DigiDesign D-Control Manual
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DigiDesign D-Control Manual

Version 8.0 worksurface for digidesign icon systems
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Summary of Contents for DigiDesign D-Control

  • Page 1 D-Control ® Version 8.0...
  • Page 2 Communications Statement This equipment has been tested to comply with the limits for a Class A digital This guide is copyrighted ©2008 by Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. device. Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Digidesign, (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights reserved.
  • Page 3 SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING VENTILATION: Do not install D-Control anywhere or in any way that blocks free air flow at any time around the back panel of the unit. SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: Before powering on the D-Control unit, be sure to allow it to reach room temperature.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Reconfiguring the D-Control Keyboard for a Windows System ....... . .
  • Page 6 Setting D-Control Meters for Different Reference Levels ........
  • Page 7 Resetting D-Control to Factory Defaults ........
  • Page 8 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 9: Part I Introduction

    Part I: Introduction...

  • Page 11: Chapter 1. Introduction To D-Control

    • D-Control Main Unit D-Control Features • AC power cord • Ethernet cable D-Control provides a full set of controls for all Pro Tools re- • USB cable cording, editing and mixing tasks, and a versatile remote-con- • Windows keyboard caps set trolled audio monitoring system.

  • Page 12: System Expansion Options

    Blocking or partially with a single 15-pin cable (included). All analog inputs and blocking the back panel or bottom panel of a D-Control unit outputs on XMON are DB-25 connectors. may cause the unit to malfunction and may void your war- ranty.

  • Page 13: Mechanical Specifications

    Main Unit with 2 Fader Modules (32-channel system) 88.5 inches (224.8 cm) Maximum Depth 45.7 inches (116.1 cm) Figure 1. Stand dimensions for a 16-fader D-Control system Figure 2. Stand dimensions for a 32-fader D-Control system Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Control 5...
  • Page 14 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 15: Chapter 2. D-Control Overview

    Custom Fader controls Transport Section Automation Mode controls Talkback switch Bank Session Zoom/Navigation Select Management section section section Bank/Nudge Window Soft Keys Miscellaneous section Management section controls section Figure 3. D-Control Main Unit top panel Chapter 2: D-Control Overview 7...
  • Page 16 Meter Display Window Management and Session Management Sections The Meter display on the D-Control Main Unit can be set to show the output levels, or levels associated with a track or The Window Management and Session Management sections plug-in. See “Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)” on on the D-Control Main Unit include controls for opening and page 124.
  • Page 17 Keyboard/Trackball USB Connector The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable. The USB connector on the back panel of the D-Control Main The D-Control Main Unit is auto power-selecting (100V to Unit links the computer keyboard and trackball on the Main 240V) and automatically works with a standard modular Unit to the Pro Tools system.

  • Page 18: D-Control Fader Module

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

  • Page 19: D-Control Xmon Interface

    D-Control XMON Interface D-Control monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Control monitoring section. XMON Front Panel Power switch Mute MIDI Receive indicator indicator Mute button Figure 6. XMON front panel Power Switch MIDI Receive Indicator The Power switch applies power to the XMON Interface.
  • Page 20 XMON Back Panel The back panel of the XMON interface includes connectors for all external analog audio inputs and outputs for D-Control. See “Audio Connections” on page 35. Cue Inputs Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs Cue Outputs Main Outputs...

  • Page 21: Part Ii Installation

    Part II: Installation...

  • Page 23: Chapter 3. Setting Up D-Control

    Chapter 3: Setting Up D-Control This chapter explains how to set up 16-fader (Main Unit plus one Fader Module) and 32-fader D-Control systems (Main Unit plus two Fader Modules). D-Control Stand (16-Fader and 32-Fader Systems) Figure 1. Assembled D-Control stand The stand configurations for 16-fader and 32-fader systems have similar assembly procedures and the same number of parts (the crossbar and support rails are longer for a 32-fader system).
  • Page 24 Rear pan support rail Front pan support rail Left leg assembly Right leg assembly Rear crossbar assembly Figure 2. D-Control metal stand parts (2) Leg front caps Left and right side caps (2) Leg rear caps Figure 3. D-Control plastic stand parts...
  • Page 25 Stand Hardware The following hardware is provided with the D-Control stand (spare pieces may be included). 1/4-inch-20 x 1/2-inch button head cap screw M6 x 8mm Phillips pan head screw 1/4-inch-20 x 1/2-inch socket head cap screw #10-32 x 1-inch socket head cap screw...
  • Page 26 Placement of D-Control Preparing the Stand Legs In planning the placement of your D-Control, make sure to Before assembling the D-Control stand, make sure the floor in account for the dimensions of the assembled system, allowing the installation space is level and the areas directly under the for at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of open space behind the finished...
  • Page 27 It is important that you first build the stand slightly wider than its final dimensions, and leave all screws loose enough to allow the stand legs to move side-to-side relative to the rear crossbar and rails. After you install the D-Control units on the stand, you will then slide the leg assemblies inward and tighten all screws.
  • Page 28 Locate the rear pan support rail, which is the larger of the two rails provided with the stand. Rear pan support rail Figure 12. Rear support rail in place on left stand leg Front pan support rail Figure 10. Side view of pan support rails D-Control Guide...
  • Page 29 Position the front rail so that the edge with the V-shaped notch points toward the left stand leg. Notch indicating left side of front pan support rail Figure 14. V-shaped notch in front pan support rail Chapter 3: Setting Up D-Control 21...

  • Page 30: Installing D-Control Units

    32-Fader System Installing D-Control Units If you are building a 32-fader D-Control, you can place the After the stand has been assembled, the next step is preparing Main Unit to the left, to the right, or in between the two Fader the D-Control Main Unit and Fader Modules for installation.
  • Page 31 (2) Figure 19. D-Control spacer plate (removed from a Fader Module) Remove the spacer plate from the right side of the Fader Figure 21. Installing the roll pin in the top of a D-Control unit Module. Front roll pin location Figure 22.
  • Page 32 Installing the Units on the Stand not to bend the pins in the units you installed previously. After the D-Control Main Unit and Fader Modules are pre- Slide the units together, guiding the pins in each unit into pared for installation, the units are placed on the stand in the the corresponding holes in the side of the next unit.
  • Page 33 If necessary, use the ratcheting nylon strap to compress the D-Control units together by running the strap around the top part of the legs and across the D-Control units as shown in Figure 27. Make sure the nylon strap does not contact any switches or encoders on the surface.
  • Page 34 Installing the Plastic Side Caps by hooking the front of each cap around the front part of the With the D-Control units in place and attached to the stand stand leg, then sliding the cap backward into place. The holes rails, you are now ready to install the plastic side caps.

  • Page 35: Installing A Video Display

    Installing the Plastic Leg Caps Installing a Video Display You can install the D-Control plastic leg caps at any time. D-Control gives you two options for using a video display: To protect the plastic leg caps from damage, install them...
  • Page 36 Main Unit can support a VESA-style display that weighs up to 20 pounds (9 kg). The video display arm is packaged separately and includes hardware that is not needed for D-Control. The arm-mounting hardware is pre-installed in the bottom of the Main Unit.
  • Page 37 Figure 42. Attaching the arm assembly with the top cap/threaded rod Adjust the display arm collar so that its stops prevent the arm assembly and video display from hitting the D-Control meter bridge. In most cases, the setscrew should not go into...

  • Page 38: Mounting D-Control Cables (Optional)

    Alt/Option keys. Three different kinds of cable ties are provided with D-Con- trol. Velcro Rip Ties These ties can be affixed to the D-Control stand legs. Two pre-drilled holes inside each leg accept #8 x 1/2-inch self-tapping screws. Screw-Mount Ties These ties can be affixed to the D-Control stand legs with the #8 x 1/2-inch self-tapping screws.

  • Page 39: Moving The Keyboard And Trackball (Optional)

    Connect the Molex plug you disconnected in Step 3 to the P2 connector on the printed circuit board. Make sure you fit You can move the trackball on the D-Control Main Unit to the the connector and plug together correctly (so that the plug left of the computer keyboard.
  • Page 40 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 41: Chapter 4. Connecting D-Control

    D-Control units require power, Ethernet and USB 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-Control Main Unit are shown in Figure 48.
  • Page 42 You can purchase a combined 10/100-BaseT Ethernet hub that You can connect two SPST (single-pole, single-throw) foot- can simultaneously support D-Control over 10-BaseT and switch units to the D-Control Main Unit to control any of the other network traffic over 100-BaseT. This will allow you to following functions: use D-Control over a local area network.

  • Page 43: Audio Connections

    Figure 49. XMON back panel XMON Monitoring System Connection D-Control connects to XMON with a single 15-pin cable. A 50-foot (15.25 m) cable is included with the D-Control Main Unit. The system supports up to an 80-foot (24.5 m) cable.
  • Page 44 • Listen Mic 2 (external), mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power) Outputs • Main Control Room Outputs (8 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu • Alt Control Room Outputs (8 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu • Mini Control Room Outputs (2 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu D-Control Guide...
  • Page 45 • Cue 1 (2 channels), +4 dBu • Cue 2 (2 channels), +4 dBu • Cue 3 (2 channels), +4 dBu • Headphone (2 channels), to internal headphone jack • Studio Loudspeaker (2 channels) • Talkback/Slate Output (1 channel) Chapter 4: Connecting D-Control 37...
  • Page 46 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 47: Chapter 5. Configuring D-Control

    Refer to the Getting Started Guide that came with your system as they are physically arranged in the D-Control stand. You can set a Pro Tools system to use D-Control units in for instructions on installing or updating Pro Tools software.

  • Page 48: Setting D-Control Preferences

    Naming D-Control Units in Pro Tools Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the You can set the names for D-Control units from Pro Tools. Operation switch to exit. To name D-Control units in Pro Tools: Faders On/Off Choose Setup >...
  • Page 49 The Encoder Order preference determines whether inserts, Send/Insert Letters (“Lettrs”). sends, and pan controls will be displayed in order from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top on D-Control rotary encod- Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Lettrs” to toggle the ers. setting between “On” and “Off.”...
  • Page 50 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the Operation switch to exit. The following settings and preferences affect display of Cus- tom Faders on D-Control. For more information on using Cus- tom Faders, see Chapter 13, “Custom Fader Modes.” Custom Fader Bank Justification...
  • Page 51 Display of Hidden Tracks in Custom Faders Focusing Plug-ins in Custom Fader Mode You can set D-Control to show hidden tracks in the Custom You can set D-Control to focus plug-ins directly in Custom Fader views. You can then mix those hidden tracks, but you Faders Plug-In mode instead of focusing them channel strips.
  • Page 52 Insert or Send on-screen makes its track and off. This preference applies when sends are displayed on the focused track on the D-Control Main Unit. For details on the D-Control rotary encoders. This metering follows Send focusing a track on D-Control, see “Focusing a Track” on pre- or post-metering settings in Pro Tools.

  • Page 53: System Calibration

    Recalibrating D-Control Faders tween main output levels and the focused track. When set to If a fader on a D-Control Unit shows response problems, you meter the focused track, you can view levels for multichannel can recalibrate the faders with the Recal command in Utility tracks up to 8 channels (7.1 surround).
  • Page 54 D-Control Guide...
  • Page 55 Part III: Reference...

  • Page 57: Chapter 6. Channel Strip Controls

    Rotary Encoder Section Channel Strips Each channel strip has six touch-sensitive rotary encoders The D-Control Main Unit has one central channel strip, called with LED ring, display, mode switches, and status indicators. the Focus Channel Strip, and each D-Control Fader Module has Rotary encoders control channel input, insert, send, pan, and 16 channel strips.
  • Page 58 • Yellow: Assignment options in Assign mode, any param- encoders. eters in Flip mode • Red: Clipped plug-in, send or channel VCA Master Tracks On VCA Master tracks, encoder Select switches focus the cor- responding slave tracks in the Focus Channel Strip. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 59 The Instruments View in Pro Tools contains MIDI controls function depends on what is currently displayed on the en- that can be displayed on the bottom encoder of D-Control coder. With Sends, the function of the B/M/P switch also de- channel strips.
  • Page 60 Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Mode controls used to put channels into Inline mode. See “Inline Console for displaying and editing pan, plug-in, mic pre, insert, or send parameters on the encoder section of the D-Control Mode” on page 135. channel strip.
  • Page 61 Send display between the two sets of five sends (A–E and F–J). When working in surround, you can link the front and rear pan controls on D-Control to facilitate X-axis motion in the To open/close a Send window on-screen: sound field.
  • Page 62 The Sends switch flashes when a send on that channel has clipped. To clear a clip, press the Clear Clip button in the Ses- Record Safe Mode To record safe a track from D-Control, hold sion Management section. See “Clear Clip Switch and Plug-in Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the track’s...
  • Page 63 Solo Switch Automation Mode Switch The Solo switch toggles solo status for the channel. When a The Automation Mode switch cycles the channel through the channel is soloed, the Solo switch lights, and the Mute Pro Tools automation modes (Write, Latch, Touch, Read and switches on other channels in the session flash to indicate im- Off).

  • Page 64: Fader Section

    Modifier Key Switches Each D-Control Fader Module has a set of four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the function of the Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers. Channel Strip Fader section...

  • Page 65: Channel Strip Master Section

    The Channel Strip Master section (Figure 2) is a set of chan- nel-related controls that appears on both the left and right Make Inactive controls sides of the D-Control Main Unit, allowing easy access to Plug-in Automation these controls from any mixing position. The operation of controls each control in this section is mirrored on both sets of con- trols at all times.
  • Page 66 Press either of the lighted Flip switches. tive and active. When D-Control is in Make Inactive mode or Assign mode, Inserts Inactive Switch it is temporarily taken out of Flop mode, but the Flip switches remains lit.
  • Page 67 The Assign controls are used to assign inputs, outputs, inserts, In Enable Parameters mode, the Enable Parameters switch is and sends to channels. Each switch puts D-Control into a tem- lit. While in this mode, the Auto LED for any rotary encoder...
  • Page 68 • Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the removal verb, and Delay), shown in yellow and restore the assignment. • Individual insert or plug-in, shown in green If the Organize Plug-in Menus by Category option is not se- lected, the Plug-in subfolder level is not present. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 69 Removing Plug-in Assignments Switch Information Controls You can use the Set to Default switch to quickly remove The Switch Information controls are used to change the mode plug-in assignments from tracks, without having to go into and display of encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switches, and glo- Assign mode.
  • Page 70 When writing is enabled for an automation type and it is commands in Pro Tools. currently writing on any track in the session, the correspond- ing switch flashes. The “Write to Start/End/All/Punch/Next” commands can also be invoked from the Soft Keys section of D-Control. Enable Inserts Automation switch Automation...
  • Page 71 Start Switch Punch Switch The Start switch writes the current automation value of all The Punch switch writes the current automation value of all write-enabled parameters to the start of a selection or track write-enabled parameters back to the punch point (the loca- when performing an automation pass.
  • Page 72 Do To All and Do To Selected Switches • Channel Solo Safe: Control (Windows) or Command The Do To All and the Do To Selected switches on D-Control (Mac) + Solo switch can be used in two different ways: to apply actions to multiple •...
  • Page 73 Set To Default Switch The Set to Default switch is used to reset parameters on the D-Control surface to their default values. This switch works in both Normal and Custom Fader modes. Instead of using the Set To Default switch, you can...
  • Page 74 See “Inline Console Mode” on page 135 and “MIDI Controls flashes. on Instrument Tracks” on page 51. Global Mic Pre Switch The Global Mic Pre switch displays the controls for re- mote-controlled microphone preamplifiers on the rotary en- coders across all channels. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 75 Custom Fader Controls The Select/Focus Mode switch toggles the function of channel The Custom Fader controls invoke a special set of D-Control Select switches between Select and Focus mode. modes, called Custom Fader modes, which let you set aside and...
  • Page 76 Custom Fader channels. on-screen for any plug-in whose name is displayed in the Cus- tom Faders display. The Map switch has no effect on other D-Control channels in Normal mode. Bank/Cycle Switch While in Custom Groups or Mix/Edit Groups mode, the...
  • Page 77 Mode switch switch nel Strip Master section on the Main Unit, provide mirrored control of the D-Control Talkback function. 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 78 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 79: Chapter 7. Plug-In Controls

    When the plug-in you want to assign is displayed, press the encoder Select switch to confirm your selection. Plug-ins of all types can be focused across multiple D-Control channels using Custom Fader Plug-ins mode. See “Custom To assign plug-ins to multiple tracks: Fader Plug-In Mode”...

  • Page 80: Focusing Plug-Ins On D-Control

    Click OK to close the Preferences window. To focus a plug-in in the Dynamics or EQ section: To assign a default EQ or Dynamics plug-in on a D-Control channel: Focus the plug-in’s track on the Focus Channel Strip by pressing the track’s Select switch.

  • Page 81: Managing Multiple Plug-In Windows

    AudioSuite plug-in windows. track. To set D-Control to automatically open plug-in windows: Press the Operation switch in the D-Control Soft Keys sec- Making Plug-ins Inactive or Active tion repeatedly to display the page that includes the Channel Window Display preference (“ChanWn”).

  • Page 82: Copying And Pasting Plug-In Settings

    D-Control, from either the top-level view or Press an encoder Select switch to display a plug-in’s param- the focused view of the plug-in.

  • Page 83: Plug-In Mapping

    – or – to use the same Custom Fader Bank Size setting, so that • If D-Control is in Flip mode, touch the fader to map a plug-in maps display consistently. The examples in this continuous or a switched parameter, or press the channel section are for a Custom Fader Bank Size of 8 channels.
  • Page 84 You can select the next or previous plug-in map for a plug-in eration Soft Keys) is set to On. directly from D-Control. Open the plug-in whose mapping you want to change. To enable the next or previous plug-in map from a channel strip:...

  • Page 85: Displaying Dynamics Plug-In Gain Reduction On Channel Meters

    Center Meter Display When the 8-channel center meters on the D-Control Main Unit is set to display levels for the focused track, the center meters show levels for up to two output chan- nels, plus input, output, gain reduction, and downward ex- pansion for a dynamics plug-in on the focused track.

  • Page 86: Dynamics Section

    Dynamics processing plug-ins may have widely varying con- The D-Control Dynamics section automatically focuses the trols, depending on their applications. The D-Control Dynam- first dynamics plug-in on the channel displayed in the Focus ics Section provides dedicated knobs and switches to accom- Channel Strip on the Main Unit.
  • Page 87 Knee/Hysteresis and Ratio/Range Controls Attack and Release Controls Attack Knee/Hysteresis encoder encoder Knee Hysteresis indicator indicator Ratio/Range Release encoder encoder Ratio Range indicator indicator Attack and Release controls in the Dynamics section Knee/Hysteresis and Ratio/Range controls in the Dynamics section Attack Control Knee/Hysteresis Control The top encoder in this section controls the attack value for...
  • Page 88 The indica- tors above the switch light to show which type of filter is ac- tive. Filter In Switches The Filter In switches in these sections let you engage or by- pass each filter independently. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 89 If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked be- There are Channel Select switches for the following channels: havior. • L (Left) In Select mode, if the D-Control Channel Window Display • Lc (Left Center) preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also • C (Center) change the channel display in the plug-in window.
  • Page 90 Plug-in settings menu. pages for the currently displayed plug-in. To save a Dynamics plug-in setting from D-Control: Active paged controls are shown in the plug-in window by col- Press the Save As switch in the Edit and Display controls of ored outlines.
  • Page 91 Dynamics section, even ing overwritten. when a different track is focused on D-Control. This switch lights when the plug-in focus is locked. Cycle Switch The Cycle switch steps through all available Dynamics Compare Switch plug-ins on the focused channel.
  • Page 92 The Gain Reduction meters show the amount of gain reduction for Compressor/Limiter functions (on the left) and Ex- pander/Gate functions (on the right). You can also display gain reduction metering for dynamics plug-ins directly on channel meters in Normal mode. See “Displaying Dynamics Plug-in Gain Reduction on Channel Meters” on page 77. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 93: Eq Section

    Displaying EQ Plug-ins EQ processing plug-ins may have widely varying controls, de- The D-Control EQ section automatically displays the first EQ pending on their applications. The D-Control EQ Section pro- plug-in on the channel that is focused in the Focus Channel vides dedicated knobs and switches to accommodate the wid- Strip on the Main Unit.
  • Page 94 The Auto indicator under each encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation. Band In Switches The Band In switches in these EQ bands let you engage or by- pass their corresponding EQ band in the plug-in. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 95 Low-Mid, Mid, and High-Mid EQ Band Controls There are similar controls for low-mid, mid, and high-mid EQ bands in the center of the EQ section. Q encoders Frequency encoders Gain encoders Band In switches Low-Mid, Mid and High-Mid EQ band controls in the EQ section Q Encoders The top encoders for these EQ bands control Q values for each band.
  • Page 96 If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked be- There are Channel Select switches for the following channels: havior. • L (Left) In Select mode, if the D-Control Channel Window Display • Lc (Left Center) preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also • C (Center) change the channel display in the plug-in window.
  • Page 97 Do one of the following: rent plug-in remains in the EQ section, even when a different • Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac). track is focused on D-Control. This switch lights when the – or – plug-in focus is locked.
  • Page 98 The Input and Output meters show the input and output lev- els 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. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 99: Chapter 8. Transport And Navigation Controls

    Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls Transport Section The D-Control Transport section includes two complete sets of transport switches, switches for setting the transport mode, scrub/shuttle switches and controls, and advanced audition and locate switches. Audition switches Transport Mode switches...
  • Page 100 Press the Scrub switch or the Shuttle switch. • Zooming, Pro Tools window navigation, and banking faders Do one of the following: on D-Control. • Hold the Mark In switch and turn the Scrub/Shuttle Scrub Trim...
  • Page 101 Scrub/Shuttle Wheel To scrub while trimming: Navigate to a region or selection you want to trim. To nudge the position of tracks on D-Control in Normal mode: Hold any of the Nudge/Bank switches and turn the Press the Trim switch.
  • Page 102 Machine Online Switch monitoring mode for all record-enabled audio tracks in a ses- With Digidesign MachineControl, the Machine Online switch sion. (This is the same as choosing the “Change Record En- toggles the external machine online status. You can cycle the abled Tracks to Auto Input”...
  • Page 103 Audition Switches Mark In and Mark Out Switches The Audition switches are used to activate pre-roll and When Audition mode is off, the Mark In and Mark Out switches are used to define selection start and end during play- post-roll in playback, define selection in and out points, and back, or when using the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.
  • Page 104 MachineControl Guide. The Machine Online switches (Mach 1, Mach 2, Mach 3, and Mach 4) are used in D-Control Multi-mode to switch worksur- face control between connected Pro Tools systems. When a Pro Tools system is indicated as available, you can switch control to that system by pressing the corresponding Machine Online switch.

  • Page 105: Zoom/Navigate Section

    • Control+Alt (Windows) or Command+Option (Mac)+Previous (Left) and Next (Right) Arrows: toggle the Zoom Preset switches timebase menu D-Control Zoom/Navigate Section In the Name Tracks dialog, the Arrow switches do the follow- Zoom Mode Switch ing: • Control (Windows) or Command (Mac)+Previous (Left) The Zoom Mode switch puts the arrow switches in Zoom and Next (Right) Arrows: move to previous or next track’s...

  • Page 106: Bank/Nudge Section

    The Bank/Nudge section controls the display of any channels The Bank Select matrix is used in Custom Fader modes to cre- in Normal mode on the D-Control surface. They are also used ate and select Custom Groups and Mix/Edit Groups, to select...

  • Page 107: Dual Transport Mode

    To select the Transport Master in Dual Transport mode: Dual Transport Mode Press the Machine Online switch in the Transport Mode (Digidesign MachineControl with a 9-pin or MMC Device) controls. – or – Dual Transport mode assigns the upper set of transport con- trols to a 9-pin or MMC device using MachineControl.

  • Page 108: D-Control Multi-Mode

    Declaring Multi-Mode Enabled D-Control Units When the Pro Tools Transport Master is set to Transport=Re- When a D-Control unit is in Multi-mode, it appears in the Pe- mote, the Machine Online switches (Mach 1 through Mach 4) ripherals dialog multiple times, with the numbers “1” through show only the following states: “4”...

  • Page 109: Chapter 9. Management And Soft Key Sections

    Memory Locations window Edit window Mix window Plug-in window D-Control Window Management section MIDI Event Window Switch Mic Pre Window Switch The MIDI Event Window switch opens and closes the MIDI The Mic Pre Window switch opens and closes the Mic Pre win- Event window or brings it to the front.

  • Page 110: Session Management Section

    The Edit Window switch opens the Edit Window or brings it to the front. The QWERTY Disable switch temporarily disables the com- puter keyboard on D-Control, to prevent the possibility of ac- Plug-in Window Switch cidental key presses. When the keyboard is disabled, this switch lights.

  • Page 111: 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-Control. 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 112 • Peripherals: Setup > Peripherals • Tile Windws: Window > Arrange > Tile • Tile Hrzntl: Window > Arrange > Tile Horizontal • Tile Vertcl: Window > Arrange > Tile Vertical • Cascde Windws: Window > Arrange > Cascade D-Control Guide...
  • Page 113 Edit Controls Edit Function 3 Switch The Edit Function 3 switch displays the following commands: Edit Function 1 Switch (Basic Edit Commands) Page 1 The Edit Function 1 switch displays the following commands: • Duplicate: Edit > Duplicate Page 1 •...
  • Page 114 For information on viewing and creating Memory Location Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the from D-Control, see “Memory Locations” on page 113. Soft Key for the User operation. MIDI Switch...
  • Page 115 The Operation switch controls behaviors that are specific to tom Groups in the Right Custom Fader section. D-Control, and that do not affect the Pro Tools on-screen dis- LCFTyp (Left CF Bank Size for Track Type) Determines the play. D-Control operation preferences are saved with number of channels allocated for Custom Fader Tracks mode Pro Tools application preferences.
  • Page 116 Byp/Mute switch on the VCA Master. playing plug-in or send parameters (by pressing an encoder Se- lect switch) on D-Control opens the corresponding plug-in or FilBnk (Always Fill Channel Strips When Banking) Toggles the send window on-screen in Pro Tools. Also determines whether...
  • Page 117 Lettrs (Show Send/Insert Letters) Determines whether Snap Back Causes all Latch or Write enabled tracks to exit D-Control displays Send and Insert letters on send and insert their current automation pass and return instantly to the pre- positions with no assignments.
  • Page 118 Start+Alt points in an automation pass performed with the optional (Windows) or Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the D-Control surround panner. AWrtTo All switch. LchStp (Allow Latch Prime in Stop) Toggles the Allow Latch...
  • Page 119 Prefs Switch (Page 2) Page 3 • Export Region: Region List Menu > Export Regions as MmtTch (Latching Behavior for Switched Controls in Touch) Files Toggles the preference that determines the behavior of • Export MIDI: File > Export > MIDI switched controls in Touch mode.

  • Page 120: Miscellaneous Controls Section

    The Edit/Timeline switch toggles the Selection indicator val- While in any Edit mode other than Shuffle mode, hold Con- ues and the D-Control transport function between the edit se- trol (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the Shuffle lection and the timeline selection. The indicators above the switch.

  • Page 121: Memory Locations

    The Edit Function switches directly execute the corresponding You can view and create Pro Tools Memory Locations from command in Pro Tools. The switches light to indicate which the D-Control Soft Keys. functions are available. Cut Switch Cuts the current edit selection.

  • Page 122: Window Configurations

    Window Configurations You can view, create, and edit Window Configurations from the D-Control Soft Keys. To display Window Configurations in the Soft Keys: Hold the Start key (Windows) or Control key (Mac) and press the Mem Loc switch in the Select/MIDI Soft Keys section.

  • Page 123: 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-Control. All input and output connections to the D-Control monitoring system are made on the XMON interface, which is connected to the D-Control console with the XMON cable, and remotely controlled from this section.

  • Page 124: Control Room Monitoring System

    (non-latching) behavior, allowing only one source to be monitored at a time. However, D-Control has a Sum mode that allows multiple in- put sources to be monitored at the same time. When Sum mode is on, multiple input source switches can be active.
  • Page 125 Main, Alt, and Mini Output Level control settings. Control Room Output controls Output On/Off Switches To link D-Control Output Level controls: Do one of the following: The Control Room monitor system has three outputs: • Set the Main, Alt and Mini levels independently. Any off- •...
  • Page 126 Press and hold the Calibration Mode switch until it flashes. If the Mute switch on the XMON interface front panel is acti- vated, the Mute switch on D-Control must be used to unmute Adjust the Main Control Room Output level encoder until the monitor system.
  • Page 127 Monitor Displays Individual Output Trim Mode Each output channel can be trimmed individually for each of the three control room outputs (Main, Alt, and Mini), allow- ing you adjust the channel balance for each set of control Monitor displays room speakers. Trim values are stored for each of the three outputs.
  • Page 128 Solo Mode Controls To set the AFL or PFL level to its default setting: Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Control Monitor sec- tion. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and touch the AFL/PFL AFL/PFL Level control rotary encoder.

  • Page 129: Headphone/Cue System

    Headphone/Cue System The Headphone/Cue system is a two-channel system with four stereo input sources and five available stereo outputs. Headphone/Cue Output Controls Headphone Studio Loudspeaker Level control Level control Headphone Studio Loudspeaker On/Off switch On/Off switch Cue Output Level controls Cue Output On/Off switches Cue/Headphone Output controls...

  • Page 130: Talkback/Listen System

    “Int TB” and the level in output. Headphone Outputs A Headphone output is located on the underside of the D-Control Main Unit, near the front right side. The other four pairs of headphone outputs are available on the XMON inter- face. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 131 Two Talkback switches, located at the bottom of each Chan- justed, to prepare for the next time an input is activated. nel Strip Master section on the Main Unit, provide control of the D-Control Talkback function. Talkback switch Talkback switch The Talkback switches can follow momentary or latched be- havior.

  • Page 132: Meter And Time Code Displays (Main Unit)

    The meter bridge on the Main Unit includes eight 32-segment LED bar graphs for displaying output levels or the level of the track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, depending on the D-Control Meter Preferences setting. The top LED is red and indicates clip- ping on the corresponding channel.

  • Page 133: Meter Displays (Fader Module)

    B–20 dB This reference level is designed specifically for broadcast applications, with a lower threshold for the change to amber. The settings lights a single amber LED at –20 dB across the D-Control meter bridge. This mode also changes the meter LED colors: LEDs above –20 dB through –13 dB are green, and the LEDs from –12 dB to 0 dB are amber, with 0 dB remaining red.
  • Page 134 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 135: Chapter 11. Normal Mode Operations And Commands

    Chapter 11: Normal Mode Operations and Commands The power and flexibility of D-Control lies in its different op- Press the flashing encoder Select switch or press the flashing erating modes, which let you customize the behavior of its Assign switch to confirm the assignment.
  • Page 136 Auxiliary Input tracks. These appear as a third cate- ment. gory of inputs, labelled plug-ins, in the track input menu. When assigning inputs from D-Control, this third category of To change a previously assigned insert or send: inputs appears as a top-level menu choice.

  • Page 137: Viewing Assignments

    To rename an I/O path on an audio track: Viewing Assignments Press and hold the Sends switch on the track. The Sends switch lights to indicate display of I/O assignments. Display of I/O Assignments If you have multiple I/O assignments on the track, press the You can view the I/O assignments for individual channels in a B/M/P switch under any output name preceded by a plus (+) momentary I/O view.

  • Page 138: Making Elements Active Or Inactive

    D-Control allows both forward interrogation of outputs to bus You can make Inputs, Outputs, Inserts, Sends, and entire paths and reverse interrogation of inputs from bus paths on tracks active or inactive directly from D-Control by entering a Audio tracks or Auxiliary Input tracks. temporary Make Inactive mode.

  • Page 139: Working With Tracks

    Focusing a Track Focusing Tracks when Soloing You can focus any track in a session on the D-Control Focus Channel Strip. This mirrors the track controls in the channel To set D-Control to automatically focus a track when it is soloed: strip on the D-Control main unit, bringing them to the center mix position.

  • Page 140: Working With Plug-Ins And Sends

    Focusing a Plug-In is then available for Custom Fader Plug-In mode. (See “Cus- tom Fader Plug-In Mode” on page 153.) Focusing a plug-in on D-Control brings the plug-in’s controls to channel strip encoders and faders for convenient editing. Automation Safe Mode You can focus a plug-in in several ways: on the encoders of its channel;...

  • Page 141: Flip Mode And Flop Mode

    To exit Flip mode: Press a lighted Flip switch. Muting Sends You can mute sends directly from D-Control by setting the ap- Flop Mode propriate mode for the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch. Channels in Normal mode can use Flop mode, which transfers...
  • Page 142 Move the channel fader until no assignment is visible. Do one of the following: • Press the flashing channel Select switch to confirm the removal. – or – • Press the flashing Escape switch to cancel the removal and restore the assignment. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 143: Inline Console Mode

    To control an Auxiliary Input track and Audio track from a single Press the Trim switch on the channel. D-Control channel strip: Assign the output of a Digidesign PRE (optional) or other au- To set the automation mode of one or more channels: dio source to an Auxiliary Input track.
  • Page 144 Capturing and Recalling Automation Control You can capture the current automation values of actively writing controls and store them as snapshots. On D-Control, To display the automation playlist on-screen for a fader: up to 48 snapshots can be stored and recalled. These stored Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Command+Control snapshots are saved with the Pro Tools session.
  • Page 145 AutoMatching Individual Controls four Soft Keys show four snapshot presets at a time (1–4, 5–8, etc.). On D-Control, you can invoke AutoMatch on individual con- trols or control types on single channels. Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the snapshot preset you want to recall.
  • Page 146 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 147: Chapter 12. Assigning Inserts, Sends And I/O With The Assign Matrix

    Chapter 12: Assigning Inserts, Sends and I/O with the Assign Matrix D-Control provides a means of quickly assigning inserts, Assign Matrix Preferences sends, and I/O routing to tracks in a session. Instead of making The following settings and preferences affect the appearance assignments by drilling down multiple levels on a single en- and operation of the D-Control Assign Matrix.
  • Page 148 Matrix Lock Enable (“MtxLck”). Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “MtxLck” to toggle the setting On an Off. Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the Operations switch to exit. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 149: Overview Of The Assign Matrix

    Overview of the Assign Matrix The Assign Matrix is divided into three main areas: the Menu area, Select area, and Navigation area. Select Area Inserts, Sends, or I/O assignments Navigation Menu Area Area Lock/ Unlock Page Left/Right Track Back/ Name Exit Arrangement of controls in the Assign Matrix Menu Area...

  • Page 150: Insert Assign Matrix

    If an insert is already present at the Insert position, the Se- lect Area shows bottom level Insert menu items, with the cur- rent insert indicated by yellow text and a lit Select switch. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 151 To display a different Insert in the Assign Matrix by displaying Assigning Inserts insert names: To assign an Insert (where no insert is present): In the Assign Matrix Menu Area, press the B/M/P switch for any insert. The Insert positions are displayed in the Assign Ma- Press the Inserts switch on the channel where you want to trix Select area.

  • Page 152: Send Assign Matrix

    (“bus”) in the Assign Matrix Select area. (track name) Select switch. Turn the bottom encoder to scroll through the tracks in the session. Press the flashing Select switch to display the sends for that track in the Assign Matrix. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 153 Press the encoder Select switch for the send path you want To display sends for a different track in the Assign Matrix by displaying track names: to assign. In the Assign Matrix Menu Area, press the bottom encoder To assign a send to multiple output paths: (track name) B/M/P switch.

  • Page 154: I/O Assign Matrix

    In the Assign Matrix Navigation area, press the bottom en- coder Select switch (labeled “Back”). – or – In the Assign Matrix Navigation area, press the encoder Se- lect switch for Interface (“intrfc”) or Bus (“bus”) on the top en- coder. D-Control Guide...
  • Page 155 Closing the Assign Matrix To assign multiple output paths (audio or MIDI): Follow the above procedures to use the Assign Matrix to as- To close the Assign Matrix, do any of the following: sign or change an output path assignment. Press the bottom encoder Select switch (when labeled If you want to make multiple assignments, enable Assign “Exit”) in the Assign Matrix Navigation Area.
  • Page 156 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 157: Chapter 13. Custom Fader Modes

    With the Custom Faders feature, you can temporarily set aside Overview of Custom Fader Modes channel strips on D-Control and focus them on your own cus- tomized groups of tracks, on Pro Tools Mix and Edit groups, The four Custom Fader modes are covered in detail later in on specific track types, or on plug-in controls.

  • Page 158: Custom Groups Mode

    Custom Groups are created and recalled entirely on D-Con- trol, and are independent of Mix/Edit groups in Pro Tools. You can set D-Control to show hidden tracks in the Custom D-Control Custom Groups are not reflected on-screen in Fader views. See “Display of Hidden Tracks in Custom Faders”...

  • Page 159: Custom Fader Mix/Edit Groups Mode

    • Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Control+Command To recall a Custom Group from the Bank Select Matrix: (Macintosh) and press the channel Select switch on the Press the Custom switch in the left or right Custom Faders Custom Fader channels you want to remove. section.
  • Page 160 • Press the channel Select switch on the source channels you want to add or remove from the group. • Press the lit channel Select switch on the Custom Fader channels you want to remove from the group. Press the flashing Edit switch to confirm the group. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 161: Custom Fader Tracks Mode

    Spilled Plug-In mode focuses available plug-ins on the focused chan- You can set D-Control to automatically focus a VCA Master nel on the left and right Custom Fader channels. This places track in the Focus Channel Strip when its slave tracks are all of the plug-in’s parameters on the Custom Fader channel...

  • Page 162: Custom Fader Flip Mode

    “AutoEn” in the channel displays. This lists the automat- switch. able plug-in controls on the Custom Fader encoders. Choose the controls to automate by pressing their encoder Select switches. This toggles the Auto button in the Plug-In window. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 163: Custom Fader Map Modes

    Custom Fader Plug-In Map Mode lets you map controls from en- This mapping feature works differently depending on which coders to faders on the D-Control surface. This is different of the main Custom Fader modes you are in. (Mapping is not from the Plug-In Mapping feature of Pro Tools, which lets you available in Master Faders mode.)
  • Page 164 In Custom Faders Plug-In Map mode, display the plug-in whose map you want to clear. Press the Set to Default switch. Press the Do To All switch. Press the Select switch on any of the Custom Fader channel strips. D-Control Guide...

  • Page 165: Appendix A. Utility Mode

    Fader Module Modifier Key sequence for Utility mode A D-Control unit is online if Pro Tools is running and the unit is declared in the Peripherals page of the Setups dialog. A unit Navigating Utility Mode is offline when Pro Tools is not running, or if it is not declared on a system that is running Pro Tools.

  • Page 166: Exiting Utility Mode

    These names appear in the Pro Tools Peripherals dia- Press the flashing Utility switch (Main Unit). log, and must be unique so as to identify each D-Control unit correctly. This is especially important if your system is on an –...

  • Page 167: D-Control Test Pages

    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-Control: Internal, Mendec, and External. These tests can as- sist Digidesign Technical Support should you ever experience To exit the Mendec Ethernet test:...
  • Page 168 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-Control Guide...
  • Page 169 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-Control fader motor protection feature may disengage a fader if it is in danger of overheating. The Recal command reengages any dis- engaged faders.

  • Page 170: Resetting D-Control To Factory Defaults

    Defaults “Bright.” Turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel (Main Unit) or any encoder The Reset (Factory Default) page lets you reset the D-Control knob (Fader Module) to change the brightness value. Bright- Main Unit and Fader Modules to their factory default settings.
  • Page 171 To set the display contrast: pressing the footswitch is the functional equivalent of press- ing the corresponding switch on the D-Control 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 172 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 173: Appendix B. Audio Connections And Pinouts

    Appendix B: Audio Connections and Pinouts All external D-Control 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-Control is a 15-pin female connector.
  • Page 174 Main 4 (Rc) Stereo Input 3 (Left) Main 5 (R) Stereo Input 3 (Right) Main 6 (Ls) Stereo Input 4 (Left) Main 7 (Rs) Stereo Input 4 (Right) Main 8 (LFE) SHIELD GND connector housing SHIELD GND connector housing D-Control Guide...

  • Page 175: 15-Pin Connector Pinouts

    Alt 1 (L) Alt 2 (Lc) Alt 3 (C) Alt 4 (Rc) 15-pin connector (user view) Alt 5 (R) XMON to D-Control Connector Pinouts Alt 6 (Ls) Alt 7 (Rs) XMON to D-Control Pinouts Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–)
  • Page 176 D-Control Guide...

  • Page 177: Index

    Index Numerics Automation Mode controls 8, 69 Latch 69 9-Pin Remote switch 94 Off 69 Read 69 Touch 69 Trim 69 Actions switch (automation) 109 Write 69 After-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 120 Automation Mode indicators 56 All Notes Off switch 102 Automation Mode switches 55 All switch (automation) 62 Automation Safe mode 59, 132, 154...
  • Page 178 Custom Groups mode (Custom Fader) 67, 150 Solo 55 Cycle switch (plug-ins) 83, 90 Channel Strip Master Function controls 66 Automation Suspend 67 Display Mode 67 D-Control Units Escape 66 declaring 39 Mute Clear 67 naming 40 Select/Focus 67 Dim function 121, 123...
  • Page 179 inserts assigning 127, 128, 134, 143 Fader Module making inactive 130 back panel overview 10 Inserts switch (automation) 62 components 3 Inserts switches 52 top panel overview 10 Instant Playback switch 96 Utility mode 157 Instrument tracks 49, 50, 51, 57, 61 faders 56 calibration 45 Faders On/Off preference 40...
  • Page 180 Post-Roll switch 95 PRE controls 135 tracks 135 Pre-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 120 Navigate Mode switch 97 Preferences (D-Control) 40, 162 navigation controls 8, 97 Assign Matrix 139 Next switch (automation) 63 Bank Justification 40 Notch/Shelf switches (Dynamics plug-ins) 80...
  • Page 181 D-Control units (Utility mode) 162 Solo In Place (Monitor section) 120 Rotary Encoder Velocity mode 41 Solo Latch options (Monitor section) 120 rotary encoders 49, 50, 51 Solo Mode controls (Monitor section) automation mode indicator 50 After-Fader Listen 120...
  • Page 182 9, 12, 35, 167 front panel overview 11 Zoom Mode switch 97 Zoom Preset switches 97 Zoom Toggle 113 Zoom/Navigate section 97 Arrow switches 97 Navigate Mode switch 97 Zoom Mode switch 97 Zoom Preset switches 97 zooming Scrub/Shuttle wheel 92 D-Control Guide...
  • Page 184 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: 650.731.6375 Tel: 650.731.6300 Fax: 650.731.6399...

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