DigiDesign D-Command Manual
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DigiDesign D-Command Manual

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D-Command
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Version 7.3

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  • Page 1 D-Command ™ Version 7.3...
  • Page 2 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A Legal Notices digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. This guide is copyrighted ©2007 by Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. Communications Statement (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide...
  • Page 3 SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: Before powering on the D-Command unit, be sure to allow it to reach room temperature. The unit includes some components that are senstive to cold temperatures, so it is recommended that you unpack the unit and allow it to acclimate before turning it on for the first time.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    D-Command System Components........

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels........
  • Page 7 Part I: Introduction...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1. Introduction To D-Command

    System Expansion Options commands and scrub/shuttle capability An additional 16-channel Fader Module can be added to D-Command, for a total of 24 faders. For details on Monitoring Features D-Command expansion and customization options, visit the • 6-channel control room monitoring system supports mono Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).

  • Page 10: Operational Requirements

    XMON interface. D-Command connects to the XMON inter- If you need to clean the D-Command top surface, apply a face with a single 15-pin cable (included). All analog inputs non-chlorine bleach based cleaning solution to a cloth or and outputs on the XMON use DB-25 connectors.

  • Page 11: Mechanical Specifications

    (25.98 cm) 4.24 in 2.68 in (10.78 cm) (6.79 cm) 0.5 in 2.55 in (1.27 cm) (6.48 cm) D-Command side dimensions 29.25 in (74.3 cm) 32.3 in (82 cm) D-Command top dimensions (Main Unit) Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command 5...
  • Page 12 29.25 in (74.3 cm) 55.6 in (141.2 cm) D-Command top dimensions (Main Unit and Fader Module) D-Command Guide...

  • Page 13: Chapter 2. D-Command Overview

    Soft Keys EQ Section section Session Management section Channel faders Zoom/Navigation Transport section Section Modifier keys Global Automation Mode Custom Fader Window Nudge/Bank controls controls controls Management section section Figure 1. D-Command Main Unit top panel Chapter 2: D-Command Overview 7...
  • Page 14 Meter Display Soft Keys Section The Meter display on the D-Command Main Unit can be set to The Soft Keys section on the D-Command Main Unit provides show the output levels, or levels associated with a track or access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from plug-in.
  • Page 15 Ethernet Connector The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable. The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Command The D-Command Main Unit is auto power-selecting (100V to Main Unit provides communication to Pro Tools. See “Ether- 240V) and automatically works with a standard modular net Connections”...

  • Page 16: D-Command Fader Module

    The Power switch applies power to the Fader Module. Modifier Keys Ethernet Connector Each D-Command Fader Module has a set of four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the function of the The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Command Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers.

  • Page 17: D-Command Xmon Interface

    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 MIDI Receive indicator indicator Mute button Figure 4. XMON front panel Power Switch MIDI Receive Indicator The Power switch applies power to the XMON Interface.
  • Page 18 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 19. Cue Inputs Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs Cue Outputs Main Outputs...
  • Page 19 Part II: Installation...

  • Page 21: Chapter 3. Setting Up The Fader Module

    Assembling an Expanded System • (10) 10-32 x 3/4-inch socket cap screw The D-Command Main Unit can be attached to the D-Com- • (4) 6-32 x 3/8-inch Philips pan head screw mand Fader Module, using the front, middle, and rear brack- ets included with the D-Command Fader Module.
  • Page 22 Attaching the Units To attach the D-Command Fader Module to the Main Unit: Remove the plastic end cap from the left end of the Main Unit. Place the Fader Module to the left of the Main Unit, and press the D-Command units together.

  • Page 23: Chapter 4. Connecting D-Command

    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.
  • Page 24 Pro Tools system at a time.) Footswitch Connections You can connect two SPST (single-pole, single-throw) foot- switch units to the D-Command Main Unit to control any of the following functions: • Starting and stopping Pro Tools playback •...

  • Page 25: Audio Connections

    Figure 6. XMON back panel XMON Monitoring System Connection D-Command connects to XMON with a single 15-pin XMON cable. A 50-foot (15.25 m) cable is included with the D-Command Main Unit. The system supports up to an 80-foot (24.5 m) cable.
  • Page 26 • Listen Mic 2 (external), mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power) Outputs • Main Control Room Outputs (6 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu • Alt Control Room Outputs (6 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu • Mini Control Room Outputs (2 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu D-Command Guide...
  • Page 27 • External Talkback Mic, mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power) Outputs • Cue 1 (2 channels), +4 dBu • Cue 2 (2 channels), +4 dBu • Headphone (2 channels), to internal headphone jack • Studio Loudspeaker (2 channels) • Talkback/Slate Output (1 channel) Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 21...
  • Page 28 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 out- puts (with a 192 AD card installed). 192 I/O Analog Outputs 1-8 Analog Outputs 1-8...

  • Page 29: Chapter 5. Configuring D-Command

    Starting Up and Shutting Down the Software Configuration System All D-Command software is included when Pro Tools software is installed. The Pro Tools software installer places the D-Com- Your D-Command-based system must be started up and shut mand Personality folder on the system drive.

  • Page 30: Setting D-Command Preferences

    “Left,” “CentrL,” “CentrR,” and “Right” settings. Naming D-Command Units in Pro Tools Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the You can set the names for D-Command units from Pro Tools. Operation switch to exit. To name D-Command units in Pro Tools: Faders On/Off Choose Setup >...
  • Page 31 Display of Hidden Tracks in Custom Faders The Custom Fader Justification preference determines You can set D-Command to show hidden tracks in the Cus- whether channels in Custom Fader mode are left-, center-, or tom Fader views. You can then mix those hidden tracks, but right-justified on the control surface.
  • Page 32 Insert or Send on-screen makes its track rameters are displayed in the channel encoders. Entering Ex- the focused track on the D-Command Main Unit. For details panded view or Plug-In Map mode automatically exits Fader on focusing a track on D-Command, see “Focusing a Track”...
  • Page 33 In the Soft Keys section, press the Meter switch repeatedly to on and off. This preference applies when inserts are displayed display the page that includes the VCA Meters On/Off prefer- on the LED rings surrounding the D-Command rotary encod- ence (“VCAMtr”). ers.

  • Page 34: System Calibration

    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 Util- ity mode. See “Recal” on page 115 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.
  • Page 35 Part III: Reference...

  • Page 37: Chapter 6. Channel Strip Controls

    Rotary Encoder Section Channel Strips Each channel strip has two touch-sensitive rotary encoders The D-Command Main Unit has 8 channel strips, and the with LED ring, alphanumeric display, mode switches, and sta- D-Command Fader Module has 16 channel strips. Each chan- tus indicators.
  • Page 38 The green Pre LED lights to indicate that the Each encoder has a Select switch that is used to assign an in- send is set for pre-fader operation. sert or send to that encoder, or to display send parameters for editing. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 39 If no additional pages are The Instruments View in Pro Tools contains MIDI controls available, neither switch is lit. that can be displayed on the encoders of D-Command chan- nel strips. To move the page display of parameters on the encoders up or...
  • Page 40 Multi- channel pan controls are arranged as follows: When working in surround, you can link the front and rear pan controls on D-Command to facilitate X-axis motion in Surround Pan Display, Page 1 the sound field.
  • Page 41 When the channel is record-enabled and the Pro Tools transport is stopped, the switch flashes. During re- cording, the switch lights continuously. Record Safe Mode To record safe a track from D-Command, hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the track’s Record Enable switch.
  • Page 42 When in Off behavior only. mode, none of the indicators is lit. In Focus mode, if the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Oper- The Automation Mode switch lets you cycle the channel ations preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switch also...
  • Page 43 Modifier Key Switches The Automation Mode indicators, located to the left of each Each D-Command Main Unit and Fader Module has a set of channel’s fader, indicate the active automation mode. four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the func- WR (Write), TC (Touch) and LT (Latch) are red LEDs;...

  • Page 44: Global Controls Section

    The two yellow Flip switches in the Global Controls section The Global Controls section (Figure 2) is a set of channel-re- correspond to the two rotary encoders on the D-Command lated controls in the center of the D-Command Main Unit. channel strips. Flip Mode...
  • Page 45 Automation Write Controls End Switch The Automation Write controls invoke the manual “Write to The End switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to the end of a selection or track Start/End/All” commands, the automatic “Write to when performing an automation pass.
  • Page 46 • When the Switch Mode is set to Pre, the encoder B/M/P can be exited or canceled with the Escape switch, the switch switch toggles the corresponding send between pre- or flashes. post-fader operation. The Transport must be stopped to toggle sends between pre- and post-fader operation. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 47 Custom Fader mode). To apply actions to multiple tracks in a Pro Tools Session: To change the display mode of D-Command channel strips: Do one of the following: • Press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch to apply Press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch.
  • Page 48 The Set to Default switch lets you reset parameters that are currently visible on the D-Command surface to their default The Automation Suspend switch flashes while automation is values. This switch works in both Normal and Custom Fader suspended.
  • Page 49 Custom Fader channels. When no Custom Fader mode is active, the Focus Channel display shows the name of the focused channel. The Map switch has no effect on other D-Command channels in Normal mode. Groups Switch Lock Switch The Groups switch invokes Groups mode, which lets you se- lect either Mix/Edit Groups or Custom Groups.
  • Page 50 The Talkback switch, located at the bottom of the Global Con- trols section on the Main Unit, provides control of the Automation Latch Automation Off D-Command Talkback function. Mode switch switch Automation Mode controls To set the automation mode of one or more channels: Hold an Automation Mode switch (Write, Touch, Latch, Trim, Read, or Off).

  • Page 51: Miscellaneous Controls

    The Assign controls are used to assign inputs, outputs, inserts, The Miscellaneous Controls section includes Timeline, Assign, and sends to channels. Each switch puts D-Command into a Make Inactive, and Plug-in Automation controls. temporary Assign mode in which elements are assigned or re- moved from channels.
  • Page 52 Do one of the following: • Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flash- ing Assign switch to confirm the removal. – or – • Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the removal and restore the assignment. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 53 MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument Tracks Inputs Inactive Switch The Assign Inputs and Assign Outputs switches can be used to The Inputs switch invokes Inputs Inactive mode and displays assign the MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument tracks. channel inputs in the bottom row of encoders. The By- pass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder toggles the in- put inactive and active.
  • Page 54 You can also toggle automation for a plug-in parameter by holding Control+Start+Alt (Windows) or Command+Con- Press the Automation Safe switch again to exit Automation trol+Option (Mac) and touching the rotary encoder for the Safe mode. parameter. D-Command Guide...

  • Page 55: Chapter 7. Plug-In Controls

    With D-Command, you can display, edit, and link specific menu choices. channels of multi-mono dynamics and EQ plug-ins directly...
  • Page 56 A plug-in is focused when its controls are mapped to the knobs, There are several ways to open plug-in windows on-screen switches or faders on D-Command. Its parameters can then be from D-Command. edited and automated from the control surface. D-Command...
  • Page 57 Managing Multiple Plug-in Windows Making Plug-ins Inactive or Active D-Command lets you open and swap multiple plug-in win- You can toggle the active/inactive status of a plug-in directly dows on-screen. This makes it possible keep multiple plug-in from a channel strip without putting D-Command into Make windows open while focusing on different tracks (for exam- Inactive mode.
  • Page 58 When plug-in names are displayed in top-level view on a Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls D-Command channel strip, you can quickly enable all param- of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names eters of a plug-in for automation.

  • Page 59: Dynamics Section

    Dynamics processing plug-ins may have widely varying con- The D-Command Dynamics section automatically focuses the trols, depending on their applications. The D-Command Dy- first dynamics plug-in on the channel displayed in the Focus namics Section provides dedicated knobs and switches to ac- Channel section on the Main Unit.
  • Page 60 The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 61 Gain/Hold and Threshold Controls 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 Gain/Hold lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when control the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.
  • Page 62 Dynamics section, even when a different track is focused on D-Command. This switch However, you can edit plug-in settings for individual channels lights when the plug-in focus is locked.
  • Page 63 When a channel is selected, its switch is lit. If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked be- havior. In Select mode, if the D-Command Channel Window Display preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also change the channel display in the plug-in window.
  • Page 64 The current function of the rotary encoders in the Dynamics • Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac). section is shown by the corresponding indicator LEDs. Active – or – controls are shown in the on-screen plug-in window by col- • Hold Do to All. ored outlines. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 65 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.

  • Page 66: Eq Section

    Displaying EQ Plug-ins EQ processing plug-ins may have widely varying controls, de- The D-Command EQ section automatically displays the first pending on their applications. The D-Command EQ section EQ plug-in on the channel that is focused in the Focus Chan- uses paging to accommodate the widest range of plug-ins pos- nel section on the Main Unit.
  • Page 67 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 Frequency encoder Low Filter High-Pass Filter Low-Mid Filter Mid Filter indicator indicator indicator indicator Gain Gain encoder encoder Filter In switch...
  • Page 68 The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation. Filter In Switch The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the correspond- ing EQ band in the plug-in. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 69 EQ section, even when a different When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the con- track is focused on D-Command. This switch lights when the trols for the channels are usually linked and edited together.
  • Page 70 Multi-Mono Plug-ins When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the Master In Select mode, if the D-Command Channel Window Display Link switch toggles the Master Link button in the plug-in win- preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also dow, which links or unlinks all channels of the plug-in.
  • Page 71 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 au- The Automation Safe switch toggles the Safe button in the tomation by touching or pressing their controls in the EQ sec- plug-in window, which protects existing automation for that...
  • Page 72 D-Command Guide...

  • Page 73: Chapter 8. Transport And Navigation Controls

    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. Transport Modes switches Audition switches Master Record Mode switch...
  • Page 74 When the Timeline and Edit selections in the Edit window are tion+Control (Mac) and press the Mark In or Mark Out switch unlinked, you can set the D-Command Transport to control in the Audition section. playback of either the Timeline selection or the Edit selection.
  • Page 75 Scrub, Trim/Scrub and Shuttle modes can be used to create se- lections and define regions in the Pro Tools Edit window. To nudge the position of tracks on D-Command in Normal mode: Hold any of the Nudge/Bank switches and turn the Master Record Enable Switch Scrub/Shuttle wheel.
  • Page 76 Pre-Roll Switch Plays audio starting at the pre-roll point up to 9-Pin Remote Switch the beginning of the selection. With Digidesign MachineControl, the 9-Pin Remote switch Mark In Switch Plays audio starting at the selection start enables 9-pin Remote Deck Emulation mode.
  • Page 77 Mark In and Mark Out Switches Back Switch When Audition mode is off, the Mark In and Mark Out The Back switch stops the Transport (if it is moving) and switches are used to define selection start and end during play- moves the playback cursor back (earlier in time) by the back, or when using the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

  • Page 78: Zoom/Navigate Section

    Press the corresponding Zoom preset switch. Nudge/Bank Section The Nudge/Bank section controls the display of any channels in Normal mode on the D-Command surface. If any channels Zoom Preset switches are in any of the Custom Fader modes, they are not affected by...

  • Page 79: Chapter 9. Management Sections

    Pan switch Memory Locations switch Edit switch Mix switch Plug-in switch D-Command Window Management section Workspace Browser Switch Transport Switch The Workspace Browser switch opens and closes the DigiBase The Transport switch opens and closes the Transport window Workspace Browser. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and Pan Switch press this switch to close all DigiBase windows.

  • Page 80: Session Management Section

    • To cancel the Save command, press Escape. Clear Clip Switch and Plug-in Clip Indicator Redo Switch D-Command indicates occurrences of signal clipping on au- dio tracks, sends, and plug-ins. (Clip indication on D-Com- The Redo switch executes the Redo command in Pro Tools.

  • Page 81: 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.
  • Page 82 • Bounce: File > Bounce To > Disk Playlist Switch The Playlist switch displays the following playlist commands: • New: New Playlist • Duplicate: Duplicate Playlist • Delete Audio: Delete Unused Audio Playlists • Delete MIDI: Delete Unused MIDI Playlists D-Command Guide...
  • Page 83 Edit Controls Page 2 • SendTo Back: Region > Send to Back • SendTo Front: Region > Bring to Front • Group Region: Region > Group • Ungrp Region: Region > Ungroup • Ungrp All: Region > Ungroup All Function 1 Function 2 Function 3 Modes...
  • Page 84 • Hide VCA: Hide Only VCA Master Tracks names of the ten most recent Pro Tools sessions in the first two pages in its display pages 3 and 4. You can select multiple Show/Hide categories by holding Shift while pressing the corresponding Soft Key. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 85 RefLvl (Reference Level) Lets you change the D-Command Console Preferences meter display to help monitor program material with respect to different reference levels. Operation Switch The Operation switch controls operations specific to D-Com- mand, and does not affect the Pro Tools on-screen display. For...
  • Page 86 When this preference is set to “No,” the on-screen display of Faders (Faders On/Off) Turns off D-Command faders to pre- plug-in and send windows does not change to reflect the state vent fader movement when monitoring a mix.
  • Page 87 Actions Switch Actions Switch (Page 3) Copy To Send Opens the Copy To Send dialog to allow copy- The Actions switch displays the following commands: ing of track control values to each selected track’s send (Edit > Automation > Copy To Send). Actions Switch (Page 1) Prview (Preview) Puts Pro Tools in Preview mode Thin Auto (Thin Automation) Performs the Thin Automation...
  • Page 88 Modes Switch Modes Switch (Page 2) Wrt To Currnt (Write To Current Parameter) Writes the current The Modes switch displays the following D-Command Modes: control value to the currently displayed automation parame- Modes Switch (Page 1) ter (Edit > Automation > Write To Current).
  • Page 89 StdVCA (Standard VCA Logic for Group Attributes) Toggles the Utility switch preference that disables normal group linking behavior when The Utility switch places the D-Command in Utility mode. a VCA is assigned to a group When D-Command is in Utility mode, this switch flashes.
  • Page 90 D-Command Guide...

  • Page 91: Chapter 10. Monitor And Meter Sections

    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 in- terface, which is connected to the D-Command console with the XMON cable, and remotely controlled from this section.
  • Page 92 In normal operation, the Input Source switches follow exclu- sive-or (non-latching) behavior, allowing only one source to be monitored at a time. Sum switch Input source However, D-Command has a Sum mode that allows multiple Stereo Input switches Surround switches switch input sources to be monitored at the same time.
  • Page 93 The following table shows possible outputs for each input Headphone/Cue Controls source. (Talkback can be added to each of the outputs.) Input Possible Outputs Studio Loudspeaker Headphones Cue 1 Cue 1, Headphone, Studio LS switch switch Cue 2 Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS Cue Input Source switches Main Monitor...
  • Page 94 • C (Center) • R (Right) • Ls (Left Surround) • Rs (Right Surround) • LFE These choices support all possible channel configurations in Pro Tools. A maximum of six channels (5.1 surround) may be in use at any time. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 95 To select the Solo mode: switch the Control Room Input source to monitor that path. Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec- While in Broadcast mode, any channels soloed while in SIP tion to select the corresponding Solo mode.
  • Page 96 If rapidly double-pressed, the switch latches on and flashes to built-in (Internal) microphone, located on the meter bridge of indicate that talkback is active. Press the switch again to turn the D-Command Main Unit. off talkback. Talkback Dim Function When Talkback is engaged, the Dim switch lights and the Dim function is automatically applied to the Main outputs.
  • Page 97 Listen Control To calibrate Control Room outputs to display SPL: Send the reference material to the Main Control Room Out- The Listen system has two selectable microphone inputs, both puts, and set the output level in Pro Tools to your studio ref- using the touch-sensitive rotary encoder for level control.
  • Page 98 The Mute switch lights to indicate that it is active. If the Mute switch on the XMON interface front panel is acti- vated, the Mute switch on D-Command must be used to un- mute the monitor system. (Outputs cannot be unmuted from XMON front panel.)

  • Page 99: Meter And Time Code Displays (Main Unit)

    The Channel Strip Meter display features dual 32-segment LED bar graphs for each channel, and can display pre- or post-fader lev- els depending on the D-Command Meter Preferences setting. In Custom Fader mode, these meter displays can show plug-in input and output meters, gain reduction meters for dynamics plug-ins, and other parameters.

  • Page 100: Setting D-Command Meters For Different Reference Levels

    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.

  • Page 101: Chapter 11. Operating Modes

    Chapter 11: Operating Modes The power and flexibility of D-Command lies in its different Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing operating modes, which let you customize the behavior of its Assign switch to confirm the assignments.
  • Page 102 To remove an input, output, send or insert: You can make Inputs, Outputs, Inserts, Sends, and entire tracks active or inactive directly from D-Command by enter- Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign ing a temporary Make Inactive mode.
  • Page 103 Fader Plug-in mode. (See “Plug-In Mode” on page 104.) Press the flashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive mode. To focus a track in the Focus Channel section from D-Command: To toggle a track inactive/active: Make sure the Select/Focus switch mode is set to Focus.
  • Page 104 If the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Operations prefer- any protected channel is lit. ence is set to Yes, focusing a track on D-Command brings the name of the first active plug-in into the Focus Channel dis- To toggle Automation Safe mode on and off: play.
  • Page 105 (Mac) and press the encoder Select switch for the plug-in. To exit Flip mode: Press a lighted Flip switch. Muting Sends You can mute sends directly from D-Command by setting the Assigning Inserts and Sends While in Flip appropriate mode for the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch. Mode...

  • Page 106: Custom Fader Modes

    With the Custom Faders feature, you can temporarily set aside press the Inserts or Sends switch to display the corresponding channel strips on D-Command and focus them on your own elements on the channel. customized groups of tracks, on Pro Tools Mix and Edit groups, on specific track types, or on plug-in controls.
  • Page 107 Mix/Edit groups in Pro Tools. D-Command Custom Groups are not reflected on-screen in You can set D-Command to show hidden tracks in the Cus- Pro Tools. tom Fader views. See “Display of Hidden Tracks in Custom Faders”...
  • Page 108 Mix/Edit group you want to display. Press the Soft Key that corresponds to Page Up or Page Down to display the Custom Group you want to recall. Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the Custom Group you want to recall. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 109 To recall a Mix/Edit Group to the Custom Fader channels from To create a Mix/Edit group: the Soft Keys: Make sure you are in Select mode. If the Soft Keys are in another display mode, return to the Select the tracks you want to group by pressing their Select top level Soft Key display by holding Control (Windows) or switches.
  • Page 110 (The No Hold the Tracks switch in the Custom Faders section until it Insert option is always available.) flashes. Press the Bank/Cycle switch until the Focus Channel display indicates the Track type you want to display. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 111 This toggles the Compare button in the Plug-In window. These options, or view definitions, are accessible from the D-Command operation preferences. See “Custom Fader Plug-In Automation Safe To prevent existing plug-in automa- Plug-In Mode View Definition” on page 26 for more informa- tion from being overwritten, press the Mute switch that corre- tion.
  • Page 112 Plug-in mapping files (.pim) files can be imported and ex- Do one of the following: ported for use with other D-Command and D-Control con- soles. • Press the flashing Map switch to confirm the mapping.

  • Page 113: Working With Automation

    Do one of the following: Working with Automation • In the Custom Fader channels, touch any rotary encoder that you want to map to the selected channel’s fader. Setting the Automation Mode of Channels – or – • In the Custom Fader channels, press any switch that you To cycle a channel forward through the automation modes: want to map to the selected channel’s Mute switch.
  • Page 114 Do one of the following: • Press the Suspend Preview Soft Key in the Actions Soft Keys Page. – or – • Hold Control (Win) or Command (Mac) and press the Read switch in the Automation Mode controls. D-Command Guide...
  • Page 115 Hold the Soft Key that corresponds to the desired snapshot number for more than one second. The Soft Key display tem- On D-Command, you can punch snapshots while in Preview porarily reads “Saved” to indicate that the snapshot is stored.
  • Page 116 Joining Automation Values AutoMatching Individual Controls On D-Command, you can invoke AutoMatch on individual D-Command remembers the automation write status of all controls or control types on single channels. writable parameters when you stop the transport during an automation pass. It stores this information in the Join buffer.

  • Page 117: Appendix A. Utility Mode

    When the unit is in Utility mode, the Utility Setup Page is dis- A D-Command unit is online if Pro Tools is running and the played on the Soft Key displays (Main Unit) or on the bottom unit is declared in the Peripherals page of the Setups dialog.

  • Page 118: Exiting Utility Mode

    Exiting Utility Mode D-Command Name Page The Name page is used to view and change D-Command unit To exit Utility mode, do one of the following: names. These names appear in the Pro Tools Peripherals dia- Press the flashing Utility switch (Main Unit).

  • Page 119: D-Command Test

    Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch There are three test levels for Ethernet communication on (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Mendec.” D-Command: Internal, Mendec, and External. These tests can assist Digidesign Technical Support should you ever experi- To exit the Mendec Ethernet test:...
  • Page 120 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Red,” “Yellow,” or To exit Meter Bridge LED Test mode: “Green” to test all LEDs of the corresponding color. Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.” D-Command Guide...
  • Page 121 Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.” In addition, under conditions of heavy use, the D-Command fader motor protection feature may disengage a fader if it is in danger of overheating. The Recal command reengages any dis- engaged faders.

  • Page 122: Resetting D-Command To Factory Defaults

    Rotary Test Page D-Command Preferences The Rotary Test page lets you test the touch-sensitive encoder D-Command Preferences let you set various display and oper- knob and the LED ring in each rotary encoder, as well as the ation preferences for the unit.
  • Page 123 To set the display contrast: pressing the footswitch is the functional equivalent of press- ing the corresponding switch on the D-Command Main Unit. From the Preferences page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to Each Footswitch Settings page has four options: “Contrast.”...
  • Page 124 D-Command Guide...

  • Page 125: Appendix B. Audio Connections And Pinouts

    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 connec- tors are standard female DB-25 connectors. The connector for communication with D-Command is a 15-pin female connector.
  • Page 126 [Not Connected] * Main Speaker Outputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but Lc and Rc outputs cannot be controlled independently from the D-Command monitor section. Global Volume, Solo, and SHIELD GND connector housing Mute controls affect all outputs.

  • Page 127: Pin Connector Pinouts

    * Alt Speaker Outputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but Lc and Rc outputs cannot be controlled independently from the MIDI Output D-Command monitor section. Global Volume, Solo, and Headphones L Mute controls affect all outputs. Headphones R...
  • Page 128 D-Command Guide...
  • Page 129 Index Numerics Automation Suspend switch 42 Automation switch (plug-ins) 58, 65 9-Pin Remote switch 70 Automation Trim switch 36 Automation Write controls 39 Write to All 39 Write to All Enabled 39 Actions switch (automation) 81 Write to Current 39 After-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 89 Write to End 39 All Enabled switch (automation) 39...
  • Page 130 Instrument tracks 38 Cycle switch (plug-ins) 58, 65 Flip switches 38 Focus Channel 43 display 43 Focus mode (Channel Select switch) 36 D-Command Units focusing declaring 23 channels 36, 69, 97, 98 naming 24 plug-ins 50, 98 Dim function 90...
  • Page 131 Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size preference 25 Memory Location switch 78 Input controls (Monitor section) 86 Memory/MIDI controls Input Level Trim controls (Monitor section) 86 Memory Location 78 Input Monitor Mode switches 35 MIDI switch 78 Input Source Sum controls (Monitor section) 86 meter display 93 inputs Meter preferences 27...
  • Page 132 Pre-Fader Listen 89 connections 4, 19, 119 Solo Safe mode 36 operational 4 Solo switches 36 resetting D-Command units (Utility mode) 116 Solo/Mute switch (Monitor section) 88 rotary encoders 31 Start switch (automation) 39 automation mode indicator 32 Stereo inputs (Monitor section) 86...
  • Page 133 talkback 87 Window Management switches 8, 73 connections 121 Window switch (Custom Fader Plug-in mode) 43 Dim function 90 Window switch (plug-ins) 58, 65 External level control 90 windows Level control (built-in) 90 moving 69 microphone (built-in) 93 opening 73, 76 Talkback switch 44, 90 Write switch (automation) 44 Talkback/Listen controls 90...
  • Page 134 D-Command Guide...
  • Page 136 DIGIDESIGN TECHNICAL SUPPORT (USA) PRODUCT INFORMATION (USA) INTERNATIONAL OFFICES Visit the Digidesign website 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard Tel: 650.731.6100 Tel: 800.333.2137 for contact information Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA Fax: 650.731.6384 Tel: 650.731.6300 Fax: 650.731.6399...

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