D-Command ™ Version 7.
Legal Notices Radio and Television Interference This guide is copyrighted ©2008 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. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Plug-ins and D-Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 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 Connection Requirements Temperature and Ventilation Power Connections 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). Each unit (D-Command Main Unit, Fader Module, and XMON Monitor Interface) requires its own power connection.
Mechanical Specifications 29.25 in (74.3 cm) 14.4 in (36.6 cm) 10.23 in (25.98 cm) 4.24 in (10.78 cm) 2.68 in (6.79 cm) 0.5 in (1.27 cm) 2.55 in (6.48 cm) D-Command side dimensions 29.25 in (74.3 cm) 32.
29.25 in (74.3 cm) 55.6 in (141.
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 Mode controls Channel Strip Function 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
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 97. 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 79.
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 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 21. 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.
Positioning the D-Command Units 5 Using a 5/32 hex wrench, attach the front bracket, using four 10-32 1/2-inch socket cap screws. If you are building a 24-fader D-Command, you can place the Fader Module either to the left or to the right of the Main Unit. Fader When bracketing together a D-Command system, leave all screws on the Fader Module loose enough to allow you to adjust the position of the units relative to each other.
Moving the Spacer Plate There is a metal spacer plate pre-installed on the right side of the Fader Module. When installing the Fader Module on the right of the Main Unit, you will need to remove the spacer plate from the Fader Module and place it on the right side of the Main Unit. Do not use a power screwdriver or similar high-torque device to remove and replace the screws for the spacer plate, as it might strip the threads in the screw housing.
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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 7. Be sure to make all connections with your D-Command units and computer turned off. Ethernet connector XMON Monitoring System connector Footswitch jack Figure 7.
Controlling Pro Tools Systems Over a Network When D-Command is connected to an Ethernet network, it will be available to be declared by any Pro Tools system on that network. This lets you control different Pro Tools systems on the network with a single D-Command console. (You can only control one Pro Tools system at a time.
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 8.
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) Mini Output (2 channels) Stereo 3 Input (2 channels) Listen Mic 2 Input Source Select Level Level Figure 9.
Headphone/Cue System Connections Main Monitor Input (2 channels) [from Control Room System] Talkback/Slate Out (1 channel) Cue 1 Input (2 channels) Cue 1 Out (2 channels) Cue 2 Input (2 channels) Cue 2 Out (2 channels) HP Out (2 channels) Internal Talkback Input External Talkback Input Studio LS (2 channels) Internal Talkback Level Talkback switch External Talkback Level Talkback Assign Figure 10.
Example XMON Wiring Diagram The following diagram shows basic XMON connections for a Pro Tools|HD system with a Digidesign 192 I/O with 16 analog outputs (with a 192 AD card installed).
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.
Touch Value Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size The Touch Value preference determines whether faders and encoders, when touched, temporarily show the value of the parameter they are controlling. 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.
Custom Fader Plug-in Mode View Definition Encoder Order There are three view options available for display of plug-in parameters in the channel displays of the Custom Faders. These options, or view definitions, are accessible from the D-Command operation preferences. The Encoder Order preference determines whether inserts, sends, and pan controls will be displayed in order from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top on D-Command rotary encoders.
When this preference is set to “No,” the on-screen display of plug-in and send windows does not change to reflect the state of the control surface. Meters Pre/Post Fader The Meters Pre/Post Fader preference toggles channel metering between pre- and post-fader modes.
System Calibration Recalibrating D-Command Faders If a fader on a D-Command Unit shows response problems, you can recalibrate the faders with the Recal command in Utility mode. See “Recal” on page 119 for details. Calibrating the Output Meters You can calibrate the output meters on the Main Unit meter bridge from XMON, in order to match metering levels in Pro Tools with metering levels of external sources. The example below uses a Digidesign 192 I/O as the reference source.
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 LED Ring Inserts Each encoder has a ring of 15 LEDs. Discrete or stepped information is shown by single LEDs, and continuously variable information is shown by an expanding series of LEDs. When assigning an insert, the encoder Select switch is used to confirm the selection of the following elements on each level: In Normal mode, encoder LED rings can show Send level, pan position, plug-in parameter values, and mic pre settings. In Flip mode, they show track level.
Mic Pre Channel Strip Mode Controls In Mic Pre mode, mic pre parameters are displayed on a channel strip’s encoders. In addition, the B/M/P switches do the following: 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.
Pan Switch To open/close the Output window on-screen for a track: When you press the Pan switch, you enter Pan mode, and the pan controls for the channel strip are displayed on the encoder displays. 1 Press the Pan switch on the channel. If the track is a multichannel track, its Page Up switch lights to indicate that there are multiple pages of pan controls.
Sends Switch Channel Strip Function Controls When you press the Sends switch, you enter Sends mode, and the send names for the first two sends on that channel strip are displayed on the encoder displays. If there are additional sends on the channel, the channel’s Page Up switch lights. The 10 available sends are displayed in five pairs (A–B, C–D, E–F, G–H, I–J).
Channel Select Switch Channel Display The function of the Channel Select switch depends on the Select/Focus Mode setting. See “Select/Focus Mode Switch and Indicators” on page 43 for more information on changing the Select/Focus mode. Each channel display shows the channel information in the following display modes. In each mode, when the channel fader is touched, the display shows the channel volume in dB.
Fader Section Group Status Indicator The Group Status indicator (a green LED marked GRP), located to the left of each channel’s fader, lights to indicate that the channel is a member of an active Mix or Edit group in Pro Tools. If the channel is a member of an inactive group, or if groups are suspended, this indicator is off.
Modifier Key Switches Global Controls Section Each D-Command Main Unit and Fader Module has a set of four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the function of the Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers. The Global Controls section (Figure 2) is a set of channel-related controls in the center of the D-Command Main Unit.
Flip Switches Automation Write Controls The two yellow Flip switches in the Global Controls section correspond to the two rotary encoders on the D-Command channel strips. The Automation Write controls invoke the manual “Write to Start/End/All” commands, the automatic “Write to Start/End/All on Stop” automation commands, and the “Write to Current Parameter” and “Write to All Enabled Parameters” snapshot automation commands in Pro Tools.
End Switch Volume Switch The End switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to the end of a selection or track when performing an automation pass. The Volume switch enables and suspends writing of channel volume automation on all tracks in the session. Pan Switch To manually Write to End: The Pan switch enables and suspends writing of channel pan automation on all tracks in the session. Press the End switch during playback.
Switch Information Controls Global Modifier 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. 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.
Do To All and Do To Selected Switches The Do To All and the Do To Selected switches on D-Command can be used in two different ways: to apply actions to multiple tracks in a Pro Tools session, and to change the display mode of multiple channel strips on D-Command. The Do To All and Do To Selected switches can follow momentary or latching behavior. When single-pressed, their effect applies only to the next operation. When held, they apply to all operations carried out while being held.
Set To Default Switch Automation Suspend Switch The Set to Default switch lets you reset parameters that are currently visible on the D-Command surface to their default values. This switch works in both Normal and Custom Fader modes. The Automation Suspend switch suspends reading and writing of all automation on all tracks in the session. All channels are left in their current automation mode, but automation operations are temporarily suspended.
Focus Channel Display Map Switch When a Custom Fader mode is active, the Focus Channel display shows the name of the Custom Group, Mix/Edit Group, or the plug-in displayed on the Custom Fader channels. The Map switch works with Custom Groups mode, Mix/Edit Groups mode, and Plug-in mode. While in these modes, the Map switch lets you further customize the control layout by mapping individual rotary encoder controls to faders within the Custom Fader channels.
Automation Mode Controls Trim Switch The Automation Mode controls are used to display and set automation modes. These switches light to indicate that at least one channel is in that automation mode. If multiple channels are selected and set to different automation modes, all applicable mode switches are lit. The Trim switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the selected tracks to Trim mode.
Assign Controls Miscellaneous Controls The Miscellaneous Controls section includes Timeline, Assign, Make Inactive, and Plug-in Automation controls. Timeline controls Assign controls Make Inactive Plug-in Automation controls controls 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.
Assign Sends Switch To assign an input, output, send or insert: The Sends switch invokes Assign Sends mode, in which the channel encoders shows the sends on a channel. 1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign mode.
MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument Tracks Inputs Inactive Switch The Assign Inputs and Assign Outputs switches can be used to assign the MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument tracks. 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.
Plug-in Automation Controls Automation Safe Switch The Plug-in Automation controls are used to enable parameters for automation and to place them in automation safe mode. The Automation Safe switch invokes a mode in which the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for each plug-in or send and the channel Select switch for each track become Safe switches.
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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. To toggle automation on and off for all plug-ins in a given Insert position: 1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls of a track to show the top level Inserts display.
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 Channel Select 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.
Master Link Switch Multichannel Plug-ins When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all channels are controlled in tandem, and the Master Link switch has no effect. Multi-Mono Plug-ins When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the Master Link switch toggles the Master Link button in the plug-in window, which links or unlinks all channels of the plug-in. When the Master Link button is enabled, the Link switch is lit.
Dynamics Edit and Display Controls Key Listen switch Automation switch External Key switch Automation Safe switch Window switch Compare switch Page switch Cycle switch 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. 3 Touch any rotary encoder or press any switches in the Dynamics section.
Dynamics Gain Controls and Meters Clip Indicator Output meter Gain Reduction meter Level meters in the Dynamics section Output Meter and Clip Indicator The Output meter shows the output level for the current plug-in. The Clip indicator lights when a clip is reported by the plug-in, and can be cleared by pressing the Clear Clip switch in the Session Management section.
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 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 Mode 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.
Moving Windows On-Screen with the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel Shuttle Switch To move a Pro Tools window horizontally on-screen: The Shuttle switch places the transport in Shuttle mode, which lets you locate the cursor in the Edit window. In the Window Management section, hold the switch for the window and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel. To move a Pro Tools window vertically on-screen: In the Window Management section, hold the switch for the window, hold Shift, and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.
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.
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.
Management Controls Window Switch The Window switch displays the following commands: Snapshot switch Group switch Track switch Playlist switch Window switch Page 1 • Auto Enabls: Window > Automation Enable • Track Arm > Track Arming • Beat Det: Event > Beat Detective Management controls • Session Setup: Setup > Session Snapshot Switch • Tasks: Window > Task Manager • Projct Browser: Window > Project Browser The Snapshot switch displays the following commands: Page 2 Page 1 • Captre: Capture • P
Edit Controls Page 2 • SendTo Back: Region > Send to Back Function 1 Function 2 switch switch Function 3 switch Modes switch Tools switch • SendTo Front: Region > Bring to Front • Group Region: Region > Group • Ungrp Region: Region > Ungroup • Ungrp All: Region > Ungroup All • Regrp Region: Region > Regroup Edit controls Edit Function 3 Switch (Manipulation Commands) Edit Function 1 Switch (Basic Edit Commands) The Edit Function 1 switch displays the following commands: The Edit Function 3 switch d
Memory/MIDI Controls Memory Location MIDI switch switch To open a recent session: 1 In the Soft Keys section, press the Audio Files switch repeatedly until the session name is displayed in the Soft Keys. 2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the session name. Audio Files Switch (Page 1) • Import Audio: File > Import > Audio Memory/MIDI controls Memory Location Switch The Memory Location switch (“Mem Loc”) displays the names of Memory Locations in pages of six.
Console Preferences User switch Operation switch Meter switch RefLvl (Reference Level) Lets you change the D-Command meter display to help monitor program material with respect to different reference levels. Operation Switch Console Preferences 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 26.
ApTrgt (Target Track from Application) Determines whether selecting an Insert or Send on-screen focuses its track on the D-Command Main Unit. ChanWn (Channel Window Display) Determines whether displaying plug-in or send pan parameters (by pressing an encoder Select switch) on D-Command opens the corresponding plug-in or send window on-screen in Pro Tools. Also determines whether the Channel Select switches (in the Dynamics or EQ sections) change the channel display of multi-mono plug-ins.
Actions Switch Actions Switch (Page 3) The Actions switch displays the following commands: Copy To Send Opens the Copy To Send dialog to allow copying of track control values to each selected track’s send (Edit > Automation > Copy To Send).
Modes Switch Modes Switch (Page 2) The Modes switch displays the following D-Command Modes: Wrt To Currnt (Write To Current Parameter) Writes the current control value to the currently displayed automation parameter (Edit > Automation > Write To Current). Modes Switch (Page 1) AWrtTo Start (Auto Write to Start on Stop) Automatically writes current automation values from the insertion point backward to the beginning of a selection or track when the transport is stopped after an automation pass.
Modes Switch (Page 4) Utility Switch MmtTch (Latching Behavior for Switched Controls in Touch) Toggles the preference that determines the behavior of switched controls in Touch mode.
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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.) Studio Controls Headphones switch Cue Input Source switches Studio Loudspeaker switch AFL/PFL Level switch Input Possible Outputs Cue 1 Cue 1, Headphone, Studio LS Cue 2 Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS Main Monitor Cue 1, Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS To assign an input source to an output: 1 Press the switch for the output for which you want to assign an input.
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 Controls 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).
Mono Switch Dim Switch The Mono switch mixes the Left and Right signals of any of the output modes (any surround channels are not affected) to provide mono output, useful for checking phase and balance relationships. The Mono switch lights to indicate that it is active. 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.
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 selection. 7 Repeat steps 2–5 to modify other send or insert assignments. 6 Do one of the following: • Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing Assign Inputs switch to confirm the assignment. – or – • Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the assignment.
To toggle a send or plug-in active/inactive: 1 Press the Make Inactive Sends switch or the Make Inactive Inserts switch to enter the corresponding Make Inactive mode. The first two insert or send positions will show on the encoder displays. 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 en- coder to deactivate or reactivate the insert or send assignment.
Focus Channel Strip If the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Operations preference is set to Yes, focusing a track also places a duplicate of the focused track in the channel strip to the immediate left of the Global Controls section. See “FCStrp (Focus Channel Strip)” on page 83. The duplicate Focus Channel strip is not available when D-Command is in a Custom Fader mode.
Making Plug-ins Active/Inactive Flip Mode When a plug-in name is displayed on an encoder (in the top level Inserts display), it can be made inactive without entering Make Inactive mode. Channels in Normal mode can use Flip Mode, which transfers controls from a row of encoders to the channel faders. To toggle a plug-in active/inactive: 1 Press the Inserts switch on a channel strip to display the names of the plug-ins on the channel’s encoders.
To change a previously assigned insert or send on a flipped encoder: 1 On the channel where you want to change the assignment, press the Inserts or Sends switch to display the corresponding elements on the channel. 2 Press and hold the channel Select switch for the flipped in- sert or send you want to change, until the channel scribble strip shows a right arrow (“>”) next to the assignment to indicate the channel is in assign mode.
Custom Fader Preferences Custom Groups Mode Setting the Number of Custom Fader Channels You can set the size of the Custom Fader bank for each of the Custom Fader modes. See “Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size” on page 27. Setting the Custom Fader Justification You can set the location of the Custom Fader bank on the control surface. See “Custom Fader Justification” on page 27. Displaying Hidden Tracks in Custom Faders You can set D-Command to show hidden tracks in the Custom Fader views.
• To insert a channel between existing channels in a Custom Group: • Press the channel Select switch of the Custom Fader channel following the position where you want to insert a new channel. The switch will light indicating that the next channel will be placed before the selected channel. • Press the channel Select switch for the source channel you want to add to the Custom Group.
To recall a Mix/Edit Group to the Custom Fader channels from the Soft Keys: 1 If the Soft Keys are in another display mode, return to the top level Soft Key display by holding Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and pressing the currently lit Soft Key switch. To create a Mix/Edit group: 1 Make sure you are in Select mode. 2 Select the tracks you want to group by pressing their Select switches. 3 Press the Group switch in the Management Soft Key section.
Displaying Mix/Edit Group Tracks On-Screen In the top level of Mix/Edit Groups mode, you can display the tracks in a Mix/Edit group and hide all other tracks from D-Command. To display tracks in a Mix/Edit group on-screen: Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the Select switch for the Mix/Edit group to perform the “Show Only Tracks In Group” command.
Custom Faders and Display of Plug-in Parameters There are three view options available for display of plug-in parameters in the channel displays of the Custom Faders. These options, or view definitions, are accessible from the D-Command operation preferences. See “Custom Fader Plug-in Mode View Definition” on page 28 for more information.
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: To bypass mapping (Custom Groups mode or Mix/Edit Groups mode): Press the lit Map switch. Even when it is not displayed, mapping is remembered for each Custom Group or Mix/Edit Group.
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. Working with Automation – or – Setting the Automation Mode of Channels • In the Custom Fader channels, press any switch that you want to map to the selected channel’s Mute switch. To cycle a channel forward through the automation modes: The mapped control appears on the selected channel’s fader.
Displaying the Automation Playlist for a Control To display the automation playlist on-screen for a parameter controlled by a fader: Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Command+Control (Mac) and touch the fader. To display the automation playlist on-screen for a parameter controlled by an encoder: Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Command+Control (Mac) and touch the encoder.
Storing and Recalling Captured Automation Values Punching Recalled Automation Values After automation values are captured, the captured state can be stored in any of 48 available snapshots. These can then be recalled to the Capture buffer, where they are available to punch. When a snapshot is loaded into the Capture buffer, it is ready to punch at a different location. To store a snapshot: 1 Capture the automation values you want to store. (See “Cap- turing Automation Values” on page 112.
Joining Automation Values AutoMatching Individual Controls D-Command remembers the automation write status of all writable parameters when you stop the transport during an automation pass. It stores this information in the Join buffer. On D-Command, you can invoke AutoMatch on individual controls or control types on single channels.
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.
122 D-Command Guide
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.
126 D-Command Guide
Index A Actions switch (automation) 85 After-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 93 All Enabled switch (automation) 42 All Notes Off switch 78 All switch (automation) 41 Alt outputs (Monitor section) 90 Arrow switches 76 Assign controls 48, 99 Inputs 48 Inserts 49 Outputs 48 Sends 49 Assign Talkback switch 91 Attack/Q control (Dynamics plug-ins) 58 Audio Files switch 82 Audition Mode switch 74 Audition switches 74 Audition Mode 74 Mark In 75 Mark Out 75 Post-Roll 74 Pre-Roll 74 Auto Talkback switch 94 AutoMatch
connections audio 21, 123 alt 125 control room 22 cue system 23, 123, 124 headphone 23 main 123, 124 solo outputs 125 stereo inputs 124 surround inputs 124 talkback/listenback 125 Ethernet 9, 10, 25 footswitch 9, 20 power 19 XMON 9, 12, 21, 125 Console Preferences 83 Meter 83 Operation 83 User 83 Current switch (automation) 42 Custom Fader Flip mode 110 Custom Fader Hidden Tracks preference 27 Custom Fader Justification preference 27 Custom Fader Map modes 46, 110 and Custom Fader Plug-in mode 110 and Custo
I Input controls (Monitor section) 90 Input Level Trim controls (Monitor section) 90 Input Monitor Mode switches 37 Input Source Sum controls (Monitor section) 90 inputs assigning 99, 100 making inactive 100 inputs (Monitor section) main 90 selecting 90 stereo 90 summing 90 surround 90 trimming 90 inserts assigning 99, 103 making inactive 100 Inserts switch (automation) 42 Inserts switches 35 Instant Playback switch 75 Instrument tracks 33, 34, 35, 50 into Utility 115 J Join switch 84, 114 K Key Listen sw
plug-ins 8, 53, 57, 64 assigning 53 Automation Safe 51, 109 Automation Safe switch 62, 69 Automation switch 62, 69 Bypass switch 62, 69 bypassing 62, 69, 102, 109 Channel Select switches 60, 67 Compare switch 62, 69, 109 copying settings 55 Custom Fader mode 108 Cycle switch 62, 69 Dynamics 57 enabling automation 51, 56, 109 EQ 64 focusing 54, 102, 108 Lock switch 60, 67 making inactive 55, 103 Master Link switch 61 meters 69 multichannel 53, 61, 67, 68 multi-mono 53, 61, 67, 68, 109 multiple plug-in window
T V talkback 91 connections 125 Dim function 94 External level control 94 Level control (built-in) 94 microphone (built-in) 97 Talkback switch 47, 94 Talkback/Listen controls 94 Auto Talkback switch 94 Listen 95 Mic Select switches 95 Talkback switch 94 targeting plug-ins 55 Test pages (Utility mode) 117 Threshold/Output control 59 time scale display 8, 97 Touch switch (automation) 47 Touch Value preference 27 Track Size switches 87 Track switch 80 TrackPunch switch 74 tracks Automation Safe 51 focusing 3
132 D-Command Guide
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