User`s guide

Chapter 4: Serial Control Mode and Transport Control 17
chapter 4
Serial Control Mode and Transport Control
This chapter explains how to use Machine-
Control in Serial Control mode. Serial Control
mode is enabled whenever MachineControl is
connected using the Serial Control cable. In this
mode, MachineControl enables bi-directional
transport, track arming, and machine command
communication between Pro Tools and your
machine.
For more information about connecting and
configuring Pro Tools for Serial Control mode,
see Chapter 2, “Installation.” You must have
MachineControl installed correctly before con-
tinuing with this chapter.
When connected for Serial Control mode,
MachineControl enables all Pro Tools track
arming, synchronization, and transport fea-
tures, as available on your system. Some features
require a USD, as noted throughout this chap-
ter.
Pro Tools Session Settings
Whenever you are working with synchroniza-
tion, make it a habit to always confirm the fol-
lowing Pro Tools session settings.
To configure Session Setup for MachineControl:
■ Choose Windows > Show Session Setup Win-
dow, and do the following:
• Set the Sample Rate, time code frame rate and
format appropriate to your session.
• Set the Ch 1–2 Input and session Sync Mode
as necessary. (Sync mode must be set to ana-
log for the USD to be clock master.)
• Set a Session start time.
Time code signal test
To check your settings, manually start playback
on the external machine. If Pro Tools is receiv-
ing time code, the current location will be
shown in the Current Time display.
Track arming is explained in Chapter 5,
“Remote Track Arming.”
Current Time display in the Session Setup window
Current Time display