Specifications

Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring MachineControl 5
chapter 2
Installing and Configuring MachineControl
Before you Begin
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 I/O or Universal Slave
Driver (USD), refer to its guide to make sure your
equipment is installed and operating correctly.
Cables and Connections
MachineControl comes with the following two
cables:
• Serial Control Cable, a male 8-pin mini-DIN
to male 9-pin cable, for serial time code and
all other MachineControl functions.
• Remote Deck Emulation Mode 9-Pin Cable, a
male 8-pin mini-DIN to female 9-pin cable, re-
quired for VTR emulation.
MachineControl requires its own connections
between Pro Tools hardware, the computer, and
external machines. Connections differ depend-
ing on your Pro Tools hardware, and on which
of the two MachineControl operational modes
you want to use: Serial Control mode or Remote
9-Pin Deck Emulation mode.
Serial Control Mode
Serial Control mode supports bi-directional
communication between Pro Tools and a com-
patible external machine. Features include the
ability to synchronize to serialized time code,
arm tracks on the machine remotely, control
multiple transports from Pro Tools, and config-
ure machine settings and options.
Pro Tools HD
On HD-series systems, you can use a Serial to 9-
pin connection or a 9-pin to 9-pin connection
for Serial Control Mode.
Serial to 9-pin connection This type of connec-
tion yields the best performance, especially with
linear decks. If you are not using a SYNC I/O,
you can use the included Serial Control cable for
this type of connection.
9-pin to 9-pin connection This type of connec-
tion is suitable for non-linear decks. If you are
using a SYNC I/O, as many as two machines can
be connected to the two 9-pin Out ports on the
SYNC I/O. You can control one machine at a
time, and switch between them from within
Pro Tools. These ports support all MachineCon-
trol modes except Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation
mode.
Do not substitute 9-pin or serial adaptors
for either MachineControl cable. Each cable
is specifically wired for one operation mode.