power should be turned off of every MCS-3000X Expander.

There is a strain relief clip on the back of the unit, to prevent accidental unplugging.

Pass the small plug end of the power supply through this clip. Loop it around and pass it through again..

Then plug it in.

Time Code

The MCS-3400 and MCS-3800 have a built in time code reader and display.

If you wish to display time code, connect a source of SMPTE ("LTC") to the Sync In jack.

The input jack is 1/4”, unbalanced, that is, tip and sleeve.

While the time code reader responds to a fairly wide range of input levels, -10 dBm is the recommended nominal level.

MIDI In and Out

Connect the MIDI Out to the MIDI In of the System you are controlling.

Connect the MIDI In to the MIDI Out of the System you are controlling.

If a computer-based system, this will be connected to the computer’s MIDI Interface.

If a non-computer based system, you may want to connect the MIDI In and MIDI Out to a MIDI Patch Bay (Such as the JLCooper Synapse) to distribute the commands throughout the system.

(The Synapse is a Assignable MIDI Patch Bay / Processor, with 16 MIDI Inputs and 20 MIDI Outputs.)

Card Slots #1 and #2

Connection of Optional Cards are covered in their own manual.

OMS or Free MIDI Definitions

If your computer system requires OMS or FreeMIDI, it will also require that you edit your studio setup to include the MCS.

The MCS-3400 and MCS-3800 are defined in the same way: MIDI Controllers that transmit on all MIDI Channels. They send MIDI Machine Control and can also receive MIDI Time Code.

Typical devices descriptions are shown here.

(FreeMIDI Device Specifications Window)

(OMS Device Info Window)

20 77

Basic Operation

This chapter discusses some fundamental characteristics of the MCS-3000 Series, what it does when powered up, operating modes, and the ever-popular wave demo.

Power Up

Turn the power switch on. The LCD briefly shows the product name and

The LCD then shows either the current Bank name, or the name and value of the 5 encoders. If the user has not yet named the encoders, the display is VKNOB1, VKNOB2, etc.,

After about 2 seconds, the faders will quickly move to the last position that they held on the previous power down.

Entering and Exiting Assign Mode

The MCS Controller is ready to transmit commands.

While the procedure for assigning a control is described in detail later, it is important to notice that the unit will not transmit data while it is in “Assign Mode”.

firmware version.

To enter Assign mode, press the yellow Assign button. The yellow LED lights.

To exit Assign mode, without any changes to memory, press Assign again. The yellow LED turns off.

To exit Assign mode, and keep any changes, press Enter on the numeric Keypad. Then press Assign.

LCD and Page Buttons

If the already selected Page button is pressed, its LED will turn off and the LCD shows the Bank name. Press any Page button to restore the LCD to a display of the encoder names and values.

If connected to an audio or video host system, developed to communicate directly the MCS Controller, the LCD may also change when the host system is launched. The display is then taken over by the host. In that case, refer to the documentation of the host system for information about what appears in the display.

Modes of Operation

The MCS-3000 Series Controllers feature MIDI I/O standard. There are two fundamentally different modes of MIDI operation.

(1) The MCS Controller is “user-assignable”, with local control ON. We’ll call this User Assignable Mode.

(2) The MCS Controller is not “user-assignable”, and local control is OFF. We’ll call this Special Mode.

When in User Assignable Mode, you can assign each control yourself. You chose what MIDI command the controls send.

When in Special Mode, you cannot program the unit. The MCS Controller relies on the implementation of the host system. The MCS Controller sends special, proprietary commands to the software host system. The host system determines what each control will do.

More About User Assignable Mode

The MCS Controller normally powers up in User Assignable mode. The expression, “local control on” simply means that you can push a button and generally expect its LED to turn on.

The LED can be assigned by the user to be either momentary, or latched.

Momentary means the LED is lit only while the button is pressed. It turns off when you release the button.

Latched means that the LED turns on with the first button press, and then turns off with the second button press.

More About Special Mode

The MCS Controller normally first powers up in User Assignable mode. For Special Modes to be engaged, the host system has to have been specifically developed to support Special Mode. Assuming that two way communication is established, when the host system is launched, it sends a command into the MCS, which switches it into Special Mode.

The host system then determines what appears in the LCD and LED displays, and what each control does.

The expression “local control off”, simply means that the buttons are no longer “tied to” their LEDs. Pressing a button

does not necessarily turn on the LED.

Rather, pressing a button sends a command to the host system. The host system then is responsible for sending a command back into the MCS controller, to light up the LEDs.

That way, depending upon the mode of the host system, the host system may cause an LED to appear to be controlled by the switch.

LED Behavior in Special Mode

The LED can appear to behave either momentary, or latched. Momentary means the LED is lit only while the button is pressed. It turns off when you release the button. Latched means that the LED turns on with the first button press, and then turns off with the second button press. Alternately, the LED can flash, or do nothing. It is up to the host system.

The most important thing to understand about the Special Mode, and the fact that the Special Mode turns Local Control Off, is that two way communication with the host system is required for a special mode to operate. In other words, special mode will not work unless there are (in the case of MIDI I/O) two MIDI cables connected, or a 422 connection.

If only one way communication is established, and the MCS is in Special Mode, then it is possible that the unit will appear to not work. Either the displays will light, but the MCS will not control the software, or, the MCS will control the software but none of the LEDs or LCD will light.

Manually Exiting Special Mode

A host software system, engineered to support the MCS Controller using Special Mode, will send a command which switches the unit into Special Mode.

At this point, the MCS is no longer user-programmable.

The user may choose, however, to manually exit the Special Mode and return to User Assignable mode, without having to turn the hardware off and on.

This is done by entering Utility Mode by pressing Shift and Assign. Above the first encoder is the word MODE. The encoder is turned to select either User or Host.

Selecting User returns the unit to User Assignable Mode. Selecting Host returns the unit to the Special Mode.

Note that this function is only available if the MCS has already been switched into Special Mode by an external host system.

If the unit has not received any command from a Host system, since its last power-up, then this feature is not accessible.

User Assignable vs. Pre-Defined Functionality

User Assignable Mode means the unit is User Assignable: The MCS Controller's MIDI Commands sent are chosen by the user. You can add a 422 card, and also have 9 Pin control, this relates to the Transports, Jog/Shuttle, and Locates. You can also add an ADB card, (Apple Desktop Bus) for Macintosh, and again the controls are fully assignable.

Special Mode means the unit has a Pre-Defined Functionality: When communicating via MIDI, RS422, and RS485, the people who designed your audio and video host system decided how the MCS Controller behaves. They take over all the controls and displays, and determine how each control will behave.

Wave Demo

For the fader wave demo, hold the UP cursor button while powering up the unit. Continue to hold it for about 3 seconds, until the demo starts. Turn the power off to stop the demo.

The Mixer Section

This chapter discusses how to assign and use the motorized, touch sensitive faders, their associated channel switches above the faders, their associated Select buttons and Rotary Encoders. Page buttons and Bank buttons.

Before proceeding, it is important to briefly restate the Basic Modes of Operation: User Assignable Mode vs. Special Mode.

In the User Assignable Mode, (the way the unit normally powers-up), you, the user, can set it up how you want, determining what kind of commands the controls send, and how it controls your audio or video system.

In Special Mode, the audio or video system "takes over" the MCS controller. The designers of the system (that is, the makers of your audio or video system) have pre-determined how the MCS works with your system.

This chapter relates to User Assignable Mode Only.

If your system switches the MCS Controller into Special Mode, you will need to refer to the documentation included with the system for operation instructions.

Attributes of the Mixer Section

The eight faders, their touch sensors, the encoders, and the buttons above the faders, are all Bank Switchable.

There are four banks, selected with the Bank Switches.

The most obvious use for bank switching is to control software with more audio channels than there are hardware faders. That is, with Bank 1 selected, faders and mutes 1 through 8 control audio channels 1 through 8. With Bank 2 selected, the same faders and mutes control audio channels 9 through 16, etc.

Basic Bank Switching and Encoder Selection

Prior to moving a fader, pressing a button above the faders, or turning an encoder knob, choose a Bank.

Press one of the four Bank switches to the right of the LCD.

The actual effect of the Bank switch is also dependent upon the number of MCS-3000X Expanders connected.

For example, with 3 Expanders connected, there are a total of 32 hardware fader channels. In that case, there are only two Banks available, Banks 1 and 2, for a total of 64 channels.

If there are 7 Expanders connected, you already have a total of 64 hardware faders. In that case, the Bank switch has no function and remains on Bank 1.

Indeed, one reason for adding Expanders is to reduce the necessity of Bank switching.

Encoder Selection

Prior to turning an encoder knob, Press one of the four Bank switches to the right of the LCD.

Press a Select button at the top of a fader channel. The Select button selects a set of 40 virtual encoders associated with that channel.

Press a Page button above the LCD. The Page button selects one of the 8 Pages of 5 Encoders.

Fader Output

Moving a fader sends a range of MIDI commands. Typically, this will be a controller or a note, with the controller or note number specified by the user.

(If the MCS is still in its initialized state, refer to the Initialized Settings section of the Technical Information chapter, page xx, for a detailed listing of commands and channels.)

Faders can be grouped to another fader. And any fader can be made a Grand Master for all the faders in all four Banks.

Fader Input

The fader motors move when the unit receives a MIDI command that is equivalent to the fader’s current assignment.

In other words, move a fader, and record the data that is output as a result of the fader movement. Play back that same data into the MCS, and the fader will automatically move to repeat the move you recorded.

For example, from the factory, Fader 1 in Bank 1 sends MIDI Controller #0 on MIDI Channel 14.

When your host system software sends MIDI Controller #0 on MIDI Channel 14 into the MCS Controller, the fader will move.

The position of the fader will be equal to the Controller value, which typically ranges from 0 to 127.

The faders will also “remember” their position for each Bank. Pressing the Bank button will cause the faders to move to their last position within the Bank.

Touch Sensor

A single command is sent every time a fader is touched, and the same command is sent when the fader is released.

A user assigned value is sent when the fader is touched, a different value is sent when the fader is released.

A typical application is to use the touch sensor to arm a fader for writing automation moves, within software that supports automation and also support MIDI control of on-screen buttons.

Channel Switches

The Mute, Solo, Aux, and Select are user assignable, and bank switchable.

The labels, "Mute, Solo, and Aux" are purely for convenience, since those are designators of commonly used mix related functions.

You can program these switches to send MIDI Controller and MIDI Note commands.

A typical application is to use these switches for controlling software that supports mixer related functions and also support MIDI control of on-screen buttons.

These switches can be assigned to behave in two different ways, either momentary or latched. Momentary means the switch is on only as long as you hold down the button. Latched means that the switch is press once for on, again for off.

The LEDs for each of these switches can be remotely controlled. For example, a sequencer can turn them on or off.

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