® Artist Series and Pro Tools Guide EuControl v2.5.
Legal Notices This guide is copyrighted ©2010 by Avid Technology, Inc., (hereafter “Avid”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
contents Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7. Automation and Mixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Enabling and Suspending Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Track Automation Mode Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Shortcuts to Display Automation Playlists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
chapter 1 Introduction Avid’s EUCONTM (Extended User Control) adapter enables fully integrated control of Pro Tools® from EUCON-compatible control surfaces. This guide explains how to enable Artist Series controllers and use them with Pro Tools 9.0 or higher. For setup and configuration instructions for EUCON on Pro Series systems (such as MC Pro and System 5) see the instructions that came with your hardware. For the latest software updates and information about these Avid control surfaces, visit www.
About This Guide This guide explains how to enable EUCON and use Artist Series control surfaces with Pro Tools. If you are installing an Artist Series controller for the first time, start with the following resources: • For EuControl software and hardware installation, see the printed documentation that came with your controller. • For complete information on your unit, see the electronic PDF version of its User Guide.
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 The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear on-screen are in a different font.
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 Register your purchase online.
chapter 2 Software Configuration Before you proceed, make sure you have completed the following: • Installed Pro Tools or Pro Tools HD version 9.0 or higher • Installed the latest EuControl software and attached your Artist Series hardware Enabling EUCON in Pro Tools To enable EUCON control in Pro Tools: 1 Make sure EuControl software is running. Your desktop should have a green EUCON icon in the upper right corner.
5 Click OK. You do not need to configure any other Ethernet Controllers settings. These settings do not apply to EUCON. Using Artist Series controllers with lower versions of Pro Tools utilized the HUI (MIDI Controller) protocol. This is no longer necessary. Pro Tools scans your system until it identifies attached EUCON-compatible hardware. When Pro Tools finishes scanning your system, your controllers are ready to use with Pro Tools.
Confirm Installation To confirm installation and communication: 1 Make sure you have enabled EUCON as explained in “Enabling EUCON in Pro Tools” on page 5. 2 Open a session if one is not already open. 3 Verify the Mix window displays a blue-green border around Pro Tools tracks that are currently banked to your controller. 4 Verify that the displays on your controllers show track names, location, or other session data, de- pending on the unit.
Disable or Reassign Mac Keyboard Shortcuts Used by Pro Tools You need to disable or reassign any conflicting Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts in the Apple System Preferences. To disable or reassign Mac keyboard shortcuts used by Pro Tools: 1 From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences. 2 Click Keyboard. 3 Click the Keyboard Shortcuts tab.
chapter 3 Track and Session Basics This chapter provides examples of the following: EuControl Basics How to use EuControl software to view and customize mappings and hardware settings (see “EuControl Basics” on page 10). Using the Transport How to use the Transport controls to play, stop, cue, record arm, and more (see “Using the Transport” on page 14). Banking the Faders How to use Bank and Nudge to be able to view tracks on the fader strips (see “Banking Faders” on page 16).
EuControl Basics EuControl software lets you see which controllers are communicating, configure their layout (fader order), and customize Soft Keys and other controls. This section provides a few basic instructions to cover common configuration questions. For complete information on using EuControl software, see the EUCON Application Setup guide. To jump directly to Pro Tools operation, go to “Using the Transport” on page 14.
Customizing Controls in EuControl EuControl software makes it very simple to remap any control to Pro Tools commands and options. Here is a quick example of how to reconfigure one of the Transport keys on MC Transport to toggle Dynamic Transport mode on/off. It shows the steps required to re-assign a single key. To re-assign a Soft Key on MC Transport for Pro Tools: 1 Launch Pro Tools. 2 Press the SHOW key. The EuControl Settings window opens. 3 Click to go to the Soft Keys tab.
4 Select the key you want to customize by clicking it on-screen, or pressing it on the controller. For example, select Soft Key 5 Control Room. A Soft Key selected in the EuControl Settings window 5 Click the Clear button near the center of the window. The Soft Key label box clears, showing no current assignment. This clears any previous assignments, making it easier to re-assign the control. 6 Click the Command button. The Soft Key Command Editor window opens.
9 Click to select Dynamic Transport. The Command List updates to show the new assignment. A Transport function assigned in the Soft Key Command Editor 10 Close the Soft Key Command Editor and return to the EuControl Settings window. Soft Key 5 now shows Dynamic Transport for its assignment. 11 Repeat for any other controls on any other units in your system.
Using the Transport Transport controls are available on many Artist Series controllers, and provide standard Pro Tools functions such as Play, Stop, Rewind/Fast-forward, Record, and others as available on each unit. The following figure identifies the default controls on MC Transport and MC Control.
Using the Transport Controls Playback To play from the current location: Press Play. To stop playback: Press Stop. Transport Controls and Modifier Keys You can use modifier keys on your computer keyboard in combination with EUCON hardware Transport controls for additional playback modes (such as to enable Loop Playback). To toggle Loop Playback on/off: Press Control (Mac) + Play. To toggle Pro Tools online or offline: Press Option (Mac) + Play.
Banking Faders To navigate to and display other tracks across the faders, use the Bank and Nudge keys. On MC Control, these keys are in the Navigation section above the Transport controls.
Fader Strip Controls Fader strips on MC Control and MC Mix let you adjust track volume, pan, solo, and mute. Flip mode lets you control pan, plug-ins and sends from the fader strips. See “Flipping Encoder Parameters to Faders” on page 18. Adjusting Track Volume and Pan This section shows how to adjust track volume and pan with MC Control or MC Mix. On MC Control, pan channel parameters are available through the Soft Encoders and Touchscreen.
4 To return to left side pan, press the lit < PAGE key.
Track Basics This section shows how to select, route, show/hide, and group tracks. Selecting Tracks You can select tracks using the fader strip SEL keys on MC Mix and MC Control. To select a track on MC Mix or MC Control: Press any fader SEL key. The track is selected in Pro Tools. You can use standard Pro Tools shortcuts in combination with the fader SEL keys to do the following. To select all tracks: Hold the Option key (Mac) on your computer keyboard and press any unlit track SEL key.
Track Input and Output Routing Routing Track Input and Output on MC Control These examples show how to assign track input and output from the Soft Keys and Touchscreen sections on MC Control. To assign track input on MC Control: 1 Select a channel by pressing its SEL key. 2 In the Soft Encoders, press the Input Soft Encoder. The Touchscreen shows the input assignment for the currently selected track.
To assign track output on MC Control: 1 Select a channel by pressing its SEL key. 2 In the Soft Encoders, press the Mix encoder. The Touchscreen shows the output assignment for the currently selected track. HOME SOFT KEYS END Soft Encoder for Mix 3 Press Soft Encoder 1 (the one showing the current assignment, if any). The first three Soft Encoders now display the next level of choices for output assignment.
To reassign track output without adding additional output assignments on MC Control: 1 Select a channel by pressing its SEL key. 2 In the Soft Encoders, press the Mix encoder. The Touchscreen shows the output assignment for the currently selected track. 3 Press Soft Encoder 1 (the one showing the current assignment, if any). The first three Soft Encoders now display the next level of choices for output assignment. 4 Press Soft Encoder 1 to select no output.
To assign track output on MC Mix: 1 Select a channel by pressing its SEL key. 2 Press SHIFT+ the PAN/MIX key. The display shows the output assignment for each banked track. 3 Press the encoder for the track you want to assign. 4 Press the encoder below the desired output assignment: Display no output output bus Soft Encoder 1 2 3 • If you select no output, the assignment is made and that encoder ON key lights.
Working with Track Groups This section shows how you can work with Pro Tools track Groups using an MC Control or MC Mix. Working with Track Groups on MC Control To enable or suspend a Group: 1 Press the GROUP encoder to enter Group mode. Group names fill as many Soft Encoders as neces- sary; green LEDs in the Touchscreen encoders indicate group membership for the currently selected track.
Working with Track Groups on MC Mix To enable or suspend a track Group using MC Mix: 1 Press SHIFT+AUX/GROUP. The display shows in every fader display (or, the letter designation of the last edited group). 2 Press the lit PAGE > keys to show other available Groups across the display. As you navigate to other Groups, the encoder SEL keys (in the encoder row) light to indicate an active (enabled) Group. In addition, track ON keys light to indicate track membership in the currently displayed Group.
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chapter 4 Recording This chapter explains default assignments for common Pro Tools recording tasks. Select and Record Enable Tracks This section provides standard track and deck record enable commands that work on units such as the MC Control and MC Mix. To record enable a track: Press the track REC key. To record enable additional tracks: Hold the Shift key on your computer keyboard and press additional track REC keys.
Loop Record, Quick Punch, and Other Record Modes Some supported controllers provide dedicated keys for enabling special Pro Tools recording modes. On other units, commands are available in EuControl software to let you cycle through available modes. (Some modes are available on all Pro Tools systems; other modes require Pro Tools HD.
chapter 5 Editing EUCON supports many Pro Tools editing features, including tool and mode selection, zooming, and Jog/Shuttle. Soft Keys provide many additional commands on units with Soft Keys or a Touchscreen. Selecting Edit Tools and Edit Modes This section shows how you can use the Soft Keys on MC Control and other units for one-button access to Edit Tools and modes. To change Edit Tools using an MC Control: 1 Press SHIFT+SOFTKEYS/HOME to return the Soft Keys to their first (home) page.
4 Press an Edit Tool Soft Key again to select the next option for that tool (for example, pressing Trim repeatedly cycles through all available Trim tool options). If repeated pressing does not cycle through tool options, check the status of the Pro Tools Options menu command Edit/Tool Mode Keyboard Lock. For more information, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide. To change Edit Modes using an MC Control: 1 Press SHIFT+SOFTKEYS/HOME to return the Soft Keys to their first (home) page.
Using Markers Pro Tools Markers and Memory Locations let you store and navigate to specific locations in your session (such as to mark the beginning of a verse, or the beginning of dialog), and/or selections in the timeline (such as an entire verse, or complete scene). Any controller with a numeric keypad such as the MC Transport can create and recall (go to) Memory Locations. Using Markers on MC Transport To create a Marker in a Pro Tools session using MC Transport: 1 Begin playback.
Soft Keys for Editing This section shows how to get to the default Touchscreen controls for editing with MC Control. Steps on other units with a Touchscreen will be similar. To use the Editing Soft Keys: 1 Make sure the Touchscreen is on Page 1 (press the HOME Touchscreen button if necessary). 2 In the Touchscreen, press the EDITING key (it has a small scissors icon). The Touchscreen and the Soft Keys change to show the default Editing assignments.
chapter 6 Plug-ins and Sends This chapter explains how to assign and adjust plug-ins and sends on tracks. Working with Plug-in Inserts This section shows you how to work with plug-ins using MC Control or MC Mix. Working with Plug-ins on MC Control To access and edit a plug-in on MC Control: 1 Bank to and select the desired track by pressing its SEL key. 2 Press the INSERTS encoder.
3 To view other insert slots, press PAGE > until that slot and any assigned plug-ins are displayed. 4 Press the encoder for the plug-in you want to edit. The first page of parameters for that plug-in are mapped across the encoders. 5 Press PAGE > (or PAGE <) to access other parameters for the current plug-in. Assigning Plug-ins on MC Control To assign a plug-in on MC Control: 1 Select a track. 2 Press the Inserts encoder. 3 Press both PAGE keys (< PAGE and PAGE >) to enter Insert Assign mode.
Working with Plug-ins on MC Mix This section shows how to use the switches on MC Mix to access any plug-in inserted on a track. To access and edit a plug-in on MC Mix: 1 Bank to and select the desired track. 2 Press the INSERTS key.
4 Press the encoder below the slot in which you want to insert a plug-in (such as slot a). The display above the first three encoders now shows the following insert choices: Display Soft Encoder no insert multichannel 1 2 multi-mono I/O (not available on all systems) 3 r 5 Do one of the following: • Press the encoder below no insert to leave that slot unassigned. • Press multi-channel or multi-mono to see a list of plug-in Categories (such as EQ, Dynamics, and other) or Manufacturers.
Using the EQ and DYN Keys You can use the EQ and DYN keys on the MC Mix an MC Control to quickly access inserted EQ or dynamics plug-ins. To access an EQ or dynamics plug-in directly: 1 Bank to display a track with an EQ (or dynamics) plug-in inserted. 2 Press the EQ (or DYN) key. The display shows the names of any inserted EQ or dynamics plug-ins, regardless of their slot location (a–f). 3 Press the encoder below the EQ or dynamics plug-in you want to edit.
Working with Sends This section shows how you can assign and adjust Pro Tools sends. Artist Series hardware and documentation use the term “AUX” for the Pro Tools term “sends.” Do not confuse references to “AUX” with Pro Tools Auxiliary Input tracks. Working with Sends on MC Control Assigning Sends To assign sends on MC Control: 1 Select one or more tracks. 2 Press the SENDS Soft Encoder. The first five Soft Encoders show slots a–e, including any sends al- ready assigned in that slot.
8 When the desired output or bus is displayed, press the Soft Encoder for the desired choice. A green dot appears indicating that send bus is now assigned to the currently selected tracks. To assign the send to all selected tracks, hold Shift+Option (Mac) and press the encoder. To assign the send on all tracks, hold Option (Mac). Opening and Editing Sends on MC Control To access and edit a send on MC Control: 1 Select a track with send already assigned. 2 Press the SENDS Soft Encoder.
Working with Sends on MC Mix Assigning Sends on MC Mix To assign a send on MC Mix: 1 Select a track. 2 Press the AUX key. 3 Press both PAGE keys (< PAGE and PAGE >) to enter Send Assign mode. The display shows the cur- rent (or last viewed) send slot a–j (an 8-fader system will only show slots a–f). To see additional send slots, press the lit PAGE > key. 4 Press the encoder below desired send slot. For example, to assign a send to the current track in slot a, press encoder 1.
Opening and Editing Sends on MC Mix To access and edit a send (MC Mix): 1 Bank to and select the desired track. 2 Press the AUX key. Send assignments in slot A are displayed in the track LCD display. 3 To view other sends, press PAGE > until it is displayed (such as Bus 1–2). 4 To adjust send level, rotate the encoder directly below the desired send. SEL ON ON SOLO Send level encoder on MC Mix To mute the send: Press the ON key in the encoder row directly below the desired send.
Making Sends Inactive/Active on MC Mix To toggle a send between active and inactive: 1 Bank to and select the desired track. 2 Press the AUX key. 3 Use the < PAGE and PAGE > keys to navigate the display until the desired send is shown. 4 Hold Command+Control (Mac) and press the encoder row SEL key for the desired send. SEL ON ON SOLO Encoder SEL key on MC Mix To toggle all sends in the same slot on all selected tracks, hold Shift+Option (Mac).
chapter 77 Automation and Mixing This chapter shows how to control automation settings and how to pan in multichannel for surround. Enabling and Suspending Automation You can control many Pro Tools automation settings directly from the Touchscreen on MC Control and other units. To open the Automation window using MC Control: In the Soft Keys Home page, press the Auto key. (By default, this key appears in the Soft Key Home page.
Punching Out of Automation Recording To punch out of an automation pass: Press SHIFT+REC/AUTO on the desired track. Shortcuts to Display Automation Playlists The following shortcuts let you quickly display the breakpoint automation playlist for a control by clicking it in combination with modifier keys on your computer keyboard. These shortcuts work on MC Control and MC Mix. Waveform View To show the waveform for a track in the Edit window: Hold Control+Command (Mac) and press the track SEL key.
Send Level To show Send level automation in the Edit window: 1 Press the AUX key (MC Mix) or the SENDS Soft Encoder (MC Control) to bring sends to the encoders. 2 If necessary, press the PAGE > key until the desired Send slot is displayed. 3 Hold Control+Command (Mac) and touch the Send encoder in the desired track. To do to all selected tracks, hold Shift+Option+Control+Command (Mac) and touch the Send encoder on a selected track.
To show automation for a switch-type plug-in parameter on MC Mix: 1 Press the INSERTS key. 2 Display the desired plug-in parameter using the encoders and keys. (See “Working with Plug-ins on MC Control” on page 33.) 3 Hold Control+Command (Mac) and touch the encoder. Enabling All Plug-in Parameters for Automation To enable all plug-in controls for automation on MC Control: 1 Press the INSERTS Soft Knob. 2 Hold Control+Command+Option (Mac) and touch the desired plug-in in the Touchscreen.
Multichannel Panning for Surround This section shows how you can use MC Control or MC Mix to pan in multichannel for surround sound. Surround Panning on MC Control In surround sessions, the Touchscreen lets you use the Soft Encoders to pan tracks in surround. To pan in surround using the Soft Encoders: 1 Press a track SEL key to select a track assigned to a multichannel output path (such as a 5.1 or 7.1 output path). 2 Press the PAN encoder.
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index A G active/inactive plug-ins 36, 34 sends 39, 42 automation 43 plug-ins 46 shortcuts to show playlist 44 Avid customer success 4 Grabber 29 Grid 32 Grid (rel and ab) 30 groups 24 B I Bank/Nudge 16 banking 16 ICON 6 input 20, 22 C J compatibility 1 customize (remap with EuControl) 10 Jog 30 H home (bank) 16 L E Edit Modes 30 Edit Tools 29 encoders 17 EuControl customizing 10 EuControl Settings window 10 F fader 17 Fast Forward 14 Loop Record 28 M make active/inactive plug-ins (MC Mix)
N T Nudge 32 technical support 4 track height 30 tracks banking 16 home 16 selecting 19 Trimmer 29 O output 20, 22 P pan 17 stereo tracks 17 Pencil 29 Play 14 plug-ins assigning 34, 35 make active/inactive (Control) 34 Q QuickPunch 28 R Record (Transport) 14 recording 27 modes 28 Rewind 14 RTZ3 14 S Scrubber 29 SEL (Assign) 19 selecting tracks 19 Selector 29 sends 41 assigning 38, 40 level, pan, mute, pre/post 39 SHOW 10 Shuffle 30 Shuttle 30 Slip 30 Spot 30 stereo pan 17 Stop 14 system requirements
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