D-Command™ Version 7.
Copyright Safety Statement © 2006 Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the express written consent of Digidesign. This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards: UL60065 7th /IEC 60065 7th and Canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 60065:03. Digidesign Inc.
Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to authorized Digidesign personnel. Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a risk of shock and will void the manufacturer’s warranty. SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING VENTILATION: Do not install D-Command anywhere or in any way that blocks free air flow at any time around the back panel of the unit.
Contents Part I Introduction Chapter 1. Introduction to D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 D-Command Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 D-Command System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7. Plug-in Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Plug-ins and D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Dynamics Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part I: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command Welcome to the D-Command™ worksurface for Digidesign® ICON systems. D-Command provides hands-on control of Pro Tools®, and offers powerful options for customizing the Pro Tools mix environment.
Operational Requirements Temperature and Ventilation D-Command should be installed and operated in a climate-controlled environment, away from heat sources, and with adequate ventilation. D-Command should be operated at an ambient temperature that does not exceed 100 degrees F (35 degrees C). The back panel and the front half of the bottom panel of each unit should be exposed to ambient air.
Chapter 2: D-Command Overview D-Command Main Unit Main Unit Top Panel Talkback Microphone Main Time Scale display Meter section Miscellaneous controls Rotary Encoder section Dynamics Section Monitor Section Channel Strip Display controls Channel Strip Mode controls Soft Keys section EQ Section Session Management section Channel faders Zoom/Navigation section Transport Section Modifier keys Global controls Automation Mode controls Custom Fader controls Window Management section Nudge/Bank s
Meter Display Soft Keys Section The Meter display on the D-Command Main Unit can be set to show the output levels, or levels associated with a track or plug-in. See “Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)” on page 87. The Soft Keys section on the D-Command Main Unit provides access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from the control surface. It also provides access to preferences and settings specific to D-Command. See “Soft Keys Section” on page 71.
Main Unit Back Panel Power switch AC Power Footswitch jack XMON Monitoring System connector Ethernet connector Figure 2. D-Command Main Unit back panel connectors AC Power Ethernet Connector The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable. The D-Command Main Unit is auto power-selecting (100V to 240V) and automatically works with a standard modular power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any country.
D-Command Fader Module Fader Module Top Panel Meter section Rotary Encoder section Channel Strip Mode controls Channel Strip Channel Strip Function controls Channel faders Modifier keys Figure 3. D-Command Fader Module top panel Meter Section The Meter section on the D-Command Fader Module can display track levels, plug-in meters, and other parameters depending on D-Command metering preferences.
D-Command XMON Interface D-Command monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Command monitoring section. XMON Front Panel XMON Power switch Mute indicator MIDI Receive indicator Mute button Figure 4. XMON front panel Power Switch MIDI Receive Indicator The Power switch applies power to the XMON Interface. The MIDI Receive indicator shows MIDI activity between XMON and D-Command. Mute Indicator The Mute indicator shows the mute status of XMON.
XMON Back Panel The back panel of the XMON interface includes connectors for all external analog audio inputs and outputs for D-Command. See “Audio Connections” on page 17. Cue Inputs Main Inputs Cue Outputs Main Outputs Figure 5.
Part II: Installation
Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module This chapter explains how to add the Fader Module to the D-Command Main Unit. Placement of D-Command Fader Module When placing the D-Command Fader Module in studio furniture or on a table top, make sure to account for the dimensions of the assembled system, allowing for at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of open space behind the finished unit. This meets the ventilation requirements for the D-Command units.
Attaching the Units To attach the D-Command Fader Module to the Main Unit: 1 Remove the plastic end cap from the left end of the Main Unit. 2 Place the Fader Module to the left of the Main Unit, and press the D-Command units together. 3 Slide both units forward far enough to have complete access to the front bracket screw holes. 4 Attach the front bracket, using four 10-32 3/4-inch socket cap screws.
Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command D-Command Connections D-Command units require power and Ethernet connections to operate with Pro Tools. An optional footswitch connection is also available on the Main Unit. The connectors on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit are shown in Figure 5. Be sure to make all connections with your D-Command units and computer turned off. Ethernet connector XMON Monitoring System connector Footswitch jack Figure 5.
Using D-Command on an Ethernet Network Footswitch Connections You can purchase a combined 10/100-BaseT Ethernet hub that can simultaneously support D-Command over 10-BaseT and other network traffic over 100-BaseT. This will let you use D-Command over a local area network.
Audio Connections D-Command monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Command monitoring section. All external analog audio inputs and outputs for control room monitoring and studio communication are connected to the XMON interface. XMON provides 18V phantom for its three external mic inputs (External Talkback Mic, Listen Mic 1, Listen Mic 2). All audio connections are made with standard DB-25 connectors. The back panel of the XMON is shown in Figure 6.
Control Room Monitoring Connections Pro Tools Solo Command AFL/PFL Level AFL/PFL Input (2 channels) Main Input (6 channels) Surround Input (6 channels) Level, Dim, Solo, Mute, Trim + Cal Stereo 1 Input (2 channels) Σ Stereo 2 Input (2 channels) Listen Mic 2 Mono Summing Input Source Select Level Level Figure 7.
Headphone/Cue System Connections Main Monitor Input (2 channels) [from Control Room System] Talkback/Slate Out (1 channel) Cue 1 Input (2 channels) Cue 2 Input (2 channels) Internal Talkback Input External Talkback Input Internal Talkback Level Talkback switch External Talkback Level Σ Σ Cue 1 Out (2 channels) Σ Cue 2 Out (2 channels) Σ HP Out (2 channels) Σ Studio LS (2 channels) Talkback Assign Figure 8.
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Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command Starting Up and Shutting Down the System Your D-Command-based system must be started up and shut down in a specific order. Start your D-Command-based system in this order: Software Configuration All D-Command software is included when Pro Tools software is installed. The Pro Tools software installer places the D-Command Personality folder on the system drive.
3 Select the units in the order you want them arranged left to right. It is not necessary to declare units in the same sequence as they are physically arranged. As each unit is selected, Pro Tools scans it and brings it online. The current status of each unit is indicated in the Peripherals dialog in the following ways: Setting D-Command Preferences This section describes the settings and preferences for D-Command that are set directly from the control surface.
Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size Encoder Preferences The Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size preference determines the number of channels to be used when displaying channels in the Custom Fader modes. Options are 4 and 8 faders for a Main Unit, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 faders for an expanded system. The following preferences affect operation of the rotary encoders on D-Command. To set the maximum Custom Fader bank size: The Rotary Encoder mode affects responsiveness of rotary encoder knobs.
Display Preferences Meter Preferences The following preferences affect the interaction of D-Command with on-screen display of elements in Pro Tools. The following preferences affect operation of the meters on D-Command. Target Track from Application Send Meters On/Off The Target Track from Application preference determines whether selecting an Insert or Send on-screen makes its track the focused track on the D-Command Main Unit.
Meters Pre/Post Fader The Meters Pre/Post Fader preference toggles channel metering between pre- and post-fader modes. To toggle channel meters between pre- and post-fader metering: 1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys section. 2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Meters” to toggle the setting between “PreFad” (pre-fader metering) and “PostFd” (post-fader metering). 3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.
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Part III: Reference
Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls Rotary Encoder Section Channel Strips The D-Command Main Unit has 8 channel strips, and the D-Command Fader Module has 16 channel strips. Each channel strip (Figure 1) has identical controls, including two touch-sensitive rotary encoders, display and mode controls, and a touch-sensitive fader. Each channel strip has two touch-sensitive rotary encoders with LED ring, alphanumeric display, mode switches, and status indicators.
Encoder Automation Mode Indicator Bypass/Mute/Pre Switch Below each encoder knob is an LED marked “auto,” which lights when the corresponding parameter is enabled for automation. The indicator lights green for Read mode, yellow when armed for automation in any of the Write modes, and red when writing automation in any of the Write modes. Each encoder has a Bypass/Mute/Pre (B/M/P) switch whose function depends on what is currently displayed on the encoder.
Channel Strip Mode Controls Pan Switch Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Mode controls for displaying and editing pan, plug-in, mic pre, insert, or send parameters on the encoder section of the D-Command channel strip. When you press the Pan switch, you enter Pan mode, and the pan controls for the channel strip are displayed on the encoder displays. If there are additional pages of pan controls for a multichannel track, its Page Up switch lights.
To enter Send Pan mode: 1 Press the Sends switch to display sends on the channel’s en- coders. 2 Press the encoder Select switch that corresponds to the send you want to display. To return to the top level display of sends on the channel strip: ■ Channel Strip Function Controls Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Function controls for controlling channel selection and focus, mute, solo, and record enable status, input monitor mode, and automation mode. Press the Sends switch again.
Select Mode If the Select/Focus Mode is set to Select, the Channel Select switch selects the channel in Pro Tools. The switch lights when the channel is selected. In this mode, the Channel Select switch can be set to follow latching or exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior. Focus Mode If the Select/Focus Mode is set to Focus, the Channel Select switch brings that channel’s Dynamics and EQ controls into the Dynamics and EQ sections of the Main Unit for editing.
Fader Modifier Key Switches The touch-sensitive faders on D-Command channel strips control channel volume in Normal mode, and a wide range of parameters in Flip mode or the Custom Fader modes. When you touch a fader, its channel strip display changes from track name to track volume level (in Normal mode), or from parameter name to parameter value (in Flip modes or Custom Fader modes). When you are automating a parameter on a fader, touching the fader starts writing automation.
Flip Switches Global Controls Section The Global Controls section (Figure 2) is a set of channel-related controls in the center of the D-Command Main Unit. The two yellow Flip switches in the Global Controls section correspond to the two rotary encoders on the D-Command channel strips.
Start Switch All Enabled Switch The Start switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to the start of a selection or track when performing an automation pass. The All Enabled switch writes a snapshot of all current parameter values to all enabled automation parameters. To manually Write to Start: ■ Press the Start switch during playback. To enable automatic Write to Start on Stop: Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and press the Start switch.
Send Mute Switch Global Modifier Controls The Send Mute switch enables and suspends writing of send mute automation on all channels. The Global Modifier controls are used to change modes for the channel Select switches, channel displays, clear Solo and Mute states, and globally suspend automation. Switch Information Controls The Switch Information controls are used to change the mode and display of encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switches, and globally show encoder parameter values.
Applying Actions to Multiple Tracks in Pro Tools Changing Parameter Display on D-Command Channel Strips The Do To All and Do To Selected switches are convenient for performing tasks such as muting, soloing, assigning sends, or assigning the same plug-in across multiple tracks in a session. The Do To All and Do To Selected switches can be used to display and edit pan, mic pre, insert, or send parameters across all channels on the D-Command surface.
You can also use the Set to Default switch to remove plug-in assignments from channels. See “Assign Inserts Switch” on page 42. While the Set to Default switch is pressed or latched on, the following parameters can be reset: To reset a channel’s track volume to 0 dB: ■ Custom Fader Controls The Custom Fader controls invoke a special set of D-Command modes, called Custom Fader modes, which let you set aside and customize channel strips for display and editing of a variety of functions.
To toggle between Custom Groups and Mix/Edit Groups: Bank/Cycle Switch Press the Bank/Cycle switch repeatedly until the appropriate mode is displayed in the Focus Channel display (Custom or Groups). ◆ While in Custom Groups or Mix/Edit Groups mode, the Bank/Cycle switch is used to bank faders within the Custom Fader channels, if there are more channels than can be displayed at one time.
Write Switch The Write switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Write mode. Touch Switch Talkback level is set with the Talkback controls in the Monitor section. See “Talkback/Listen System” on page 84 for more information. Miscellaneous Controls The Touch switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Touch mode. Latch Switch The Miscellaneous Controls section includes Timeline, Assign, Make Inactive, and Plug-in Automation controls.
Assign Controls Assign Sends Switch The Assign controls are used to assign inputs, outputs, inserts, and sends to channels. Each switch puts D-Command into a temporary Assign mode in which elements are assigned or removed from channels. The switch flashes while Assign mode is in effect. The Sends switch invokes Assign Sends mode, in which the channel encoders shows the sends on a channel. You can enter Assign mode while Pro Tools is playing back.
To assign an input, output, send or insert: To assign a MIDI Input or Output on an Instrument track: 1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign mode. 1 Press the Assign Inputs or Assign Outputs switch to enter 2 On the channel where you want to make the assignment, turn an encoder knob to select from the first level of menu choices. 3 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By- the corresponding Assign mode. Encoder row #1 shows MIDI inputs/outputs.
Inputs Inactive Switch Enable Parameters Switch The Inputs switch invokes Inputs Inactive mode and displays channel inputs in the bottom row of encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder toggles the input inactive and active. The Enable Parameters switch lets you enable parameters for automation by touching or pressing their controls. Outputs Inactive Switch The Outputs switch invokes Outputs inactive mode and displays the main channel outputs in the bottom row of encoders.
Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls Plug-ins and D-Command 5 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By- pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels. D-Command provides dedicated Dynamics and EQ sections for plug-ins that support dynamics and EQ plug-in mapping. These sections include encoders and switches that map to standard controls for each plug-in type.
Focusing Plug-ins on D-Command Opening Plug-in Windows On-Screen A plug-in is focused when its controls are mapped to the knobs, switches or faders on D-Command. Its parameters can then be edited and automated from the control surface. D-Command lets you focus a plug-in with or without displaying its window on-screen. There are several ways to open plug-in windows on-screen from D-Command.
Managing Multiple Plug-in Windows Making Plug-ins Inactive or Active D-Command lets you open and swap multiple plug-in windows on-screen. This makes it possible keep multiple plug-in windows open while focusing on different tracks (for example, in a session where several tracks have dynamics and EQ plug-ins). You can toggle the active/inactive status of a plug-in directly from a channel strip without putting D-Command into Make Inactive mode.
Enabling Plug-in Automation When plug-in names are displayed in top-level view on a D-Command channel strip, you can quickly enable all parameters of a plug-in for automation. You can also use the Do To All or Do To Selected switches on D-Command to automate multiple plug-ins in the same insert position in a session.
Dynamics Section The Dynamics section includes standard controls for compressor, gate, and limiter plug-ins, an array of controls for managing the display and editing of plug-in parameters, and for selecting or linking channels in multi-mono plug-ins.
Knee/Hysteresis/Q and Ratio/Range/Frequency Controls Attack/Q and Release/Frequency Controls Attack/Q control Knee/Hysteresis/Q control Hysteresis indicator Knee indicator Attack indicator Q indicator Q indicator Release/Frequency control Ratio/Range/Frequency control Range indicator Ratio indicator Release indicator Frequency indicator Frequency indicator Attack/Q and Release/Frequency controls in the Dynamics section Knee/Hysteresis/Q and Ratio/Range/Frequency controls in the Dynamics section K
Gain/Hold and Threshold Controls Gain/Hold control Gain/Hold/Input Control The top encoder in this section controls the gain (make-up gain), the hold value for the current plug-in page, or the input gain for the current plug-in, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.
Dynamics Channel Select Controls Dynamics display Lock switch Channel Select switches Save and Save As switches Master Link switch Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch Bypass indicator Channel Select controls in the Dynamics section Dynamics Display Save and Save As Switches The LED display in the Dynamics section show the name of the focused plug-in by default. When any rotary encoder is touched, the display shows the corresponding parameter value.
Channel Select Switches Master Link Switch Multichannel Plug-ins Multichannel Plug-ins When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem and the Channel Select switches have no effect. When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem, and the Master Link switch has no effect.
Dynamics Edit and Display Controls Key Listen switch Automation switch External Key switch Automation Safe switch Window switch Compare switch Page switch Cycle switch Master Bypass switch Edit and Display controls in the Dynamics section External Key Switch The External Key switch turns the Key Input on or off for plug-ins that support side-chain processing with external input. This switch lights when Key Input is on.
Cycle Switch Dynamics Gain Controls and Meters The Cycle switch steps through all available Dynamics plug-ins on the focused channel. Clip Indicator Master Bypass Switch The Master Bypass switch bypasses the plug-in. Page Switch Output meter With plug-ins that have more than one page of controls, the Page switch lights. Pressing this switch steps through the pages for the currently displayed plug-in.
EQ Section The EQ section includes standard controls for a variety of multi-band equalization plug-ins, an array of controls for managing the display and editing of plug-in parameters, and controls for selecting or linking channels in multi-mono plug-ins.
Low Filter and High-Pass Filter Controls Low-Mid Filter and Mid Filter Controls Q encoder Q encoder Notch/Shape switch Notch indicator Shelf indicator Frequency encoder Low Filter indicator High-Pass Filter indicator Frequency encoder Low-Mid Filter indicator Gain encoder Filter In switch Mid Filter indicator Gain encoder Filter In switch Low Filter and High-Pass Filter controls in the EQ section Low-Mid Filter and Mid Filter controls in the EQ section Q Encoder Q Encoder The top encoder
High-Mid Filter and EQ Level Controls High Filter and Low-Pass Filter Controls Q encoder Q/Input level encoder Notch/Shape switch Notch indicator Frequency encoder Frequency/Output level encoder High-Mid Filter indicator Level indicator High Filter indicator Low-Pass Filter indicator Gain encoder Gain encoder Filter In switch Shelf indicator Filter In switch High-Mid Filter and EQ level controls in the EQ section Low Filter and High Filter controls in the EQ section Q/Input level Encoder
EQ Channel Select Controls EQ display Lock switch Channel Select switches Save and Save As switches Master Link switch Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch Bypass indicator Channel Select controls in the EQ section EQ Displays Channel Select Switches The LED display in the EQ section shows the name of the focused plug-in by default. When any rotary encoder is touched, the display shows the corresponding parameter value.
Master Link Switch Select/Link/Bypass Mode Switch Multichannel Plug-ins The Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch determines the function of the Channel Select switches with multi-mono plug-ins. When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem, so the Master Link switch has no effect, except with multichannel plug-ins (such as Focusrite d2) that directly support channel linking.
EQ Edit and Display Controls Automation switch Automation Safe switch Clip indicator Window switch Output meter Compare switch Cycle switch Page switch Master Bypass switch Edit and Display controls in the EQ section Automation Switch Automation Safe Switch The Automation switch lets you enable EQ parameters for automation by touching or pressing their controls in the EQ section only.
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Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls Transport Section The D-Command Transport section includes transport switches, switches for setting the transport mode, scrub/shuttle switches and controls, and advanced audition and locate switches. Audition switches Transport Modes switches Master Record Mode switch Locate switches Scrub/Shuttle controls Pro Tools Transport switches D-Command Transport Section Play Switch Begins playback of the Pro Tools session from the current cursor position.
Playback of Timeline Selection and Edit Selection from the Transport When the Timeline and Edit selections in the Edit window are unlinked, you can set the D-Command Transport to control playback of either the Timeline selection or the Edit selection. 5 To trim to the cursor location, press the Trim switch again. To cancel without trimming, press Escape. Scrub Switch The Scrub switch places the transport in Scrub mode, which lets you scrub from the cursor position or across a selection.
Transport Mode Switches Audition Switches The Transport Mode switches are used to put the Pro Tools transport in the various playback and record modes.
Mark In and Mark Out Switches Back Switch When Audition mode is off, the Mark In and Mark Out switches are used to define selection start and end during playback, or when using the Scrub/Shuttle wheel. The Back switch stops the Transport (if it is moving) and moves the playback cursor back (earlier in time) by the amount of time selected in Back settings pop-up in Pro Tools. You can also click repeatedly to move back multiple times.
Zoom Preset Switches Zoom/Navigate Section The Zoom/Navigate section is used to control navigation, display, and selections in the Pro Tools Edit window. The Zoom Preset switches recall the five horizontal Zoom presets in Pro Tools. To store a Zoom Preset: 1 Using either the Horizontal Zoom buttons or the Zoomer Zoom Mode switch Navigate Mode switch tool, set the zoom level that you want to store. 2 While pressing Control (Windows) or Command (Mac), press a Zoom Preset switch.
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Chapter 9: Management Sections Window Management Section The Window Management section includes controls for opening and closing Pro Tools windows on-screen. When a window is open, its corresponding switch is lit.
All Notes Off Switch Session Management Section The Session Management section includes controls for session-wide management and save operations. Go To switch Plug-in Clip indicator All Notes Off switch Publish switch Redo switch Save switch Undo switch The All Notes Off switch can be used to silence stuck notes with MIDI devices. It sends an All Notes Off message to each channel for all connected MIDI devices.
Soft Keys Section The Soft Keys section provides access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from the control surface. It also provides access to preferences and settings specific to D-Command. The section consists of six variable-function soft keys and displays, along with a matrix of mode switches that change the functions shown in the displays. When a function is shown in a Soft Key display, pressing the corresponding Soft Key switch activates that function.
• Video Window: Window > Video Management Controls • System Usage: Window > System Usage Page 3 • I/O Setup: Setup > I/O • HW Setup: Setup > Hardware Snapshot switch Group switch Track switch Playlist switch Window switch • PB Engine: Setup > Playback Engine • Disk Alloc: Setup > Disk Allocation Management controls • Preferences: Setup > Preferences Snapshot Switch • Peripherals: Setup > Peripherals This function is currently not implemented for D-Command.
Edit Function 2 Switch Edit Tools Switch The Edit Function 2 switch displays the following commands: The Edit Tool Tools switch displays the Pro Tools Edit Tools. To cycle through multiple versions of the same tool, repeatedly press the corresponding Soft Key.
Audio Files Switch Console Preferences The Audio Files switch displays the following commands for importing and exporting data into Pro Tools: • Import Audio: File > Import > Audio • Import MIDI: File > Import > MIDI • Audio To Trk: File > Import > Audio To Track • MIDI To Trk: File > Import > MIDI To Track User switch Operation switch Meter switch • Import SesDat: File > Import > Session Data Console Preferences • Export Selctd: Regions List > Export Selected As Files The Console Preference switch
Operation Switch The Operation switch controls operations specific to D-Command, and does not affect the Pro Tools on-screen display. For details on setting preferences, see “Setting D-Command Preferences” on page 22. The Operation switch has three pages of Soft Key functions.
Automation Controls Modes Switch The Modes switch displays the following D-Command Modes: AutoMatch switch Join switch Actions switch Modes switch Automation controls AutoMatch Switch The AutoMatch switch enables AutoMatch command in Latch or Write automation modes. Join Switch The Join switch resumes writing automation in Latch mode, on all channels that were previously writing automation, after an interrupted automation pass.
Utility Switch Utility switch The Utility switch places the D-Command in Utility mode. When D-Command is in Utility mode, this switch flashes. Utility mode lets you view D-Command system information, name D-Command units, run D-Command diagnostic tests, and set certain D-Command hardware preferences.
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Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections Monitor Section Controls The Monitor section includes a full set of controls for the control room monitoring, headphone/cue, and talkback/listenback sections of D-Command. All input and output connections to the D-Command monitoring system are made on the XMON interface, which is connected to the D-Command console with the XMON cable, and remotely controlled from this section.
Input Source Switches and Output Controls In normal operation, the Input Source switches follow exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior, allowing only one source to be monitored at a time. Sum switch Input source switches Surround switch Sum Switch Stereo Input switches Main switch However, D-Command has a Sum mode that allows multiple input sources to be monitored at the same time. When Sum mode is on, multiple input source switches can be active.
The following table shows possible outputs for each input source. (Talkback can be added to each of the outputs.
Output Channel Select Controls Individual Output Trim Mode Channel Select switches Set Up switch AFL and PFL switches Each output channel can be trimmed individually for each of the three control room outputs (Main, Alt, and Mini), allowing you adjust the channel balance for each set of control room speakers. Trim values are stored for each of the three outputs. Available trim values range from –30 dB to +10 dB, in 0.5 dB steps.
AFL and PFL Switches Broadcast Mode for AFL and PFL Monitoring The AFL and PFL switches invokes After Fader Listen and Pre Fader Listen Solo modes. You can put the D-Command monitoring system in Broadcast mode, which prevents AFL and PFL solo modes from changing the XMON Control Room Input source. This lets you solo channels while preserving the main monitor mix. AFL and PFL modes send signal to a separate output path with independently adjustable levels for each mode.
Talkback/Listen System Auto Talkback Switch Listen Mic Select switches Internal Talkback switch External Talkback switch The Auto Talkback switch activates a mode in which the talkback and listen microphones are automatically turned on whenever the Pro Tools transport is not in Play or Record. When Auto Talkback is active, the Auto Talkback switch lights, and the Talkback switches flash.
Listen Control To calibrate Control Room outputs to display SPL: The Listen system has two selectable microphone inputs, both using the touch-sensitive rotary encoder for level control. Listen Mic Select Switches 1 Send the reference material to the Main Control Room Out- puts, and set the output level in Pro Tools to your studio reference level (for example, –18 dBFS).
Dim Switch The Dim function applies an adjustable gain reduction to the Control Room outputs. This function affects all three output destinations. The Dim switch toggles the dim function on and off, and lights to indicate that it is active. Mute Switch The Mute switch toggles the mute state for all Control Room outputs. Mute operates globally on all three output destinations. The Mute switch lights to indicate that it is active.
Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit) Time Scale display format indicators Time Scale display Channel Strip Meter displays Output Meter displays Talkback Microphone Meter and Time Scale displays (Main Unit) Meters The Channel Strip Meter display features dual 32-segment LED bar graphs for each channel, and can display pre- or post-fader levels depending on the D-Command Meter Preferences setting.
Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels The Pro Tools Reference Level meter preference lets you change the D-Command meter display to help monitor program material with respect to different reference levels. At each setting except 0 dB, a single LED lights continuously across the meter bridge at a fixed point to indicate that reference level. You can then compare the peaks of the program material to the indicated level.
Chapter 11: Operating Modes The power and flexibility of D-Command lies in its different operating modes, which let you customize the behavior of its channel strip controls to fit your workflow. The two types of D-Command operating modes are Normal mode and the four Custom Fader modes. This section provides an overview of each mode and its associated commands. 7 Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing Assign switch to confirm the assignments.
5 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By- pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels. 6 Press the encoder Select switch to confirm each menu level 6 Do one of the following: • Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing Assign Inputs switch to confirm the assignment. selection. – or – 7 Repeat steps 2–5 to modify other send or insert assignments. • Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the assignment.
2 To display and edit other insert positions, press the Page Up or Page Down switches on the channel where you want to make the assignment. 3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the appropriate encoder to deactivate or reactivate the insert or send assignment. Inactive assignments are shown with an inverted text display. 4 Repeat steps 2–3 to modify other send or insert assignments. 5 Press the flashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive mode.
Focusing a Plug-In If the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Operations preference is set to Yes, focusing a track on D-Command brings the name of the first active plug-in into the Focus Channel display. To focus a plug-in in the Focus Channel display: 1 Make sure the Select/Focus switch mode is set to Focus. To toggle Automation Safe mode on and off: 1 Press the Automation Safe switch. 2 Press the channel Select switch on the tracks for which you want to toggle automation safe status.
3 Press the Switch Mode switch to set the mode to Mute. 4 Press the B/M/P switch for the send you want to mute. The red Mute LED lights to indicate that the send is muted. Setting Send Pre-/Post-Fader Operation You can set sends to pre-fader or post-fader operation directly from D-Command, by setting the appropriate mode for the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch. 2 Press and hold the channel Select switch on the channel where you want to assign the insert or send.
5 Do one of the following: • Press the flashing channel Select switch to confirm the removal. – or – • Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the removal and restore the assignment. Setting the Number of Custom Fader Channels You can set the Custom Fader bank size, the maximum number of D-Command channels used by the Custom Fader modes. The bank size can be set to 4 and 8 faders for a Main Unit, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 faders for an expanded system.
Custom Groups Mode • To remove a track from the Custom Group do one of the following: Custom Groups mode lets you create a custom collection of tracks and arrange them in any order in the Custom Fader channels. You can create up to eight independent Custom Groups in a session. Custom Groups are useful for temporarily associating tracks that are not part of a Pro Tools Mix/Edit group.
Mix/Edit Groups Mode Mix/Edit Groups mode lets you create, display, and edit Pro Tools Mix and Mix/Edit groups on the Custom Fader channels. This mode is useful for quickly calling the members of a group to a set of faders for mixing and automation. To show a Mix/Edit group in the Custom Fader channels: 1 Press the Groups switch in the Custom Faders section. To edit a Mix/Edit group: 1 Make sure you are in Select mode. 2 In Mix/Edit Groups mode, recall the Mix/Edit group you want to edit.
Plug-In Mode Plug-In mode focuses the first plug-in on the focused channel on the Custom Fader Channels. This places all of the plug-in’s parameters on the Custom Fader channel encoders, and any plug-in meters on the Custom Fader channel meters. This mode is useful for controlling plug-ins with a large number of controls, such as virtual instruments. To focus a plug-in on the Custom Fader channels: 1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by pressing the track’s Select switch.
Custom Fader Flip Mode When in Custom Groups, Mix/Edit Groups, or Plug-In mode, you can flip Custom Fader encoder rows to the faders with Custom Fader Flip mode. Custom Fader Flip mode only affects Custom Fader channels, and has no effect on channels in Normal mode. To enter Custom Fader Flip mode: When in Groups, Tracks, or Plug-In mode, hold Win (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the Flip switch for the encoder row you want to flip to the faders.
3 Do one of the following: • In the Custom Fader channels, touch any rotary encoder that you want to map to the selected channel’s fader. – or – • In the Custom Fader channels, press any switch that you want to map to the selected channel’s Mute switch. The mapped control appears on the selected channel’s fader. Plug-In parameter mapping is remembered for that plug-in, and is usable on any channel where it occurs. To bypass mapping (Plug-In mode): Press the lit Map switch.
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Appendix A: Utility Mode D-Command Utility mode lets you view system information, run diagnostic tests, set hardware preferences, and reset system settings. 2 Press and hold the Modifier Keys in the lower left of the Fader Module in the following sequence: Shift + Alt/Command + Win/Option. The encoder Select switches in the bottom row flash to indicate Utility mode is active. Entering Utility Mode You can enter Utility mode at any time to change D-Command settings.
Exiting Utility Mode To exit Utility mode, do one of the following: ■ Press the flashing Utility switch (Main Unit). – or – Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.” ■ D-Command Name Page The Name page is used to view and change D-Command unit names. These names appear in the Pro Tools Peripherals dialog, and must be unique so as to identify each D-Command unit correctly.
D-Command Test Pages Internal The Test pages let you test various mechanical and electronic components of the unit. The Internal test verifies the first stage of Ethernet communication by sending data packets through the unit’s Ethernet link chip. To display the Test Setup page: To perform the Internal Ethernet test: From the Utility Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Test.
To exit the External Ethernet test: To exit LED Test mode: Press the flashing Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch (Fader Module). ■ Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.” ■ Switch and LED Test Page Vegas Mode The Switch and LED Test page has five modes: Vegas mode randomly lights every switch, meter, and display on the unit, and runs the faders in sine wave mode.
Time Code Display Test Cycle Test Mode (Main Unit Only) In Cycle Test mode, faders move together, from the bottom to top, in a continuous cycle, at a speed that is adjustable with the Scrub/Shuttle wheel (Main Unit) or any encoder knob (Fader Module). The Time Code Display test cycles through a series of automated tests that check all LED segments on the Main Unit Time Code display.
Rotary Test Page D-Command Preferences The Rotary Test page lets you test the touch-sensitive encoder knob and the LED ring in each rotary encoder, as well as the Scrub/Shuttle wheel on the Main Unit. D-Command Preferences let you set various display and operation preferences for the unit. To enter Rotary Test mode: To display the Preferences page: From the Test Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Rotary.
Display Contrast Page Footswitch 1 and 2 Settings Pages The Display Contrast page lets you adjust the level of backlighting in the display LED displays. (Main Unit Only) To set the display contrast: 1 From the Preferences page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Contrast.” The Footswitch Settings pages for Footswitch 1 and Footswitch 2 let you set the function for each.
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Appendix B: Audio Connections and Pinouts All external D-Command audio connections are made to the back panel of the XMON interface, shown below. All audio connectors are standard female DB-25 connectors. The connector for communication with D-Command is a 15-pin female connector.
Surround Inputs Cue Outputs Surround Inputs Cue Outputs Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield) Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield) Surround Input 1 (L) 24 12 25 SLS Output (Left) 24 12 25 [Surround Input 2 (Lc)]* 10 23 11 SLS Output (Right) 10 23 11 Surround Input 3 (C) 21 9 22 Cue Output 1 (Left) 21 9 22 [Surround Input 4 (Rc)]* 7 20 8 Cue Output 1 (Right) 7 20 8 Surround Input 5 (R) 18 6 19 Cue Output 2 (Left) 18 6 19 Surround Input 6 (Ls)
Alt Speaker Outputs 15-Pin Connector Pinouts Alt Speaker Outputs The XMON 15-pin connector pinouts conform to the pin numbering scheme shown below.
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Index Numerics 9-Pin Remote switch 65 A Actions switch (automation) 76 After-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 83 All Enabled switch (automation) 36 All Notes Off switch 70 All switch (automation) 36 Alt outputs (Monitor section) 80 Arrow switches 67 Assign controls 42, 89 Inputs 42 Inserts 42 Outputs 42 Sends 42 Assign Talkback switch 81 Attack/Q control (Dynamics plug-ins) 50 Audio Files switch 74 Audition Mode switch 65 Audition switches 65 Audition Mode 65 Mark In 66 Mark Out 66 Post-Roll 65 Pre-Roll 65
connections audio 17, 109 alt 111 control room 18 cue system 19, 109, 110 headphone 19 main 109, 110 solo outputs 111 stereo inputs 110 surround inputs 110 talkback/listenback 111 Ethernet 7, 8, 15, 16, 21 footswitch 7, 16 power 15 XMON 7, 10, 17, 111 Console Preferences 74 Meter 74 Operation 75 User 74 Current switch (automation) 36 Custom Fader Flip mode 98 Custom Fader Justification preference 22 Custom Fader Map modes 40, 98 and Custom Fader Plug-in mode 98 and Custom Groups mode 98 and Mix/Edit Groups
inputs (Monitor section) main 80 selecting 80 stereo 80 summing 80 surround 80 trimming 80 inserts assigning 89, 93 making inactive 90 Inserts switches 31 Instant Playback switch 66 Instrument tracks 32, 43 into Utility 101 J Join switch 76 K Key Listen switch (Dynamics plug-ins) 54 keyboard modifiers 34 Knee/Hysteresis/Q control (Dynamics plug-ins) 50 L Latch switch (automation) 41 latching solos 33 transport controls 63 Level controls (EQ plug-ins) 58 levels inputs (Monitor section) 80 output channels
Compare switch 54, 61, 97 copying settings 47 Custom Fader mode 97 Cycle switch 55, 61 Dynamics 49 enabling automation 44, 48, 97 EQ 56 focusing 46, 92, 97 Lock switch 52, 59 making inactive 47, 92 Master Bypass switch 55, 61 Master Link switch 53 meters 61 multichannel 45, 53, 59, 60 multi-mono 45, 53, 59, 60, 97 multiple plug-in windows 47 opening plug-in windows 46, 54, 61 Output meters 55 Page switch 55, 61 Save As switch 52, 59 Save switch 52, 59 Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch 53, 60 targeting 47 Windo
U Undo switch 70 Unit Name (Utility mode) 102 User switch 74 Utility mode 101 Reset Unit 106 System Info 102 Test pages 103 Unit Name 102 Utility switch 77 V Volume switch (automation) 36 W Window Management switches 6, 69 Window switch (Custom Fader Plug-in mode) 40 Window switch (plug-ins) 54, 61 windows opening 69, 72 Write switch (automation) 41 Write to All (automation) 36 Write to All Enabled (automation) 36 Write to Current (automation) 36 Write to End (automation) 36 Write to Start (automation) 36
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