MachineControl Guide Version 2.0 for Pro Tools TDM on Windows and Macintosh Digidesign 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA tel: 650·731·6300 fax: 650·731·6399 Technical Support (USA) tel: 650·731·6100 fax: 650·731·6384 Product Information (USA) tel: 650·731·6102 tel: 800·333·2137 International Offices Visit the Digidesign Web site for contact information Web Site www.digidesign.
Copyright This guide is copyrighted ©2003 by Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Digidesign. DIGIDESIGN, AVID and PRO TOOLS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All features and specifications subject to change without notice.
contents Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 MachineControl Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Compatibility Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5. Remote Track Arming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Configuring Track Arming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Creating a Track Arming Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Arming Tracks Remotely for Layback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Appendix A.
chapter 1 Introduction Digidesign MachineControl™ is special purpose software for Pro Tools® TDM systems that enables serial communication with Sony® 9-pin or Videomedia® V-LAN™ compatible video or audio machines. This guide provides installation and operational instructions for MachineControl version 2.0 only (Pro Tools 6.0 and higher on Macintosh, and Pro Tools 6.1 and higher on Windows). If you are using Pro Tools version 5.3.3 or lower, see the MachineControl 1.
Modes of Operation MachineControl supports two machine communication modes: Serial Control mode and Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode. These modes require a Digidesign SYNC I/O or Universal Slave Driver (USD). Serial Control Mode When used with a SYNC I/O or USD, Serial Control mode provides the following features: Track Arming Lets you arm tracks of external machines from within Pro Tools, for layback and transfer configuration.
About This Guide This guide assumes: • You have installed Pro Tools and verified that it works properly • You have a thorough understanding of your video deck, external 9-pin decks, mixer, and other audio and video equipment • You have an understanding of your synchronization equipment and requirements Conventions Used in This Guide MachineControl and Pro Tools Versions This guide documents features available in Pro Tools version 6.0 and later.
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chapter 2 Installing and Configuring MachineControl Before you Begin Serial Control Mode Before you install MachineControl, make sure that you have already connected and verified operation of your Pro Tools system. Serial Control mode supports bi-directional communication between Pro Tools and a compatible external machine.
Pro Tools|24 MIX and Pro Tools|24 On Pro Tools|24 MIX and Pro Tools|24 systems, a Serial to 9-pin connection is required for Serial Control mode. (Use of the 9-pin Out ports on the SYNC I/O is not supported with Pro Tools|24 MIX or Pro Tools|24 systems.) If you are not using a SYNC I/O or USD, you can use the included Serial Control cable for Serial Control mode. Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode This mode enables a form of VTR emulation in Pro Tools.
Pro Tools|24 MIX and Pro Tools|24 Systems Serial Control Mode To connect a machine for Serial mode: Connect the Serial Control (male 9-pin) cable from an available serial or COM port (or serial adapter connected to a computer USB port) to the 9-pin input on the machine. ■ Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode Installing MachineControl Software To install MachineControl, use the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM, the MachineControl Installer CD–ROM, or download the installer from the Digidesign Web site.
Starting Up Your System Authorizing MachineControl 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. The MachineControl option is authorized using the iLok USB Smart Key from PACE Anti-Piracy. The iLok is similar to a dongle, but unlike a dongle, it is designed to securely authorize multiple software applications from a variety of software developers.
To add an authorization to an iLok: 1 Insert the iLok into an available USB port on your computer. 2 Launch Pro Tools. You will be prompted to au- thorize MachineControl. If you are already using MachineControl in Demo mode, launch Pro Tools before you insert the iLok, then insert the iLok into any available USB port when prompted by Pro Tools. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions until you are prompted to insert the License Card into the iLok.
After you select a port, Pro Tools automatically polls the port to see what kind of machine is connected. This process is referred to as auto detection. One of the following will occur: ◆ If the machine is recognized, Pro Tools loads the corresponding Machine Type and Node. This includes the corresponding track layout and automatically enters the name of that machine into the Pro Tools Machine Track Arming window. ◆ If the machine is not recognized, the “generic1” personality is automatically loaded.
Session Setup for MachineControl The Session Setup window provides session time code settings and options, as well as session status displays. Clock Source Session displays and settings click to show/hide Session Offsets SYNC Setup click to show/hide Time Code settings Figure 1. Session Setup window Session Setup window controls are organized into three sections. The Session controls are always displayed at the top of the Session Setup window.
Basic Session Settings Confirm the following settings for each session. To configure a session for MachineControl: 1 Choose Windows > Show Session Setup. 2 In the Status and Display section, do the following: Clock Source, Clock and Positional Reference The Session Setup window provides selectors for the system Clock Source, as well as Clock and Positional Reference. These settings must be configured based on the signal connections between Pro Tools, the SYNC I/O, and external devices.
Session Start Offsets With Pro Tools 6 and higher, you can offset the display of incoming time code in the Pro Tools application. This is useful when you want to adjust the display of time code to match the start time of the session (such as with source material that starts at a different time), or compensate for source material that is consistently offset by a fixed number of frames (such as with some color–corrected video masters).
Additional Commands and Features The following commands are available in all MachineControl operating modes. 4 Choose Edit > Redefine Current Time Code Position. 5 Enter the new time code position. 6 Click OK. Redefine Current Time Code Position The Redefine Current Time Code Position command lets you redefine the session start time.
chapter 3 Serial Control Mode and Transport Control Serial Control mode is available whenever MachineControl is connected using the Serial Control cable. For more information about connecting and configuring Pro Tools for Serial Control mode, see Chapter 2, “Installing and Configuring MachineControl.” When connected for Serial Control mode, MachineControl enables all Pro Tools track arming, synchronization, and transport features, as available on your system.
Preferences for Serial Control Mode Preferences are available to specify the following aspects of MachineControl behavior. Record and Chase Settings The following Preferences select record and chase options available while working with external time code, including: Preferences for Record Online at Time Code (or ADAT) Lock and Record Online at Edit Insertion/Selection. ◆ Preferences for Machine Chases Memory Locations and Machine Follows Edit Insertion/Scrub.
Serial Control Mode Selecting Machines in Serial Control Mode When using the Digidesign SYNC I/O with two machines connected to its 9-pin ports, use the Peripherals dialog to choose a deck to control. To choose machines for Serial Control mode: 1 In Pro Tools, choose Setups > Peripherals, and click the Machine Control tab. 2 In the 9-Pin Serial section, click Enable to en- able 9-pin Serial Control mode. 3 Select the port for your first machine, if necessary (9-pin #1 of the SYNC I/O).
Transport = Pro Tools Transport = Remote (or Remote LTC) In this mode, the controls in the Transport window are focused on Pro Tools playback and recording. ◆ In Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode, when the transport is online, Pro Tools responds to commands sent by the master 9-Pin machine. Many Pro Tools commands, including transport controls, are inactive. ◆ When the transport is online, the machine slaves to Pro Tools, and the session locks to the machine’s time code.
3 Click Play in the Transport window. Machine Cueing If the tape in the machine is striped with time code that matches your Session time, the machine will locate to the position of the Pro Tools on-screen selection/insertion point or memory location (plus pre-roll), and begin playing back in sync. MachineControl provides two Cue modes for remote machine operation: Search and Hi-speed.
Hi-Speed Mode In Hi-speed mode, the tape is unlaced, and all Transport buttons are dark. While cueing in this mode, only the selected Fast Forward or Rewind button lights. To fast forward and rewind in Hi-speed mode: 1 Select Transport > Machine in the Pro Tools Transport window. Serial Time Code If you are using a Digidesign SYNC I/O or USD connected to your DigiSerial port, and your machine has time code reader capability, you can take advantage of serial time code to achieve faster lockup times.
Serial Time Code and SYNC I/O Settings When Serial Time Code is enabled, the Pro Tools Clock Reference switches to Video Reference. Additionally, the Positional Reference pop-up is grayed out and displays Serial Time Code. (These controls are located in the SYNC I/O Settings section of the Session Setup window.) Generate and Serial Time Code Pro Tools automatically puts the SYNC I/O (or USD) in Generate mode and prohibits any changes to the Positional and Clock Reference settings.
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chapter 4 Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode makes Pro Tools operate as a virtual tape deck, supporting most standard Sony P2 9-pin commands. For a list of supported commands, see “9-Pin Commands” on page 27. By default, Pro Tools emulates a Sony BVW-75 model video deck. You can also configure Pro Tools to emulate other machines. For more information, see “Alternate Machine Types” on page 24.
9 In the Session Setup window, Generate Using SYNC I/O (or, using USD) is automatically enabled. This is required for Pro Tools to lock to the video reference with frame edge accuracy. 10 Make sure Video Reference is selected as the SYNC I/O (or USD) clock reference. 11 In the Pro Tools Transport window, select Re- mote or Remote LTC as the Transport master. Chase LTC not enabled Chase LTC enabled When Chase LTC is enabled, the Transport master selector shows Transport = Remote LTC.
Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode Preferences Pro Tools provides the following preference settings to configure Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode options. To set Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode preferences: Playback in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode Pro Tools will only play back audio when the received command requires audio play back at 1X speed in the forward direction. Reverse playback and varispeed playback are not supported in Pro Tools. 1 Choose Setups > Preferences and click the Op- eration tab.
Recording in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode Track Arming in Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode MachineControl lets Pro Tools support Auto Edit (selection-based) and Punch-in/Punch-Out (QuickPunch) commands. In Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode, Pro Tools can be configured to either respond to, or ignore, track arming (record enabling) commands. Pro Tools communicates track record status back to the control machine.
9-Pin Commands In Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode, Pro Tools with MachineControl can respond to the following 9-pin commands from compatible workstations, synchronizers, and other devices: • Play • Stop • Pause • Rewind • Forward • Cue To • Poll Time Code • Record Arm Track • Set In/Out Point (for Auto Edit) • Set Pre/Post Roll (for Auto Edit) • Perform Auto Edit Record • Perform Punch-In/Punch-Out Record (requires QuickPunch mode and voices) • Return Status-Online, State, Tracks Armed • Servo Lock • Clear
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chapter 5 Remote Track Arming Pro Tools with MachineControl provides the ability to record-arm audio, video, or time code tracks on external decks. On MachineControl-equipped systems, the Show Machine Track Arming Window command is available in the Pro Tools Windows menu. The Track Arming window lets you configure track arming during sessions, using the settings appropriate for the current Track Arming Profile. (See “Identifying Your Machine” on page 30.
Identifying Your Machine When you configure Pro Tools for MachineControl, it automatically loads the track arming profile for the identified machines. For more information on basic Pro Tools settings for MachineControl, see “Configuring Pro Tools for MachineControl” on page 9. If Pro Tools does not recognize your machine, or if you want your machine to emulate a different type of device (for example, to use a different track layout), you can load a generic machine profile.
Choosing a Machine ID Remapping Tracks To recognize your machine: You can remap track buttons to target different tracks on the machine. ■ Click Identify Machine. MachineControl queries the connected machine for its machine ID, which is then displayed below the Identify Machine button. You can edit or replace the ID manually if needed. See “Entering a New Byte Code” on page 32 for more information. To remap tracks: 1 Click the Track button you want to remap to display its remap pop-up menu.
Entering a New Byte Code Punch In/Out As the Sony P2 protocol continues to expand, more manufacturers add specific byte code commands that may be listed in the current byte code list. Pro Tools lets you create entirely new, custom byte codes. This lets you enter additional byte commands as needed to support new features as they are added to decks. This mode uses Pro Tools to control the process of punch in/out.
To avoid accidentally recording over program material, experiment with Assemble and Insert modes on a dispensable tape to familiarize yourself with the edit capabilities of your deck. Assemble mode replaces all the elements on the target tape deck—audio, video and time code. Use this mode with caution. Rules for On-Screen Selections The Record Protocol buttons allow you to choose between the two different record protocol choices described above (Auto Edit and Punch In/Punch Out).
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appendix a MachineControl Key Commands Command Macintosh Windows Rewind Shift+< Shift+< Fast Forward Shift+> Shift+> Shuttle Backward Option+comma Alt+comma Shuttle Forward Option+period Alt+period Toggle Transport Master Command+\ Control+\ All Transport Buttons Off/Unthread Tape Command+period Control+period Search Mode Toggle (Play-Pause/Stop) Spacebar/Command+period Spacebar/Ctrl+period Locate to Selection Start Command+Left Arrow Control+Left Arrow Locate to Selection End
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appendix b Troubleshooting Installation Problem: MachineControl options are not available in Pro Tools. Possible Solution: Make sure MachineControl is installed and authorized correctly (see Chapter 2, “Installing and Configuring MachineControl.”) Possible Solutions: ◆ Choose Setups > Peripherals, click the Machine Control tab, and confirm that the correct 9-Pin Serial port is chosen for your MachineControl operating mode. Make certain that all cables are securely connected at both ends.
Possible Solutions: ◆ Most machine controllable transports need to be placed in a “Remote” or “Ext” mode to allow them to be slaved to other devices. Verify that the device is in this mode. Refer to the documentation that came with your device for more information on Remote and Local modes. ◆ In the Transport window, check the status of the “Transport = Pro Tools” or “Transport = Machine” setting.
appendix c Machine IDs The following table lists the machine profiles supported in MachineControl by their Pro Tools hexadecimal ID. Machines, by ID number ID number Machine 0x2021 BVW-65 For special IDs to support 48-track arming, see “48 Track Profiles” on page 40.
48 Track Profiles Machines, by ID number ID number Machine 0x0048 BVH-2830 0x0050 BVH-3000 (NTSC) 0x0060 BVH-3100 (NTSC) 0x0150 BVH-3000 PS 0x0160 BVH-3100 PS 0x2041 Machines IDs for 48-Track Capable Machines ID Machine PVW-2800 0x6007 3348HR 0x1211 ASC Virtual Recorder 0x6005 3348HRV 0x1011 Fostex D-10 0x6003 3324 0xF027 Otari R-DAT 0x7001 TASCAM DA-88 0xF01D TASCAM DA-88 0x7003 PCM-800 0x7000 Pro Tools IDs for 48-Track Pro Tools Arming ID Machine PCM-7000 0xD0 E1 Pr
appendix d 9-Pin Cable Pinouts Serial Control 9-Pin Cable 3 n/c 7 8 1 2 1 n/c 2 6 3 7 4 8 5 9 n/c 9-pin, male D-SUB DIN Mini 8 Serial Control Cable Mini - 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Shield DB-9 NC NC 8 1 2 3 NC 7 NC Shield V-Lan Pin Configuration Mini - 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Shield DB-9 NC NC 2 1 8 7 NC 3 NC Shield Figure 1.
Remote Deck Emulation Mode 9-Pin Cable Figure 2. MachineControl Remote Deck Emulation Mode 9-Pin cable pinout Remote Deck Emulation Mode 9-Pin cable 42 Mini - 8 DB - 9 1 NC 2 NC 3 2 4 9, 1 5 8 6 7 7 NC 8 3 Shield NC Shield MachineControl Guide Shielding The outside shielding of the D-Sub 9 (female) should be wired to the outside shielding of the Mini DIN 8 (male).
9-Pin to 9-Pin 1 DB-9M 1 2 7 6 5 3 8 4 9 DB-9M NC Shell NC 1 2 7 6 5 3 8 4 9 Shell Figure 3. 9-pin to 9-pin cable This is a standard ESBus MachineControl Cable. • All pins wired straight through. • Pins 2 and 7 are a Twisted Pair with shield drain wire on Pin 6. • Pins 3 and 8 are a Twisted Pair with shield drain wire on Pin 4.
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index A F arming safe (ignore) 26 Assemble mode 32 authorizing Aural Exciter III and Big Bottom Pro 8 authorizing Virus 8 auto detection 9 Auto Edit 32 and Remote mode 26 Auto Spot 18, 20 frame rate 12 frame-edge and serial time code 21 G Generate and serial time code 21 generic machine profiles 10 H C cables 1, 2 wiring diagrams 41, 42, 43 CH 1-2 Input 12 Chase LTC 24 chasing preferences 16 control track 32 Create Machine Track Arming Profile 30 cueing hi-speed mode 20 preferences 16 search mode 19
M R machine pre-roll 10 profiles 39 transport master 18 Machine Chases Memory Location 16 Machine Cues Intelligently 16 Machine Follows Edit Insertion/Scrub 16 machine IDs 39 machine profiles 30 memory locations and machine chase 16 midnight boundary 33 record mode 32 record modes Assemble 32 Insert 32 Record Online at Edit Insertion/Selection 16 Record Online at Time Code (or ADAT) Lock 16 record protocol 32 Auto Edit 32 Punch In/Out 32 recording preferences 16 Remote mode 26 Redefine Current Time Code
T time code quick signal test 12 redefine current 14 track 32 track arming 48-track IDs 40 and Remote mode 26 create machine profile 30 IDs 39 ignore 26 remapping tracks 31 track layout 10 tracks remapping 31 transport master 1, 17 machine 18 Pro Tools 18 Remote 18 Remote LTC 18 selecting 17 toggling 18 Trimmer when Transport = Machine 18 U Use Serial Time Code for Positional Reference 20 V Video Format 12 Video Reference and serial time code 21 video track 32 VTR emulation 6, 7 Index 47
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