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Pro Tools - 11.2
User's Guide
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Pinnacle Systems Pro Tools - 11.2 User's Guide

MachineControl™ Guide
Version 11.2
Legal Notices
© 2014 Avid Technology, Inc., (“Avid”), all rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
Sundance Digital, SurroundScope, Symphony, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, SynchroScope, Syntax, TDM FlexCable, TechFlix, Tel-Ray, Thunder, TimeLiner, Titansync, Titan, TL Aggro, TL AutoPan, TL Drum Rehab, TL Everyphase, TL Fauxlder, TL In Tune, TL MasterMeter, TL Metro, TL Space, TL Utilities, tools for storytellers, Transit, TransJammer, Trillium Lane Labs, TruTouch, UnityRAID, Vari-Fi, Video the Web Way, VideoRAID, VideoSPACE, VTEM, Work-N-Play, Xdeck, X-Form, and XMON are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Bonjour, the Bonjour logo, and the Bonjour symbol are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
This product may be protected by one or more U.S. and non­U.S. patents. Details are available at www.avid.com/patents.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9329-65434-00 REV A 05/14

Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction .........................................................1
MachineControl Version 2.0 for Pro Tools | HD Software 11 ..........................1
MachineControl Components ................................................1
System Requirements and Compatibility ........................................2
Registration .............................................................2
Conventions Used in This Guide ..............................................3
About www.avid.com ......................................................3
Chapter 2. Installing MachineControl..............................................5
Cables and Connections ...................................................5
Connecting Machines......................................................7
Authorizing MachineControl .................................................8
Removing MachineControl ..................................................9
Starting Up Your System ...................................................9
Chapter 3. MachineControl Communication Modes .................................11
Serial Deck Control Mode..................................................11
Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode..........................................12
Chapter 4. Setting Up Machine Control ...........................................13
Online and Offline Operation ...............................................13
Transport Controls .......................................................13
Remote Mode ..........................................................15
Chapter 5. Serial Deck Control Mode .............................................17
Configuring Pro Tools | Software for Serial Deck Control (Overview)...................17
Configuring a MachineControl Device for Deck Control ............................17
Preferences for Serial Deck Control Mode ......................................19
Session Setup Window and MachineControl ....................................21
Additional Pro Tools Commands .............................................24
Selecting Pro Tools or the Machine as the Transport Master ........................25
Contents iii
Playback in Serial Deck Control Mode ........................................ 26
Remote Track Arming .................................................... 28
Configuring Track Arming ................................................. 28
Creating a Track Arming Profile ............................................. 29
Arming Tracks Remotely for Layback ......................................... 32
Chapter 6. Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode.................................... 33
Configuring Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode ................................ 33
Preferences for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode ............................. 36
Playback in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode ................................ 37
Recording in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode ............................... 37
Track Arming in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode ............................. 38
Chapter 7. Using a Paddle Device in Local Mode................................... 39
Connecting a Supported Third-Party Paddle Device to Your Pro Tools System........... 39
Allow Track Arm Commands in Local Mode Preference ........................... 39
Configuring Ports for a Deck and a Supported Third-Party Paddle Device .............. 40
Appendix A. Deck Control Key Commands ....................................... 41
Appendix B. Troubleshooting .................................................. 43
Appendix C. Machine IDs ...................................................... 45
Appendix D. 9-Pin Cable Pinouts................................................ 47
MachineControl Guideiv

Chapter 1: Introduction

MachineControl™software option for Pro Tools tion with Sony and video or audio machines.
®
| Software enables serial communica-
®
9-pin compatible synchronizers,

MachineControl Version 2.0 for Pro Tools | HD Software 11

This guide provides installation and operational in­structions for MachineControl version 2.0 for Pro Tools systems running Pro Tools
If you require documentation for other system con­figurations, refer to earlier versions of this guide, available in the Knowledge Base. You can reach the Knowledge Base by clicking
Pro Tools Knowledge Base
visiting www.avid.com/support.
®
| HDX and Pro Tools®| HD Native
®
| HD Software 11.
Help >
in Pro Tools, or by

MachineControl Components

Your MachineControl package includes the following, based on your operating system:
Mac Systems
• MachineControl Installer disc
• Serial Deck Control cable: Male 8-pin mini-DIN to male 9-pin cable
• Remote 9-pin Deck Emulation cable: Male 8­pin mini-DIN to female 9-pin cable
• MachineControl iLok Activation Card
Windows Systems
• MachineControl Installer disc
• Serial Deck Control cable: RS-232 to RS-422
• 9-pin Turnaround adapter (for Remote 9-pin Deck Emulation mode)
• MachineControl iLok Activation Card
Chapter 1: Introduction 1

System Requirements and Compatibility

MachineControl requires a qualified Pro Tools | HDX and Pro Tools | HD Native systems.
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved.
For complete system requirements and a list of qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, visit:
www.avid.com/compatibility
Serial Deck Control Mode Requirements
Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Requirements
A SYNC peripheral is required when running MachineControl 9-Pin Remote Deck Emulation mode, as it provides frame-accurate LTC.
Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation does not work using the serial ports on a SYNC peripheral or using the Serial port on an HDX card, HD Native card, or HD Native Thunderbolt. Instead, you must connect the remote control­ler to your Pro Tools system using one of the methods detailed in “Connecting Machines for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode” on page 7.

Registration

For Tighter Lockups
For Serial Deck Control, use of a SYNC periph-
eral (Pro Tools
For near sample accurate Serial Deck Control, a
®
| SYNC HD) is recommended.
SYNC peripheral is required.
If you are not using a SYNC peripheral with
Pro Tools, some features of MachineControl can be used by connecting the deck to the computer with the proper cable and adapter configuration.
See “Connecting Machines for Serial Control Mode” on page 7.
Review the enclosed Registration Information Card and follow the instructions on it to quickly register your purchase online. By registering, you become eligible to receive the following:
• Technical support information
• Software update and upgrade notices
• Hardware warranty information
MachineControl Guide2

Conventions Used in This Guide

All of our guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands:
:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the
File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key
and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key
and click the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right
mouse button

About www.avid.com

The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source for information to help you get the most out of your Pro Tools system. The following are just a few of the services and features available.
Product Registration
online.
Support and Downloads
Success (technical support); download software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online Knowledge Base or join the worldwide Pro Tools community on the User Con­ference.
Register your purchase
Contact Avid Customer
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear on-screen are in a different font.
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your system.
Important Notices include information that could affect your data or the performance of your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in this guide and other Pro Tools guides.
Training and Education
Study on your own using courses available online or find out how you can learn in a classroom setting at a certified Pro Tools training center.
Products and Developers
Learn about Avid products; download demo software or learn about our Development Partners and their plug-ins, ap­plications, and hardware.
News and Events
Get the latest news from Avid or
sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
Chapter 1: Introduction 3
MachineControl Guide4

Chapter 2: Installing MachineControl

Before you install MachineControl, make sure that you have already connected and verified operation of your Pro Tools system. If you are using a SYNC HD, refer to the
SYNC HD Guide to make
sure your equipment is installed and operating cor­rectly.

Cables and Connections

MachineControl requires its own connections be­tween Pro Tools hardware, the computer, and ex­ternal machines. Connections differ depending on your Pro Tools audio interface, operating system, and on which of the two MachineControl opera­tional modes you want to use: Serial Deck Control mode or Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode.
When using a supported third-party paddle device with Pro Tools, you can use both Serial Deck Control mode and Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode simultaneously. See Chapter 7, “Using a Paddle Device in Local Mode” for more information.
Cables
MachineControl comes with the following cables and adapters, depending on your computer plat­form:
Mac Systems
Serial Deck Control Cable
to male 9-pin cable, for Deck Control.
Remote Deck Emulation Mode Cable
mini-DIN to female 9-pin cable, required for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation.
Windows Systems
Serial Deck Control Cable
cable, for serial timecode and all other MachineControl functions.
Turnaround Adapter
RS-232 to RS-422 cable, for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation.
Do not substitute 9-pin or serial adapters for either MachineControl cable. Each cable is specifically wired for one operation mode.
Male 8-pin mini-DIN
Male 8-pin
RS-232 to RS-422
9-pin adapter, used with
Chapter 2: Installing MachineControl 5
Serial Deck Control Mode
Serial Deck Control mode supports bi-directional communication between Pro Tools and a compati­ble external machine. With this feature you can:
• Synchronize to serial timecode
• Arm tracks on the machine remotely
• Control a transport from Pro Tools
• Configure machine settings and options.
For computers that do not have serial ports, a supported USB serial adapter (not provided) is required to make the MachineControl connection. For a list of qualified USB serial adapters, visit www.avid.com/compatibility.
Pro Tools HDX and HD Native Systems
With Pro Tools | HD Software and Pro Tools | HDX or Pro Tools | HD Native hard­ware, you can use a Serial to 9-pin connection or a 9-pin to 9-pin connection for Serial Deck Control mode.
Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode
This mode enables a form of deck emulation in Pro Tools. When the Remote 9-Pin Deck Emula­tion Mode cable is used on a supported system, Pro Tools can respond to record-arming, transport, and other standard 9-pin commands from an exter­nal machine.
While in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode, Pro Tools always generates timecode, and can be either the timecode master or a slave device.
On Mac systems, use the Remote 9-Pin Emula-
tion Mode cable. This mode requires a supported serial adapter connected to a computer USB port, and a properly wired configuration. See Chapter 6, “Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode” for details.
On Windows systems, Remote 9-pin Deck Em-
ulation mode uses an RS-232 to RS-422 cable and a Turnaround adapter connected to an available se­rial or COM port on the computer.
CPU to Deck Connection
This type of connection yields the best performance, especially with linear decks. Use the included Serial Deck Control cable for this type of connection.
SYNC Peripheral to Deck Connection
This type of connection is suitable for non-linear decks. If you are using a SYNC peripheral, as many as two machines can be connected to the two 9-pin Out ports on the SYNC peripheral. You can control one machine at a time, and switch between them from within Pro Tools. These ports support all MachineControl modes except Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode. For Remote Deck Emulation mode on Mac systems, a supported USB serial adapter is required.
MachineControl Guide6

Connecting Machines

This section describes how to connect machines for Serial Control Mode or Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode.
Connecting Machines for
Serial Control Mode
For Best Serial Deck Control
For best serial deck control, connect your deck as follows:
To connect a deck to a Mac computer:
1 Connect a supported USB serial adapter (not
provided) to a USB port on the computer.
2 Connect the provided male mini DIN-8 serial to
male 9-pin D-sub Deck Control cable to the end of the adapter.
3 Connect the end of the cable to the machine.
To connect a deck to a Windows computer:
Do one of the following:
• Connect the computer’s COM port to the ma­chine, using the provided 9-pin RS-322 to RS-422 cable.
• Use a supported USB serial adapter (not pro­vided) for computers that do not have a 9-pin se­rial connector to connect the machine to any available USB port on the computer.
Connecting Machines for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode
To connect a machine for Remote 9-Pin Deck
Emulation mode (Mac Systems):
1 Connect a supported USB serial adapter (not
provided) to a USB port on the computer.
2 Connect the provided male mini DIN-8 serial to
female 9-pin Deck Emulation cable to the end of the adapter.
3 Connect the end of the cable to the machine.
To connect a machine for Remote 9-Pin Deck
Emulation mode (Windows Systems):
Connect the Turnaround adapter to the RS-322
to RS-422 cable, and connect them from an available serial or COM port on your computer to the 9-pin output of the machine.
Do not use the Serial port on your Pro Tools | HDX card, HD | Native card, HD | Native Thunderbolt, or the 9-pin ports on the SYNC peripheral for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emula­tion mode. The Serial port should only be used for SYNC peripheral connections.
For Limited Serial Deck Control (Non-Linear Decks Only)
• Connect a standard 9-pin cable from one of the 9-pin Out ports on the SYNC peripheral to the 9­pin input of the machine. Due to performance limitations, this configuration should be used primarily with non-linear decks.
Chapter 2: Installing MachineControl 7
Using a Rosetta Stone Adapter with MachineControl
(Windows Only)
Using the Rosetta Stone adapter with Machine­Control on Windows lets you increase reliability for long cable runs for Serial Deck Control mode or Remote mode.
A Rosetta Stone RS-232 to RS-422 adapter (model 2/8 or 2/9) and additional RS-232 and RS-422 cables are required.
Toincrease reliability in long cable runs in Remote
mode:
Follow the instructions as described above
for setting up a Rosetta Stone converter for an edit controller.

Authorizing MachineControl

MachineControl is automatically installed with Pro Tools, but requires a valid MachineControl option authorization in order to be enabled in Pro Tools. The MachineControl feature set for Pro Tools is automatically enabled if a valid MachineControl authorization is detected on your iLok.
Software is authorized using the iLok USB Smart Key (iLok), manufactured by PACE Anti-Piracy.
iLok USB Smart Key
To increase reliability in long cable runs in Serial
Deck Control mode:
1 Connect the RS-232 cable from your com-
puter’s COM port into the RS-232 side of the Rosetta Stone adapter.
2 Connect the RS-422 cable from the RS-422 side
of the Rosetta Stone to the deck or 9-pin patch bay. If a longer run is needed, add more 9-pin cable on the RS-422 end.
You can use either the new version of the iLok (shown above) or the previous version of the iLok to hold your authorizations.
An iLok can hold over 100 licenses for all of your iLok-enabled software. Once a license for a given piece of software is placed on an iLok, you can use the iLok to authorize that software on any com­puter.
An iLok USB Smart Key is not supplied with plug-ins or software options. You can use the iLok included with certain Pro Tools systems or purchase one separately.
MachineControl Guide8
To authorize MachineControl:
1 If you do not have an iLok.com account, visit
www.iLok.com and sign up for an account.
• Transfer the license for your software to your iLok.com account by doing the following:
• Visit www.avid.com/activation.
• Input your Activation Code (listed on your Acti­vation Card) and your iLok.com User ID. Your iLok.com User ID is the name you create for your iLok.com account.
2 Transfer the licenses from your iLok.com
account to your iLok USB Smart Key by do­ing the following:
• Insert the iLok into an available USB port on your computer.
• Go to www.iLok.com and log in.
• Follow the on-screen instructions for transferring your licenses to your iLok.
For more information, visit the iLok website (www.iLok.com).
3 Launch Pro Tools.
4 If you have any unauthorized software
installed, you are prompted to authorize it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the authorization process.

Starting Up Your System

To ensure that the components of your Pro Tools system communicate properly with each other and your external machines, start them in a particular order.
Start up your Pro Tools system in this order:
1 For systems with an expansion chassis, turn on
the chassis.
2 Turn on any external hard drives. Wait approx-
imately ten seconds for them to come up to speed.
3 Turn on any external machines (VTR, ATR,
synchronizer, and monitors).
4 Turn on any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices and
synchronization peripherals.
5 Lower the volume of all output devices in your
system.
6 Turn on Pro Tools audio interfaces. Wait at
least fifteen seconds for your system hardware to initialize.
7 Turn on your computer.
8 Launch Pro Tools.
Machine Local and Remote Modes

Removing MachineControl

The MachineControl feature set for Pro Tools is automatically enabled if a valid MachineControl authorization is detected on your iLok. To disable the MachineControl option on your system, trans­fer your MachineControl option authorization to another iLok (or simply remove the authorized iLok from your system).
Be sure to set your machine-controllable device to “remote” or “ext” mode to receive the 9-pin infor­mation (not “local” or front-panel mode). With some supported machines, if all other communica­tion is established and the machine is not in remote mode, Pro Tools will indicate machine “local” mode.
Chapter 2: Installing MachineControl 9
MachineControl Guide10

Chapter 3: MachineControl Communication Modes

MachineControl supports two machine communi­cation modes: Serial Deck Control mode and Re­mote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode.

Serial Deck Control Mode

With Serial Deck Control mode, you can use the Pro Tools Transport window to control an external deck.
Online button, Right-click to set Transport Master
Transport
The setting of the Transport Master determines the type of Serial Deck Control, as follows:
Transport = Pro Tools
controls the Pro Tools Timeline. When online, the deck locates relative to actions taken in the Pro Tools Timeline.
The Transport window
Transport = MMC
MIDI Machine Control (MMC). When Pro Tools is Online, the Pro Tools Timeline chases MMC.
The Transport window controls
Cueing and Pre-Roll
Pro Tools Preference settings let you optimize MachineControl operation, including adjustable machine pre-roll, selectable edit and memory loca­tion chasing.
Pro Tools sessions can be as long as 24 hours. MachineControl features are dis­abled for the final minutes of the 24-hour period, to allow for pre-roll to be used at the beginning of the session without un­wanted machine shuttling.
Track Arming
When the Transport Master is set to Transport = Machine, you can arm tracks of external machines from within Pro Tools for layback and transfer. Features include individual record enables for up to 48 external tracks, with selectable record proto­col and mode. Machine profiles included with the software let you pre-configure track arming for many machine types.
Transport = Machine
trols the machine. When Pro Tools is Online, the Pro Tools Timeline chases the machine.
The Transport window con-
Chapter 3: MachineControl Communication Modes 11
Serial Timecode
When the Positional Reference is set to Serial
Timecode
can control an external machine via the Serial Deck Control cable. This setting also enables Pro Tools to receive timecode directly using only the Serial Deck Control cable.
(This mode requires that the 9-pin device be capa­ble of transmitting serial timecode. It also requires that the Pro Tools and the device receive a com­mon video reference.)
in the Session Setup window, Pro Tools

Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode

With Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode (also called Remote 9-Pin mode), an external synchro­nizer can take control over Pro Tools transport and recording functions.
Pro Tools responds to commands sent by the mas­ter 9-pin machine controller, but because Pro Tools is in Remote mode, many of its transport commands are locked out.
Using a Paddle Device in Local Mode
When using MachineControl in Local mode with or without an external synchronizer, you can use a supported third-party paddle device to issue the following Pro Tools track commands:
• Input monitoring
• Record Enable
• Record Safe
• Solo
• Solo Mute
See Chapter 7, “Using a Paddle Device in Local Mode.”
Remote and Remote/LTC Chase Modes
When using an external machine controller to con­trol Pro Tools, you can configure Pro Tools to em­ulate a 9-pin deck in either of the following modes:
Remote mode
can be the timecode master or timecode slave.
Remote/LTC Chase mode
device that receives track and transport arming commands, while chasing incoming LTC.
Pro Tools emulates a device that
Pro Tools emulates a
Track Arming
In Remote Deck Emulation mode, you can arm Pro Tools tracks from an external machine.
Features include remote control of individual re­cord enables for up to 48 tracks, with selectable re­cord protocol and mode. Included factory and user programmable profiles let you configure track arming for any machine type.
For arming tracks during playback, refer to the TrackPunch and DestructivePunch fea­ture description in the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
MachineControl Guide12

Chapter 4: Setting Up Machine Control

Online and Offline Operation

Pro Tools can remotely control, or be controlled by, any approved enabled external device. You can select a device by using the Transport Master se­lector in the Transport window.
Transport online, Transport = Machine
(9-pin Deck Control)
To trigger Pro Tools playback or recording from an external source, the Pro Tools Transport needs to be online. There are four ways to put the Pro Tools Transport online:
• Click the Online button in the Transport win­dow.
• Choose
• Press Command+J (Mac) or Control+J (Win­dows).
• Press Option+Spacebar (Mac) or Alt+Spacebar (Windows).
Options > Transport Online.
The Online button in the Transport window indicates online status. It flashes while enabled and waiting for synchronization, and stays lit when lock is achieved.

Transport Controls

With MachineControl, the Pro Tools Transport window becomes a multi-function controller.
Counter Display
The Pro Tools Edit window counter displays the current machine (9-pin) or session timecode loca­tion, depending on which device is the Transport Master, plus any current Session Start Time Off­sets being applied. (See “External Timecode Off­sets” on page 23 for more information.)
The Incoming Time display in the Session Setup window always shows absolute incoming time­code, without any offsets.
Pro Tools can generate LTC while the Transport is online, but only when Posi­tional Reference is set to Serial Timecode.
Chapter 4: Setting Up Machine Control 13
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