Pro Tools | S6 Guide ® Software Version 1.
Legal Notices © 2014 Avid Technology, Inc., ("Avid"), all rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
Contents Part I Introduction Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7. Plug-ins and Sends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Plug-ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Sends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part I: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction Pro Tools® | S6 is a professional, modular, ergonomically designed control surface for Pro Tools® | Software and EUCON™-compatible digital audio workstations (DAWs). S6 uses the EUCON Ethernet protocol to provide fast, reliable data transmission, and control multiple audio applications at once. S6 is flexible and scalable. Modules can be arranged in many different combinations, and additional modules can be added later to address workflow changes and/or increase the number of strips.
For the S6 system in Figure 2, “16” refers to the number of fader strips in the system, and “5” refers to the number of knobs per fader strip. Figure 1 shows two arrangements for an S6 M10 8-5 configuration: One Fader Module (8 strips), one Process Module (1 knob per strip), and one Knob Module (4 knobs per strip), for a total 5 knobs per strip. Figure 1.
System Requirements and Compatibility S6 Software version 1.2 requires Pro Tools 11.2 or later., and is also compatible with other EUCON™-aware applications. For a list of supported applications, system requirements, and other compatibility information, visit: http://www.avid.com/US/products/Avid-S6/tech-specs Activation and Registration As soon as you have assembled your S6 system and confirmed a successful hardware installation, activate your S6 system software on-line.
About www.avid.com The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source for information to help you get the most out of your S6 system. The following are just a few of the services and features available. Product Registration Register your purchase online.
Part II: Getting Started
Chapter 2: Introduction to the Touchscreen Each S6 system must include a Master Module which, along with the Automation Module, forms the master section of the console. The Master Module provides knobs, switches, and a touchscreen that let you quickly and intuitively do the following: • Configure and manage your system • Navigate through your session’s tracks • Perform many recording, monitoring, routing, and mixing tasks This chapter explains the gestures interpreted by the touchscreen.
Stop Scrolling Tap the touchscreen once and release to stop scrolling. Touching to stop scrolling Touch and Hold, then Touch Touch and hold an object, then touch others to add to a selection. This makes it easy to select, record enable, mute, and solo multiple tracks in the Track Matrix View, even when Intercancel is selected in Track Selector Options (see “Track Selector Options” on page 36). Two-Finger Stretch Touch the screen with two fingers, then move them farther apart.
Chapter 3: First Time Setup Connecting S6 to a Network S6 modules communicate with digital audio workstations over an IP Ethernet network. All S6 modules and one or more workstations must connect to the supplied Ethernet switch. Each S6 module and workstation requires a valid and unique IP address in the same range.
4 Select Network Setup. Setting the Desk ID in the Avid S6 WSControl Network Setup dialog 5 If your workstation has multiple networks attached, make sure the Network Interface selected is the one connected to your S6. 6 If you selected a new Network Interface, click Apply and Relaunch (Mac) or Apply and Restart (Windows) to reboot the workstation and restart WSControl. See “Configuring Multiple S6 Systems on One Network” on page 15 to learn how to set the Desk ID for S6 and your workstations.
Starting Up and Shutting Down the System Starting Up the System for the First Time To start up the system for the first time: 1 Make sure you have connected the S6 Power Strip to a UPS, power conditioner, or other switchable power source. 2 Turn on power to S6 from the power device.
Setting up S6 for the First Time You must first assemble and connect your S6 system according to the procedures in the S6 Installation Guide. You must also install important S6 System Software before configuring the surface. See “Starting Up the System for the First Time” on page 10.
5 Select your Frame Depth. Select 4 if your frame uses Frame Chassis Small (supports one Knob Module per chassis) and 5 if Frame Chassis Large (supports two Knob Modules per chassis). Setting Frame Size in the Settings > Surface page Helpful instructions appear in the Info area at the bottom of the screen. 6 Select your Frame Width. Select the number of chassis assembled to form the system Frame.
7 Touch Next at the bottom-left to continue to the Modules page. Modules 8 Drag the module stacks to the frame diagram until it matches your physical arrangement of modules. All allowable module combinations are displayed. • To replace an existing module, drag a new module stack into that slot. • To remove a module from your frame, drag the empty stack into that slot. Surface modules in frame 9 Touch Next to continue. All controls on the surface illuminate.
10 To confirm that the module flashing in the Surface page is connected and correctly positioned, touch or press any physical control on that module. Its lights turn off, and the next module flashes. If a module’s lights do not turn off, check your assignments in the Settings > Surface page. Touch Undo if you touch the wrong module. 11 When all modules are confirmed, touch Next. Figure 4 shows all modules confirmed except the Knob Modules on the far right, which are light gray. Figure 4.
15 Touch Done to accept the new arrangement and complete the process. Figure 6. Finished Surface Arrangement Configuring Multiple S6 Systems on One Network Multiple S6 systems can operate on one network, but each S6 system and the workstation that controls it must be able to identify each other. The Desk ID Surface option lets you assign a unique number for this S6 surface. You then assign that same number to the workstation that will control this S6.
The message outlined in yellow in Figure 7 informs you that the Master Module must restart to enact this change. Touching Cancel avoids restarting and leaves Desk ID with its previous setting. When the Master Module reboots, the previous arrangement is cleared and you must create a new one. Figure 7. Desk ID Surface parameter 3 On the workstation that will connect to this S6 system, do one of the following: • Mac: Click the WSControl icon in the Mac menu bar at the top-right of the screen.
5 In the Avid S6 WSControl Network Setup dialog, set the Desk ID to the same number as in step 1. Setting the Desk ID in the Avid S6 WSControl Network Setup dialog 6 If your workstation has multiple networks attached, make sure the Network Interface selected is the one connected to your S6. 7 If you only changed the Desk ID, click Apply to restart WSControl.
Connecting S6 to Workstations In order to control an audio application with S6, you must first install Mac or Windows S6 Workstation software on the desired computer. Then you connect that workstation to S6 using the Settings > Workstations page. Multiple workstations can be connected to S6 at once, but only one is attentioned at a time. The attentioned workstation has exclusive access to the S6 surface.
To connect multiple workstations at the same time: Drag additional workstations from the Network list to the Connected list. To change the attentioned workstation: Touch a workstation in the Connected list without a blue outline. In Figure 10, GW-TEST1-HP is attentioned (blue outline). To select a workstation to display its information at the bottom of the page: Touch its entry in the Network list. In Figure 10, GWMAC-2-Mac-Pro is selected (orange outline).
Workstation Status Connected A connected workstation is indicated by a gray rectangle (see Figure 11). Offline A connected workstation can become offline if WSControl was shut down properly on that workstation (see Figure 12). Unreachable A connected workstation can become unreachable if the workstation or WSControl crashed, or the workstation’s Ethernet cable was disconnected (see Figure 13). Figure 11. Workstation connected Figure 12. Workstation offline Figure 13.
Enabling EUCON Connectivity You must enable EUCON connectivity in your audio application to work with S6. The following instructions show how to enable EUCON in Pro Tools. To enable EUCON connectivity in Pro Tools: 1 Make sure you have connected S6 to your Pro Tools computer via Ethernet as explained in “Connecting S6 to a Network” on page 8. 2 Launch Pro Tools. 3 Choose Setup > Peripherals, and click the Ethernet Controllers page. 4 Select Enable EUCON.
Chapter 4: Master Module Screens This chapter explains the four Master Module screens:. Home Screen Lets you select and edit the Attention Track functions. Includes the Track and Meter Scrollers. Parts of the Home screen may appear blank without an Attention Track assigned. Tracks Screen Lets you quickly select tracks, attention a track to the Home screen, and enable track record, input, mute, and solo functions.
Home Screen The Home screen provides the following: Meter Scroller Displays track metering and other information, assists track navigation, and can attention tracks. Track Scroller Displays status indicators for each track, assists track navigation, and can select and attention tracks. Attention Track Editor Central area for selecting and editing the Attention Track functions.
Attentioning a Track One track at a time can be attentioned to the: • Attention Track Editor in the Home screen on the Master Module. – and – • Attention Track Fader on the Automation Module. To attention a track from the Home screen: Tap a track in the Track Scroller. – or – Tap a track in the Meter Scroller (see “Home Screen Options” on page 32 to set this preference). To attention a track from the Fader Module: Press the Attention key on the desired track’s Fader Module strip.
The Attention Track Editor In the Attention Track Editor, you select a function from the Function Scroller to display and edit in the Function Editor using the Attention Track Knobs. Each function has its own color so their parameters are easy to distinguish. Figure 16. Attention Track Editor Function Scroller The Function Scroller shows the Attention Track functions. You can select one function at a time to edit in the Function Editor.
Function Editor The Function Editor can display eight columns of eight parameters each. The four parameters in the top or bottom half of each column can be assigned to the left or right Attention Track Knobs. Figure 18. Function Editor Assigning New Parameters to the Attention Track Knobs The left and right Attention Track Knobs can each control four parameters, which must be from the same function.
Using the Attention Track Knobs Each Attention Track Knob section provides a dual-function knob with In and Sel switches. The knob lights when active, and in certain contexts, it can also be pushed. 1 Sel 2 In Attention Track Knob (2) with Sel and In switches (1) In Toggles a parameter in and out, or between two values; it lights when active. The behavior depends on the audio application, and not every parameter includes In switch functionality.
Locking the Knobs When a new function is selected from the Function Scroller, its first parameter bank is assigned to the Attention Track Knobs. You can prevent this automatic assignment by locking the Attention Track Knobs (left, right, or both sides) to their current parameters (see Figure 20). Since locking does not persist when a new track is attentioned, parameters from different tracks cannot be locked to the Attention Track Knobs. Figure 20.
Inserts Plug-in inserts can collapse into one Inserts function or expand to individual plug-ins in the Function Scroller. To expand collapsed plug-in inserts: Use the two-finger stretch gesture anywhere in the Function Scroller. – or – Select Inserts from the Function Scroller, and press the Attention Track Knob beside the plug-in you want to edit. To collapse expanded plug-in inserts: Use the two-finger pinch gesture anywhere in the Function Scroller. – or – Press Back on the Master Module.
Meter Scroller and Track Scroller The Meter Scroller displays detailed metering, and the Track Scroller provides status information for each track. You can attention a track from the Track or Meter Scroller. To scroll the Track and Meter Scrollers by swiping: Swipe the meters or tracks horizontally. • Swiping scrolls at a speed proportional to the speed swiped, then gradually slows down. • Touching while scrolling stops scrolling at that point, but does not attention the track.
Track Scroller The Track Scroller uses the following indicators: • The Attention Track has a blue outline. • Selected tracks have an orange outline. • A selected Attention Track has an orange (top half) and blue (lower half) outline. • Tracks that are record enabled or are actively recording flash or light solid red in Pro Tools (depends on audio application). • Each track has a small level meter. • Tracks dim when muted. Figure 22.
Home Screen Options To open the Home Screen Options: Touch the Local Options icon on the bottom-right of the Home screen. To close the Home Screen Options: Touch the Local Options icon again or touch outside the Home Screen Options page. Home Screen Options with Local Options icon on the right Attention Tracks from Meter Scroller This option toggles whether or not a track can be attentioned from the Meter Scroller.
Tracks Screen The Tracks screen lets you: • Display different track types (if supported by your audio application). • Attention tracks to the Home screen and Attention Track Fader. • Select tracks. • Enable record, input, solo, and mute. 1 2 3 Figure 23.
Displaying Tracks If your audio application supports track types, you can choose which types to display in the Track Matrix. To change the track type displayed: Touch a different track type from the tabs at the top of the Tracks screen. – or – Swipe the Track Matrix horizontally to scroll between track types. If your audio application also supports track colors, these are two powerful methods by which to differentiate and locate tracks.
When tracks are record enabled: • They are armed for recording. • Rec flashes red on their Fader Module strips. • Tracks that are record enabled flash red in Pro Tools (depends on audio application). • Fader in the Function Scroller and entire track in the Meter Scroller flash red in Pro Tools. Pro Tools indicators that flash red when record enabled, light solid red during recording. Record indications are controlled by each audio application.
Track Selector Options Figure 24. Track Scroller with Local Options icon at far right To display the Track Selector Options: Touch the Local Options icon at the lower right of the Tracks screen. To close the Track Selector Options: Touch the Local Options icon again or touch outside Track Selector Options. Track Selector Options Channel Selection Mode Channel Selection Mode offers Sum and Intercancel functionality: Sum Each selected track is added to the existing selection(s).
Position This determines which track to display at the top-left of the Tracks screen. Always Start With Channel 1 on All Page Displays track 1 at top left in the Track Matrix. Last Position of Track Selector Displays the Track Matrix as it appeared most recently. Attentioned Track Displays the attentioned track at the top-left of the Track Matrix. Display Breaks On Track Color When selected, tracks with assigned colors appear on their own line.
Monitoring Screen To display the Monitoring screen, do one of the following: From the Home screen, touch Monitoring or press its corresponding Main Menu switch on the Master Module. – or – Press the lower-right Setup switch on the Master Module. The Monitoring screen can be locked to the current audio application using the Setup switch on the Master Module (see “Monitor Select Controls and Display” on page 85). Figure 25.
Settings Screen The Settings screen lets you connect workstations, configure your system, add or remove modules, create and edit Soft Keys, and set S6 operational preferences. Settings screen with Preferences page selected To display different Settings pages: Touch Workstations, Surface, Softkeys, Preferences, or About at the top of the Settings screen. – or – Swipe the Settings screen horizontally. Workstations To open the Workstations page: Touch Workstations at the top of the Settings screen.
Preferences This page lets you set global S6 surface, workstation, and transport preferences. Surface preferences Surface The Surface section contains Banking and Brightness parameters. Banking Two Mode buttons determine how the surface responds to banking commands. 8 Strips The system banks by eight strips. Whole Surface The system banks by the number of fader strips in the current S6 arrangement.
Brightness These settings manage the brightness of various S6 components, and can help save energy. Auto When selected, light sensors at the top of the Master Module measure ambient illumination to set appropriate brightness levels for the OLED, LED, Display Module, and touchscreen. Touchscreen Touch and drag the slider to set the desired brightness. OLED, LED, Display Module Touch and drag the slider to set their desired brightness.
KVM Switch S6 can be used with specific KVM switches to let a single display follow S6 workstation focus. In the KVM Switch section of the S6 Settings > Preferences screen, you can enable serial control of either of the following: • Gefen (http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproductlisting.jsp?listingCategory=Switchers) • Guntermann and Drunck (http://www.gdsys.
Chapter 5: Soft Keys S6 provides a Soft Key Editor in the Settings screen for creating and managing Soft Keys on the Master Module and Automation Module. You can add, delete, rename and color Soft Keys. EUCON commands and page jumps can be assigned to each Soft Key. Full-color icons can be assigned to both the active and inactive states, and background colors and names can be changed. Keyboard commands (shortcuts), multi-EUCON commands, and multi-DAW macros are not supported.
Soft Keys Editor The default Soft Keys Editor screen provides the following main sections. A B C D E F Figure 26. Soft Key Editor default screen A – Module Selector Touch to choose to target Soft Keys on the Master or Automation Module B – Soft Key Banks and Commands Displays Soft Key banks and assignments on the selected module, and provides commands to edit bank name and color, Insert, Add, Clear, or Delete banks.
Creating Soft Keys This section gives an example of how to create a new Soft Key bank, how to define navigation keys for the new bank, and gives an example of how to create a new Soft Key. Creating a New Soft Key Bank To create a new Soft Key: 1 In the Soft Key Editor, select the module on which you want to create a new Soft Key by tapping the Module Selector at the top of the page and choosing Automation Module Soft Keys, or Master Module Soft Keys. Figure 27.
4 Name the bank and choose a text color by doing the following: • Double-tap the name field (to the left of the Color Picker) and enter a name for the bank using the on-screen touch keyboard. Tap Enter close the on-screen keyboard. • Tap the Color Picker and tap to select a color for the bank name text. Tap Done (or tap anywhere outside the Color Picker) to close it and return to the Soft Key Editor. Figure 29.
3 Tap the newly created Soft Key block to select it (the block is highlighted in yellow). Figure 31. Soft Key Editor after a command block has been added 4 Tap Page at the Bottom of the screen. The command block you just added displays Page, and the Page commands appear. Figure 32. Page commands Make sure the Section to Change selector shows the correct set of Soft Keys (such as Automation Module Right Soft Keys). If necessary, tap and choose a different set.
8 Repeat the previous steps for the “right” navigation key of the new bank, defining it to Go to Next Page as shown in Figure 33. Figure 33.
Creating a New Soft Key This section shows how to create a new Soft Key. To create a new Soft Key: 1 Tap to select a Soft Key in a bank. When selected, the key is highlighted in yellow. The lower half of the Soft Key Editor displays commends for defining the Soft Key. Figure 34. A selected Soft Key You do not have to create new Soft Keys in empty slots, you can also create them in secondary layers for existing Soft Keys. For more information, see “About Modifier Locks” on page 51.
5 Use the hierarchical EUCON command lists to navigate to and select the desired command. For example, scroll to and then tap Window Menu, then scroll to and tap Big Counter. Figure 36. Selecting Big Counter 6 Tap Done (or tap the Soft Key block) to close the EUCON command menus. 7 Tap Text/Icon Display Mode and select how you want text and/or icons displayed for the Soft Key. Choices include Not Used (no text or icon), Icon Only, and other options for Soft Key text and icon appearance. Figure 37.
• Tap the Color Picker and tap to select a color for the text to appear in the currently selected state. Tap Done (or tap outside the Color Picker) to close it and return to the Soft Key Editor. You can save custom colors by dragging the modified color box onto the palette. • Repeat for the other state (if you defined display characteristics for the Inactive state, now choose Active and choose an icon, enter a name and choose a color).
Part III: Using S6
Chapter 6: Common S6 Tasks This chapter shows you how to perform the following tasks using S6: • Nudge and bank tracks • Select tracks • Record enable tracks • Attention a track • Set track automation modes • Use Jog, Shuttle, and other Transport Controls Nudging and Banking Several keys on the Master Module Navigation section nudge and bank channels assigned to the surface. For additional ways to arrange tracks on the surface, see Chapter 8, “Layouts.
Bank The number of tracks to bank and other useful options are set in the Settings > Preferences page (see “Banking” on page 40). To bank left: Press ◄◄/Home. To bank right: Press ►►/End. The following commands refer to the Shift Navigation Switch (5 in Figure 39), not the Shift key on the Fader Module or computer keyboard. To bank so the first track appears on the first (left-most) strip in the current S6 arrangement: Press Shift + ◄◄/Home.
To select sequential tracks on the Fader Module: 1 Press Select on the desired track. 2 Press Shift + Select on the last track. To select multiple discontiguous tracks: 1 Press Select on the desired track. 2 Do one of the following: • In Sum mode, press Select on additional tracks. • In Intercancel mode, press Command + Select (Mac) or Ctrl + Select (Windows) on additional tracks.
Record Enabling Tracks To record in an audio application, the track must be record enabled and the Transport must be armed for recording. The following flash red when a track is record enabled: • Rec switch on that Fader Module strip. • Recording indicator in the Track Matrix, Track Scroller, and Fader in Function Scroller. • The entire track in the Track and Meter Scrollers. The indicators that flash red when record enabled light solid red during recording.
Record Enabling Tracks Using the Master Module To record enable tracks using the Master Module: 1 To display the Tracks screen, touch Tracks at the bottom of the Home screen. 2 Touch Record (above the Track Scroller). Record tab in the Tracks screen 3 Touch the desired tracks in the Track Matrix. Track Matrix with tracks enabled for recording To disable a record-enabled track using the Master Module: 1 Touch Record. 2 Touch a record-enabled track.
Attentioning Tracks You can display, edit, and control the Attention Track using the Attention Track Editor (Home screen) and Attention Track Fader (Automation Module). To attention a track from the Fader Module: Press the desired track’s Attention key on the Fader Module. Solo M Mute F 12 Attention key on Fader Module strip To attention a track from the Home screen on the Master Module: Tap a track in the Track Scroller.
Setting the Track Automation Mode To set the track automation mode: On a Fader Module, press F on the desired strip repeatedly to cycle through the automation modes. While writing in Latch mode, press F to Auto Match out. To toggle Trim Automation on and off: On a Fader Module, press M. This table provides the automation modes for any S6 knob or switch with automation LEDs.
Using the Transport and Jog/Shuttle Controls The Automation Module provides a Transport section and Jog/Shuttle Wheel. Using the Transport Controls 1 2 Setup 3 BACK + R MODE BACK LOC LOOP 4 5 6 7 8 9 Figure 40. Transport controls The Transport controls not identified in Figure 40 are not implemented. Return to Zero (1) Press Return to Zero to return to the beginning of the session. Previous (2) and Next (3) Press Previous to navigate to the previous marker or cue point.
Using the Jog/Shuttle Wheel The Jog/Shuttle Wheel lets you navigate a session at varying speeds, and zoom horizontally or vertically. Function Move Selection + - Scroll Horizonta Zoom Horizonta Trim 2 1 Scroll Vertical Zoom Vertical Shuttle Jog Shift Jog/Shuttle Wheel with Jog (1) and Shuttle (2) switches To Jog with the wheel: 1 Press Jog so it lights. 2 Spin the wheel clockwise to jog forward or counterclockwise to jog backward.
To select contiguous tracks: 1 Press Select on a track. 2 Hold down Shift. 3 Press Select on another track. All tracks in between are selected. To select non-contiguous tracks: 1 Press Select on a track. 2 Hold down Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows). 3 Press Select on another track to add to the selection(s). To set a parameter to its default value: Hold down Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) and touch a fader or knob.
VCA Spill (Pro Tools Only) VCA Spill let you quickly expand (or “spill”) VCA slave tracks to adjacent faders. The M, S, and LG, LED indicators on the Fader Module show whether the track is a Master (M) or Slave (S), and whether it is in a Group (LG). The Menu switch, along with either switch above the M/S or LG indicators, let you spill and unspill. Figure 41.
Editing from the Surface (M40-D (Display Module) Systems with Pro Tools Only) S6 lets you edit clips using knobs and their Sel and In switches on Knob Modules. You can move a clip, trim the head or tail, adjust Fade In and Fade Out, and adjust Clip Gain. Clips are targeted for editing when they reach the playhead on the Display Modules when in any Waveform view as shown in Figure 42.
4 To adjust a value, do either of the following: • Press the Sel switch next to the knob to increment (increase); press In to decrement (decrease). • Turn the knob for that parameter clockwise to increment (extend or move later in the timeline), or counterclockwise to decrement (shorten or move earlier in the timeline). Turn slowly for fine adjustment and fast for coarse.
Chapter 7: Plug-ins and Sends This chapter explains how to edit plug-ins and adjust Sends from the Master Module, Knob Module, and Process Module. Plug-ins Editing a Plug-in Using the Master Module To edit a plug-in using the Master Module, you must first attention a track with a plug-in. To attention a track, do one of the following: From the Fader Module, press Attention on the desired track.
Bypassing Plug-ins on the Master Module The In buttons next to the Lock icons in the Home page let you bypass plug-in inserts. Plug-in bypass (In) • When lit green, inserts are active (not bypassed). Tap either In control to bypasses its currently attentioned plug-in. • When bypassed, In becomes gray, and so does the name of the bypassed plug-in(s) in the Function Scroller (whether expanded or collapsed).
5 6 Use the knobs to adjust plug-in parameters. On the Process Module, press In next to Ins to toggle all plug-in inserts in and out. In lights when the inserts are in. Some parameters use their In switch to toggle in and out, others use it to toggle between different parameters. Each audio application controls their own plug-ins, and some parameters do not include any In switch functionality. 7 To exit the plug-in, press Back or select another Function from the Process Module.
Sends Sends can be adjusted on the Master Module, Knob Module, and Process Module. Adjusting Sends on the Master Module To edit sends using the Master Module: 1 Attention a track with sends to the Attention Track Editor. 2 Press Sends in the Function Scroller. The first eight sends are assigned to the Attention Track Knobs. 3 Turn the knob to adjust the send level. In addition • Press the knob In switch to mute (or unmute) the send.
To navigate to other sends: 1 Make sure you are viewing the top level of Sends view (slots a–d). If not, press Back until slots are shown. 2 Press the lit ► (Page >) or ◄ (< Page) switch to navigate to additional sends. Adjusting Sends on the Process Module To edit Sends using the Process Module: 1 Assign a track with Sends to the surface. 2 Hold down Back and press Sends on that Process Module strip. The first Send appears on the Process Module knob.
Chapter 8: Layouts S6 supports multi-workstation and multi-DAW track Layouts. Any tracks, from multiple DAWs on any of up to eight connected workstations, can be placed and arranged on the S6 surface alongside each other simultaneously. (M10 systems support up to two connected workstations; M40 systems support up to eight.) Up to 96 different Layouts can be stored and recalled from the Master Module Touchscreen. Layouts are numbered automatically, and can also be named.
Layouts Screen Figure 45 shows the Layouts screen, which lets you create and store track layouts. A B C D E Figure 45. Layouts screen A – Tracks Matrix of tracks in the current Track view (All, Audio, Aux, Master, or VCA) B – Clear and Clear All Layout scroller modes to clear individual tracks or all tracks from the current Layout. C – Strip Universe scroller Universe view of all strips. Green outline shows currently focused strips.
Creating Layouts To create a Layout: 1 Press Layout Mode on the Master Module to enter Layout Mode. Figure 46. Switches on Master Module to access Layouts mode 2 From the Tracks page, tap Assign to display the Assign Tracks to Layouts controls. Figure 47. Layouts screen If you are creating the first Layout, the strip scroller will be blank. Otherwise, tracks from the last recalled Layout (if any) are displayed in the lower scroller.
3 Tap Track blocks in the upper track matrix to select the tracks you want in the Layout. When tracks are selected in the Layouts screen their outlines are green as shown in Figure 48. Figure 48. Three tracks selected to add to the Layout (green outline) 4 Tap a strip block at the bottom of the screen to place the currently selected track(s) on that strip. Figure 49.
Recalling Layouts To recall a Layout: 1 Press Shift + Layout Mode on the Master Module. The Layout Recall screen appears and S6 enters Layout mode. (Or tap Recall from either the Tracks or Layout Assign screen.) Figure 50. Layouts Recall grid 2 In the Layout Recall grid, tap to recall the desired Layout. The surface updates to match the location and order of tracks in the Layout. Unused strips remain empty. 3 Tap Done to close the Layout Recall grid.
Part IV: S6 Modules
Chapter 9: S6 Master Modules Each S6 system has master section and channel section modules. This chapter covers the Master Module and Automation Module that comprise the master section of the console.
Master Module This section identifies the hardware features on the Master Module that controls the S6 system. Each S6 system must have one Master Module, which is usually placed above the Automation Module (if included). The upper part the Master Module features a 12.1-inch touchscreen with eight adjacent knobs that control virtual knobs on the screen. The upper part of the Master Module can be tilted to achieve the best viewing angle.
Home Screen This section identifies the functional entities in the Home screen. See Chapter 4, “Master Module Screens.” 1 2 3 Figure 52.
Attention Track Knobs Eight touch-sensitive, dual-function Attention Track Knobs surround the touchscreen. They control Attention Track function parameters in the Home screen and monitor levels in the Monitoring screen. In addition to rotating, the knob can also be pressed in certain contexts to enter a plug-in or send. 1 Sel 2 In Attention Track Knob (2) with Sel and In switches (1) The knob and In switch each have two automation LEDs (red and green).
Home and Back Switches The Master Module switch labeled 2 in Figure 54 is called the Back switch. Home Displays the Home screen. Becomes active whenever another screen is displayed. Back Changes the Attention Track Knobs from plug-in editing to plug-in selection. Becomes active when editing a plug-in on a track with two or more plug-ins.
Navigation Switches WS Layout Mode All Tracks Type Flip L Spill R Spill Clear Clip Mixer Close Clear Solo Home End Display 1 Display 2 Settings Sel In Shift Config Navigation switches WS Displays the Workstations page on the Settings screen (see “Workstations” on page 39). Layout Mode Enables Layout Mode. Shift + Layout Mode opens the Layout Recall grid. (See Chapter 8, “Layouts.
Soft Keys Sections The Master Module provides two Soft Keys sections, each with twelve Soft Keys surrounding its own high resolution TFT display. Soft Keys navigation switches at the bottom let you move to additional Soft Keys pages. 1 2 Soft Keys section with soft keys (1) and navigation switches (2) Each Soft Keys section has its has its own Soft Keys pages. You can customize Soft Keys using the Soft Key Editor (see Chapter 5, “Soft Keys”).
Monitoring Studio/Talk Controls and Display The Studio/Talk section provides controls for control room monitoring, speaker selection, and talkback. It includes one touch-sensitive knob, an OLED, and the following switches. The Monitor section can be locked so the current application retains monitor control when focusing on another application.
Monitor Select Controls and Display The Monitor Select section includes two touch-sensitive knobs, an OLED, source select switches, and two Setup switches. The upper knob controls the monitor level; the lower knob is not implemented. Mon A Mon B Coms 1 Setup Talk 2 Setup Figure 55. Monitor Select Controls Setup (1) Locks the monitoring controls and Monitoring screen to the present audio application.
Automation Module This section identifies the hardware features on the Automation Module.
Soft Keys Sections The Automation Module provides two Soft Keys sections, each with twelve Soft Keys surrounding its own high resolution TFT display. Soft Keys navigation switches (below the displays) let you display different Soft Keys pages. 1 2 Soft Keys section with Soft Keys (1) and navigation switches (2) Each Soft Keys section has its has its own Soft Keys pages. You can customize Soft Keys using the Soft Key Editor (see Chapter 5, “Soft Keys”).
Scroll and Zoom The primary function of both mode switches is zoom, and the secondary function is scroll. Activate Shift to access the secondary functions. Zoom Horizontal Rotate the wheel clockwise to zoom in horizontally; rotate counterclockwise to zoom out. Zoom Vertical Rotate the wheel clockwise to zoom in vertically; rotate counterclockwise to zoom out. Scroll Horizontal This control is not implemented. Scroll Vertical This control is not implemented.
Transport Controls 1 2 Setup 3 BACK + R MODE BACK LOC LOOP 4 5 6 7 8 9 Figure 57. Transport controls The Transport controls not identified in Figure 57 are not implemented. Return to Zero (1) Press Return to Zero to return to the beginning of the session. Previous (2) and Next (3) Press Previous to navigate to the previous marker or cue point. Press Next to navigate to the next marker or cue point. Rewind (4) and Forward (5) Press Rewind to navigate backward.
Chapter 10: S6 Channel Modules Each S6 system has master section and channel section modules. This chapter covers the channel modules that comprise the console fader strips: Fader Module, Process Module, Knob Module, and Display Module (S6 M40 systems only). See Chapter 9, “S6 Master Modules” to learn about the master section of the console. Fader Module The Fader Module has eight fader strips.
Fader Strip The main entities of the fader strip are identified in Figure 58 and explained in the following sections. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Figure 58.
Select and Swap Switches Select Toggles the selection status of the track and lights when active. See “Selecting Tracks” on page 54, and “Channel Selection Mode” on page 36 to learn about track selection and modes. Swap This control is not implemented. OLED Displays the track name, number, and record and input indicators. 3 1 2 Input (1) and Record (2) switches, OLED (3) Record and Input Switches Input Toggles the Input Monitor status of the track.
Mute and Solo Switches Mute Mutes the track and lights when active. Solo Solos the track and lights when active. 1 2 Solo (1) and Mute (2) switches Solo selection can inter cancel or sum. See “Solo Switch” on page 36. Master, Slave, and Link Indicators These controls are not implemented. 1 Menu M S LG 3 2 Solo Master (1) Slave (2) and Link Group (3) indicators Master Indicates the track is a VCA Master. Slave Indicates the track is assigned to and controlled by a VCA Master.
Attention Key The Attention key is directly above the meters, and lights when active. To assign a track to the Home screen and the Attention Track Fader on the Automation Module: 1 Press the Attention key on the desired track’s Fader Module strip. 1 2 Attention key (1) and Fader (2) with meter Fader and Meter Each strip features a motorized, touch-sensitive 100-mm fader with a dual, 30-segment meter to its left.
Process Module The Process Module lets you assign functions to the Knob Module, toggle them in and out, and control one parameter from its knob section. The Process Module provides eight strips, each with a knob section, function switches, and other controls. The side panel provides power and Ethernet connectors. The default knob parameter is Pan but you can reassign it to any other parameter. This is especially useful if your configuration does not include a Knob Module.
Process Module Strip Each strip provides the following controls and displays. 1 2 3 Figure 59.
Clear (Reset to Default) You can quickly reset faders, individual parameters, functions, or entire tracks to their default values using the Clear switch, located at the top of each strip on the Process Module. To clear: 1 Press Clear on the desired strip. Its LED flashes red, and switches for all functions available to be reset are lit. 2 While Clear is engaged (flashing) do any of the following: • To reset a fader unity (0 dB on the strip), press F on the Fader Module or touch the fader.
Function Select Switches The function select switches let you assign different functions to the Knob Module. One function can be selected at a time, and its function select switch lights. The Ins, Dyn, EQ, and User functions each have an In switch. (Func is not implemented.) Input To assign the Input function to the Knob Module: Press Input. Inserts, Dynamics, EQ, and User To toggle Ins, Dyn, EQ, and User in and out: Press In next to the desired function select switch.
Knob Section Each strip has one knob section with a dual-function, continuous knob, In and Sel switches, and an OLED. The knob lights when active and, in certain contexts, it can be pushed. The OLED shows the track name and number and the parameter value. 1 2 3 OLED (1), knob (2), and In and Sel switches (3) for the knob In and Sel Each knob section includes In and Sel switches. In Toggles a parameter in and out, or between two values; it lights when active.
Knob Module The Knob Module provides eight strips, each with four identical knob sections and one set of navigation switches. The side panel provides power and Ethernet connectors. The Knob Module lets you adjust function parameters, toggle them in and out, and select them for editing operations.
Knob Module Strip Each strip has four knob sections, each with a dual-function continuous knob, In and Sel switches, and an OLED display.
Knob Section Each Knob Module strip has four knob sections, each with a dual-function, continuous knob, In and Sel switches, and an OLED. The knob lights when active and, in certain contexts, it can also be pushed. The OLED shows the track name and number and the parameter value. 1 3 2 OLED (1), knob (2), and In and Sel switches (3) for the knob In and Sel Each knob section includes In and Sel switches. In Toggles a parameter in and out, or between two values; it lights when active.
Display Module The Display Module has a TFT display and mounting bracket and can display eight tracks. The underside of the Display Module has power and Ethernet connectors. Seven display layouts are available: Large Meters, Large Waveforms, Meters and Waveforms, Meters and Function, Waveforms and Function, Waveforms and Dual Function, and Waveforms and Dual Function + Route. Each display layout shows the track name, input, and automation status at the bottom.
Figure 63. Large Meters Figure 64.
Figure 65. Meters and Waveforms Figure 66.
Figure 67. Waveforms and Function Variable Waveform Zoom When set to any Waveform view, the zoom resolution of all Display Modules can be set between 1 second and 60 seconds in the Settings > Preferences screen. For more information, see “Waveform Zoom” on page 42. Gain Reduction Meters and Bouncing Ball Dynamics Graph (Pro Tools Only) High resolution Gain Reduction Meters are displayed on Display Modules and the Master Module Home page.
Avid Technical Support (USA) Product Information 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA Visit the Online Support Center at www.avid.com/support For company and product information, visit us on the web at www.avid.
