Midas consoles PRO6 CONTROL CENTRE Quick Reference Guide
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Midas Klark Teknik Limited,
Klark Industrial Park,
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.
Tel: +44 1562 741515
Fax: +44 1562 745371
Email: info@midasklarkteknik.com
Website: www.midasconsoles.com
PRO6 Control Centre — Quick Reference Guide
DOC04-DL3 Issue B — June 2010
© Red Chip Company Ltd.
In line with the company’s policy of continual improvement, specifications and function may be
subject to change without notice. This Operator Manual was correct at the time of writing. E&OE.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the product.
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with a dry cloth.
7 Do not block any of the ventilation
openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15 Use the mains plug to disconnect the
apparatus from the mains.
16 Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
17 Warning: Do not expose this
equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, are placed on
the equipment.
18 Warning: The mains plug of the power
supply cord shall remain readily
operable.
EC-Declaration of Conformity
Midas
DOC04-PRO6ECDOC Rev. B
EC-Declaration of Conformity
The undersigned, representing the following manufacturer
Manufacturer: Address:
Midas Klark Teknik Ltd. Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster. Worcestershire. DY11 7HJ.
hereby declares that the following product
Product Type Number Product Description Nominal Voltage(s) Current Freq.
PRO6 Control Centre
115V AC
230V AC
2.9A
1.5A
50/60Hz
is in conformity with the regulations of the following marked EC-directives and bears the
-mark accordingly
reference number title
2004/108/EC EMC Directive (EMC)
2006/95/EC Low-Voltage Directive (LVD)
The conformity of the product with EC Directives for use in environment E4 is provided by compliance with
the following standards:
Standards/date:
Applied Electrical Safety test standards:
reference number title
EN 60065:2002
Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus. Safety requirements.
Applied EMC emission test standards:
ref. no. title
EN 55103-1:1996
Class A
EN 55103-1 Annex A: Radiated
magnetic disturbance, 50Hz-50kHz
CISPR 22: Radiated disturbance,
30-1000MHz
CISPR 22: Conducted disturbance,
ac & signal ports
CISPR 16: Discontinuous
disturbance
EN 61000-3-2:2000 Mains
harmonics
EN 61000-3-3:1995 Mains voltage
flicker
Applied EMC immunity test standards:
ref. no. title
EN 61000-4-2:1995 Electrostatic
discharge
EN 55103-2:1996
Class A
EN 61000-4-3:1996: Radiated RF
disturbance, 80-1000MHz
EN 55103-2 Annex A: Magnetic LF
disturbance, 50Hz–10kHz
EN 61000-4-4:1995: Fast transient
bursts, ac & signal ports
EN 61000-4-5:1995: Surge, ac port
EN 61000-4-6:1996: Conducted RF
field, ac & signal ports
EN 61000-4-11:1994: Mains voltage
dips and interruptions
Place, date: Kidderminster, UK
14th June 2010
General Manager AVP, Product Development
Printed name: John Oakley Printed name: Alex Cooper
Licences
The following are the license agreements applicable to the Midas Digital Equipment.
End-User Licence Agreement for Midas™ and Klark Teknik™ Software
IMPORTANT - Please read this document carefully before using this Midas™ or
Klark Teknik™ Product. This is an agreement governing your use of software or
other machine instructions already installed on this Midas™ or Klark Teknik™
Product, as well as other software that we provide for installation on this Product.
The Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ Product will not operate in accordance with its
documentation without this software.
THIS AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT" OR "LICENCE") STATES THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UPON WHICH
MIDAS KLARK TEKNIK LIMITED ("COMPANY") OFFERS TO LICENSE THE INSTALLED FIRMWARE,
SOFTWARE AND/OR PROGRAMS ("the SOFTWARE") WITH THE MIDAS™ OR KLARK TEKNIK™ CONSOLE
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3. Limited Warranty: Subject to your installation of any Software updates issued by the Compan y
as described herein, and the condition below, the Company warrants that the Software will
operate in compliance with the Software's material specifications and documentation for a period
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OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD
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DATE INFORMATION. You understand that the Company may update or revise the Software but
in so doing incurs no obligation to furnish such updates to you. However , the Company may in its
discretion make updates available from time to time upon such terms and conditions as it shall
determine. It is a condition of the above warranty that you install any such Software updates, as
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SOFTWARE REMAINS WITH YOU. THE LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING
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ACTION, AND INCLUDING WORK STOPPAGE, PRODUCT FAILURE OF MALFUNCTION OR ANY
OTHER COMMERCIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE COST OF THE LICENCE FEE
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COMPANY'S LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR ANY
OTHER LIABILITY WHICH CANNOT BE EXCLUDED OR LIMITED BY LAW.
5. Other Third-Party Computer Programs: As referred to herein, the term "Software" refers
only to proprietary Midas™ or Klark Teknik™ software, owned by the Company, that has been
provided to you for installation on, or already installed in, a Product. In addition to the Softw are,
you may have also been provided, at no additional charge, with a version of the widely-available
GNU Linux Operating System, which is a modular operating system made up of hundreds of
individual software components, each of which was written, and the copyright and other rights in
which are owned individually, by various parties (collectively, "the GNU Linux Programs"). Each
component has its own applicable end user li cence agreement, and many of these agreements
permit you to copy, modify, and redistribute the applicable software, but you must review the
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your rights under, or grants you rights that supersede, the terms of any other applicable end user
licence agreement. If you wish to receive a computer-readable copy of the source code for any
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send a cheque or money order (no cash accepted), your address and [£10.00] to cover the cost
of optical media, postage and handling, to:
Midas Klark Teknik Limited
ATTN: Linux Programs CD for Midas™/Klark Teknik™
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.
In your request, indicate your Product's name and model number, serial number and
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may expire according to the terms of those agreements, in which case your cheque will be
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to Company all copies of the Software in your possession, custody or control, including those in
or on the Product.
7. General: This Licence constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company with
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If any provision of this Licence is held unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the
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GNU General Public License (GPL)
For details of the Third Party Software License Attribution, Copyright and Terms and Conditions and
Notices, and the GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE, see the Midas Digital Equipment GNU
General Public License (GPL) Booklet part number DOC04-GPL issue A.
xi
Precautions
Before installing, setting up or operating this equipment make sure you have read and
fully understand all of this section and the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” at the
front of this guide.
This equipment is supplied by a mains voltage that can cause electric shock injury!
The following must be observed in order to maintain safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
performance.
Safety warnings
Signal 0V is connected internally to the
chassis.
To completely isolate this equipment from
the AC mains, while observing full safety
precautions (see “Power” on page xi),
switch off the isolator switch (above the
mains power sockets on rear of control
centre) and then switch off the mains at
the three mains outlets. Unplug the three
mains leads from the rear of the control
centre. For details of how to remove Volex
locking type plug, see “Power” below.
To avoid electrical shock do not remove
covers.
General precautions
In the event of ground loop problems,
disconnect the signal screen at one end of the
connecting cables. Note that this can only be
done when the equipment is used within a
balanced system.
Do not remove, hide or deface any warnings or
cautions.
Each mains inlet is to be sourced from its own
separate wall-mounted mains outlet socket.
Otherwise, their mains sources must be suitably
distributed so as to meet local safety
regulations.
A Volex locking type plug is fitted on each
supplied mains cable, which plugs into a mains
IEC connector on the unit. When fitted properly
the Volex plug locks into place, preventing it
from working loose, or being inadvertently
knocked loose or pulled out. To fit a Volex plug,
insert it into the mains IEC connector and push
it in until it locks in place. Then, check to make
sure it is locked in place. To remove it, release
its locking device and then pull it out. When
fitting or removing a Volex plug, always hold the
plug itself and never use the cable, as this may
damage it.
During operation, a minimum of two of its three
mains inlets must be connected and supplying
power.
When removing the equipment’s electric plugs
from the outlets, always hold the plug itself and
not the cable. Pulling out the plug by the cable
can damage it.
Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet
hands.
Power
The system power supplies contain LETHAL
VOLTAGES greatly in excess of the mains
voltage and its rails can produce extremely large
currents that could burn out equipment and
wiring if shorted.
The internal power supplies are of the switch
mode type that automatically sense the
incoming mains voltage and will work where the
nominal voltage is in the range 100VAC to
240VAC.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Do not connect/disconnect a mains power
connector to/from the PRO6 Control Centre
while power is being applied to it. Switch the
power off first.
Before switching the PRO6 Control Centre on or
off, make sure that all monitor loudspeaker
power amplifiers are turned off or muted.
xii Precautions
Handling the equipment
Completely isolate the equipment electrically
and disconnect all cables from the equipment
before moving it.
When lifting or moving the equipment, always
take its size and weight into consideration. Use
suitable lifting equipment or transporting gear,
or sufficient additional personnel.
Do not insert your fingers or hands in any gaps
or openings on the equipment, for example,
vents.
Do not press or rub on the sensitive surface of
the GUI screens.
If the glass of the GUI screen is broken, liquid
crystals shouldn’t leak through the break due to
the surface tension of the thin layer and the
type of construction of the LCD panel. However,
in the unlikely event that you do make contact
with this substance, wash it out with soap.
Installation
Before installing the equipment:
• Make sure the equipment is correctly
connected to the protective earth conductor
of the mains voltage supply of the system
installation through the mains leads.
• Power to the equipment must be via a fused
spur(s).
• Power plugs must be inserted in socket
outlets provided with protective earth
contacts. The electrical supply at the socket
outlets must provide appropriate
over-current protection.
• Both the mains supply and the quality of
earthing must be adequate for the
equipment.
• Before connecting up the equipment, check
that the mains power supply voltage rating
corresponds with the local mains power
supply . The rating of the mains power supply
voltage is printed on the equipment.
Location
Ideally a cool area is preferred, away from
power distribution equipment or other potential
sources of interference.
Do not install the equipment in places of poor
ventilation.
Do not install this equipment in a location
subjected to excessive heat, dust or mechanical
vibration. Allow for adequate ventilation around
the equipment, making sure that its fans and
vents are not obstructed. Whenever possible,
keep the equipment out of direct sunlight.
Do not place the equipment in an unstable
condition where it might accidentally fall over.
Make sure that the mains voltage and fuse
rating information of the equipment will be
visible after installation.
Audio connections
To ensure the correct and reliable operation of
your equipment, only high quality, balanced,
screened, twisted pair audio cable should be
used.
XLR connector shells should be of metal
construction so that they provide a screen when
connected to the control centre and, where
appropriate, they should have Pin 1 connected
to the cable screen.
Radio frequency interference—Class A device
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Electric fields
Caution:
In accordance with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules & Regulations, “… changes or
modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.”
Should this product be used in an
electromagnetic field that is amplitude
modulated by an audio frequency signal (20Hz
to 20kHz), the signal to noise ratio may be
degraded. Degradation of up to 60dB at a
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Precautions xiii
frequency corresponding to the modulation
signal may be experienced under extreme
conditions (3V/m, 90% modulation).
Safety equipment
Never remove, for example, covers, housings or
any other safety guards. Do not operate the
equipment or any of its parts if safety guards
are ineffective or their effectiveness has been
reduced.
Optional equipment
Unless advised otherwise, optional equipment
must only be installed by service personnel and
in accordance with the appropriate assembly
and usage regulations.
Special accessories
To comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules, any
special accessories (that is, items that cannot be
readily obtained from multiple retail outlets)
supplied with this equipment must be used with
this equipment; do not use any alternatives as
they may not fulfil the RF requirement.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
xiv Precautions
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
xv
Contents
Overview
Chapter 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Chapter 2 PRO6 Live Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
System components (standard supply) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Chapter 3 About The PRO6 Control Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Overview of the PRO6 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Bay and GUI layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
PRO6 control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Front and rear panel connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Operation
Chapter 4 Before You Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Principles of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Hints and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Saving your work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 5 Working With The PRO6 Control Centre . . . . . . . . . .17
About channel operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
About GUI operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Operating the GUI screen controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using the GUI menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Text editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 6 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
An introduction to PRO6 navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
About the navigational controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
About GUI navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
About the navigation ‘select’ sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
How to navigate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 7 Patching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
About the patching procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Configuring the devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Configuring the PRO6 with the snake type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
xvi
Setting up the I/O rack devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
How to patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Chapter 8 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Setting a mic amplifier’s input gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Setting the high and low pass filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Input equalisation (E zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Input dynamics processing (D zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Output processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Using VCA/POP groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Setting up a mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Using fader flip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Setting up the effects rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Simple routing to master stereo outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Scene and show management (automation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Configuring the inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Using copy and paste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
User library (presets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Surround panning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Two-man operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Saving your show files to a USB memory stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
External AES50 synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Security (locking mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Connecting And Setting Up The System
Chapter 9 Setting Up The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Initial set-up procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Unpacking the equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Making up a rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Wiring instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Powering the PRO6 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Switching the PRO6 Control Centre on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Setting up the DL351 Modular I/O unit ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Appendices
Appendix A Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
No audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Swapping the active network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Swapping the active master controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Volume 1:Overview
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome to the PRO6 Control Centre. The PRO6 Control Centre is a user-friendly,
state-of-the-art, high performance digital console specifically designed for live use.
The PRO6 Control Centre, which forms an integral part of the PRO6 Live Audio System,
was conceived by Midas to offer audio professionals high-performance audio
equipment, designed to provide no-compromise sonic quality with a feature set that
offers all essential facilities and functions. It represents the very best of British design
and engineering combined with contemporary, efficient manufacturing methods, and
will give you many years of reliable service.
So, to obtain the best results with a minimum of effort, please read this Quick
Reference Guide and, finally, enjoy your Midas XL8 Live Performance System!
About this guide
1
This is the Quick Reference Guide for the PRO6 Control Centre. Its purpose is to quickly
familiarise the user with the PRO6 Control Centre, show how to set up the XL8 Live
Performance System and then show how to carry out some basic operations on the
PRO6 Control Centre in order to produce some audio. This guide is structured such that
it may also provide a useful introductory guide for training purposes.
This document is aimed at professionals, such as front of house (FOH) and monitor
(MON) engineers, who will be using this equipment in a live performance environment.
It is assumed that the reader has prior experience of using professional audio
equipment and has, most likely, undergone training on this system.
This guide has been structured specifically so that mix engineers and system
technicians can go straight to the areas applicable to them, that is, “Operation” on
page 11 and “Connecting And Setting Up The System” on page 63, respectively. The
rest of the guide is intended for general readership.
For full details on the XL8 Live Performance System and the PRO6 Control Centre, refer
to the XL8 Live Performance System Owner’s Manual (part number DOC02-DL3), which
can be found on our website at www.midasconsoles.com.
Note: The content of this guide does not supersede any information supplied with any
other item of the PRO6 Live Audio System.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
2 Chapter 1: Introduction
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Chapter 2: PRO6 Live Audio System
The PRO6 Live Audio System is a very powerful and flexible audio processing system
that provides a complete solution for any audio mixing and signal distribution
application in a live sound environment.
Despite its compact size the standard PRO6 offers 56 channel inputs, eight auxiliary
returns, 41 buses (16 auxes, 16 matrices, three masters and six solos), eight on-board
effects processors, PEQs (four-band on inputs and six-band on outputs), eight standard
(up to 36 maximum) 31-band GEQs, eight configurable stereo effects
panning and comprehensive, easy-to-use routing. PRO6 automation provides up to
1,000 scenes with snapshot save/recall capability and global edit, and show file
archiving.
The PRO6 Control Centre forms the core of the PRO6 Live Audio System, which also
includes two 19” rack units — a DL351 Modular I/O (7U) and a DL371 Audio System
Engine (7U) — that are interconnected by a networked data system. The network
carries both proprietary control data and open architecture AES50 digital audio, and
uses readily available standard cabling and connectors. The PRO6 uses a proven stable
Linux operating system. All of the control centre’s internal and network routing
(“patching”) is managed via the graphical user interface (GUI).
Operation of the control surface is intuitive, unique and easy. Its layout is based on
familiar analogue lines to retain that ‘analogue’ feel. To manage the numerous
channels, the PRO6 Control Centre utilises VCA/POP groups and colours, and
additionally there are various navigational controls that aid quick channel/bus access
and selection. A daylight-viewable GUI at the top of the control surface assists
operation and provides extra functionality.
The PRO6 Live Audio System is tolerant of many types of hardware or software failure.
To achieve this the system employs dual redundancy, where a key component has an
identical redundant spare that is ready to take over should it fail. Other failure
scenarios are managed by the N+1 principle, where redundant components form an
acceptable fraction of the system.
The Klark Teknik DN9696 Recorder can be used with the PRO6 Live Audio System for
live multi-track recording and ‘virtual’ sound check. Optional equipment includes the
XL8’s DL451 I/O and DL431 splitter, and the DN9331 RapidE for remote GEQ operation.
1
, 5.1 surround
3
1. Each can be configured to generate four additional GEQs, making a total of 36 available on the control
centre (plus one stereo effect).
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
4 Chapter 2: PRO6 Live Audio System
System components (standard supply)
The PRO6 Live Audio System is modular, allowing for some variations in physical
placement and system size. The standard PRO6 touring system package is configured
as a 14U rack (containing two DL3n1 units) in a single, easily portable flight case, with
an equally portable, flight-cased control surface and minimal cabling. This package
comprises:
• 1-off PRO6 Control Centre (in a flight
case). Its user-configurable modular
I/O rack (rear panel) will be populated
with the following modules (from top to
bottom):
• DL443 analogue Jack I/O module,
providing eight Jack line inputs and
eight Jack line outputs.
• DL441 analogue input (mic) module,
providing eight balanced mic/line
inputs.
• DL442 analogue output module, providing eight balanced line outputs.
• 1-off main 14U rack (in a flight case), which houses:
• 1-off DL351 Modular I/O. This is populated with
seven DL441 analogue input modules (56 main
inputs) and a DL442 analogue output module.
There are a total of 56-off XLR mic/line inputs
provided on the system.
• 1-off DL371 Audio System Engine. This is
populated with five cards, the two empty slots
being blanked off. (If the optional N+1
redundant DSP module card is fitted, there will
be six cards and one empty slot.)
• 4-off interconnecting (N+1) rack Cat 5e copper
cables.
• 2-off interconnecting (dual redundant) gigabit
HyperMac Cat 5e copper cables, each 100 m long.
• 8-off mains cables.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Chapter 3: About The PRO6 Control Centre
This chapter introduces you to the PRO6 Control Centre and provides a brief hardware
description.
Overview of the PRO6 Control Centre
The PRO6 Control Centre has a combined control surface and GUI that provide an array
of easy-to-use controls for the precise manipulation of audio.
The PRO6 Control Centre is of modular construction and is built on a robust Midas steel
frame chassis similar to those used for established Midas analogue products. The frame
houses three full size bays with a smaller one on the right. All of the bays are
controlled from a single processor and, collectively, provide the primary mixing needs
of the engineer.
All associated power supplies, computer motherboards, memory, graphics cards etc.
are housed within the PRO6 Control Centre, which also contains a digital audio router
box that supports local FOH (insert) I/O connectors on the rear panel. Substantial
forced air-cooling is provided by a bulkhead and large (but slow moving) internal fans.
These produce very low noise, suitable for seated areas theatres and concert sound.
5
Externally, the PRO6 Control Centre has three main areas: control surface, GUI and
rear panel. The control surface is populated with instantly recognisable controls that
are logically distributed in major sections. The GUI, which comprises two screens at the
top of the centre bays, enhances operation by providing visual representations of the
control surface and also gives you extra functionality. The rear panel provides all of the
control centre and network connectivity, and houses the mains power sockets and
isolator switch.
Being of modular design, the overall form and shape of the PRO6 is similar to Midas’
flagship XL8. The PRO6 is split into bays, each one containing a flat fader tray and
shallow raked control area. The centre bays also have a third area that houses a
steep-raked display screen.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
6 Chapter 3: About The PRO6 Control Centre
6
1
2
5
3
4
1 Input bay (12-channel).
2 Mix bay.
3 Master bay.
4 Input bay (4-channel).
5 Mix bay GUI screen.
6 Master bay GUI screen.
7 Talk mic and USB
connectors.
7
Multiple hardware fault types are tolerated by the PRO6 Control Centre without loss of
audio control due to the dual redundancy and N+1 methods incorporated in the system.
This is further helped by the modular nature of the bays and GUI independence. Either
of the GUI screens can be used to operate the whole PRO6 Control Centre, even if none
of the control surface hardware is working. The unit offers the facility of universal
input, N+1 redundant power supplies with three latching mains connectors.
Bay and GUI layout
The PRO6 Control Centre has four discrete bays that house the following control surface
controls:
• Input bays (12-channel and 4-channel) — two input bays provide fast access to
input faders and important signal processing controls.
• Mix bay — provides access to outputs and groups, a detailed processing controller
(all channels) and navigational controls.
• Master bay — provides access to the master output mixes, monitor (A and B)
faders, automation, comms control, assignable effects control, and another set of
detailed processing and navigational controls.
Figure 1: Bay and GUI layout
T wo GUI display screens at the top of the central bays pro vide extensive screen support
(standard configuration) and extra functionality for the channels and buses. For
example, when mixing or processing. They also facilitate the use of the GUI menu,
which gives you access to the many powerful features of the PRO6, such as patching,
effects, GEQs, diagnostics etc.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
PRO6 control surface 7
A A
B
D
E
G
H
A — input fast zone: 16 input fast
strips across the 12-channel and
4-channel input bays provide the
operator’s ‘must have now’ controls.
B — channel strip and mixes:
processing areas, such as the D-zone
(dynamic), E-zone (EQ) and mix controls,
provide a more comprehensive control by
allowing detailed adjustments to a single
channel’s audio parameters.
C — channel and bus navigation
zone: sections for channel and bus
navigation and selection. For details, see
Chapter 6 “Navigation”.
D — output fast zone: 16 output fast
strips can be used for mixing and
processing aux, return, matrix and
master channels. Navigation and flip
buttons are on the right of the output fast
strips.
E — VCA and POP groups: VCA faders
and POP group sections.
F — miscellaneous: master channel
strips, A and B signal path monitoring,
communications, I-zone, surround
monitoring and mute groups.
G — primary navigation zone:
trackballs for mix and master bay GUI
screen control, and a screen access panel
(between trackballs) for direct access to
GUI menu options.
H — automation: scene store/recall
and system edit.
C
C
F
B
PRO6 control surface
The control surface of the PRO6 Control Centre is divided into areas (see Figure 2)
whose function is, largely, dependent on bay location. Each bay has assorted control
elements with local feedback and/or support from the two centrally located GUI display
screens. The screens can be remoted via external VGA connections, and third party
systems can also be viewed/controlled via an integrated KVM switch on the rear panel.
Figure 2: Main areas of the control surface
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
8 Chapter 3: About The PRO6 Control Centre
Channel
strip
Overview screen
(mix bay GUI screen)
InputsOutputs
All meters display
Inputs and
automation
summary
Meters screen
(master bay GUI screen)
Banner
During show time the screen functions that require fast access are controlled by control
knobs, pushbutton switches, faders etc. More complex functions that do not require
this fast access are controlled by the trackballs and navigational keys. A keyboard
integral to the flight case is used for text entry via the master bay GUI screen. An
external USB keyboard can be used to operate the mix bay GUI screen.
The choice of controls provided by each bay type are prioritised by access time
importance. Fast zone areas, which contain fast strips, give instant access to specific
functions across the bay, and channel strips give greater control of the selected fast
strip.
GUI
The GUI comprises two screens that provide a pictorial representation of the control
surface layout so that its displays are easy to follow at a glance. Not only does it reflect
what is happening on the control surface, but it also provides extra functionality via a
GUI menu. This menu provides access to all the screens that you will require to set up,
configure, manage and operate the entire PRO6 Control Centre, all from a single
drop-down list of easy to follow options.
Figure 3: Layout of the GUI screens
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Front and rear panel connections 9
Mains power
and ventilation
Audio, control
and networking
I/O
Each GUI screen has its own default display (Overview and Meters as shown in
Figure 3), although either is selectable via the GUI main menu. The Overview screen
displays 12 inputs and two sets of eight outputs, and the Meters screen shows all the
meters, four inputs and a summary of the automation. Both screens have a banner at
the top, which is constantly displayed, and a channel strip down the outermost side.
The channel strips have a similar function to the ones on the control surface (see
Figure 2 on page 7), but provide extra functionality. Each displays an ‘overview’ of the
associated selected channel, which is divided into specific sections that provide access
to processing areas.
Front and rear panel connections
The PRO6 has connector panels on both the front and rear of the control centre.
The panel to the left of the mix bay GUI screen (item 7 in Figure 1) has an XLR socket
and two USB sockets for connecting a talk mic and USB devices, respectively. For
example, you can connect a USB memory stick for show file backup and transfer, or a
USB keyboard for text editing on the GUI.
A connector panel on the rear of the PRO6 Control Centre has three main sections (see
below). On the left are three mains power inlet and ventilation assemblies, with a
DC power switch above. The mid-section contains connections for the audio, network,
communications, intercoms, synchronisation, external remote devices and peripheral
devices. The section on the right is the user-configurable modular I/O section.
The modular I/O section can house up to three of any of the following I/O modules in
any combination: DL441 analogue input module; DL442 analogue output module;
DL443 analogue insert input/output module; and DL452 digital in/out (AES/EBU)
module. This gives a maximum of 24 inputs and 24 outputs, if the appropriate cards
are fitted. The following diagram shows the standard I/O module configuration in which
the DL443 (top), DL441 (middle) and DL452 (bottom) are fitted.
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
10 Chapter 3: About The PRO6 Control Centre
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
Volume 1:Operation
PRO6 Control Centre
Quick Reference Guide
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