Digidesign ProControl User’s Guide Digidesign Inc. 3401-A Hillview Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA tel: 650·842·7900 fax: 650·842·7999 Technical Support (USA) 650·842·6699 650·856·4275 Product Information 650·842·6602 800·333·2137 Fax on Demand 1-888-USE-DIGI (873-3444) World Wide Web www.digidesign.com Digidesign FTP Site ftp.digidesign.
Copyright This User’s Guide is copyrighted ©1999 by Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Digidesign. DIGIDESIGN, AVID and PRO TOOLS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
contents Chapter 1. Introduction to ProControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 About Fader Pack Expansion Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The TRACKPAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Bank Switching and Channel Scroll/NUDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 ZOOM/SEL Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 F-Key Switches . . . . .
Grabbing/Placing and Moving Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Selecting Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Edit Modes: Slip, Shuffle, Spot and Grid Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Nudging Regions . . .
Appendix B. Audio Wiring Pinout Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Appendix C. ProControl Shortcuts and Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
chapter 1 Introduction to ProControl Welcome to ProControl™, Digidesign’s dedicated mixing and editing controller for TDM-equipped Pro Tools systems. Its dedicated controls allow easy navigation through Pro Tools functions, including recording, mixing, editing, grouping, Plug-In control, and automation. Through the use of motorized faders and data encoders (rotary knobs), automation and mixing can be handily performed and given visual reference.
The following symbols are used to highlight important information: ✽ User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from ProControl. ▲ Important Notices include information that could affect Pro Tools session data or the performance of Pro Tools. Connecting Expanded ProControl Systems Core ProControl systems (a single Main Unit only) can be connected directly to the built-in Ethernet port on all qualified Macintosh or Windows NT computers.
About Fader Pack Expansion Units If you purchased one or more Fader Pack Expansion Units in addition to a main ProControl unit, installation requirements will be slightly different. For convenience, all the instructions you need are included in Chapter 2 of this guide.
4 ProControl Guide
chapter 2 Installing ProControl This chapter covers ProControl installation and setup: • Installing software • Assembling an Expanded System • Connecting ProContror • Starting up your system • Configuring Pro Tools for ProControl • Testing your system • Troubleshooting Moving ProControl units To avoid damage, never set a unit on its face or rear panel. When moving expanded systems, never attempt to turn the units upside down as this can put undue stress on the mounting brackets.
1 Insert the Pro Tools Installer disc into the To install the Digi Driver for ProControl Ethernet communication: CD-ROM drive and launch the Pro Tools Installer. 1 Open the Network Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panels > Network). 2 Choose Custom Install. 2 Display the Protocols tab 3 Select ProControl and click Install. 3 Click Add, then select Have Disk.
Assembling an Expanded System Attaching Fader Packs to a Main Unit Expanded systems can be bracketed together or left freestanding, depending on your preference. You can arrange units in any physical order; putting one Fader Pack at the far left, the Main Unit in the middle, and Fader Packs 2 and 3 to the right, or place the main unit at the far left. The most common arrangement is one where the main unit remains centered, as close to the “sweet spot” of the mix environment as possible.
5 Remove the bracket screws from the underside and back panels of the Main Unit and Fader Packs. 6 Align the rear bracket with the holes in either the Main Unit or a Fader pack, and use the same screws to attach the rear bracket to both units. ▲ Use care if you reposition the units while only one bracket is attached. 7 At the front panel mounting location, remove the six mounting screws (three on the Main Unit, three on the Fader Pack).
Hardware Connections This section begins with a description of ProControl back panel connectors, followed by instructions for making all the necessary connections between ProControl and the CPU/Pro Tools system. ProControl Main Unit Back Panel 1 2 3 4 5 Back panel connectors of a Main Unit 6 7 8 1. Audio Input 1 This DB-25 connector carries the following input signals: External Listenback Mic In External Talkback Mic In Aux in, right and left 2.
4. Ext Talkback and Ext Listenback Trim These two trim pots are used to adjust the input level of the optional External Talkback/Listenback mic inputs. Be very careful when moving ProControl to avoid breaking these knobs—do not stand the unit up on its back panel without making sure the trim pots are out of harm’s way. 5. Ext Mouse, MIDI and Com Port The Ext Mouse connector lets you use a standard Windowscompatible mouse instead of the built-in ProControl Trackpad.
Making the Necessary Connections Ethernet for Expanded ProControl Systems ▲ If you have an expanded ProControl system, Step 1. Power Connection The ProControl back panel provides an IEC standard AC receptacle. This connector accepts a standard AC power cable. ■ Plug one end of a power cord (included with ProControl) into the ProControl AC receptacle and plug the other end into a power source such as a power strip or wall outlet. Step 2.
About ProControl and Ethernet Performance This section presents some general Ethernet concepts that can help you optimize system performance. ProControl, Ethernet and Network Traffic If the system is already connected to an Ethernet network, moderate network traffic (such as basic email) should not impact ProControl/Pro Tools communication.
Step 3. Audio Connections ProControl offers a great deal of flexibility for routing audio in the studio. While audio connections to and from ProControl are not necessary for ProControl to operate Pro Tools functions, they are required to use the extensive analog control room monitoring features of ProControl. All mixing, recording and digital signal processing always takes place in the Pro Tools mix environment.
Stereo Monitor Mode Input and Output Audio Connector Input 1 Input 2 Output 14 ProControl Guide Channels Signal/bus Input Source/ Output Destination 1&2 LB/TBMICIN Listenback Talkback from an external Listen- TALKBACK back (ch1) and or Talkback (ch2) 3&4 n/a 5&6 n/a 7&8 AUX IN L/R cue mix AUX (5-6); MIX TO AUX 1&2 SRC3 IN L/R Source 3 In from CD, DAT, VCR or other source SRC 3 3&4 SRC2 IN L/R Source 2 In from CD, DAT, VCR or other source SRC 2 (5-6) 5&6 SRC1 IN L/R Source 1 In f
Surround Monitor Mode Input and Output Audio Connector Input 1 Input 2 Output Channel Signal/bus Input Source / Output Destination 1&2 LB/TBMICIN Listenback Talkback from an external TALKBACK Listenback (ch1) and or Talkback (ch2) 3&4 n/a 5&6 n/a 7&8 AUX IN L/R 1&2 n/a 3&4 Control Room access cue mix AUX (5-6); MIX TO AUX SRC2 IN L/R Source 2 In Center/Sub SRC 2 (5-6) 5&6 SRC1 IN L/R Source 1 In Surround/Satellite channels SRC 1 (3-4) 7&8 MAIN IN L/R front L/R MAIN (1-6); STE
Connections for Stereo Mode Main Inputs from Pro Tools To connect Pro Tools main L/R mix (Stereo Mix mode): ■ Connect Pro Tools main stereo outputs (usually audio interface Outputs 1 & 2) to the ProControl MAIN IN Left/Right inputs (Audio Input 2, channels 7 & 8). Alternate Source Inputs In addition to the main L/R input bus, ProControl provides three pairs of alternate “source” inputs. (Cue/headphone mixes can be accommodated in a different way, as explained in “Connecting Cue Mix systems” on page 16.
Pro Tools Cue Mix considerations One way to set this up is to use a Pro Tools Send bus (mono or stereo) as the cue mix feed and route the send to a Pro Tools output pair. By patching that Pro Tools output to the ProControl AUX IN Left/Right bus, the overall level of the cue mix can be controlled directly from the ProControl Control Room section.
To connect an external Talkback or Listenback mic: ■ Connect your external Listenback mic signal to the ProControl External Listenback Mic In (found on the Audio Input 1 connector, channel 1). ■ For an external Talkback mic, connect the appropriate signal to the ProControl External Talkback Mic In (Audio Input 1, channel 2). ■ Connect your secondary reference monitors/amp (if any) to the CONTROL ROOM ALT OUT left/right outputs (Audio Output, channels 3 & 4).
For even greater flexibility, wire the SLATE/DUB OUTPUT to a patch bay. This will make it easier to switch between Pro Tools and, for example, a DAT machine for recording the Slate/Dub output signals. Configuring this bus for Talkback/Listenback bus recording can be done from the ProControl switches “live” or using the UTILITY menus. Slate/Dub/Rerecord features are explained in Chapter 5: Recording.
✽ It is not necessary to create/use stereo Aux Input tracks and configure them to control the surround channel outputs (stems) though it may seem logical to do so. This is because Aux Input fader and mute controls would be duplicating ProControl Control Room monitor level and source selection controls. See “Using the Control Room Monitoring Section” on page 41. You can assign all four (or six) Pro Tools Sends to all channels and use Send Level or Send Bypass/mute to control the mix.
ProControl Input Connections Connect the front left/right outputs to ProControl Main In Left/Right (Audio Input 2, channels 7 & 8). ■ ■ Connect the surround left/right channel outputs to ProControl Source 1 In Left/Right (Audio Input 2, channels 5 & 6). Connect the center and sub channel outputs to ProControl Source 2 In Left/Right (Audio Input 2, channels 3 & 4, respectively). ■ ProControl Output Connections ■ Connect Control Room Main Out Left/Right to the front left/right monitor input channels.
External Mouse The EXT MOUSE port can be used to attach a Windows-compatible mouse directly to ProControl. You can then use a mouse instead of the built-in Trackpad (you can not use both an external mouse and the Trackpad simultaneously). Unused Ports COM Port The COM PORT connectors on the back of ProControl is used only for factory diagnostics. Starting Up and Shutting Down a System Pro Tools consists of several components that have to be turned on and off individually.
Software Configuration Establishing Communication between ProControl and Pro Tools Communication between ProControl (and Fader Packs) and Pro Tools is easily configured from within the ProControl window of the Pro Tools Peripherals dialog. Double-check that any Ethernet hub or other related devices are installed and verified according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To configure Pro Tools for ProControl: 1 Open the ProControl page of the Pro Tools Peripherals dialog.
5 To rename a unit, see “Naming ProCon- trol Units” on page 24. By default, units are named either MAINUNIT or FADERPK. 6 Click OK to close the Peripherals dialog and save your configuration settings. 7 Pro Tools may ask if you want to down- load new firmware to update ProControl. Pro Tools will always contain the most recent firmware, so you should probably click to Download new firmware (see “ProControl Firmware” on page 24).
QuickStart System Test and Configuration It is assumed that you have completed the ProControl installation and setup instructions contained in this chapter. ✽ For a video guided tour of ProControl, use the ProControl Tu- torial CD-ROM (included with your Main Unit). To begin: CONTROL ROOM ■ MIX TO AUX AUX (5-6) Launch Pro Tools and open the Demo Session.
Setup and Configuration Options Audio Monitoring Defaults ProControl provides the following monitoring modes and options, along with a description of their default (factory) settings: Stereo, single-source input/monitoring In this mode, one single stereo input source (ProControl Main In, Source 1, 2 or 3 In) can be monitored through ProControl at a time. Also known as X-Or selection.
To adjust Fader Resistance: Main Unit 1 Press UTILITY > PREFS > FADER. 2 Use the Scrub/Shuttle wheel to raise/lower fader resistance. You can move any faders on the main unit while adjusting the wheel to feel the change. Fader Pack: 1 Press and hold SHIFT/ADD + OPT(ALT)ALL + F4. The top row of data displays (above the pan knobs) display: SYSTEM | TEST | PREFS 2 Press the flashing red switch to select PREFS. From the next list of choices, select FADER.
Troubleshooting Communication Problems If communication is ever lost, Pro Tools posts a dialog explaining that this has occurred and suggests that you check connections or power-cycle the units. ProControl automatically attempts to recover communication until it is reestablished or you cancel the warning dialogs.
chapter 3 ProControl Basics This chapter takes you on a guided tour through each section of the ProControl surface, and includes sections dedicated to the Transport and Control Room Monitoring features. Some ProControl Terms bank A group of controls that are the same and that are arranged in discrete channel strips. ProControl Main Units consist of banks of eight faders. An expanded system with one Main and one Fader Pack (two total ProControl units) would comprise banks of 16 faders.
Meter section • Eight LED meters for Input/Channel/Track level indication • Time Counter Display • Six LED meters for master output level The Fader Section Channel SELECT/ASSIGN section • Twelve SELECT/ASSIGN switches to select data encoder function • Pan, send level, input and output, and Flip mode controls Channel AUTOMATION section • Eight automation MODE switches • Eight automation ENABLE switches • AUTO SUSPEND switch KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS section • Computer key command equivalent switches Faders and
Time Counter Display • LED time counter display for viewing current session time • COUNTER MODE switch toggles SMPTE, Min/Sec, Feet/Frames The Main Section DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section • Eight data encoders for Plug-In/Insert parameters • Eight LED displays for Plug-In parameters • 24 insert assignment and editing switches • INSERTS/PARAM switch for Plug-In editing • MASTER (Plug-In) BYPASS switch • COMPARE switch (Plug-Ins) • LED display for CHANNEL/GROUP CONTROL ROOM analog monitoring section • Three stereo
Transport Switches Primary Transport Switches The Transport switches correspond to transport functions in Pro Tools. These switches are: 1 2 3 4 5 1 REWIND Rewinds through the session beginning from the current cursor position. 2 FAST FORWARD Fast-forwards through the session beginning from the current cursor position. 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 1 2 3 4 5 3 STOP Stops playback.
In addition to the above, there are several modifier shortcuts for transport function: • CTL/CLUTCH + PLAY: engages Pro Tools Pause mode • SHIFT/ADD + PLAY: initiates half-speed playback • SHIFT/ADD + STOP: cancels the current record pass • SHIFT/ADD + FAST FORWARD: Go-To-End • SHIFT/ADD + REWIND: returns to zero (RTZ) • CTL/CLUTCH + RECORD: cycles through the various record modes (normal, QuickPunch, Loop) • CTL/CLUTCH + EXT TRANS: cycles through available machine master choices, (such as Pro Tools, Serial
Setting Pre- and Post-Roll Amounts To enter a Pre/Post-Roll Time: 1 Hold down c - (CTL) and then press PRE or POST. The ap- propriate switch LEDs (PRE or POST) will flash, indicating that PRE/POST entry mode is active. 2 Type values for PRE/POST using the numeric keypad. Press the ProControl PREVIOUS or NEXT switches to tab through the numeric fields. 3 Press ENTER to set the time values. Press ESCAPE to cancel changes.
OUT When in AUDITION mode the OUT button plays audio back-timed from the selection end by the pre-roll amount. In our example, this would play from bar 7 to bar 8. POST Plays audio from the end of a selection by the postroll amount. In our example, this would play from bar 8 to bar 9.
The following table lists NUMERIC KEYPAD functions when Transport mode is enabled: Task NUMERIC KEYPAD Play/Stop 0 Rewind 1 Fast Forward 2 Record (Punch In/Out) 3 Loop Play 4 Loop Record 5 QuickPunch 6 Metronome (MIDI) on/off 7 Count on/off (MIDI) 8 Merge Record (MIDI) on/off 9 Enter Main Counter Asterisk (*) Enter/Edit Time Fields Backslash (/) Capture Time Code = Create Memory Location Enter Nudge fwd/bwd +/- For other modes/shortcuts, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
Transport Control of External Devices Using the EXT TRANS switch, ProControl can toggle between Pro Tools or your external device as the transport master or slave. To toggle/select the Transport Master: 1 Hold down CTL/CLUTCH while you press the EXT TRANS switch.
Record The ProControl RECORD switch LED always tracks the state of the device under control. Keep in mind, however, that this is distinct from the remote track-arming capabilities provided by the MachineControl option for Pro Tools (available separately from your Digidesign dealer). Footswitch Control There are two general-purpose footswitch inputs (for momentary footswitches) on the rear panel (SW1 and SW2) that are used for general transport control.
Level Meters 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 1 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 3 4 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 5 6 PRO CONTROL Along the top of ProControl are eight stereo, 15-segment LED meters for global pre- or post-fader level indication of individual channels, as well as six more meters to the right of the Time Counter display for master output levels.
Visibility of Inserts/Sends Editor The PLUG-IN switch opens/closes the Inserts/Sends Editor for the currently selected Plug-In). When a Plug-In is selected for editing on ProControl, the corresponding Inserts/Sends Editor for the Plug-In will also open in Pro Tools. Only a single Plug-In can be accessed and edited at a time.
play shows which of the following modes is active. (Samples is indicated by all green Time Counter Display LEDs off.) Some time displays, such as Minutes/Seconds have a leastsignificant digit display in thousandths of a second (three characters). These values are truncated or rounded to be displayed in the ProControl counter, and appear when playback is stopped (for example, “01:00:02:022” will display as “01.00.02.02”). For information on keyboard entry for the counter, see “The Numeric Keypad” on page 52.
nected in order to be changed/accessed, nor do they require Pro Tools software to be active. Here is an overview of the two monitor modes: STEREO Monitor Mode Overview In stereo mode, the CONTROL ROOM section lets you monitor in stereo, with the following features: • Source switching between 4 stereo sound sources (STEREO MIX, SRC 1 (3-4), SRC 2 (5-6), and SRC 3).
Single Source (“X-OR”) and Multiple Input Source Monitoring Input sources can be toggled between single source X-OR (default) and multiple source operation while in Stereo Monitor mode. In Surround mode, multi-source/discrete routing is always enabled. Here is how these two options affect the way in which you can use the CONTROL ROOM section: While in Stereo Monitor mode ◆ When single source (X-OR) is the current mode, only one input source can be monitored at a time when working in Stereo monitor mode.
Selecting Monitor Mode Options The following instructions for monitor mode selection use UTILITY mode. In this mode, the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN switches select utility options through a series of submenus displayed vertically. Using the basic UTILITY instructions listed below, you can quickly reset any monitor options by following the instructions that immediately follow. To enter UTILITY mode: ■ Press UTILITY. The main UTILITY menu is displayed vertically in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section LEDs.
Navigating in UTILITY Mode To return to the previous UTILITY page at any time: Press the flashing ASSIGN/ENABLE switch to the left of the LED display that shows “ESCAPE. ■ To exit UTILITY entirely: ■ Press the flashing UTILITY switch in the CHANNEL MATRIX Stereo and Surround mode To select Stereo or Surround mode: ■ Press UTILITY > MODE > SURROUND, or STEREO as needed.
STEREO MIX Switch This switch turns the STEREO MIX input pair on or off (Audio Input 2, channels 7 and 8). This input is +4 dBu and active-balanced. ◆ In stereo monitor mode, this switch turns the main Pro Tools stereo mix on/off in the monitors. ◆ In surround monitor mode, this switch controls the left/right (front) stem mix. SRC 1, 2, 3 Inputs Three switches labeled “SRC 1 (3-4)”, “SRC 2 (5-6)” and “SRC 3” turn their respective rear-panel input pairs on or off (Audio Input 2, channels 1-6).
room. If MIX TO AUX f it is disabled (LED off), they will hear their discrete mix (or whatever the source is). ◆ In Surround monitor mode—The MIX TO AUX switch is inactive. This is because the surround matrix uses the AUX MON level control as the level master for outputs 5 & 6 (the center and sub channels, respectively. The AUX Input is therefore inactive as well, and the input source for 5/6 is automatically connected to SRC 2 (5-6).
AUX (5-6)/Aux. Monitor Out CONTROL ROOM MIX TO AUX AUX (5-6) STEREO MIX TRIM 5 This control acts as an output level control for the Aux output (in Stereo mode), or output 5-6 master trim (in Surround mode, acting in combination with top panel trims). TRIM 6 SRC 1 (3-4) TALKBACK SRC 2 (5-6) MONO ALT (3-4) ALT SRC 3 DIM MUTE MAIN (1-6) HEADPHONE Stereo mode This control is a level control for the AUX Output pair. This output pair is intended to be used as a discrete cue mix feed.
MUTE, DIM and MONO Controls CONTROL ROOM MIX TO AUX AUX (5-6) Control Room MUTE Switch STEREO MIX TRIM 5 TRIM 6 SRC 1 (3-4) TALKBACK SRC 2 (5-6) MONO ALT (3-4) The MUTE switch acts as a control room master mute, allowing speaker feeds to be muted. The MUTE switch does not affect the Headphone signal (front-panel 1/4” connector).
Stereo mode Pressing MONO will mono-sum signals to the MAIN output as well as the (front-panel) headphone output. Surround mode Only the STEREO MIX outs are affected by MONO. To confidence mix surround stems in Mono, simply press the MONO switch and then select each stem, one pair at a time with the STEREO MIX (front left/right), SRC 1 (surround left/right) and SRC 2 (center, sub) switches. Control Room DIM Switch The DIM switch (yellow LED) inserts a 15 dB reduction in level to the control room outputs.
Headphone CONTROL ROOM MIX TO AUX AUX (5-6) STEREO MIX TRIM 5 TRIM 6 SRC 1 (3-4) TALKBACK SRC 2 (5-6) SRC 3 MONO ALT (3-4) A 1/4” stereo headphone jack is provided on the ProControl front-panel (just below the Trackpad) for engineering confidence monitoring. It monitors the currently active main control room audio at all times. The HEADPHONE level knob in the ProControl CONTROL ROOM monitoring section adjusts the level of the headphones.
The Numeric Keypad The Numeric Keypad, located to the right of the WINDOWS selection switches, mimics keypad operation in Pro Tools and is used for memory location store/recall, data entry of counter values or numerics, for completing an editing operation (using the ENTER key), as well as for Pro Tools Transport and Shuttle modes. The functionality is identical to that of your computer’s keypad, including modifier-key shortcuts.
Bank Switching and Channel Scroll/NUDGE NUDGE BANK SELECT 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 SELECT / ASSIGN GROUPS 5 6 7 8 DSP EDIT / ASSIGN CHANNEL / GROUP CHANNEL MATRIX WINDOWS AUTOMATION STATUS EDIT MODE EDIT TOOL SHORTCUTS TALK BACK EDIT FUNCTION NUDGE BANK SELECT Beneath the ProControl numeric keypad are the BANK SELECT switches. These include two bank switches with left/right arrow symbols, and the NUDGE switch.
✽ The CHANNEL MATRIX’ GO TO and VIEW modes provide addi- tional bank/channel navigation controls. Instructions for these features begin in “GO TO” on page 69 Groups, Master Faders and BANK SELECT In addition to bank/channel scrolling, the BANK SELECT switches also let you move between vertical lists of eight group members at a time (when Groups are being displayed in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN displays.) or Master Faders when the MASTER FADERS switch is engaged.
To select a ZOOM/SEL mode: By default, ZOOM/SEL is in Navigation mode, and the ZOOM/SEL switch is unlit. ■ To engage Zoom mode, press ZOOM/SEL until it flashes. Use the Arrow keys to zoom in/out. ■ To engage Select mode, press ZOOM/SEL until it is lit solid. ■ See “Navigating, Zooming and Selecting with ZOOM/SEL” on page 121. Zooming to “Entire Session” view and “Previous View” You can use the ZOOM/SEL switch to quickly zoom to “Entire Session” and “Previous View”.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Section SHORTCUTS Modifier Key Switches SHIFT / ADD OPT (ALT) ALL CTL / CLUTCH z (CTL) The Modifier key switches can also be used in any combination with keys on the computer keyboard to perform menu command selection. The alphanumeric keys of the CHANNEL MATRIX can be used for this same purpose.
SCRUB/SHUTTLE Wheel The SCRUB/SHUTTLE wheel is used for Scrubbing, Shuttling, making selections/regions, and other edit operations. The two switches directly above the wheel, labeled SCRUB and SHUTTLE, choose the mode of operation. The Scrub/Shuttle wheel can also control external devices such as a serial machine (see the previous section Transport Control of External Devices for basic EXT TRANS set up). Using SCRUB Mode To use SCRUB mode: 1 While Pro Tools is stopped, press the SCRUB button.
To SCRUB starting from the Selection End: To begin scrubbing from the selection end position, press and hold down the OPT (ALT) ALL switch before entering SCRUB mode. ■ To SCRUB with “finer fixed” resolution: Press and hold the c -CTL switch while scrubbing to engage fine-resolution scrubbing. ■ To exit SCRUB mode: ■ To exit scrub completely and return to normal operation, press the SCRUB switch or any of the Transport switches.
Using SHUTTLE Mode To use shuttle: 1 While Pro Tools is in stop mode, press the SHUTTLE but- ton. The shuttle button LED will light and the following message will be posted vertically on the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN LED displays: SHUTTLE Mode Enabled Press SHUTTLE or STOP to To Exit 2 Rotate the SHUTTLE wheel clockwise to shuttle audio forward, or counter-clockwise to shuttle backward. The REW and FFW switch LEDs will light (mirroring Pro Tools onscreen Transport switches).
About Scrub/Shuttle “Lock Out” Behavior When scrub or shuttle is engaged almost all other controls are “locked out.
When Shuttle is the selected Numeric Keypad shortcuts mode, the following tasks may be initiated from the keypad on ProControl: Task NUMERIC KEYPAD 1x Forward 6 1x Reverse 4 4x Forward 9 4x Reverse 7 1/4x Forward 3 1/4 x Reverse 1 1/2 x Forward 5-6 1/2x Reverse 5-4 2x Forward 8-9 2x Backwards 8-7 1/16x Forwards 2-3‘ 1/16x Backwards 2-1 Loop Play Edit Selection 0 Enter Main Counter asterisk (*) Enter/Edit Time Fields backslash (/) Capture TimeCode = Create Memory Location E
EDIT MODE, EDIT TOOL and EDIT FUNCTION Switches EDIT MODE SHUFFLE SPOT SLIP GRID EDIT TOOL TRIM SELECT GRAB PENCIL 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 SELECT / ASSIGN GROUPS 5 6 7 8 DSP EDIT / ASSIGN CHANNEL / GROUP CHANNEL MATRIX WINDOWS AUTOMATION STATUS EDIT MODE NUDGE EDIT FUNCTION BANK SELECT EDIT TOOL SHORTCUTS TALK BACK EDIT FUNCTION CUT COPY PASTE DELETE SEPARATE CAPTURE The EDIT MODE and EDIT TOOL switches access the
The Master Faders Switch The MASTER FADERS switch allows mono or stereo Master Faders created in Pro Tools to be immediately displayed on the Fader Section of the ProControl Main unit. Using this switch, all Master Faders in the current session are instantly called up on the ProControl Main Unit. This feature is especially useful in large sessions where it might be time consuming to Bank/Channel swap to the Master Faders.
DSP EDIT/ASSIGN Section The DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section is at the top left of the Main section. In the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section, you can assign, view and edit Plug-Ins and Send/Insert parameters using the following controls and displays: 1 - Eight rotary data encoders (arranged vertically) 2 - Eight 8 segment LED displays for levels, names, etc.
• Seven STATUS switches (SELECT, MUTE, SOLO, REC/RDY, SNAPSHOT, CLR ALL and PARMS/PAGES). • VIEW switch • GO TO switch • ALPHA switch • UTILITY switch • The CHANNEL/GROUP LED display (located below the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section The Big Picture In many ways, the CHANNEL MATRIX serves as a miniaturized representation of an expanded ProControl system.
These multi-purpose switches serve as a keypad for alpha entry, channel selection/navigation, and status viewing and editing. The function of the primary switches is determined by the BANK, VIEW, GO TO and STATUS switches. BANK A-D VIEW A These switches control the channel/bank focus of the CHANNEL MATRIX primary switches., and are labeled BANK A (1-32), BANK B (33-64), BANK C (65-96) and BANK D (97-128).
STATUS Switches STATUS SELECT MUTE SOLO REC / RDY SNAPSHOT PARAM CLR ALL PAGES Below the CHANNEL MATRIX area are the seven STATUS switches for SELECT, MUTE, SOLO, REC/RDY, ALL and PARAM/PAGES. (The SNAPSHOT switch is not active.) Using SELECT, MUTE, SOLO and REC/RDY in the STATUS Section Displaying/Querying Channel STATUS To display Select, Mute, Solo or Rec/Rdy status: 1 Use the BANK switches to focus the CHANNEL MATRIX. 2 In the STATUS section, press either SELECT, MUTE, SOLO or REC/RDY.
Displaying Track Name from the CHANNEL MATRIX Hold down CTL/CLUTCH switch and select a channel using the alpha-numeric switches. ■ The channel name will be displayed in the CHANNEL/GROUP scribble strip for as long as you hold down the alpha-numeric switch. Selecting Multiple Channels in the Channel Matrix When SELECT is the active STATUS mode for the CHANNEL MATRIX switches, pressing any switch in the matrix selects the channel (its LED lights).
Putting Channels at the Faders Using GO TO and VIEW modes The BANK SELECT/Nudge switches are not the only method available for mapping Pro Tools tracks to ProControl channel strips. The CHANNEL MATRIX VIEW and GO TO switches provide additional methods for navigating within a session. When to use GO TO or VIEW If you know exactly what channel you want to go to, use GO TO.
To go to a specific channel/bank: 1 Press the GO TO Switch. Its LED flashes. 2 Press any switch in the CHANNEL MATRIX, or press a BANK switch followed by a CHANNEL MATRIX switch. The name of the chosen “destination” channel strip appears in the CHANNEL/GROUP LED display as long as the switch is held down. ProControl banks so that the selected channel strip appears on the left-most fader (fader #1). All displays and controls (including the CHANNEL MATRIX bank view) update accordingly.
name chosen in the CHANNEL MATRIX and holds the name until the VIEW mode is exited. 3 To exit VIEW mode, press either of the flashing VIEW or ESCAPE switches, or press either the GO TO switch or any BANK switch in the CHANNEL MATRIX. To exit the VIEW mode. The switch LED’s will extinguish and all scribble strips are returned to their prior state.
About the SHIFT, CAP LCK, DELETE and SPACE Switches The bottom row of the CHANNEL MATRIX now contains switches labeled SHIFT, CAP LCK, DELETE and SPACE. These mimic the same keys found on the computer keyboard for text entry purposes. These switches are ONLY used in conjunction with the CHANNEL MATRIX alpha entry modes.
chapter 4 Working with Tracks The Fader section includes eight individual channel/fader strips, and the SELECT/ASSIGN, AUTOMATION and other switch sections along the left side of every Main Unit and Fader Pack. This chapter explains each component of the fader section, and explains their operation for channel-specific tasks.
DigiFaders Each ProControl unit provides eight touch-sensitive, motorized DigiFaders for level control of audio and MIDI tracks, aux inputs and master faders. In FLIP mode, send level can be adjusted and automated with the DigiFaders (FLIP mode is explained in “Using the FLIP Switch” on page 160). DigiFaders (patented by Digidesign) provide 1,024 steps of fader resolution (or, 10 bit), with a unique circuit implementation that is comfortable and responsive in all mixing situations.
GROUP/NAME mode Displays the track group to which the channel strip is associated, followed by an abbreviated channel name. For example, if a guitar channel is in group A, then engaging GROUP/NAME mode displays “A Gitr 1” (or similar) or, if the track does not belong to a group, “– Gitr 1”. As in Pro Tools, upper- and lower-case text indicates group status. NAME/LEVEL mode Displays an abbreviated channel name and the current level of the fader. For example, a channel named “Guitar” might display “Gtr-12.
Channel MUTE and SOLO Switches PRE / POST ASSIGN / MUTE AUTO SELECT SOLO SOLO MUTE MUTE The channel MUTE and SOLO switches are the same as the Solo and Mute switches in Pro Tools. When the MUTE and SOLO switches are enabled, their LEDs will light (MUTE in red, SOLO in yellow). Implicit and Explicit Mute/Solo Display +6 +6 +3 +3 0 0 -5 -5 -10 -10 -15 -15 A flashing MUTE LED indicates an implied or implicit mute, meaning that the channel is muted because other channels are soloed.
To clear all soloed channels (master un-solo): Press the SOLO CLEAR switch. The SOLO CLEAR switch LED will stop flashing. ■ ✽ You can also use the CHANNEL MATRIX to “clear all” for solo, mute, record-ready, and channel select status. See “The CHANNEL MATRIX” on page 64. Pro Tools Solo and Mute Preferences There are several Pro Tools solo and mute preferences that ProControl fully supports: Solo Safe Locks out Solo Safe channels from implied mute state when other channels are soloed.
2 Hold down c (CTL), then use the alpha-numeric keys 1/A, 2/B, and so on to solo or record safe channels in the current bank (A, B, C or D). Display of Safe Mode When first solo- or record-safed, a channel’s solo or record switch will flash briefly. There is no other indication on ProControl that shows whether a channel is in Record or Solo Safe mode. Pro Tools always displays the safe status by graying out the Solo or Record switches in the Mix window.
To select more than one channel at a time Hold down the SHIFT/ADD key, then press additional channel SELECT switches. ■ To deselect a channel: ■ Hold down SHIFT/ADD, then press the appropriate channel SELECT switch. SELECT Switch Shortcuts ◆ Hold down the OPT(ALT)ALL switch, then press any SELECT switch to select/deselect all channels (including offbank channels).
TM LED (yellow) Indicates Trim mode.is enabled (for Write, Touch or Latch). RD LED (green) Indicates Read mode. All LEDs Off Indicates that automation is off for the channel. The channel AUTO switch is also used in combination with the master AUTOMATION MODE and ENABLE switches.
7 PRE/POST ASSIGN/MUTE Switch PRE / POST PRE / POST ASSIGN / MUTE WR TC LT AUTO TM RD ASSIGN / MUTE The PRE/POST ASSIGN/MUTE switch, located underneath each channel strip’s data encoder, serves several different functions depending on the current mode set with the Master ASSIGN and SEND switches. This switch only functions when Sends have been assigned for the channel.
ASSIGN/MUTE Mode When ProControl is in Assign mode the channel ASSIGN/MUTE switch confirms and “locks in” assignment choices for individual channel I/O and send routing. When the master SEND MUTE switch is engaged, the PRE/POST ASSIGN/MUTE switches let you mute the channel’s selected send. In addition, this switch can act as a “select” switch when applying the QuickMode key default function (see “DEFAULT QuickMode Switch” on page 92).
Encoder Scribble Strip display This display indicates pan position, I/O routing and send levels for the encoder row. Only one display mode can be selected at one time. Here are some examples of what the encoders display for each mode: L< -100 R > +100 Input 1 Bus 3-4 DVr-10.5 SlS 4.8 Data Encoders showing Pan (left), Input (middle) and Send/Level (right).
Local and Global SELECT/ASSIGN Behavior: Tip for Expanded System When using an expanded ProControl system, SELECT/ASSIGN functions are factory set to operate globally across all units (Main and Fader Packs). Expanded systems can be reconfigured so that SELECT/ASSIGN switches function in local mode. Example of Local SELECT/ASSIGN Capabilities In default global SELECT/ASSIGN mode, all 16, 24 or 32 channels of ProControl respond as one to SELECT/ASSIGN operation from any unit.
Changing Global/Local Mode To change this behavior to local mode (or back to global mode): Press and hold the OPT(ALT)ALL switch, then press the FLIP switch. The scribble strips above the channel encoders will briefly display either: ■ SELECT |ASSIGN |Switches |Are | | |Now In |Local |Mode. – or – SELECT |ASSIGN |Switches |Are | | |Now In |Global |Mode.
Velocity Sensitive and Linear Behavior on Encoders The channel data encoders, when editing pan or send level, exhibit linear response. Only the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN data encoders provide velocity-based response. The data encoders in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN on ProControl, used for send and channel routing and Plug-In editing, offers a special velocity algorithm. This lets you can make large changes quickly by turning the encoder quickly, or small, minimal changes by turning the encoder knob slowly.
To adjust stereo channel PAN: 1 Press the PAN master switch a second time. The scribble L< -100 R > +100 strips will now show “R<>” in the left side of their display, and the PAN switch LED will flash. Pressing PAN again will toggle back to control of left pan. 2 Turn the data encoder to adjust pan. PAN value display The LED display above the encoder LED ring provides alpha numeric pan position data similar to Pro Tools. Stereo channels will show an “L” or “R.
Master ASSIGN Switch SELECT / ASSIGN PAN MON / Ø INPUT OUTPUT ASSIGN SEND MUTE SEND A / F SEND D / I SEND B / G SEND E / J SEND C / H FLIP ASSIGN MON / Ø INPUT OUTPUT ASSIGN SEND MUTE SEND A / F SEND D / I SEND B / G SEND E / J SEND C / H FLIP SEND MUTE Switch This switch is located directly to the left of the ASSIGN/MUTE switch row.
The FLIP Switch The FLIP switch, located directly under the SEND E/J switch, allows control of send levels from the touch-sensitive faders, and pan control for stereo sends using the channel data encoders. When FLIP mode is engaged, the Channel MUTE switch acts as a Send MUTE switch, and the channel PRE/POST/ASSIGN/MUTE switch toggles pre-/post-fader send status.
appear by default when you first open a Pro Tools session). These switches provide a powerful means to go “right to work” editing EQ or Dynamics. If more than one EQ or Dynamics Plug-In is assigned to a given channel, additional presses on the appropriate channel’s EQ/DYN switch will cycle through the any additional EQ or Dynamics choices that are available on that channel.
Master IN/EDIT Switch CLR / F1 MSTR REC REC / RDY F2 INS / BYP INS / SEND F3 IN / EDIT EQ IN / EDIT F4 DEFAULT DYN IN / EDIT The IN/EDIT switch is located immediately to the left of the channel EQ IN/EDIT switch row. It toggles the function of the EQ and DYN switches between their default Edit mode and optional In (bypass) mode. See Chapter 7: Plug-Ins and Sends.
REC/RDY and MSTR REC Switches REC/RDY REC / RDY These switches arm disk track channel strips for recording. The channel REC/RDY switch LED will flash when a channel is in record-ready mode and lights solid when Pro Tools enters record (record mode). If any disk track is armed for recording (on- or off-bank), the Master REC/RDY switch will flash. This allows you to easily see if any channels strips that are outside of the current bank (and off-screen in Pro Tools), are armed for recording.
To reset an encoder in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section to its default setting: 1 Enable SENDS or PARAMs mode. 2 Press and hold the DEFAULT switch. Its LED lights. 3 Press a SELECT/AUTO switch to reset that encoder to its default. To reset send level from the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section: 1 Enable SENDS view on the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section. 2 Press an insert SELECT/AUTO switch. To reset all faders or encoders to their default state: 1 Hold the OPT(ALT)ALL and DEFAULT switches.
GROUPS GROUPS: Working with Groups from ProControl CREATE One of the most powerful features of Pro Tools is its extensive grouping capability. ProControl lets you take full advantage of this capability by providing a dedicated GROUPS switch section, located just to the right of the main Fader section. At the bottom of the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section is the CHANNEL/GROUP display, which provides visual feedback about groups and their channels.
Creating New Groups The GROUPS/CREATE switch is used to create groups in empty group locations, or overwrite existing groups: To create Groups: 1 Make a selection of two or more channels. 2 Press CREATE in the GROUPS section.
5 If the group is empty: • The ALPHA key LED flashes. The Create Group dialog box appears on-screen, with the default group name shown. • If the default name is acceptable, press ENTER on the ProControl keypad or your computer keyboard to create the new group. Press ESCAPE to cancel. • If the default name is not acceptable, the name can be changed using your computer keyboard or the CHANNEL MATRIX.
To display any group name in the CHANNEL/GROUP display: While in any group mode, press CTL (CLUTCH) and a Group’s corresponding alpha-numeric in the CHANNEL MATRIX. ■ Enabling/Disabling Groups The ENABLE switch allows groups to be enabled or disabled. To enable or disable a group or groups: 1 Press the ENABLE switch. Its LED will flash. The CHAN- NEL MATRIX will indicate current group status in the following ways: • The LEDs on any currently enabled group are lit.
The CHANNEL/GROUP display shows the name of the selected group. The individual channel members of the group are indicated (lit solid) on the CHANNEL MATRIX LEDs. The names of the individual group members are now displayed vertically in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN displays, which will show (Pro Tools) channel number and abbreviated channel name, separated by a space (for example, “A12 Guit”). If there are more than eight members in the group, the BANK SELECT/NUDGE switch will flash.
Selecting Groups The GROUP/SELECT switch allows an existing group or groups to be selected in the CHANNEL MATRIX. This is useful, for example, for selecting the drums group and then also selecting the percussion group. This “drums and percussion group” may now be combined into a new, larger group containing all members of both groups. ✽ Previous selections are not retained when entering this mode. To select groups: 1 Press the SELECT switch in the GROUP section. The LED flashes.
Suspending Groups The SUSPEND groups switch allows all groups to temporarily be disabled. To suspend all groups: Press the SUSPEND switch. Its LED will flash, indicating that all groups are disabled. To exit Group Suspend mode, press the SUSPEND switch again. All channel strips return to their former group states. ■ Deleting GROUPS Groups can be deleted individually, or all at once.
4 Press ENTER on the Numeric Keypad to delete the selected group. The DSP EDIT/ASSIGN LED displays will then revert to their previous state, and the EDIT switch LEDs will extinguish. Press ESCAPE to cancel the operation without deleting any groups. ▲ Group delete cannot be undone. Deleting All Groups To delete all groups in a session: 1 Press GROUP EDIT switch. 2 Press the CLR/ALL switch, (located in the STATUS switch section).
102 ProControl Guide
chapter 5 Recording This chapter presents instructions and examples of recording, including: 2 Enter a new track name using your computer keyboard or the CHANNEL MATRIX. ◆ Basics of audio and MIDI recording in Pro Tools with ProControl Setting the Session Sample Rate ◆ Setting up cue/monitor mixes ◆ Talkback/listenback communication ◆ Slate/dub features of the CONTROL ROOM monitoring section Basics 1 Press STATUS (in the WINDOWS section) to display Pro Tools Session Setup window.
Starting the Recording Process REC/RDY REC / RDY INS / SEND Before you start your first recording pass with ProControl, make sure you have configured the sample rate and other Session Setup parameters. Also, make sure you have followed all the other instructions for recording in the Pro Tools Reference Guide (Disk Allocation, MIDI Metronome/Click, countoff, and other recording-related options).
Shortcuts To put all tracks in record-ready mode: ■ Hold down the OPT(ALT)ALL switch and then press any unlit channel REC/RDY switch (the REC/RDY switch of any channel that is not flashing). – or – Press the MSTR REC switch. When no tracks are in recordready mode, pressing the MSTR REC switch will record-enable all tracks. ■ ✽ If record-ready does not enable on any channel, check if it is in record safe mode. See “Record Safe Mode” on page 110 for details.
Step 2: Assigning Audio Track Input SELECT / ASSIGN This section explains how to route the appropriate input to audio tracks. (To assign MIDI routing, use the Device/Channel Selector in Pro Tools on-screen Mix window.) PAN MON / Ø To assign audio channel input: 1 In the SELECT/ASSIGN section, press ASSIGN + INPUT. INPUT OUTPUT 2 Rotate a channel data encoder (rotary knob) to scroll through the list of inputs. The channel ASSIGN/MUTE switch flashes to indicate that the setting has been changed.
Step 3: Setting Monitor and Record Modes Monitoring Modes Pro Tools TDM systems allow you to globally choose between two input monitoring modes, Auto Input monitoring or Input Only monitoring (refer to your Pro Tools Reference Guide for more information). To display the current input monitoring mode: ■ Press and hold the MON/Ø switch, located in the SELECT ASSIGN section. The MON/Ø switch’s LED illuminates.
Audio Recording Modes ON LINE EXT TRANS LOOP PLAYBACK LOOP REC QUICK PUNCH To enable Online recording: ONLINE LOOP REC QUICKPUNCH ■ Press ONLINE. Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide for information about online recording and options. To enable Loop Recording: Press LOOP REC (directly above the main TRANSPORT). For addition information, see “Loop Record Mode” on page 111. ■ To enable QuickPunch: ■ Press QUICKPUNCH. For additional information, see “QuickPunch Recording” on page 111.
Step 4: Arming Pro Tools for Recording With channels in record-ready mode and their inputs assigned, you are ready to arm Pro Tools for recording. To arm Pro Tools for recording: Press the RECORD button in ProControl’s main TRANSPORT section. It will begin to flash (red) indicating Pro Tools is ready to record to disk. ■ RECORD To enable Record Pause mode: ■ Hold OPT(ALT)ALL and press the master RECORD in the ProControl TRANSPORT section.
To cancel out of a recording and discard the current take: Hold CTL (CLUTCH) and press STOP in the ProControl Transport section. To use the CPU keyboard, hold Control/Ctrl and press the Space bar. ■ ✽ In addition to Disk Allocation settings, you might want or need to configure the Record Allocation setting in Pro Tools Preferences. Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide for details. Record Modes Record Safe Mode Pro Tools provides a record safe mode to lock out recording on any track in a session.
Loop Record Mode Pro Tools provides a loop recording mode. Loop recording results in a multi-take file containing new regions for each take. Takes (meaning regions or files with identical times) can be selected for editing using Pro Tools Takes pop-up, which speeds editing of instrumental overdubs, voice-overs, Foley or other tracks. To enable loop recording: 1 Press the LOOP REC switch located just above the primary Transport switches.
To punch-on-the-fly using QuickPunch: 1 Press QUICKPUNCH, located directly above the RECORD switch.The QUICKPUNCH red LED illuminates. 2 Make sure you have set the QuickPunch Crossfade Length preference in the Editing page of Pro Tools Preferences dialog to the appropriate value. 3 Record-enable the tracks you want to punch. The channel REC RDY and MSTR REC switches will flash. 4 Prepare to record by cueing Pro Tools. 5 Press PLAY. 6 At the punch-point, press the RECORD switch in the TRANSPORT section.
Discrete Cue Mix To set up a discrete Sends-based, stereo cue mix: 1 Route a pair of Pro Tools outputs to the ProControl AUX IN bus (Audio Input 1 channels 7 and 8) and route ProControl AUX OUT L/R to the inputs of your headphone/cue system. 2 Assign a pre-fader stereo send on each channel and Aux Input needed for the cue mix. (Using pre-fader sends lets you maintain a cue mix independent of your main monitoring mix.) 3 Assign the send outputs to the output pair patched to the ProControl AUX IN bus.
DSP Considerations Creating a discrete, independent stereo cue mix might take a large amount of DSP mixing power (depending on how many channels and sends are involved). If necessary, use the main control room mix for your talent (using the MIX TO AUX switch). Or, delete the sends after overdubbing, then use the Save As command to create a new session without the sends cue mix. Open the session without the cue mix to re-claim the DSP mixing resources.
Talkback TALK BACK Talkback features include the built-in Talkback mic with level control, and the TALKBACK switch in the Transport section. Additional options include external Talkback and Listenback capabilities. External Talkback Input For higher-fidelity or remote Talkback, an external talkback input (with constant +15V phantom power) is provided through ProControl’s Audio Input 1 connector. This is provided as an alternative to the built-in TALKBACK mic mounted in ProControl’s CONTROL ROOM section.
2 Using the corresponding ASSIGN/ENABLE switches, se- lect MONITOR > TALKBACK. Talkback options are now listed in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section. 3 Select EXTERNAL, for external-only talkback, or INT/EXT for built-in and external talkback. 4 Press UTILITY to exit UTILITY mode. ✽ The SLATE option lets you route talkback/listenback to the Slate/Dub output bus for recording “slate” to Pro Tools or other devices. See “Using the DUB Function (Slate/Rerecord)” on page 118.
where the input source is direct (such as DI’d keyboard) and there are otherwise no open microphones in the studio. By setting up a Listenback mic for the talent, the cue mix (AUX L/R) can include a com line-style signal for song cues, headphone and beverage requests. ProControl supports this feature using a dedicated Listenback input. The external Listenback input (with +15v mic pre) is accessed using channel #1 on the Audio Input 1 connector.
Using the DUB Function (Slate/Rerecord) ProControl provides a pair of Slate/Dub outputs for Slate/Dub and Rerecord signals. These Slate/Dub outputs (ProControl output channels 5 & 6) can be routed to an available pair of Pro Tools inputs or those of DAT or other recording device. Slate/Dub Option for recording Talkback/Listenback through the Slate/Dub buss. Rerecord Option for recording input source pairs (STEREO MIX, or SRC 1(3-4)...) through the Slate/Dub output buss.
☞ For details on configuring these options from UTILITY, see Appendix A: UTILITY Settings Examples of how Slate/Dub and Rerecord can be used: ◆ If you like to keep a DAT or other tape machine ready to record at all times, you can route the Slate/Dub output to the deck’s input. Whenever you want to record something to tape, simply engage Rerecord and put the deck into record. Any single input source pair can be routed to the Slate/Dub output.
and combines it with the vocalist (being picked up through the Talkback mic). This can be performed using internal or external Talkback, or the Listenback signal if it is configured in UTILITY to “follow” Talkback.
chapter 6 Editing This chapter describes audio and MIDI editing with ProControl. Navigating, Zooming and Selecting with ZOOM/SEL Navigation Mode (Mode 1) When the ZOOM switch LED is off, the PREVIOUS, NEXT, UP and DOWN switches function in Navigation mode (the default mode). The Zoom/Sel arrows become region/edit/track location selector: To enable Navigation mode: UP PREVIOUS NEXT ZOOM / SEL DOWN ■ Make sure Navigation mode is engaged (the ZOOM/SEL switch is not lit or flashing).
Zoom Mode (Mode 2) UP When in zoom mode, the ZOOM/SEL arrow switches control horizontal and vertical zoom. PREVIOUS NEXT ZOOM / SEL To enable Zoom mode: Press the ZOOM/SEL switch to cycle through mode choices until the switch LED lights (and is not flashing).
Selection Adjust Mode (Mode 3) UP The third mode for ZOOM/SEL is Selection Adjust mode, in which the UP, DOWN, PREVIOUS and NEXT switches edit on-screen selections. PREVIOUS NEXT ZOOM / SEL To enable Selection Adjust mode: DOWN ■ Press ZOOM/SEL to cycle through available modes until the switch LED begins flashing to indicate Selection Adjust mode. To edit using ZOOM/SEL and the SCRUB/SHUTTLE wheel: ■ Hold down PREVIOUS and move the SCRUB/SHUTTLE wheel to adjust the IN point.
Window Navigation and Scrolling In any of the three ZOOM/SEL modes, the following window/display commands are available for Edit window scrolling: To scroll 1 page left/right: ■ c (CTL) + PREVIOUS/NEXT To scroll 1 page up/down: ■ c (CTL) + UP/ DOWN To scroll to session start/end:) ■ c (CTL) + OPT(ALT)ALL + PREVIOUS/NEXT To scroll to top/bottom of window: ■ c (CTL) + OPT(ALT)ALL+ UP/DOWN The ZOOM/SEL Switches and Alpha Numeric Entry The PREVIOUS and NEXT switches are also used in ALPHA entry mode to
Navigating with the Current Location Indicator To navigate with the Current Location indicator: 1 Press the * (asterisk) key in the Numeric Keypad to high- light the Current Location Indicator in the Transport window (if configured to show Counters) and in the Big Counter Display. The ProControl TIME DISPLAY will flash. 2 Use the Numeric Keypad to type in the desired time loca- tion, or use the UP/DOWN keys: UP increases numerical values, while DOWN decreases numerical values.
To define a memory location to a specific numerical address: Press a number key (or keys) immediately before pressing ENTER. If available, a memory location will be assigned to that number/address. ■ To recall a memory location: ■ Decimal + number + Decimal. (Press the Decimal point key, then enter the number of the desired memory location, then press Decimal again.) – or – ■ Click on the desired memory location button in the Memory Locations window.
Creating On-screen Selections ProControl lets you select audio and MIDI data in several different ways. These include manual selection (drag-select), on-the-fly by dropping in and out points, or with the SCRUB/SHUTTLE wheel. To manually define an on-screen selection: 1 While Pro Tools is stopped press the SELECT switch in the EDIT TOOL section. 2 With the Trackpad, double-click (to select an entire re- gion/file) or click and drag left or right.
Using the Selection Indicators The Selection Indicators allow you to make very precise selections based on specific time locations in a session. To make a selection with the Selection Indicators: 1 Press the “/” (slash) key in the Numeric Keypad. The Pro- Control TIME DISPLAY flashes. 2 Use the Numeric Keypad to type in start, end or length times. Use the PREVIOUS and NEXT switches to select different time fields within each row.
To edit a selection using basic SCRUB mode: 1 Navigate to the beginning of the selection by pressing the PREVIOUS switch, or to the end of the selection by pressing the NEXT switch. 2 Press SCRUB to engage scrub mode. 3 Hold down SHIFT/ADD and scrub the in or out point with the SCRUB/SHUTTLE wheel, depending on whether you selected PREVOIUS or NEXT. Your selection will expand/contract with the wheel as long as you hold down SHIFT/ADD.
Moving a Highlight (Selection Range Only) To move the in and out points earlier or later in the track, preserving the selection length: 1 Place the ZOOM/SEL switches in Selection mode (the ZOOM/SEL switch flashes in this mode). 2 Hold down both the PREVIOUS and NEXT keys and ro- tate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel. This adjusts the position in time of the highlight/selection, retaining its length. No audio or MIDI or automation data of any kind is affected.
Separating Region To separate a new region with the Separate Region command: 1 Select the portion of the waveform that you want to sep- arate as a new region. Make sure the selection is within the bounds of the existing region. – or – Place the edit cursor at the desired split point. 2 Press SEPARATE (located in the EDIT FUNCTION switch section).
Trimming Regions Regions and other data can be trimmed using the Trackpad and the Trim tool. To select the Trim tool: ■ Press TRIM (in the EDIT TOOL section). To select the Trim mode for manual trim functions: ■ Use the Trackpad or mouse to select the desired Trim mode from the Trim tool pop-up menu in the Edit Window. Available choices are: Standard Scrub Time Stretch Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide for details on these different Trim modes.
Grabbing/Placing and Moving Regions The Grabber is used to select, move and separate regions. Grab with Separate and the Object Grabber provide additional selection options. Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide for details. To select the Grabber: ■ Press GRAB. To select a Grabber option (Grab with Separate, or the Object Grabber for discontigous selections), use the Trackpad or mouse to select the option from the Grab Tool Options selector in the toolbar of Pro Tools Edit window.
Snap to Head/Sync/Tail To align a region to the head (start) of a selection: ■ Hold down CTL/CLUTCH and drag the region to a track. To align a region to the Sync point of a selected region: ■ Hold down OPT(ALT)ALL and CTL/CLUTCH and drag the region to a track. To align a region to the tail (end) of a selection: Hold down c (CTL) and CTL/CLUTCH and drag the region to a track.
Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete Once a region is selected, you can use the CUT, COPY, PASTE and DELETE switches to perform these standard operations with the selected region. These switches are located in the EDIT FUNCTION section. Edit Modes: Slip, Shuffle, Spot and Grid Modes ProControl lets you quickly select the desired Edit Mode by selecting the appropriate option from the EDIT MODE section.
Nudging Regions The ability to nudge regions is a powerful editing tool, allowing you to move regions in precise, user-selectable Grid increments with the plus (+) and minus (-) keys on ProControl’s Numeric Keypad. To nudge regions: 1 Select a region, or regions using the techniques described earlier. (You can also select partial regions, in which case the selection will be moved by nudging.) 2 Press the TIME DISPLAY switch to select the desired Time Display format (time code, bars&beats, etc).
Fades You can apply fade ins/outs as well as crossfades directly from ProControl. For a detailed explanation of Fades features, including Fades preferences for in/out and crossfades, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide. Crossfades To create a crossfade using the SmartTool: 1 Select the crossfade range across two adjacent regions with the Trackpad or other selection method. 2 Use the Trackpad in SmartTool mode to draw the cross- fade.
Editing Waveforms, MIDI and Automation with the Pencil Tool The Pencil tool allows you to destructively “redraw” audio waveform data, automation and MIDI note and controller data. To destructively edit an audio waveform with the Pencil tool. 1 Locate the area you want to edit. 2 Adjust the track height. 3 Use the ZOOM/SEL controls to zoom in to the sample level. When you are zoomed in far enough, the waveform will appear as a continuous thin line and the Pencil tool will become available.
chapter 7 Plug-Ins and Sends Overview of Plug-Ins, Sends and ProControl ProControl provides a multi-purpose control section for both Plug-Ins and sends. This main inserts area is the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section. In combination with various channel switches, the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section lets you see, adjust and automate Plug-Ins, mono/stereo sends, send level/pre-/post-fader status, hardware I/O inserts and busses.
INFO, INSERT/PARAM and SENDS Mode To the left of the main DSP EDIT/ASSIGN switches are the three mode switches INFO, INSERT/PARAM and SENDS. These set the display or operating mode for the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN switches: INFO Switch SELECT ASSIGN AUTO ENABLE BYPASS 1 Inp -4.
SELECT Data Encoders and LED Displays ASSIGN Inp -4.0 AUTO The rotary data encoders in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section scroll and select parameters shown in the LED displays to their left. The eight encoder LED windows display parameter names and values, send values, and help screens according to the current DSP EDIT/ASSIGN mode. ENABLE W/D 100% Alg Hall Size Large PRE / POST Dif 87% Dcy 2.
In SENDS mode The SELECT/ASSIGN switch toggles between pre- or postfader routing for the associated send. ■ ASSIGN/ENABLE ASSIGN/ENABLE SELECT ASSIGN AUTO ENABLE BYPASS 1 Bus 1-2 COUNTER MODE IN/OUT/Ø No Send 2 No Send 3 No Send 4 INFO INSERTS PARAM SENDS The ASSIGN/ENABLE switches are located immediately to the left of each LED display.
SELECT ASSIGN AUTO ENABLE BYPASS 1 Inp -4.0 COUNTER MODE W/D 100% 2 Alg Hall 3 Size Large 4 Dif 87% 5 Dcy 2.7 6 Prd 0 7 INFO INSERTS PARAM SENDS GROUPS CREATE ENABLE COMPARE and MASTER BYPASS Switches IN/OUT/Ø Below the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section are the CHANNEL/GROUP display and switches. The two switches MASTER BYPASS and COMPARE are utilized with Plug-Ins as explained below.
CHANNEL/GROUP Display The CHANNEL/GROUP Display shows: ◆ the current channel name when working with inserts and sends, ◆ Plug-In name when editing a Plug-In, – or – ◆ Group Name when working with groups. Custom Icons for Encoder Functions In order to leave as much LED display as possible to show parameters and values while working in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section, a standard set of icons is used to indicate knob/switch function.
The following chart of icons identifies their associated function: Icons used tin DSP EDIT/ASSIGN Chapter 7: Plug-Ins and Sends 145
INS/SEND ASSIGN/ENABLE SELECT ASSIGN AUTO ENABLE Assigning Plug-Ins BYPASS 1 EQ COUNTER MODE IN/OUT/Ø REC / RDY Comp 2 no ins 3 no ins 4 no ins 5 INFO To assign a Plug-In: INS / SEND INSERTS PARAM EQ IN / EDIT DYN IN / EDIT SENDS GROUPS CREATE 6 ENABLE EDIT 7 PRE / POST SELECT ASSIGN / MUTE 8 WR SUSPEND PRE / POST TC LT AUTO TM DSP EDIT / ASSIGN guitar CHANNEL / GROUP RD SELECT SOLO MUTE MUTE COMPARE MASTER BYPASS 1 While Pro Tools is stopped, press a channel
Plug-In Editing Selecting Plug-Ins for Editing Once Plug-Ins are inserted you can use a number of methods to open or display their controls, using the channel INS/SEND, EQ and DYN switches. Accessing Plug-In Editing Using the Channel INS/SEND Switch The channel INS/SEND, DYN and EQ switches can be used to begin the process of Plug-In editing. To select a channel’s Plug-Ins from the Fader section: Press a channel INS/SEND switch.
Selecting an Insert by Double-Pressing Double-press an INS/SEND switch (pressing twice in quick succession). This will directly accesses a Plug-In for editing. The Plug-In selected will either be the first in the channel inserts, or the last-edited Plug-In. ◆ ◆ Double-pressing a channel INS/SEND switch multiple times cycles sequentially through the channel’s current inserts (1-5).
Parameter Name/Value and Value-Only View The normal display of Plug-In parameters on the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN scribble strips (when in PARAM mode) is parameter name (three character abbreviation), space, then parameter values (to four characters) such as dB or frequency. You can momentarily change this display mode to instead show value-only (8 characters). This most often has the effect of including the unit name (dB, Hz) in the displayed value.
Bypassing One of a Channel’s Inserts The first bypass method is useful when you want to bypass a single Plug-In from among a channel’s inserts (1-5). The DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section must be in INSERTS mode. To bypass an individual insert: 1 Press a channel INS/SEND switch to display its inserts in BYPASS/In, Out/Ø/MUTE the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section.
SELECT ASSIGN AUTO ENABLE To bypass all of a channel’s Plug-Ins with MASTER BYPASS: BYPASS 1 EQ COUNTER MODE IN/OUT/Ø Comp 2 no ins 3 no ins 4 no ins 5 INFO INSERTS PARAM SENDS GROUPS CREATE 6 ENABLE EDIT 7 SELECT 8 SUSPEND PRE / POST MUTE DSP EDIT / ASSIGN guitar CHANNEL / GROUP COMPARE When the INSERTS/PARAM switch is set to INSERTS, it acts as a MASTER BYPASS switch for all Plug-Ins on the CHANNEL/GROUP.
About BYPASS/IN/OUT/Ø and Plug-In Paging When in PARAM (Plug-In editing) mode, the BYPASS/IN/OUT/Ø switch’s function will vary depending on the contents of the current Plug-In control page. For example, one page of a Plug-In might contain the PlugIn main phase switch. This is often associated with the PlugIns input level controls.
2 In this mode, the INS/SEND switches for each channel strip in the current bank displays one of three bypass states: • INS/SEND switch LED is unlit – None of the Plug-In inserts on the channel strip are currently bypassed. • INS/SEND switch LED is lit – All of the Plug-In inserts on the channel strip are bypassed, as a result of pressing the INS/SEND switch.
To set In/Out or Edit EQ/DYN mode: Press the IN/EDIT switch, located to the left of the EQ IN/EDIT switch row, until the desired state is shown: The switch will be lit (green) when in default EDIT mode, and will be unlit to indicate IN (bypass) mode. ■ In EQ/DYN EDIT mode: ■ The EQ and/or DYN switches accesses the channel’s EQ or dynamics Plug-In parameters. This is a keystroke-saving alternative to using the channel INS/SEND and DSP EDIT/ASSIGN switches to select and open a Plug-In for editing.
To bypass all of a channel’s EQ or DYN Plug-Ins: 1 Make sure the IN/EDIT switch is off, signifying IN (by- pass) mode. 2 Press a channel EQ IN/EDIT or DYN IN/EDIT switch, as appropriate. (EQ bypasses all EQ Plug-Ins, DYN bypasses all dynamics Plug-Ins.). If a channel EQ or DYN switch illuminates when IN mode is enabled, this indicates that an EQ or DYN Plug-In on that channel is already bypassed. ✽ Experiment with the various methods of bypassing and select- ing inserts and insert parameters.
To access another Plug-In page using the CHANNEL MATRIX While a Plug-In is in edit mode, press any lit switch in the CHANNEL MATRIX. Its Matrix switch will flash, showing that it has become the active page choice. ■ (Check with the developer of your Plug-Ins to see if they are fully ProControl-aware, especially in regards to paging and the BYPASS/IN/OUT/Ø switch.
Choosing a Method For access to a single send on any (or across all) channels, use the Fader section (method 1). For access to all sends on a single channel, use DSP EDIT/ASSIGN (method 2). ✽ See also the explanation of FLIP features in “Using the FLIP Switch” on page 160.
Method 2: Assigning Sends from the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN Section With the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section you can view, assign and edit all five sends on any channel strip at one time. SELECT ASSIGN AUTO ENABLE BYPASS 1 Bus 1-2 COUNTER MODE IN/OUT/Ø No Send 2 No Send 3 No Send 4 No Send 5 INFO 1 Press a channel INS/SEND switch.
Adjusting SEND Levels You can adjust mono or stereo send level from either the channel data encoders or from the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section. The only difference between these methods is your view of Send data. Channel-based send editing lets you view and adjust one send (A/F or D/I, or B/G, and so on) at a time across all channels. Using the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN encoders lets you instead view and adjust all the sends (A/F and D/J and B/G and so on) on any one channel at once. SELECT / ASSIGN DVr-10.
Send Name The left side of the display indicates the send name with a 3 character, abbreviated buss, I/O or other buss (from the Pro Tools Setups > Labels dialog). Send Level The right side of the 8-character display shows send level numerically with values ranging from OFF to +6. Negative values are indicated with a “-” sign, up to 5 characters (for example, “-10.5”).
FLIP Mode Basics FLIP mode enabled To enable FLIP mode: REC / RDY EQ IN / EDIT DYN IN / EDIT SELECT / ASSIGN PAN MON / Ø INPUT OUTPUT L<-100 stereo Send pan pre/post fader PRE / POST ASSIGN ASSIGN / MUTE SEND MUTE WR TC SEND A / F SEND D / I SEND B / G SEND E / J SEND C / H FLIP Press the FLIP switch in the SELECT/ASSIGN section. The switch LED (green) flashes, indicating that FLIP mode has been engaged.
To change Pre/Post status in FLIP mode: While in FLIP mode and Pro Tools is stopped, press PRE/POST|ASSIGN/MUTE. This toggles the current send pre- or post-fader. ■ Display of Pre/Post Fader Status in FLIP Mode When the PRE/POST|ASSIGN/MUTE switch LED is off on a given channel, the send is Post fader and when the switch is pressed, (LED lit solid) the send is routed Pre fader.
from the faders using FLIP mode. Automation is greatly enhanced with the touch-sensitive faders controlling send level, and simultaneous access to (automatable) send mute and pan. Shared Plug-Ins and external effects busses FLIP mode increases control over send level and (stereo) send pan. Together, the touch-sensitive faders, rotary encoders and (channel) send mute switch allow for greater subtlety and accuracy.
Pre/Post Fader Send Status To set pre/post send status from the Fader section: 1 Make sure playback is stopped. 2 Make sure ProControl is not in channel ASSIGN mode or SEND MUTE mode (ASSIGN or SEND MUTE should be off). 3 Select a send by pressing a master SEND switch (A/F-E/J). 4 Press a channel PRE/POST|ASSIGN/MUTE switch to change a post-fader send to pre-, and vice versa. When a send is set to pre-fader, PRE/POST/ASSIGN/MUTE switch lights (red).
Viewing SEND Routing, Pre/Post and BYPASS/IN/OUT/Ø Status To view full SEND routing information on all sends for a channel: ■ Press and hold the INFO switch while in SENDS view. The current routing of all currently active sends is displayed in their corresponding space in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN LED displays (similar to the procedure of holding down master SEND switch in the fader section to view routing for a single send). If a send is inactive, the display will show “no send.
166 ProControl Guide
chapter 8 Mixing Pro Tools is a powerful mix environment that offers many options for I/O, inserts, sends, Auxiliary Inputs, Master Faders and mix automation. ProControl provides extensive support for these and other mix-related tasks: Signal Routing Setup and management is simplified through direct control of send parameters, internal/external busses, Auxiliary Inputs and Master Faders.
During the assign process, up and until an assignment is committed, other controls on ProControl are active (such as faders). Bussing Channels to an Aux Input For internally bussed signals, assign mono or stereo sends on each channel and assign the sends to the correct send bus (this will be the same bus chosen as the input for the aux input channel). See “Sends” on page 156 for send assignment instructions.
The NUDGE switch will flash if there are more than eight Master Faders in the session. If necessary, press the right or left BANK SELECT buttons to bring up the next set of Master Faders. To exit MASTER FADERS mode: ■ Press the MASTER FADERS switch again. The faders will return to whatever state/display they were in prior to engaging MASTER FADERS mode. Recording and Using Mix Automation Pro Tools features dynamic automation of faders, pans, fader mutes, send levels, send mutes and Plug-In Parameters.
AUTOMATION MODE and ENABLE The master AUTOMATION MODE switches augment the channel AUTO switch section, for selecting channel automation mode. The AUTOMATION ENABLE switches provide session-wide control of Volume, Pan, Mute, Send Level and Mute, and Plug-In automation (see the explanation of Pro Tools Automation Enable window in the Pro Tools Reference Guide).
To enable TRIM mode: 1 Hold down TRIM in AUTOMATION/ENABLE, then press a channel AUTO switch. This enables TRIM mode on that channel. 2 Now select a specific TRIM mode (Write, Touch or Latch). Use the channel AUTO switch or a combination of AUTOMATION MODE WRITE/TOUCH/LATCH and the channel AUTO switch as described in the previous steps.
About Groups and Automation Mode Assignment As in Pro Tools, groups follow automation mode-assignment. To suppress Group behavior during automation assignment or editing: ■ Suspend all groups by pressing the SUSPEND switch (in the GROUPS section). Enabling and Suspending Automation ProControl AUTOMATION/ENABLE switches, located to the left of the channel faders, are identical to those found in the Pro Tools Automation Enabled window.
AUTO SUSPEND This switch is located directly to the left of the MUTE switch row. The AUTO SUSPEND switch globally suspends record and playback of all automation parameters on all channel strips. All channels are left in their present mode, but automation operations are temporarily suspended. This lets you experiment or rehearse automation moves with faders or other controls while ignoring existing fader automation data.
To disable a Plug-In parameter from automation: Press the ASSIGN/ENABLE switch again. The display briefly reads “AUTO OFF” and then times out. Also, the ASSIGN/ENABLE and SELECT/AUTO switch LEDs extinguish. ■ Check for any on-screen warning when disabling automation. Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide if you need more information. Automation and Switched (Discrete) Controls Master Bypass and other On/Off, In/Out These discrete controls can also be automated.
Start and Write to All commands, you can quickly apply automation parameter values to an entire selection/track. See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for more information on these commands. Displaying Automation Breakpoints in the Edit Window Pro Tools creates a separate Playlist for each type of automation you record (volume, pan, mutes and so on). This data can be viewed and edited using a combination of modifier keys and the Trackpad/mouse.
Recording Volume, Pan, or Mute Automation To record automation on a track: EQ IN / EDIT DYN IN / EDIT 1 Use the AUTOMATION ENABLE switches to make sure AUTOMATION MODE ENABLES WRITE VOL TOUCH PAN LATCH MUTE PRE / POST ASSIGN / MUTE WR TC TRIM SEND LVL READ SEND MUTE OFF PLUG-IN that VOLUME, PAN and/or MUTE automation is globally record-enabled.
3 Display the appropriate SEND LEVEL control: • In the Fader section, press the master SEND switches A/FE/J. In this mode, the data encoder can be used to enter and record send level automation data. – or – • If you prefer working in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section, make sure the desired channel sends are displayed in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN displays. In this mode, the encoders in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section control send level and can be used to enter and record automation data. 4 Press PLAY.
FLIP mode enabled FLIP mode The FLIP switch, located directly under the SEND E/J switch, remaps Send controls to the Fader strips: REC / RDY INS / SEND EQ IN / EDIT DYN IN / EDIT SELECT / ASSIGN PAN L<-100 MON / Ø INPUT OUTPUT ASSIGN SEND MUTE stereo Send pan pre/post fader PRE / POST TC SEND D / I SEND E / J SEND C / H FLIP Send Pan For stereo sends, pan can be adjusted and automated using the channel data encoders.
4 With automation enabled and the track in the correct au- tomation record mode, press PLAY. Automation recording begins. 5 Adjust current send level with the faders 6 Use the channel rotary encoders to adjust send pan. 7 Use the channel MUTE switch to adjust send pan.
To record dynamic automation of a Plug-In: 1 Make sure that Plug-In automation is enabled in the AU- TOMATION/ENABLE switch section. 2 Set the appropriate channel to the desired automation mode (Write, Touch, Latch, Trim, etc.) 3 Press a channel INS/SEND switch. This displays the cur- rent Inserts/Sends for the channel in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN displays. 4 Select the Plug-In you wish to automate by pressing the corresponding SELECT/AUTO switch.
Punching out of Automation Recording You can punch out of automation recording at any time. To punch out of any automation recording pass: ■ Press the channel AUTO switch. Automation recording will be disengaged. To punch out of automation recording of a Plug-In parameter : ■ Press the appropriate SELECT/AUTO switch in the DSP EDIT/ASSIGN section.
Editing Automation Read, Trim, Latch/Touch/Write Modes Almost all types of automation data can be edited in any of several ways. You can: • record new automation data to any parameter, either into a new automation playlist (a new take) or just overwriting the previous take. • manually adjust automation breakpoints on-screen in Pro Tools Edit window. You can use the Trackpad to do this. The Grab, Select and Trim tools provide precise and convenient automation editing options.
one of the automation ready modes. Alternately, “toggle” the automation modes on any given channel by repeatedly pressing the AUTO switch until the desired automation mode has been set. 4 Set the DISPLAY MODE on the channel scribble strips to view channel name/level. In this mode, whenever TRIM mode is invoked, the ∆ symbol is displayed on the channel scribble strips as soon as you touch the fader in TOUCH, LATCH, or READ TRIM.
▲ TRIM automation is available only on fader and send level au- tomation. It is NOT available for items such as MUTES, SEND MUTES or Plug-In controls. About WRITE/TRIM Automation Behavior In a WRITE/TRIM automation record pass, Pro Tools will snap the faders to the unity (zero) position on the fader scale (on both ProControl and on-screen) before the automation record pass begins.
Write to Start/End/All When recording or trimming automation levels it is often desirable to write your current setting to an entire selection/track, all the way back to the beginning or to the end of an entire selection or track. ProControl lets you do this with any automation setting or Trim value. Write to Start/End/All are available in all automation recording modes including Write, Touch and Latch, as well as Trim mode.
new (or Trim) value written back to the beginning of the selected region or track. A dialog will be posted in Pro Tools warning you that this operation has taken place, and give you the option to cancel this process. You can suppress the appearance of this warning dialog by pressing and holding the OPT(ALT)ALL switch prior to engaging the Write to Start feature.
Write to All You can write a current absolute or trim value across an entire selection/region/track. To write a new or Trim value to ALL: 1 Enable a TRIM mode using the method explained in the previous section “TRIM Automation Mode” on page 182. 2 Be sure the channel is in the desired automation mode, and that the desired automation parameters are enabled in the AUTOMATION/ENABLES section. 3 Begin automation recording and adjust parameters as needed.
Advanced Applications Because ProControl puts so much at your fingertips at once, mixing can become more spontaneous. Here are a few topics that might be of interest to you if you are new to Pro Tools and ProControl. Basics of effective session setup Pro Tools is so flexible that many people come up with their own particular arrangement of tracks, channels, and so on.
Setting up a post mix Group channels by stem and set each channel output accordingly. Use Master Faders, auxiliary returns and/or channel groups for control of all stem output levels from a single bank (Master Faders actually have this capability by default with the MASTER FADERS switch). Use Session Templates By saving a session as a session template, you can instantly restore the layout and arrangement of any session (the SoundCheck and various Calibration Mode session templates are good examples).
190 ProControl Guide
appendix a UTILITY Settings UTILITY Customizing ProControl Preferences UTILITY lets you customize ProControl options, perform diagnostic tests on components, and recalibrate various features. Each ProControl unit (Main or Fader Pack) provides its own remote UTILITY mode for further customization and diagnostics. To access remote UTILITY mode from a Fader Pack: 1 Press and hold SHIFT/ADD + OPT (ALT) ALL, then press the F4 switch.
Reset and UNDO Example of UTILITY Selection Changes to UTILITY parameters are applied as you make them. In other words, you cannot ESCAPE out of UTILITY mode without saving any changes you have made — they are saved as soon as a new parameter is selected. To reset a UTILITY parameter you must manually access and reset the option. Throughout the remainder of this Appendix, UTILITY instructions are listed in abbreviated form.
Remote (Local) UTILITY Mode There are a number of UTILITY items which are adjustable on individual Fader Pack units. These items are accessed through remote UTILITY mode. To access remote UTILITY operation: 1 Press and hold the SHIFT/ADD + OPT (ALT) ALL, then press the F4 switch. 2 The scribble strips in the Fader Section (located above the channel encoders) will display: SYSTEM |NAME |TEST |RESET |PREFS | | |ESCAPE| 3 Select a parameter as described in the previous section.
Local Test Page The local mode Test pages include menu items for testing various components and sections on individual ProControl units, including Ethernet communication. To access the Test pages: 1 Access local mode as described in the pre- vious sections (SHIFT/ADD + OPT (ALT) ALL + F4). 2 Press the flashing ASSIGN/MUTE switch for TEST. Ethernet Test Mode The Ethernet test page lets you analyze Ethernet communication.
UTILITY SYSTEM Settings MONITOR Settings The System page displays firmware revision and other unit-specific data. The Monitor pages contain items which are specific to the ProControl Main unit analog monitoring section. To access the System page: 1 Press the UTILITY switch. To access the Monitor pages: 2 Hold down the ASSIGN/ENABLE switch ■ Press UTILITY > MONITOR. The following choices appear: flashing SYSTEM.
Stereo, Multi and Surround modes These modes determine how the SRC 1, SRC 2 and SRC 3 and other busses and switches function. See the section “Using the Control Room Monitoring Section” on page 41. Rerecord lets you use the Control Room section to send Sources, Talkback and Listenback signals to Pro Tools or another recording device. See the section “Using the DUB Function (Slate/Rerecord)” on page 118 for details.
Listenback Settings UTILITY TEST Settings A listenback microphone is used in a studio to allow the talent to communicate with the control room. ProControl provides a Listenback input, and the UTILITY > LISTENBACK page is used to turn this off or on. The Test pages include menu items for testing various components and sections on ProControl Main and Fader Expansion units.
Rotate the scrub/shuttle wheel on the ProControl main unit to increase or decrease the rate at which the LEDs update. Press any switch on the ProControl Main unit to exit VEGAS mode. Switch Test Mode ■ Press UTILITY>TEST > LEDs > SWITCH. Now press any switch on a ProControl Main or Fader Pack Expansion unit. When pressed, the switch LED will light as long as it’s held and the lower channel scribble strip on a Fader section will show the location information for the switch.
Green LED Test Mode Meter Test Mode 1 Press UTILITY > TEST > LEDs > GREEN. entirely and revert to the previous ProControl state. Press UTILITY > TEST > DISPLAY > METERS. Meter test mode will continually cycle through a series of automated tests which checks the LED’s on each meter on the meter bridge of the control surface(s). All LED Test Mode Time code Display Test Mode 1 Press UTILITY > TEST > LEDs > ALL. All Press UTILITY > TEST > DISPLAY > TIMECODE.
Step Test Mode Step test mode places the faders on ProControl Main and Fader Expansion units in a test mode where the faders jump, lockstep, to fader positions which are determined by adjusting the scrub/shuttle wheel. When this mode is first engaged, the faders will jump to mid position (approximately. 512 steps). Rotate the scrub/shuttle wheel to adjust the step level which the faders use.
All faders will move from their current position to the top of the fader path and then to the bottom. Once the recal has been completed, the faders will return to the position prior to entering the Recal test mode and the lower Fader Section scribble strips will display the fader calibration value. tion. The values of the scrub/shuttle wheel will be displayed on the Channel/Group scribble strip. Mouse Page Press UTILITY>TEST > MOUSE.
Reset (Factory Default) Page Prefs Pages The Reset page allows you to reset the ProControl Main and Fader Expansion units to the factory default settings. The UTILITY PREFS pages provide control of LED contrast, sleep mode, fader resistance, trackpad/mouse, and footswitch options. To reset ProControl units: 1 Press UTILITY > RESET. The DSP To access the Prefs pages: EDIT/ASSIGN scribble strips displays the message: ■ Press UTILITY > PREFS.
Sleep Mode Page Sleep mode is an energy-saving feature which places the LEDs in a power-conserving state. “Sleep after” is variable. 1 Press UTILITY > PREFS > SLEEP. 2 Rotate the DIM LED encoder to scroll 2 Press the flashing red switch to select PREFS. From the next list of choices, select FADER. 3 Rotate any data encoder (knob) to raise or lower fader resistance. Check the effect of various settings by moving a fader while turning the encoder to adjust resistance. through options.
204 ProControl Guide
appendix b Audio Wiring Pinout Diagrams Audio Input 1 LBMICIN - External Listenback Mic In TBMICIN - External Talkback Mic In SOLOINR - (Unused. Reserved for future use.) SOLOINL - (Unused. Reserved for future use.) AUXINR - Aux In, Right AUXINL - Aux In, Left GND_C (ground) Figure 1.
Audio Input 2 SRC 3 IN R - Source 3 In, Right SRC 3 IN L - Source 3 In, Left SRC 2 IN R - Source 2 In, Right SRC 2 IN L - Source 2 In, Left SRC 1 IN R - Source 1 In, Right SRC 1 IN L - Source 1 In, Left MAIN IN R - Main In, Right MAIN IN L - Main In, Left GND_C (ground) Figure 2.
Audio Output Control Room Out, Left CRMOUTL + Control Room Out, Right CRMOUTR + CRMOUTL CRMOUTR - Slate/(dub) Out, Left SLOUTL + Slate/(dub) Out, Right SLOUTR + SLOUTL SLOUTR - Control Room Alt Out, Left CRAOUTL + Control Room Alt Out, Right CRAOUTR + Aux Out, Left Aux Out, Right CRAOUTL CRAOUTR AUXOUTL + AUXOUTL AUXOUTR + AUXOUTR - 1 14 2 15 3 16 4 17 5 18 6 19 7 20 8 21 9 22 10 23 11 24 12 25 13 GND_C (ground) Figure 3.
208 ProControl Guide
appendix c ProControl Shortcuts and Equivalents Numeric Keypad Transport Mode Task Computer Key ProControl NUMKPD Metronome/Click on/off (MIDI) 7 7 Count on/off (MIDI) 8 8 Merge Record on/off (MIDI) 9 9 Loop Play 4 4 (or LOOP PLAYBACK) Loop Record 5 5 (or LOOP RECORD) Quickpunch 6 6 (or QUICKPUNCH) Rewind 1 1 (or REW) Fast Forward 2 2 (or FFW) Record(Punch In/Punch Out) 3 3 Play/Stop 0 0, or PLAY/STOP Enter "Main" Counter Enter Edit Time Fields Enter Timeline Time Fields
Numeric Keypad Shuttle Mode Task Computer Alpha Key ProControl NUMKPD 1 X Forward 6 6 1 X Rewind 4 4 4 X Forward 9 9 4 X Rewind 7 7 1/4 X Forwards 3 3 1/4 X Rewind 1 1 1/2 X Forward 5-6 5-6 1/2 X Rewind 5-4 5-4 2 X Forward 8-9 8-9 2 X Backwards 8-7 8-7 1/16 X Forwards 2-3 2-3 1/16 X Backwards 2-1 2-1 Loop Play of Edit Selection 0 0 Enter "Main" Counter * or = (on Mac numeric keypad only) * or = (on Mac numeric keypad only) Enter Edit Time Fields (Main Toolbar ar
Memory Locations Task Key ProControl NUMKPD Recall memory location decimal - number - decimal Decimal (.
Commands Focus Shortcuts Accessing Commands Focus Modes Using the c (CTL) and OPT (ALT)ALL modifiers, you can select which of the four modes is the current keyboard focus: While holding down c (CTL) and OPT(ALT)ALL: Mode Commands (Edit) 1 (Numeric Keypad) Audio (Regions List) 2 MIDI (Regions List) 3 Groups (List) 4 The following Pro Tools Commands shortcuts are available from ProControl: Task Focus Key ProControl (ALPHA + ...
Task Focus Key ProControl (ALPHA + ...
Task Focus Key ProControl (ALPHA + ...
index Symbols #/NAME displaying Pro Tools channel #/name 75 +15V (Ext talkback/listenback phantom) 17 ∆ 183 Numerics 100 BaseT 12 10Base-T 11 10baseT 12 1-32 (CHANNEL MATRIX) 65 15 dB (DIM) 50 4-40 DB-25 connectors 13 5.
bit resolution of DigiFaders 74 brightness of LEDs, adjusting 202 BYPASS insert bypass mode 91 bypassing inserts 149 C cables audio 2 calibrate 48 CAP LCK 72 CAPTURE 62 CD players 16 center level 48 surround channel 46 CHANNEL MATRIX 64 and Plug-In pages 155 displaying track name 68 channel number 66 Channel Scroll 53 Channels navigating via GO TO, VIEW 69 navigating via MATRIX 64 cleaning 5 CLR ALL 68 COM PORT 22 Commands Focus Transport via Alpha keys 36 COMPARE 144 connectors Main Unit back panel 9 Cont
Edit Window Follows Bank Selection 53 Editing automation 175 editing 121 EEPROM 41 ENABLE groups 97 enable automation 172 encoders 155 END 32 Entire Session/Previous View selection 55 EQ In/Edit 89 switch for 153 type 144 EQ and DYN mode selection IN/EDIT 154 EQ EDIT mode 154 EQ IN mode 154 ESCAPE 62 Ethernet 2 and 100BaseT 23 and zones 12 bridges 23 connections for 11 connections for Fader Packs 22 Fader Packs 11 hubs 11 packet type 12 performance tips 12 Ethernet hub 2 Ethernet ID 195 EXT TALKBACK TRIM 18
GROUP/NAME displaying channel group and name 75 GROUPS 94 group status indication 75 Groups and automation 170 deleting 100 editing 97 enabling/disabling 97 via BANK SELECT 54 guide track snapping regions to 133 guide-track 134 H half-speed 33 Headphone 51 headphones 21 HEADROOM displaying channel headroom 75 hub (Ethernet) 2 I I/O Labels 158 IN 34 IN/EDIT 91, 154 controlling function of EQ and DYN 153 in/out filters, phase, etc.
machines see EXT TRANS 37 MAIN (1-6) 20, 47 MAIN IN 16 Main In, right and left 9 maintenance 5 Markers see MEM-LOC 39 MASTER BYPASS 151 MASTER FADERS 63, 168 Master Faders via BANK SELECT 54 MEM-LOC 39 Meters 39 testing 199 Metronome 36 mic pre-amp EXT Talkback 115 MIDI and automation 176 editing controller data 138 MIDI connections 22 MIDI Merge 108 MIDI Replace 108 MIX 39 MIX TO AUX 17 MIX TO AUX/AUX Input 46 Mix Window Follows Bank Selection 53 MON/Ø 87, 107 Monitor default 202 Monitor Input selecting so
PAN 86 local vs global 84 Pan 82 automation 176 send pan in Flip mode 161 PARAM/PAGES 67, 68 PASTE 62 Pause mode 33 PENCIL 62, 131 Pencil Tool 138 phantom power 17 phantom power (see Talkback/Listenback) 117 phase 144 controlling Plug-In phase 152 pigtails 13 PLAY 32 Play and footswitch control 38 playback half-speed 33 PLUG-IN 39 Plug-Ins and ProControl support 181 automating 179 displaying parameters via INFO 152 DSP EDIT ASSIGN 64 parameter pages for automating 179 selecting pages 155 polarity, footswitc
SEND A/F-E/J local versus global 84 Send Level and channel data encoders/displays 82 SEND MUTE 88 Send Mute automating 177 Sends 156 adjusting pan in FLIP mode 161 adjustling send level 159 assigning from the Fader section 157 assigning via DSP EDIT/ASSIGN 158 display name in FLIP mode 75 from DSP EDIT/ASSIGN 158 muting via DSP EDIT/ASSIGN 163 muting via PRE/POST/ASSIGN/MUTE 163 pre/post fader 164 pre/post in FLIP mode 89 send mute in Flip mode 161 viewing assignment, pre/post, bypass etc 165 sends pre/post
switched function and Plug-Ins 152 System Requirements 2 Unit Name default 202 UP, DOWN, NEXT and PREVIOUS 54 Uplink 11 T TALKBACK 116 configuring 196 Talkback about 51 and footswitch control 38 and Slate/Dub/Rerecord 18 connections for external 17 linking with Listenback 117 tape machines 16 TCP/IP 12 TEST using UTILITY diagnostics 197 Time Counter Display 40 choosing modes 40 Timecode Display testing 199 touch-sensitive testing 200 Track Name displaying from CHANNEL MATRIX 68 TRACKPAD 52 settings for 52
