D Command Guide

User Manual: D-Command Guide

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Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command
Chapter 2: D-Command Overview
Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module
- Assembling an Expanded System
Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command
- D-Command Connections
  - Using D-Command on an Ethernet Network
  - Controlling Pro Tools Systems Over a Network
- Audio Connections
Chapter 5: Configuring D-Command
Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls
Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls
Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls
Chapter 9: Management Sections
Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections
Chapter 11: Operating Modes
- Normal Mode
  - Focus Channel Strip
- Custom Fader Modes
Appendix A: Utility Mode
Appendix B: Audio Connections and Pinouts

D-Command

™

Version 7.0

guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the express written

consent of Digidesign.

Avid, Digidesign, Pro Tools and Pro Tools|HD are either trademarks or registered

trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other

trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are

subject to change without notice.

PN 9106-18919-00 REV A 07/06

Warning

This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California

to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after

handling

Communications & Safety Regulation Information

Compliance Statement

The models D-Command and XMON comply with the following standards

regulating interference and EMC:

• FCC Part 15 Class A

• EN55103 – 1, environment E4

• EN55103 – 2, environment E4

• AS/NZS 3548 Class A

• CISPR 22 Class A

• ICES-003 Class A

Canadian Compliance Statement:

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du

Canada.

CE Compliance Statement:

Digidesign is authorized to apply the CE (Conformité Europénne) mark on this

compliant equipment thereby declaring conformity to EMC Directive

89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.

Australian Compliance:

Radio and Television Interference

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A

digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Communications Statement

This equipment has been tested to comply with the limits for a Class A digital

device. Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Digidesign,

Inc., could void the Certification and negate your authority to operate the product.

This product was tested for CISPR compliance under conditions that included the

use of peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system

components. Digidesign recommends the use of shielded cables and connectors

between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to

radios, television sets, and other electronic devices.

Safety Statement

This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety

certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards: UL60065 7th

/IEC 60065 7th and Canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 60065:03. Digidesign Inc., has

been authorized to apply the appropriate UL & CUL mark on its compliant

equipment.

Warning

Important Safety Instructions

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,

or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A

polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type

plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third

prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your

outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,

convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when

the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug

is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the

apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or

has been dropped.

Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no

user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to authorized

Digidesign personnel.

Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a risk of

shock and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING VENTILATION:

Do not install D-Command anywhere or in any way that blocks free

air flow at any time around the back panel of the unit.

SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE:

Before powering on the D-Command unit, be sure to allow it to reach

room temperature. The unit includes some components that are

senstive to cold temperatures, so it is recommended that you

unpack the unit and allow it to acclimate before turning it on for the

first time.

This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not

be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of

your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the

recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection

and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve

natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human

health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off

your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city recycling office

or the dealer from whom you purchased the product.

Contents

Part I Introduction

Chapter 1. Introduction to D-Command

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

D-Command Features

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

D-Command System Components

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

System Expansion Options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Operational Requirements

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Connection Requirements

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

System Requirements

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2. D-Command Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

D-Command Main Unit

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

D-Command Fader Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

D-Command XMON Interface

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Part II Installation

Chapter 3. Setting Up the Fader Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Assembling an Expanded System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Chapter 4. Connecting D-Command

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

D-Command Connections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Audio Connections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 5. Configuring D-Command

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Starting Up and Shutting Down the System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Software Configuration

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Setting D-Command Preferences

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

System Calibration

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Part III Reference

Chapter 6. Channel Strip Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Channel Strips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Global Controls Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Miscellaneous Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Tech Pubs Style Guide

Chapter 7. Plug-in Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Plug-ins and D-Command

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Dynamics Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

EQ Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Chapter 8. Transport and Navigation Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Transport Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Zoom/Navigate Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Nudge/Bank Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Chapter 9. Management Sections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Window Management Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Session Management Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Soft Keys Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Chapter 10. Monitor and Meter Sections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Monitor Section Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Chapter 11. Operating Modes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Normal Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Custom Fader Modes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Entering Utility Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Navigating Utility Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Exiting Utility Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

D-Command System Info Page

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

D-Command Name Page

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

D-Command Test Pages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Resetting D-Command to Factory Defaults

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

D-Command Preferences

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

25-Pin Female Connector Pinouts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

15-Pin Connector Pinouts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Part I: Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Command

Welcome to the D-Command™ worksurface for Digidesign®

ICON systems.

D-Command provides hands-on control of Pro Tools®, and

offers powerful options for customizing the Pro Tools mix en-

vironment.

D-Command Features

The D-Command system provides controls for most Pro Tools

recording, editing and mixing tasks, and a versatile re-

mote-controlled audio monitoring system.

Control Features

• Touch-sensitive, motorized 100mm faders

• Touch-sensitive, multi-purpose rotary controls

• Dedicated controls for assignment and activation of inputs,

outputs, inserts and sends

• Flexible display of pan, insert, send, plug-in and mic pre

controls

• Dedicated EQ and dynamics plug-in control sections

• Dedicated controls for all channel strip functions including

recording and input monitoring modes, mute, solo, and

channel select

• Dedicated controls for automation mode, enable and safe

status

• Custom Fader Mode for ﬂexible channel and parameter

mapping

• Full transport and navigation controls, including location

commands and scrub/shuttle capability

Monitoring Features

• 6-channel control room monitoring system supports mono

through 5.1 surround monitoring, with up to 5 possible in-

put sources and 3 selectable output paths

• 2-channel cue system with 4 separate outputs and selectable

talkback feed

• Built-in talkback microphone and external talkback mic In-

put

• Standalone mode for monitoring without Pro Tools

• External source metering

D-Command System Components

The following components are included in a D-Command

8-channel or 24-channel system:

Main Unit

• D-Command Main Unit

• AC power cord

• Ethernet cable

• Ethernet “crossover” cable (for direct connection to CPU

without a hub)

• Ethernet loopback plug (for Ethernet testing)

• 9/64-inch hex driver (for removing side panels)

• 5/32-inch hex driver (for connecting Main Unit and

Fader Module)

Fader Module

(Required for 24-Channel System)

• D-Command Fader Module unit

• AC power cord

• Ethernet cable

XMON Monitoring System

• XMON Interface

• AC power cord

• XMON cable

System Expansion Options

An additional 16-channel Fader Module can be added to

D-Command, for a total of 24 faders. For details on D-Com-

mand expansion and customization options, visit the Digide-

sign Web site (www.digidesign.com).

D-Command Guide

Operational Requirements

Temperature and Ventilation

D-Command should be installed and operated in a cli-

mate-controlled environment, away from heat sources, and

with adequate ventilation. D-Command should be operated

at an ambient temperature that does not exceed 100 degrees F

(35 degrees C).

The back panel and the front half of the bottom panel of each

unit should be exposed to ambient air. Blocking or partially

blocking the back panel or bottom panel of a D-Command

unit may cause the unit to malfunction and may void your

warranty.

Water and Moisture

D-Command units should be operated away from sources of

moisture or humidity and should be protected from liquid

spills.

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you need to clean the D-Command top surface, apply a

non-chlorine bleach based cleaning solution to a cloth or pa-

per towel, then carefully wipe the surface. Do not use abra-

sives, cleaning solutions with chlorine bleach, or spray clean-

ers.

Connection Requirements

Power Connections

Each unit (D-Command Main Unit, Fader Module, and

XMON Monitor Interface) requires its own power connection.

Make sure your power source is correctly rated for the number

of units you are connecting. A surge protected power source

(not included) is highly recommended.

Ethernet Connections

Each D-Command unit communicates with Pro Tools using

Ethernet. A single Main Unit can be connected to the host

computer without an Ethernet hub. To connect multiple

D-Command units to the host computer, a 10-BaseT Ethernet

hub (not included) is required.

Audio Connections

All external analog audio inputs and outputs for control room

monitoring and studio communication are connected to the

XMON interface. D-Command connects to the XMON inter-

face with a single 15-pin cable (included). All analog inputs

and outputs on the XMON use DB-25 connectors.

Audio Cables for D-Command Monitoring

Digidesign offers a range of DigiSnake cabling options for con-

necting Digidesign interfaces and external sources to the

XMON monitoring system. For details, visit the Digidesign

Web site (www.digidesign.com).

System Requirements

D-Command requires the following system components:

• Pro Tools|HD® system (which includes at least one

Pro Tools|HD audio interface)

An expanded Pro Tools|HD system is required for higher track

counts.

For complete system requirements, visit the Digidesign Web

site (www.digidesign.com).

Compatibility Information

Digidesign can only assure compatibility and provide support

for hardware and software it has tested and approved. For a list

of Digidesign-qualified computers, operating systems, and

third-party devices, refer to the Digidesign Web site

(www.digidesign.com).

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview

D-Command Main Unit

Main Unit Top Panel

Figure 1. D-Command Main Unit top panel

Monitor Section

Global

controls Custom Fader

controls Window

Management

section

Session

Management

section

Soft Keys

section

Nudge/Bank

section

Zoom/Navigation

section

Miscellaneous

controls

Talkback Microphone Main Time Scale display

Automation Mode

controls

Dynamics Section

EQ Section

Transport

Section

Rotary Encoder

section

Meter

section

Channel Strip

Display controls

Channel

Channel Strip

Mode controls

Modifier

faders

keys

D-Command Guide

Meter Display

The Meter display on the D-Command Main Unit can be set

to show the output levels, or levels associated with a track or

plug-in. See “Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)” on

page 87.

Main Time Scale Display and Location Indicator

The Main Time Scale display and Location indicator mirrors

the Main Time Scale in Pro Tools. See “Meter and Time Code

Displays (Main Unit)” on page 87.

Dynamics and EQ Sections

The D-Command Main Unit provides dedicated Dynamics

and EQ sections for plug-ins that support Dynamics and EQ

plug-in mapping. See “Plug-ins and D-Command” on

page 45.

Monitor Section

The Monitor section on the D-Command Main Unit includes

a full set of controls for the control room, headphone/cue,

and talkback/listenback sections of D-Command. See “Moni-

tor Section Controls” on page 79.

Zoom/Navigation Section

The Zoom/Navigate section on the D-Command Main Unit is

used to control navigation, display, and selections in the

Pro Tools Edit window. See “Zoom/Navigate Section” on

page 67.

Nudge/Bank Section

The Nudge/Bank section on the D-Command Main Unit is

used to control the display of Pro Tools tracks on the control

surface. See “Nudge/Bank Section” on page 67.

Window Management and Session Management

Sections

The Window Management and Session Management sections

on the D-Command Main Unit include controls for opening

and closing Pro Tools windows, and managing and saving

Pro Tools sessions. See “Window Management Section” on

page 69 and “Session Management Section” on page 70.

Soft Keys Section

The Soft Keys section on the D-Command Main Unit provides

access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from

the control surface. It also provides access to preferences and

settings specific to D-Command. See “Soft Keys Section” on

page 71.

Transport Section

The Transport section on the D-Command Main Unit in-

cludes a full set of transport controls, switches for setting the

transport mode, scrub/shuttle controls, as well as advanced

audition and locate controls. See “Transport Section” on

page 63.

Global Controls

The Global controls are a set of channel-related controls in the

center of the D-Command Main Unit, allowing easy access to

powerful assignment, display, and channel function controls.

See “Global Controls Section” on page 35.

Custom Fader Controls

The Custom Fader mode switches on the D-Command Main

Unit invoke a special set of D-Command modes, called

Cus-

tom Fader modes

, which let you set aside and customize chan-

nel strips for display and editing of a variety of functions. See

“Custom Fader Controls” on page 39.

Automation Mode Controls

The Automation Mode controls mirror the function of the

on-screen Automation Mode selector for each track, and let

you change automation modes during playback. See “Auto-

mation Mode Controls” on page 40.

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview

Main Unit Back Panel

AC Power

The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable.

The D-Command Main Unit is auto power-selecting (100V to

240V) and automatically works with a standard modular

power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any

country.

Power Switch

The Power switch applies power to the D-Command Main

Unit.

Footswitch Jack

The footswitch jack on the back panel of the D-Command

Main Unit is a 1/4-inch TRS jack that supports two footswitch

connections. See “Footswitch Connections” on page 16.

Ethernet Connector

The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Command

Main Unit provides communication to Pro Tools. See “Ether-

net Connections” on page 15.

XMON Monitoring System Connector

The 15-pin connector on the back panel of the D-Command

Main Unit provides remote control of all audio monitoring

functions from the D-Command Monitoring section. See

“XMON Monitoring System Connection” on page 17.

Figure 2. D-Command Main Unit back panel connectors

Footswitch jack

Ethernet connector

XMON Monitoring System

connector

AC Power

Power switch

D-Command Guide8

D-Command Fader Module

Fader Module Top Panel

Meter Section

The Meter section on the D-Command Fader Module can dis-

play track levels, plug-in meters, and other parameters de-

pending on D-Command metering preferences.

Channel Strip

Each channel strip on the D-Command Fader Module has

identical channel controls, including two touch-sensitive ro-

tary encoders, display and mode controls, and a touch-sensi-

tive fader. See “Channel Strips” on page 29.

Modiﬁer Keys

Each D-Command Fader Module has a set of four switches in

its lower left corner that duplicate the function of the

Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers. See “Modifier Key

Switches” on page 34.

Fader Module Back Panel

AC Power

The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable.

The D-Command Fader Module is auto power-selecting (100V

to 240V) and automatically works with a standard modular

power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any

country.

Power Switch

The Power switch applies power to the Fader Module.

Ethernet Connector

The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Command

Fader Module provides communication to Pro Tools. See

“Ethernet Connections” on page 15.

Figure 3. D-Command Fader Module top panel

Channel Strip

Rotary Encoder

section

Meter

section

Channel Strip

Mode controls

Channel faders

Channel Strip

Function controls

Modifier keys

Chapter 2: D-Command Overview 9

D-Command XMON Interface

D-Command monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Command

monitoring section.

XMON Front Panel

Power Switch

The Power switch applies power to the XMON Interface.

Mute Indicator

The Mute indicator shows the mute status of XMON.

MIDI Receive Indicator

The MIDI Receive indicator shows MIDI activity between

XMON and D-Command.

Mute Button

The Mute button mutes all XMON outputs. It is not possible

to unmute XMON with this button. The XMON mute state

can only be cleared from the D-Command Monitor section

(see “Monitor Section Controls” on page 79).

Figure 4. XMON front panel

XMON

Power

switch

MIDI Receive

indicator

Mute

indicator

Mute button

D-Command Guide10

XMON Back Panel

The back panel of the XMON interface includes connectors for all external analog audio inputs and outputs for D-Command. See

“Audio Connections” on page 17.

Figure 5. XMON back panel

Cue Inputs

Cue Outputs

Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs

Main Outputs Alt Outputs Talkback/ Meter Calibration Control Surface AC Power

Listenback/

Utility Screws

Part II: Installation

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module 13

Chapter 3: Setting Up the Fader Module

This chapter explains how to add the Fader Module to the

D-Command Main Unit.

Placement of D-Command Fader Module

When placing the D-Command Fader Module in studio furni-

ture or on a table top, make sure to account for the dimen-

sions of the assembled system, allowing for at least 1 inch

(2.5 cm) of open space behind the finished unit. This meets

the ventilation requirements for the D-Command units.

When bracketing together your system, you will need addi-

tional clearance on either side of the unit to push the Fader

Module and the Main Unit together, as well as sufficient clear-

ance in front and behind the units to allow you to attach the

brackets. You will also need access to the rear of the unit to

make cable connections.

The Fader Module is designed to be attached to the left of the

D-Command Main Unit.

Assembling an Expanded System

The D-Command Main Unit can be attached to the D-Com-

mand Fader Module, using the front, middle, and rear brack-

ets included with the D-Command Fader Module.

Assembly Hardware

The following hardware is provided with the D-Command

Fader Module (spare pieces may be included).

Brackets

• Front Bracket

• Center Bracket

• Rear Bracket

Screws

• (10) 10-32 x 3/4-inch socket cap screw

• (4) 6-32 x 3/8-inch Philips pan head screw

Figure 1. D-Command with Fade Module (bottom view)

Front bracket Center bracket Rear bracket

Figure 2. D-Command expanded system connecting brackets

Figure 3. Screws for D-Command connecting brackets

Front bracket Center bracket Rear bracket

10-32 x 3/4-inch

socket cap screw

6-32 x 3/8-inch

Philips pan head screw

D-Command Guide14

Attaching the Units

To attach the D-Command Fader Module to the Main Unit:

1 Remove the plastic end cap from the left end of the Main

Unit.

2 Place the Fader Module to the left of the Main Unit, and

press the D-Command units together.

3 Slide both units forward far enough to have complete access

to the front bracket screw holes.

4 Attach the front bracket, using four 10-32 3/4-inch socket

cap screws.

5 Slide the connected units backwards far enough to have

complete access to the rear screws.

6 Remove the four Philips head screws indicated in Figure 4.

7 Attach the rear bracket, using four 10-32 3/4-inch socket cap

screws and four 6-32 x 3/8-inch Philips pan head screws.

8 Carefully slide the connected units forwards far enough to

have complete access to the center bracket screw holes.

9 Attach the center bracket, using two 10-32 3/4-inch socket

cap screws.

10 Press the D-Command units together. If necessary, use a

ratcheting nylon strap to press the units together by running

the strap around the two units. Make sure the nylon strap does

not contact any switches or encoders on the surface.

11 Tighten the bracket screws on the Fader Module.

12 Attach the plastic end cap to the Fader Module.

When bracketing together a D-Command system, leave all

screws on the Fader Module loose enough to allow you to ad-

just the position of the units relative to each other. After all

three brackets are installed, and the units are pressed fully

together, you will fully tighten the Fader Module screws.

Figure 4. Rear view of D-Command and Fader Module

Remove screws

D-Command

Fader Module

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 15

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command

D-Command Connections

D-Command units require power and Ethernet connections to operate with Pro Tools. An optional footswitch connection is also

available on the Main Unit. The connectors on the back panel of the D-Command Main Unit are shown in Figure 5.

Be sure to make all connections with your D-Command units and computer turned off.

Power Connections

Each D-Command unit (Main Unit and Fader Module) and

the XMON Monitor Interface requires its own power connec-

tion. D-Command Main Units, Fader Modules, and XMON In-

terfaces are auto power-selecting (100V to 240V) and automat-

ically work with a standard modular power cord when

connected to an AC receptacle in any country. A power cable

is provided with each D-Command unit and the XMON

interface.

To make D-Command power connections:

■For each D-Command unit and the XMON Interface, con-

nect the included AC power cord the unit and to a power

source.

Ethernet Connections

Each D-Command unit communicates with Pro Tools using

Ethernet. An Ethernet cable is included with each D-Com-

mand unit.

A 10-BaseT Ethernet hub (not included) is required to connect

multiple D-Command units to the host computer.

To connect a single D-Command unit:

■Connect one end of the supplied crossover Ethernet cable to

the port on the back of the D-Command unit, and the other

end to the Ethernet port on the computer.

To connect multiple D-Command units:

1 Install the Ethernet hub according to its instructions, apply

power to it, and verify that it is functioning properly.

2 Connect the Ethernet hub to the Ethernet port on your

computer.

3 For each D-Command unit, connect one end of the supplied

Ethernet cable to a port on the Ethernet hub, and the other

end to the Ethernet port on the back of the unit. Do not use

any port labelled for LAN connections.

Figure 5. D-Command Main Unit back panel connectors

Footswitch jack

Ethernet connector

XMON Monitoring System connector

Connection sequence to the Ethernet hub does not mat-

ter, because the order of the units can be configured

from within Pro Tools.

D-Command Guide16

Using D-Command on an Ethernet Network

You can purchase a combined 10/100-BaseT Ethernet hub

that can simultaneously support D-Command over 10-BaseT

and other network traffic over 100-BaseT. This will let you use

D-Command over a local area network.

Moderate network traffic (such as e-mail) should not affect

communication between D-Command and the computer. If

your network experiences heavy traffic, you may want to cre-

ate a dedicated Ethernet network for D-Command.

Controlling Pro Tools Systems Over a Network

When D-Command is connected to an Ethernet network, it

will be available to be declared by any Pro Tools system on

that network. This lets you control different Pro Tools systems

on the network with a single D-Command console. (You can

only control one Pro Tools system at a time.)

Footswitch Connections

You can connect two SPST (single-pole, single-throw) foot-

switch units to the D-Command Main Unit to control any of

the following functions:

• Starting and stopping Pro Tools playback

• Starting Pro Tools recording

• Toggling Talkback on and off

The footswitch connector is a single 1/4-inch TRS jack on the

back panel of the D-Command Main Unit.

To wire a TRS connector for the D-Command footswitch jack:

■Use the following wiring convention: Tip = Footswitch 1,

Ring = Footswitch 2, Sleeve = Ground.

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 17

Audio Connections

D-Command monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Command monitor-

ing section. All external analog audio inputs and outputs for control room monitoring and studio communication are connected

to the XMON interface.

XMON provides 18V phantom for its three external mic inputs (External Talkback Mic, Listen Mic 1, Listen Mic 2).

All audio connections are made with standard DB-25 connectors. The back panel of the XMON is shown in Figure 6.

XMON Monitoring System Connection

D-Command connects to XMON with a single 15-pin XMON cable. A 50-foot (15.25 m) cable is included with the D-Command

Main Unit. The system supports up to an 80-foot (24.5 m) cable.

To connect the XMON to D-Command:

1 Connect the included AC power cord to the back panel of the XMON and to a power source. A surge protected power source

is highly recommended.

2 Connect one end of the included XMON cable to the Control Surface port on your XMON unit, and the other end to the 15-pin

XMON Monitoring System connector on the back panel of the D-Command Unit.

Figure 6. XMON back panel

Cue Inputs

Cue Outputs

Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs

Main Outputs Alt Outputs Talkback/ Meter Calibration Control Surface AC Power

Listenback/

Utility Screws

D-Command Guide18

Control Room Monitoring Connections

Inputs

• Main Inputs (6 channels), balanced, +4 dBu (from Pro Tools)

• Surround Inputs (6 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Stereo 1 Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu/–10dBV

• Stereo 2 Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu/–10dBV

• Stereo 3 Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu/–10dBV

• AFL/PFL Inputs (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Listen Mic 1 (external), mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power)

• Listen Mic 2 (external), mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power)

Outputs

• Main Control Room Outputs (6 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu

• Alt Control Room Outputs (6 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu

• Mini Control Room Outputs (2 channels), balanced or unbalanced, +4 dBu

Figure 7. Control room monitoring system block diagram

AFL/PFL

Input

(2 channels)

Main

Input

(6 channels)

Surround

Input

(6 channels)

Stereo 1

Input

(2 channels)

Stereo 2

Input

(2 channels)

Stereo 3

Input

(2 channels)

Listen

Mic 1

Listen

Mic 2

Level

Input

Source

Select

AFL/PFL

Level

Pro Tools

Solo

Command

Mono

Summing

Level, Dim,

Solo, Mute,

Trim + Cal

Control Room

Output Select

Main Output

(6 channels)

Alt Output

(6 channels)

Mini Output

(2 channels)

[To Cue System]

Chapter 4: Connecting D-Command 19

Headphone/Cue System Connections

Inputs

• Main Monitor Input (2 channels)

• Cue 1 Input (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Cue 2 Input (2 channels), balanced, +4 dBu

• Internal Talkback Mic (from internal mic)

• External Talkback Mic, mic level (XMON provides 18V phantom power)

Outputs

• Cue 1 (2 channels), +4 dBu

• Cue 2 (2 channels), +4 dBu

• Headphone (2 channels), to internal headphone jack

• Studio Loudspeaker (2 channels)

• Talkback/Slate Output (1 channel)

Figure 8. Headphone/Cue system block diagram

Main Monitor

Input

Cue 1

Input

(2 channels)

Cue 2

Input

(2 channels)

Internal

Talkback

Input

External

Talkback

Input

Talkback

switch Talkback

Assign

Internal

Talkback

Level

External

Talkback

Level

Talkback/Slate Out

(1 channel)

Cue 1 Out

(2 channels)

Cue 2 Out

(2 channels)

HP Out

(2 channels)

Studio LS

(2 channels)

[from Control Room System]

D-Command Guide20

Chapter 5: Conﬁguring D-Command 21

Chapter 5: Conﬁguring D-Command

Starting Up and Shutting Down the

System

Your D-Command-based system must be started up and shut

down in a specific order.

Start your D-Command-based system in this order:

1 Turn on external hard drives ﬁrst. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for

them to come up to speed.

2 Turn on the D-Command units.

3 If you plan to work with MIDI equipment, turn on MIDI in-

terfaces and other MIDI devices.

4 Turn on all Pro Tools audio interfaces.

5 Turn on the computer.

6 Turn on the XMON interface.

7 Turn on monitor ampliﬁers or self-powered speakers.

Shut down your D-Command-based system in this order:

1 Turn off monitor ampliﬁers or self-powered speakers.

2 Turn off the XMON interface.

3 Turn off all Pro Tools audio interfaces.

4 Shut down the computer.

5 If using MIDI equipment, turn off MIDI interfaces or con-

trollers.

6 Turn off the D-Command units.

7 Turn off external hard drives.

Software Conﬁguration

All D-Command software is included when Pro Tools software

is installed. The Pro Tools software installer places the D-Com-

mand Personality folder on the system drive.

Refer to the Getting Started Guide that came with your system

for instructions on installing or updating Pro Tools software.

Updating System Firmware

Each release of Pro Tools software includes the most current

D-Command firmware. When you declare a D-Command

unit in the Pro Tools Peripherals dialog, Pro Tools compares

the firmware of all connected units to the version available in

Pro Tools software, and prompts you if an update is available.

If you are prompted to update firmware, follow the on-screen

instructions to load the latest firmware to each D-Command

unit.

Declaring D-Command Units in Pro Tools

Communication between D-Command and Pro Tools is con-

figured from Pro Tools.

To declare D-Command units in Pro Tools:

1 Choose Setups > Peripherals, and click Ethernet Controllers.

2 Select Enable. Pro Tools scans the Ethernet connection for

any Ethernet controllers connected to the system.

Ethernet Controllers display in the Peripherals dialog

D-Command Guide22

3 Select the units in the order you want them arranged left to

right.

As each unit is selected, Pro Tools scans it and brings it online.

The current status of each unit is indicated in the Peripherals

dialog in the following ways:

• Bold indicates a connected unit.

• Italics indicate an ofﬂine or disconnected unit.

• Underlining indicates that the selected unit is in use by

another Pro Tools system.

4 After declaring one or both units, click OK to close the Pe-

ripherals window.

When communication is established, Pro Tools displays col-

ored outlines identifying each bank of Pro Tools tracks.

The colors in each unit row are used to identify controller fo-

cus on-screen in Pro Tools. The bank, track, insert, send, or

other element currently the focus of D-Command is outlined

in the color associated with each unit.

Naming D-Command Units in Pro Tools

You can set the names for D-Command units from Pro Tools.

To name D-Command units in Pro Tools:

1 Choose Setup > Peripherals, and click Ethernet Controllers.

2 Click Name Units.

3 Enter the names for the units and click OK.

You can also set the names for D-Command Main Units and

Fader Modules directly from the units themselves, by using

Utility mode. For details on naming D-Command units in

Utility mode, see “D-Command Name Page” on page 102.

Setting D-Command Preferences

This section describes the settings and preferences for D-Com-

mand that are set directly from the control surface. For details

on preferences that are set from Pro Tools, refer to the

Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Fader and Switch Preferences

The following settings and preferences affect operation of the

faders and switches on D-Command.

Bank Justiﬁcation

The Bank Justification preference determines whether banks

of channels in Normal mode are left-, center-, or right-justi-

fied on the control surface.

To set bank justiﬁcation:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “BnkJus” to choose

between the “Left,” “CentrL,” “CentrR,” and “Right” settings.

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch twice to

exit.

Custom Fader Justiﬁcation

The Custom Fader Justification preference determines

whether channels in Custom Fader mode are left-, center-, or

right-justified on the control surface.

To set Custom Fader justiﬁcation:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “CF Jus” to choose be-

tween the “Left,” “CentrL,” “CentrR,” and “Right” settings.

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch twice to

exit.

It is not necessary to declare units in the same sequence

as they are physically arranged.

Naming D-Command units

Chapter 5: Conﬁguring D-Command 23

Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size

The Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size preference determines

the number of channels to be used when displaying channels

in the Custom Fader modes. Options are 4 and 8 faders for a

Main Unit, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 faders for an expanded system.

To set the maximum Custom Fader bank size:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Do one of the following:

• To increment the maximum number of channel strips

used by the Custom Fader modes, press the Soft Key that

corresponds to “Max CF.”

• To decrement the maximum number of channel strips

used by the Custom Fader modes, hold Shift and press

the Soft Key that corresponds to “Max CF.”

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch twice to

exit.

Select Switch Latch Mode

The Select Switch Latch mode determines whether channel

Select buttons follow latching or non-latching (exclusive-or)

behavior when in Select mode.

To set the Select switch mode:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Select” to toggle the

setting between the “Latch” and “ExclOr” (non-latching) set-

tings.

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch twice to

exit.

Faders On/Off

The Faders On/Off preference lets you temporarily turn off

D-Command faders to prevent fader movement when moni-

toring a mix.

To toggle D-Command faders on and off:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section twice.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Faders” to toggle all

faders on and off.

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Encoder Preferences

The following preferences affect operation of the rotary en-

coders on D-Command.

Rotary Encoder Mode

The Rotary Encoder mode affects responsiveness of rotary en-

coder knobs. Fixed mode is at normal resolution. The velocity

modes set different rates of encoder acceleration. In Fine

mode, response is fixed and at fine resolution.

To set the Rotary Encoder mode:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Press the upper Soft Key that corresponds to “Rotary” to step

through the “Fixed,” “Vel-Sl” (velocity-sensitive, slow),

“Vel-Md” (velocity-sensitive, medium), “Vel-Fa” (velocity-sen-

sitive, Fast), and “Fine” settings.

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch twice to

exit.

Encoder Order

The Encoder Order preference determines whether inserts,

sends, and pan controls will be displayed in order from

top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top on D-Command rotary en-

coders.

To set the Encoder Order preference:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section twice.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Encod” to toggle the

setting between “Bot-Tp” (bottom-to-top ordering) and

“Tp-Bot” (top-to-bottom ordering).

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

D-Command Guide24

Display Preferences

The following preferences affect the interaction of D-Com-

mand with on-screen display of elements in Pro Tools.

Target Track from Application

The Target Track from Application preference determines

whether selecting an Insert or Send on-screen makes its track

the focused track on the D-Command Main Unit. For details

on focusing a track on D-Command, see “Focusing a Track”

on page 91.

To set the Target Track from Application preference:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section twice.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “ApTrgt” to toggle the

setting between “Yes” and “No.”

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Channel Window Display

The Channel Window display preference determines whether

displaying plug-in or send pan parameters (by pressing an en-

coder Select switch) on D-Command opens the corresponding

plug-in or send window on-screen in Pro Tools.

This preference also determines whether the Channel Select

switches in the Dynamics or EQ sections change the channel

display of multi-mono plug-ins.

◆When this preference is set to “Yes,” the on-screen display

of plug-in and send windows changes to reﬂect the state of the

control surface.

◆When this preference is set to “No,” the on-screen display of

plug-in and send windows does not change to reﬂect the state

of the control surface.

To set the Channel Window display preference:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “ChanWn” to toggle

this setting between “Yes” and “No.”

3 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Key switch twice to

exit.

Meter Preferences

The following preferences affect operation of the meters on

D-Command.

Send Meters On/Off

The Send Meters On/Off preference toggles send metering on

and off. Send levels are displayed on the LED rings surround-

ing the D-Command rotary encoders. This metering follows

Send pre- or post-metering settings in Pro Tools.

To toggle send meters on and off:

1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “SndMtr” to toggle

the setting On and Off.

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Insert Meter On/Off

The Insert Meters On/Off preference toggles insert metering

on and off. This preference applies when inserts are displayed

on the LED rings surrounding the D-Command rotary encod-

ers.

To toggle insert meters on and off:

1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “InsMtr” to toggle the

setting On and Off.

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Chapter 5: Conﬁguring D-Command 25

Meters Pre/Post Fader

The Meters Pre/Post Fader preference toggles channel meter-

ing between pre- and post-fader modes.

To toggle channel meters between pre- and post-fader metering:

1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Meters” to toggle the

setting between “PreFad” (pre-fader metering) and “PostFd”

(post-fader metering).

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

Center Meters Track/Output

The Center Meters Track/Output preference toggles the

8-channel meter display on the Main Unit meter bridge be-

tween main output levels and the focused track.

When set to meter the focused track, you can view levels for

multichannel tracks up to 6 channels (5.1 surround).

To toggle the center meters between output and track metering:

1 Press the Meters switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys sec-

tion.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “CtrMtr” to toggle the

setting between “Output” and “Track.”

3 Press the Meters Console Prefs Soft Key switch to exit.

System Calibration

Recalibrating D-Command Faders

If a fader on a D-Command Unit shows response problems,

you can recalibrate the faders with the Recal command in

Utility mode. See “Recal” on page 105 for details.

Calibrating the Output Meters

You can calibrate the output meters on the Main Unit meter

bridge from XMON, in order to match metering levels in

Pro Tools with metering levels of external sources. The exam-

ple below uses a Digidesign 192 I/O as the reference source.

To calibrate the D-Command output meters:

1 Set the reference level of your 192 I/O according to the in-

structions in the 192 I/O Guide.

2 With the 192 I/O analog output connected to the XMON

Main Input, send a calibration tone to the D-Command Main

Outputs, and note the output level on the D-Command

meters.

3 Disconnect the 192 I/O analog output from the XMON

Main Input and connect it to the XMON Alt Input.

4 Activate the Alt Output.

5 Adjust the trim pots on the back panel of the XMON until

the output level for each channel on the D-Command

matches the level displayed for the Main Output.

6 When you are ﬁnished, reconnect the 192 I/O analog out-

put to the XMON Main Input.

Calibrating SPL Indication on the Monitor Section

The D-Command Monitor section lets you display output

level in dB or dB SPL. You can calibrate the SPL display to re-

flect the sound pressure level at the mix position. See “Cali-

bration Mode Switch” on page 85.

D-Command Guide26

Part III: Reference

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 29

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls

Channel Strips

The D-Command Main Unit has 8 channel strips, and the

D-Command Fader Module has 16 channel strips. Each chan-

nel strip (Figure 1) has identical controls, including two

touch-sensitive rotary encoders, display and mode controls,

and a touch-sensitive fader.

Rotary Encoder Section

Each channel strip has two touch-sensitive rotary encoders

with LED ring, alphanumeric display, mode switches, and sta-

tus indicators. Rotary encoders control channel input, send,

pan, and mic pre parameters.

Encoder Knob

The encoder knobs on D-Command channel strips are

touch-sensitive. When you touch the encoder, the encoder

display switches from the parameter name to the parameter

value. Touch display of parameter values can be turned off.

When you are automating a parameter on an encoder, touch-

ing the encoder knob starts writing automation.

When assigning a channel input or output, or an insert or

send, the encoder knob is used to scroll through available in-

puts, outputs, inserts, or sends.

Encoder LED Ring

Each encoder has a ring of 15 LEDs. Discrete or stepped infor-

mation is shown by single LEDs, and continuously variable in-

formation is shown by an expanding series of LEDs.

In Normal mode, encoder LED rings can show send level, pan

position, plug-in parameter values, and mic pre settings. In

Flip mode, they show track level.

Figure 1. D-Command Channel Strip

Record

Sel

Solo

Mute

Auto Trim

KICK

Auto

Inpt

+12

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

GRP

auto

B M P Select

B M P

Select

Page Dn Page Up

Pan

Sends

Inserts

SEND F

SEND E

Mute PreFlipClip

Byp Mute

Channel Strip

Channel Fader

Mode controls

Function controls

Automation Mode

and

Channel Status

indicators

Rotary Encoders

Channel Strip Rotary Encoder

auto

B M P

Select

Mute PreFlipClip

Encoder

LED ring

Encoder knob

Encoder display

Mute/Pre indicators

Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch

Encoder

Automation Mode

indicator

Clip/Flip indicators

Select switch

D-Command Guide30

Encoder Automation Mode Indicator

Below each encoder knob is an LED marked “auto,” which

lights when the corresponding parameter is enabled for auto-

mation. The indicator lights green for Read mode, yellow

when armed for automation in any of the Write modes, and

red when writing automation in any of the Write modes.

Encoder Display

Each encoder has a six-character display that shows parameter

names. When the corresponding encoder knob is touched or

moved, the display shows parameter values.

Encoder displays use color inversion to indicate the following:

• Green: Default color for input, insert, send, pan, and mic

pre parameter names and values

• Inverted green: Inactive input, inactive output, inactive

plug-in or inactive send names

Clip and Flip Indicators

When viewing inserts on an encoder, these LEDs light to indi-

cate the send or insert has clipped (red LED) or has been

flipped to the fader (yellow LED).

Mute and Pre Indicators

When viewing sends on an encoder, these LEDs light to indi-

cate that the send is muted (red LED) or set to pre-fader oper-

ation (green LED).

Encoder Select Switch

Each encoder has a Select switch that is used to assign an in-

sert or send to that encoder, or to display send parameters for

editing.

Inserts

When assigning an insert, the encoder Select switch is used to

confirm the selection of the following elements on each level:

• Insert type (TDM plug-in, RTAS plug-in, Multi-Mono

TDM plug-in, Multi-Mono RTAS plug-in, or Hardware

Insert)

• Plug-in subfolder (such as EQ, Dynamics, Pitch Shift,

Reverb, or Delay)

• Individual insert or plug-in

Sends

When assigning a send, the encoder Select switch is used to

confirm the selection of the following:

• Send type (interface or bus)

• Send assignment

When viewing a send, the encoder adjusts level. In Send Pan

mode, the fader adjusts level and the encoder adjusts Pan.

Bypass/Mute/Pre Switch

Each encoder has a Bypass/Mute/Pre (B/M/P) switch whose

function depends on what is currently displayed on the en-

coder. With Sends, the function of the B/M/P switch also de-

pends on the current Switch Mode setting.

See “Switch Mode Switch” on page 37 for more information

on changing the Switch mode and viewing the current func-

tion of the B/M/P switch.

Inserts

When a plug-in name is displayed on an encoder (in the top

level Inserts display), the B/M/P switch bypasses the corre-

sponding plug-in. The B/M/P switch lights when the plug-in is

bypassed.

Sends

When a send name is displayed on an encoder, the B/M/P

switch does one of the following:

• If the Switch Mode is set to Mute, the B/M/P switch

mutes the corresponding send. The red Mute LED lights

to indicate that the send is muted.

• If the Switch Mode is set to Pre, the B/M/P switch toggles

the corresponding send between pre- and post-fader op-

eration. The green Pre LED lights to indicate that the

send is set for pre-fader operation.

Mic Pre

In Mic Pre mode, mic pre parameters are displayed on a chan-

nel strip’s encoders. In addition, the B/M/P switches do the

following:

• Top encoder, page 1: toggles phantom power on and off

• Bottom encoder page 1: toggles mic pre Pad on and off

• Top encoder, page 2: toggles mic pre HPF on and off

• Bottom encoder page 2: toggles mic pre Polarity

• Top encoder, page 3: toggles phantom power on and off

• Bottom encoder, page 3: toggles mic pre Insert on and off

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 31

Channel Strip Mode Controls

Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Mode controls

for displaying and editing pan, plug-in, mic pre, insert, or

send parameters on the encoder section of the D-Command

channel strip.

Page Up and Page Down Switches

Control parameters are arranged on channel strip rotary en-

coders in pages, or groups of up to two parameters at a time.

The Page Up and Page Down switches light to indicate the

presence of additional pages of pan, plug-in, or mic pre pa-

rameters in the corresponding direction on each channel

strip. If no additional pages are available, neither switch is lit.

To move the page display of parameters on the encoders up or

down:

■Press a lit Page Up or Page Down switch.

Inserts Switch

When you press the Inserts switch, you enter Inserts mode,

and the plug-in names for the first two plug-ins on that chan-

nel strip are displayed on the encoder displays. If there are ad-

ditional plug-ins on the channel, the channel’s Page Up

switch lights.

To open a plug-in window from any channel on D-Command:

■Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the Select

switch for the plug-in.

To close the plug-in window:

■Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the Select

switch again.

The Inserts switch flashes when a plug-in on that channel has

clipped. To clear a clip, press the Clear Clip switch in the Ses-

sion Management section. See “Clear Clip Switch and Plug-in

Clip Indicator” on page 70 for more information.

Pan Switch

When you press the Pan switch, you enter Pan mode, and the

pan controls for the channel strip are displayed on the en-

coder displays. If there are additional pages of pan controls for

a multichannel track, its Page Up switch lights.

Mic Pre Mode

When you press a channel strip’s Inserts switch and Pan

switch simultaneously, you enter Mic Pre mode. In Mic Pre

mode, the controls for an available remote-controlled micro-

phone preamplifier (such as the Digidesign PRE) are displayed

on the channel strip’s rotary encoders for editing. The Page Up

switch lights to indicate more available parameter pages.

Microphone preamplifiers are declared in the Pro Tools pe-

ripherals dialog, and assigned to channels in the Pro Tools I/O

Setup dialog.

Bypass/Mute Switch

The function of the Bypass/Mute switch depends on what is

currently displayed on the channel strip’s encoders.

Inserts

◆In the top level Inserts view (when plug-in names are dis-

played on a channel strip’s encoders), the Bypass/Mute switch

bypasses all plug-ins on that channel.

Sends

◆In the top level Sends view (when send names are displayed

on a channel strip’s encoders), the Bypass/Mute switch mutes

all sends on that channel.

Sends Switch

When you press the Sends switch, you enter Sends mode, and

the send names for the first two sends on that channel strip

are displayed on the encoder displays. If there are additional

sends on the channel, the channel’s Page Up switch lights.

The 10 available sends are displayed in five pairs (A–B, C–D,

E–F, G–H, I–J).

Send Pan Mode

Send Pan mode allows you to adjust send panning and level at

the same time. Send Level is controlled by the channel fader

and Send Pan is controlled by the encoder.

Channel Strip Mode controls

Page Dn Page Up

Pan

Sends

Inserts

Byp Mute

Page Up switch

Inserts switch Pan switch

Bypass/Mute

switch Sends switch

Page Down switch

D-Command Guide32

To enter Send Pan mode:

1 Press the Sends switch to display sends on the channel’s en-

coders.

2 Press the encoder Select switch that corresponds to the send

you want to display.

To return to the top level display of sends on the channel strip:

■Press the Sends switch again.

MIDI Controls on Instrument Tracks

The Instruments View in Pro Tools contains MIDI controls

that can be displayed on the encoders of D-Command chan-

nel strips.

To display MIDI controls:

■Hold the Inserts switch and press the Sends switch in the

Channel Strip Mode controls section of the channel strip.

The MIDI controls appear on the channel encoders as follows:

• Encoder #2 knob: MIDI Volume

• Encoder #2 B/M/P switch: MIDI Mute

• Encoder #2 LED ring: MIDI Velocity Meter

• Encoder #1 knob: MIDI Pan

To exit display of MIDI controls:

■Press another switch in the Channel Strip Mode section.

Instrument Tracks and Flip Mode

When MIDI controls for Instrument tracks are displayed on

the encoders, they can be transferred (or “flipped”) to the

channel faders, allowing control of MIDI Volume or MIDI Pan

from the channel faders.

To transfer controls from the rotary encoders to the channel

faders:

■Press the Flip switch that corresponds to the row of encod-

ers you want to transfer.

In Flip mode, Instrument track controls are transferred as fol-

lows:

• The fader on each channel controls the parameter (MIDI

Volume or MIDI Pan) that was assigned to the encoder, and

the encoder controls track Volume.

• The channel Mute switch controls the MIDI Mute function,

and the B/M/P switch on the encoder controls channel

mute.

To exit Flip mode:

■Press a lighted Flip switch.

Channel Strip Function Controls

Each channel strip has a set of Channel Strip Function con-

trols for controlling channel selection and focus, mute, solo,

and record enable status, input monitor mode, and automa-

tion mode.

Input Monitor Mode Switch

The Input Monitor Mode switch toggles the input monitoring

mode for that channel between Auto Input and Input Only

mode. The switch lights when the channel is in Input Only

mode.

Record Enable Switch

The Record Enable switch toggles record enable status for the

channel. When the channel is record-enabled and the

Pro Tools transport is stopped, the switch flashes. During re-

cording, the switch lights continuously.

Record Safe Mode To record safe a track from D-Command,

hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

track’s Record Enable switch.

Channel Select Switch

The function of the Channel Select switch depends on the Se-

lect/Focus Mode setting. See “Select/Focus Mode Switch and

Indicators” on page 37 for more information on changing the

Select/Focus mode.

Channel Strip Function controls

Record

Sel

Solo

Mute

Auto Trim

Auto

Inpt

Input Monitor Mode

switch

Channel Select

switch

Solo switch

Mute switch

Channel display

Automation Mode

switch

Record Enable

Automation Trim

switch

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 33

Select Mode If the Select/Focus Mode is set to Select, the

Channel Select switch selects the channel in Pro Tools. The

switch lights when the channel is selected. In this mode, the

Channel Select switch can be set to follow latching or exclu-

sive-or (non-latching) behavior.

Focus Mode If the Select/Focus Mode is set to Focus, the Chan-

nel Select switch brings that channel’s Dynamics and EQ con-

trols into the Dynamics and EQ sections of the Main Unit for

editing. In this mode, because only one track can be focused at

a time, the Select switch follows exclusive-or (non-latching)

behavior only.

In Focus mode, if the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Oper-

ations preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switch also

places a duplicate of the focused channel in the channel strip

to the immediate left of the Global Controls section.

Solo Switch

The Solo switch toggles solo status for the channel. When a

channel is soloed, the Solo switch lights, and the Mute

switches on other channels in the session flash. The Solo

switch function follows the Pro Tools Operation preference

for latched operation.

Solo Safe Mode To solo safe a track from D-Command, hold

Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the track’s

Solo switch.

Mute Switch

The Mute switch toggles mute status for the channel. When a

channel is muted, the Mute switch lights continuously.

Channel Display

Each channel display shows the channel information in the

following display modes. In each mode, when the channel

fader is touched, the display shows the channel volume in dB.

Track Name Mode Shows the track name only.

Group/Name Mode Shows the group membership of the track

(by group letter) and an abbreviated track name.

Track Position Number/Name Mode Shows the track position

number and an abbreviated track name.

Headroom Mode Shows the abbreviation “HR” followed by the

remaining headroom in dB.

Level Mode Shows the track volume level in dB only.

Channel displays use colors and backlighting to indicate the

following:

• Green: Channel names and values

• Inverted green: Inactive channel

Automation Mode Switch

The Automation Mode switch cycles the channel through the

Pro Tools automation modes (Write, Touch, Latch, Read and

Off). The active mode is shown by the Automation Mode LED

indicators to the left of each channel’s fader. When in Off

mode, none of the indicators is lit.

The Automation Mode switch lets you cycle the channel

through Touch, Latch, and Read modes during playback, but

it prevents you from entering Write of Off mode during play-

back. To directly enter Write or Off mode during playback, use

the Automation Mode controls in the lower left of the Main

Unit. (See “Automation Mode Controls” on page 40.)

Automation Trim Switch

The Automation Trim switch toggles the channel into the cor-

responding Trim mode for Write, Latch, Touch, and Read

modes. Active Trim mode is shown by the yellow Trim mode

LED indicator to the left of each channel’s fader. The Automa-

tion Trim switch has no effect while the channel is in Off

mode.

Fader Section

Channel Strip Fader section

GRP

+12

-10

-15

-20

-30

-90

-40

-60

-5

Automation Mode

indicators

Group Status

indicator

Custom Fader Mode

indicator

AutoMatch

indicators

Channel

Fader

D-Command Guide34

Fader

The touch-sensitive faders on D-Command channel strips

control channel volume in Normal mode, and a wide range of

parameters in Flip mode or the Custom Fader modes. When

you touch a fader, its channel strip display changes from track

name to track volume level (in Normal mode), or from param-

eter name to parameter value (in Flip modes or Custom Fader

modes). When you are automating a parameter on a fader,

touching the fader starts writing automation.

Automation Mode Indicators

The Automation Mode indicators, located to the left of each

channel’s fader, indicate the active automation mode.

WR (Write), TC (Touch) and LT (Latch) are red LEDs; TM

(Trim) is a yellow LED; and RD (Read) is a green LED.

When in Write, Touch or Latch modes, the corresponding in-

dicator flashes until automation writing begins. When auto-

mation writing begins, the indictor lights solid.

If automation is turned off for the channel (Off), none of the

indicators is lit.

Group Status Indicator

The Group Status indicator (a green LED marked GRP), located

to the left of each channel’s fader, lights to indicate that the

channel is a member of an active Mix or Edit group in

Pro Tools.

If the channel is a member of an inactive group, or if groups

are suspended, this indicator is off.

Custom Fader Mode Indicator

The Custom Fader Mode indicator (a blue LED marked CF), lo-

cated to the left of each channel’s fader, lights to indicate that

the channel is currently in Custom Fader Mode.

AutoMatch Indicators

The AutoMatch indicators (green arrow-shaped LEDs), located

to the left of each channel’s fader, light to indicate the direc-

tion you need to move the fader in order to match the auto-

mation level previously written for that track. This is espe-

cially useful when editing fader automation.

Modiﬁer Key Switches

Each D-Command Main Unit and Fader Module has a set of

four switches in its lower left corner that duplicate the func-

tion of the Pro Tools computer keyboard modifiers.

Shift Switch (Windows and Mac)

The Shift switch duplicates the function of the Shift key on

your computer keyboard.

Control Switch (Windows and Mac)

The Control switch duplicates the function of the Control key

on your computer keyboard.

Win Switch (Windows) or Option Switch (Mac)

The Win/Option switch duplicates the function of the Win-

dows key (also called the Start key) or the Option key (Mac) on

your computer keyboard.

Alt Switch (Windows) or Command Switch (Mac)

The Alt/Command switch duplicates the function of the Alt

key (Windows) or the Command key (Mac) on your computer

keyboard.

Modiﬁer Keys (Fader Module)

The order of the modifier keys on the D-Command

reflects the order of the corresponding keys on a

Windows or Mac keyboard, from left to right.

-90

Shift Control Start/Win (Windows)

Option (Mac) Alt (Windows)

 (Command) (Mac)

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 35

Global Controls Section

The Global Controls section (Figure 2) is a set of channel-re-

lated controls in the center of the D-Command Main Unit.

Flip Switches

The two yellow Flip switches in the Global Controls section

correspond to the two rotary encoders on the D-Command

channel strips.

Flip Mode

The Flip switches invoke Flip mode, which transfers controls

from the corresponding rotary encoder to the fader on each

channel strip, allowing convenient editing and automation of

send, pan, plug-in, and mic pre parameters directly from the

channel faders.

In Flip mode, the rotary encoder control swaps with the chan-

nel fader; the encoder Select switch swaps with the channel

Select switch; the encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switch swaps with

the channel Mute switch; and the encoder display swaps with

the channel display.

In Flip mode, the Flip switch lights for the affected row of en-

coders, and the yellow Flip LED below each affected encoder is

lit.

To transfer controls from a row of rotary encoders to the channel

faders:

■Press the Flip switch that corresponds to the encoder row.

To exit Flip mode:

■Press a lighted Flip switch.

Automation Write Controls

The Automation Write controls invoke the manual “Write to

Start/End/All” commands, the automatic “Write to

Start/End/All on Stop” automation commands, and the

“Write to Current Parameter” and “Write to All Enabled Pa-

rameters” snapshot automation commands in Pro Tools.

Figure 2. Global Controls section

Escape

Mode

Disp

Mode

Susp Grp

Do to Sel Do to All

Default

Auto

Susp

FocSel

Solo

Clear

MapGroups

Lock

Type

WindowPlug-In

Focus Channel

Bank / Cycle

Latch Off

Touch

Write Trim

Read

Talkback

Dbl

Press

Latch

Flip

Start

Current

All

Enab

All

End

Auto Write

Auto Mode

Flip

Mode

Info Show

Val

Mute Pre

Plug-in

Vol

Pan

Mute

Send Lvl

Send

Pan

Send

Mute

Auto Enable

Custom Faders

Global Modifier

Custom Fader

controls

Talkback switch

Automation Mode

controls

Switch Information

controls

Automation Enable

controls

Automation Write

controls

Flip

switches

controls

When D-Command is in Flip mode and you enter Make

Inactive mode or Assign mode, it is temporarily taken out

of Flip mode, but the Flip switch remains lit. When you

exit Make Inactive mode or Assign mode, controls return

to their flipped positions.

Automation Write controls

Start

Current

All

Enab

All

End

Auto

Write

Automation

Write to Start

Write to Current

Parameter

Automation

Write to All

Automation

Write to End Write to All Enabled

Parameters

switch

D-Command Guide36

Start Switch

The Start switch writes the current automation value of all

write-enabled parameters to the start of a selection or track

when performing an automation pass.

To manually Write to Start:

■Press the Start switch during playback.

To enable automatic Write to Start on Stop:

■Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and

press the Start switch.

To disable automatic Write to Start on Stop:

■Press the ﬂashing Start switch.

All Switch

The All switch writes the current automation value of all

write-enabled parameters to an entire selection or track when

performing an automation pass.

To manually Write to All:

■Press the All switch during playback.

To enable automatic Write to All on Stop:

■Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and

press the All switch.

To disable automatic Write to All on Stop:

■Press the ﬂashing All switch.

End Switch

The End switch writes the current automation value of all

write-enabled parameters to the end of a selection or track

when performing an automation pass.

To manually Write to End:

■Press the End switch during playback.

To enable automatic Write to End on Stop:

■Hold the Start key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and

press the End switch.

To disable automatic Write to End on Stop:

■Press the ﬂashing End switch.

Current Switch

The Current switch writes a snapshot of the current parameter

value to the currently displayed automation parameter.

All Enabled Switch

The All Enabled switch writes a snapshot of all current param-

eter values to all enabled automation parameters.

Automation Enable Controls

The Automation Enable controls are used to enable or sus-

pend writing of each type of automation on all channels.

When writing is enabled for a type of automation, its corre-

sponding switch is lit.

These Automation Enable controls mirror the function of the

corresponding buttons in the Pro Tools Automation Enable

window.

Plug-in Switch

The Plug-in switch enables and suspends writing of automa-

tion for any automation-enabled plug-in parameters on all

tracks in the session.

Volume Switch

The Volume switch enables and suspends writing of channel

volume automation on all tracks in the session.

Pan Switch

The Pan switch enables and suspends writing of channel pan

automation on all tracks in the session.

Mute Switch

The Mute switch enables and suspends writing of channel

mute automation on all tracks in the session.

Send Level Switch

The Send Level switch enables and suspends writing of send

level automation on all tracks in the session.

Send Pan Switch

The Send Pan switch enables and suspends writing of send

pan automation on all tracks in the session.

Automation Enable controls

Plug-in

Vol

Pan

Mute

Send Lvl

Send

Pan

Send

Mute

Auto Enable

Enable Plug-in

Automation

Enable Send Level

Automation

Enable Send Mute

Automation

Enable Volume

Automation

Enable Pan

Automation

Enable Mute

Automation

Enable Send Pan

Automation

switch

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 37

Send Mute Switch

The Send Mute switch enables and suspends writing of send

mute automation on all channels.

Switch Information Controls

The Switch Information controls are used to change the mode

and display of encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switches, and glo-

bally show encoder parameter values.

Switch Mode Switch

The Switch Mode switch toggles the function of encoder By-

pass/Mute/Pre switches between Mute and Pre-Fader func-

tions when displaying sends on the encoders.

• When the Switch Mode is set to Bypass, the encoder B/M/P

switch mutes the corresponding send.

• When the Switch Mode is set to Pre, the encoder B/M/P

switch toggles the corresponding send between pre- or

post-fader operation.

To set the Switch Mode:

■Press the Switch mode switch until the appropriate indica-

tor lights (Mute or Pre).

Switch Info Switch

The Switch Info switch can follow toggling or momentary be-

havior. If pressed briefly, it toggles the encoder display to

show the function assigned to the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on

each rotary encoder. If held, the function is shown until the

switch is released.

Show Values Switch

The Show Values switch can follow toggling or momentary

behavior. If pressed briefly, it toggles the encoder display be-

tween parameter name and parameter value. If held, parame-

ter value is shown until the switch is released.

Global Modiﬁer Controls

The Global Modifier controls are used to change modes for the

channel Select switches, channel displays, clear Solo and Mute

states, and globally suspend automation.

Escape Switch

The Escape switch is used to exit modes and to cancel opera-

tions or on-screen dialogs. When an action has occurred that

can be exited or canceled with the Escape switch, the switch

flashes.

Select/Focus Mode Switch and Indicators

The Select/Focus Mode switch toggles the function of channel

Select switches between Select and Focus mode. In Select

mode, channel Select switches are used to select channels in

Pro Tools. In Focus mode, channel Select switches are used to

focus a channel in the Focus Channel section on the Main

Unit.

The LEDs on either side of this switch indicate the current

mode.

Do To All and Do To Selected Switches

The Do To All and the Do To Selected switches on D-Com-

mand can be used in two different ways: to apply actions to

multiple tracks in a Pro Tools session, and to change the dis-

play mode of multiple channel strips on D-Command.

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches can follow latching

or momentary behavior. If pressed briefly, they latch on and

flash until pressed a second time. If held, they apply to all con-

trols moved until released.

Switch Information controls

The Transport must be stopped to toggle sends between

pre- and post-fader operation.

The operation of the Show Values switch is not affected by

the Touch Display of Parameter Values setting in the Oper-

ations Soft Key Section.

Show Val

Sw Mode

Sw Info

Mute Pre

Show ValuesSwitch Info

Switch Mode switch

switch switch

Pre-Fader Mode

indicator

Mute Mode

indicator

Global Modiﬁer controls

The Do to All and Do to Selected switches can latch on, and

are not cleared by the Escape switch. Use them carefully.

Escape

Mode

Disp

Mode

Susp Grp

Do to Sel Do to All

Default

Auto

Susp

FocSel

Solo

Clear

Escape switch

Select/Focus Mode

Solo Clear switch

Display Mode

Suspend Automation

switch

Switch and indicators

Do to Selected

Set to Default

Do to All switch

Suspend Groups

switch

D-Command Guide38

Applying Actions to Multiple Tracks in Pro Tools

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches are convenient for

performing tasks such as muting, soloing, assigning sends, or

assigning the same plug-in across multiple tracks in a session.

To apply actions to multiple tracks in a Pro Tools Session:

1 Press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch.

2 Press any of the following switches to apply the correspond-

ing action to all tracks or all selected tracks in the current ses-

sion:

• Channel Mute switch

• Channel Solo switch

• Channel Solo Safe: Control (Windows) or Command

(Mac) + Solo switch

• Automation Mode switch

• Automation Trim switch

• Channel Select switch (in Select mode)

• Record Enable switch

• Record Safe: Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) +

Record Enable switch

• Input Monitor Mode switch

3 Depending on the current channel strip display mode, you

can apply the following across all tracks or all selected tracks

in the session:

• Mic Pre Controls: Polarity, Pad, Impedance, Source, Gain

• Send Pre/Post: B/M/P switch in Send Pre/Post mode

• Send Mute: B/M/P switch in Send Mute mode

• Plug-in Bypass: B/M/P switch in Inserts mode

4 You can also carry out any of the following tasks across all

tracks or all selected tracks in the session:

• Assigning Inputs, Outputs, Inserts and Sends

• Activating/deactivating Inputs, Outputs, Inserts, Sends

and Tracks

• Resetting controls with the Set to Default switch

• Changing panner linkage

• Changing panner editor choice

5 When you are ﬁnished, press the ﬂashing Do To All or Do To

Selected switch to exit the corresponding mode.

Changing Parameter Display on D-Command Channel Strips

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches can be used to dis-

play and edit pan, mic pre, insert, or send parameters across

all channels on the D-Command surface.

The Do To All and Do To Selected switches are applied inde-

pendently to channel strips in Normal mode and Custom

Fader mode. This independent operation lets you put banks of

channels in several display modes at once (for example, pan

on channels in Normal mode, and plug-ins on channels in

Custom Fader mode).

To change the display mode of D-Command channel strips:

1 Press the Do To All or the Do To Selected switch.

2 Press any of the following Channel Strip Mode switches on

any individual channel to apply the corresponding action to

all channels or to all selected channels on D-Command:

• Inserts switch

• Pan switch

• Bypass/Mute switch

• Sends switch

• Inserts + Pan switches (Mic Pre mode)

• Inserts + Sends (Instrument mode)

3 When you are ﬁnished, press the ﬂashing Do To All or Do To

Selected switch to exit the corresponding mode.

Display Mode Switch

The Display Mode switch toggles the channel display between

the five display modes: Track Name, Group/ Name, Channel

Number/Name, Headroom Value, and Level modes. See

“Channel Display” on page 33 for more information.

Set To Default Switch

The Set to Default switch lets you reset parameters that are

currently visible on the D-Command surface to their default

values. This switch works in both Normal and Custom Fader

modes.

The Set to Default switch can follow latching or momentary

behavior. If pressed briefly, it latches on and flashes until

pressed a second time. If held, its effect applies until released.

Channel Strip Mode controls

Page Dn Page Up

Pan

Sends

Inserts

Byp Mute

Page Up switch

Inserts switch Pan switch

Bypass/Mute

switch Sends switch

Page Down switch

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 39

While the Set to Default switch is pressed or latched on, the

following parameters can be reset:

To reset a channel’s track volume to 0 dB:

■Press Set to Default + the channel Select switch.

To reset a channel’s pan control to 0 (center)

■Press Set to Default + the pan encoder Select switch.

To reset a send’s level to 0 dB:

■Press Set to Default + the send encoder Select switch. This

sets the send level to 0 dB, regardless of the Send default set-

ting in Pro Tools Operation preferences.

To reset a channel’s mic pre gain to 0 dB:

■Press Set to Default + the mic pre gain encoder Select switch

To set a plug-in’s parameters to their default values:

■Press Set to Default + the Compare switch for the plug-in.

(The Compare switch appears in the D-Command Dynamics

and EQ sections, and in Custom Fader Expanded Plug-in

mode.)

Suspend Groups Switch

The Suspend Groups switch suspends all groups in the session.

The Suspend Groups switch follows latching behavior, and

flashes to indicate groups are suspended. To exit Suspend

Groups mode, press the Suspend Groups switch again.

Automation Suspend Switch

The Automation Suspend switch suspends reading and writ-

ing of all automation on all tracks in the session. All channels

are left in their current automation mode, but automation op-

erations are temporarily suspended.

The Automation Suspend switch flashes while automation is

suspended.

Solo Clear Switch

The Solo Clear switch clears all latched Solo switches in the

session. This switch flashes when any channel is soloed.

Custom Fader Controls

The Custom Fader controls invoke a special set of D-Com-

mand modes, called Custom Fader modes, which let you set

aside and customize channel strips for display and editing of a

variety of functions. The Custom Fader modes are Groups

mode, Tracks mode, and Plug-in mode. See “Custom Fader

Modes” on page 94 for complete information on Custom

Fader modes.

Focus Channel Display

◆When a Custom Fader mode is active, the Focus Channel

display shows the name of the Custom Group, Mix/Edit

Group, or the plug-in displayed on the Custom Fader chan-

nels.

◆When no Custom Fader mode is active, the Focus Channel

display shows the name of the focused channel.

Groups Switch

The Groups switch invokes Groups mode, which lets you se-

lect either Mix/Edit Groups or Custom Groups. Invoking

Mix/Edit Groups let you create, edit, and recall Pro Tools Mix

and Edit groups to the Custom Fader channels.

Invoking Custom Groups lets you create a custom collection

of channels and arrange them in any order in the Custom

Fader channels. Custom Groups are a D-Command feature,

and are not reflected on-screen in Pro Tools.

You can also use the Set to Default switch to remove

plug-in assignments from channels. See “Assign Inserts

Switch” on page 42.

Custom Fader controls

For more information about Custom Groups, see“Custom

Groups Mode” on page 95.

MapGroups

Lock

Tracks

WindowPlug-In

Focus Channel

Bank

Cycle

Custom Faders

Map switch

Lock switch

Window switch

Groups switch

Tracks switch

Plug-in switch

Bank/Cycle switch

Focus Channel

display

D-Command Guide40

To toggle between Custom Groups and Mix/Edit Groups:

■Press the Bank/Cycle switch repeatedly until the appropri-

ate mode is displayed in the Focus Channel display (Custom

or Groups).

Tracks Switch

The Tracks switch invokes Track Type mode, which lets you

bring all Pro Tools tracks of a certain type (Audio tracks, Aux-

iliary Inputs, MIDI tracks, Instrument tracks, or Master Faders)

to the Custom Fader channels.

Plug-in Switch

The Plug-in switch invokes Plug-in mode, which lets you

bring the plug-in controls from the first insert of the currently

focused channel to the Custom Fader channels.

To cycle through the available inserts:

■In Plug-in mode, press the Bank/Cycle switch repeatedly

until the desired insert is brought into the Custom Fader

channels.

Map Switch

The Map switch works with Custom Groups mode, Mix/Edit

Groups mode, and Plug-in mode. While in these modes, the

Map switch lets you further customize the control layout by

mapping individual rotary encoder controls to faders within

the Custom Fader channels.

The Map switch has no effect on other D-Command channels

in Normal mode.

Lock Switch

The Lock switch applies to Custom Fader Plug-in mode only.

This switch locks the plug-in that is currently displayed in the

Focus Channel display, so that it does not change when you

focus a different channel in the duplicate Focus Channel strip.

The Lock switch lights when the plug-in is locked.

◆When Custom Fader Plug-in mode is active, the locked

plug-in appears in the Custom Fader channels, so you can fo-

cus a different channel in the Focus Channel section and keep

the locked plug-in in the Custom Fader channels.

◆When Custom Fader Plug-in mode is not active, the locked

plug-in appears in the Focus Channel display, so you can focus

a different channel on the duplicate Focus Channel Strip and

keep the locked plug-in in the Focus Channel section. (When

you enter Custom Fader Plug-in mode, the locked plug-in will

be displayed on the Custom Fader channels.)

Window Switch

The Window switch opens and closes the plug-in window

on-screen for any plug-in whose name is displayed in the Cus-

tom Faders display.

Bank/Cycle Switch

◆While in Custom Groups or Mix/Edit Groups mode, the

Bank/Cycle switch is used to bank faders within the Custom

Fader channels, if there are more channels than can be dis-

played at one time.

◆While in Custom Fader Plug-in mode, the Bank/Cycle

switch cycles through the plug-ins on the focused channel,

displaying their controls on the Custom Fader channels.

◆When no Custom Fader mode is active, the Bank/Cycle

switch cycles through the plug-ins on the focused channel,

displaying their names in the Custom Faders display.

Automation Mode Controls

The Automation Mode controls are used to display and set au-

tomation modes. These switches light to indicate that at least

one channel is in that automation mode. If multiple channels

are selected and set to different automation modes, all appli-

cable mode switches are lit.

These Automation Mode controls let you change automation

modes during playback, and mirror the function of the

on-screen Automation Mode selector for each track.

To set the automation mode of one or more channels:

1 Hold an Automation Mode switch (Write, Touch, Latch,

Trim, Read, or Off).

2 Press the Select switches on the channels whose automation

mode you want to set.

To set the automation mode of one or more selected channels:

1 Press the Do To Selected switch.

2 Press the Select switches on the channels whose automation

mode you want to set.

3 Press an Automation Mode switch.

4 Press the ﬂashing Do To Selected switch.

To set the automation mode on all channels:

1 Press the Do To All switch.

2 Press an Automation Mode switch.

3 Press the ﬂashing Do To All switch.

Automation Mode controls

Latch Off

Touch

Write Trim

Read

Auto Mode

Automation Trim

Automation Read

Automation Off

Mode switch

switch

Mode switch

Automation Write

Mode switch

Automation Touch

Mode switch

Automation Latch

Mode switch

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 41

Write Switch

The Write switch indicates or sets the automation mode for

the selected tracks to Write mode.

Touch Switch

The Touch switch indicates or sets the automation mode for

the selected tracks to Touch mode.

Latch Switch

The Latch switch indicates or sets the automation mode for

the selected tracks to Latch mode.

Trim Switch

The Trim switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the

selected tracks to Trim mode.

Read Switch

The Read switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the

selected tracks to Read mode.

Off Switch

The Off switch indicates or sets the automation mode for the

selected tracks to Off.

Talkback Switch

The Talkback switch, located at the bottom of the Global Con-

trols section on the Main Unit, provides control of the

D-Command Talkback function.

The Talkback switch can follow momentary or latched behav-

ior. If held, the switch is active only when pressed down.

If rapidly double-pressed, the switch latches on and flashes to

indicate that talkback is active. Press the switch again to turn

off talkback.

Talkback can be activated automatically. See “Auto Talkback

Switch” on page 84 for more information.

Talkback level is set with the Talkback controls in the Monitor

section. See “Talkback/Listen System” on page 84 for more in-

formation.

Miscellaneous Controls

The Miscellaneous Controls section includes Timeline, As-

sign, Make Inactive, and Plug-in Automation controls.

Timeline Controls

Main Counter Switch

The Main Counter switch cycles through the time code dis-

play modes (Bars:Beats, Min.Secs, Time Code, Feet+Frames

and Samples) on the Main Time Scale display.

Link Edit and Timeline Switch

The Link Edit and Timeline switch toggles the Link Edit and

Timeline Selection command on and off. The switch is lit

when the selections are linked.

Edit/Timeline Switch and Indicators

The Edit/Timeline switch toggles the D-Command transport

function between the edit selection and the timeline selec-

tion. The indicators above the switch light to show which is

displayed. If Edit and Timeline Selections are linked, these val-

ues will be the same.

Talkback switch

Latch Off

Touch

Write Trim

Read

Talkback

Dbl

Press

Latch

Auto Mode

Talkback switch

Miscellaneous controls

Timeline controls

Timeline

controls Assign

controls Make Inactive

controls Plug-in Automation

controls

Main Counter

switch

Link Edit and

Timeline switch

Edit/Timeline

Selection

switch and

indicators

D-Command Guide42

Assign Controls

The Assign controls are used to assign inputs, outputs, inserts,

and sends to channels. Each switch puts D-Command into a

temporary Assign mode in which elements are assigned or re-

moved from channels. The switch flashes while Assign mode

is in effect.

You can enter Assign mode while Pro Tools is playing back. To

confirm the assignment of inputs, outputs, and sends, the

transport must be stopped. You can, however, confirm the as-

signment of inserts during playback.

Assign Inputs Switch

The Inputs switch invokes Assign Inputs mode, in which the

bottom row of encoders shows channel inputs.

When assigning an input, the Select switch on the bottom en-

coder is used to navigate down through Input menu levels,

and the encoder knob is used to scroll through available

choices at each level:

• Input type (Interface or Bus)

• Individual inputs

The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder is used to

navigate back up the Input menu levels.

Assign Outputs Switch

The Outputs switch invokes Assign Outputs mode, in which

the bottom row of encoders shows channel outputs.

When assigning an output, the Select switch on the bottom

encoder is used to navigate down through Output menu lev-

els, and the encoder knob is used to scroll through available

choices at each level:

• Output type (Interface or Bus)

• Individual outputs

The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder is used to

navigate back up the Output menu levels.

Assign Sends Switch

The Sends switch invokes Assign Sends mode, in which the

channel encoders shows the sends on a channel.

When assigning a send, the encoder Select switch is used to

navigate down through Send menu levels, and the encoder

knob is used to scroll through available choices at each level:

• Send type (Interface or Bus)

• Individual sends

The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on each encoder is used to navi-

gate back up the Send menu levels.

Assign Inserts Switch

The Inserts switch invokes Assign Inserts mode, in which the

channel encoders show the inserts on a channel. When as-

signing an insert, the encoder Select switch is used to navigate

down through Insert menu levels, and the encoder knob is

used to scroll through available choices. The Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch on the bottom encoder is used to navigate back up the

Insert menu levels.

The order in which plug-ins appear in the Insert menu is de-

termined by the Pro Tools Display preference for plug-in orga-

nization.

If the Organize Plug-in Menus by Category option is selected,

menu levels and choices include:

• Insert type (TDM plug-in, RTAS plug-in, Multi-Mono

TDM plug-in, Multi-Mono RTAS plug-in, or Hardware In-

sert)

• Plug-in category sub-folders (such as EQ, Dynamics,

Pitch Shift, Reverb, and Delay)

• Individual insert or plug-in

If the Organize Plug-in Menus by Category option is not se-

lected, the Plug-in subfolder level is not present.

Assign controls

Assign Inputs

switch

Assign Sends

switch

Assign Outputs

switch

Assign Inserts

switch

Chapter 6: Channel Strip Controls 43

To assign an input, output, send or insert:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

2 On the channel where you want to make the assignment,

turn an encoder knob to select from the ﬁrst level of menu

choices.

3 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂash-

ing Assign switch to conﬁrm the assignment.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the assign-

ment.

To assign multiple inputs, outputs, sends, or inserts:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

2 Turn the encoder knobs and use the encoder Select and By-

pass/Mute/Pre switches to select each assignment.

3 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing Assign switch to conﬁrm all the assign-

ments at once.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel all the assign-

ments.

To remove an input, output, send or insert:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

2 For the assignment you want to remove, press the encoder

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch repeatedly until you reach top level

menu for the assignment.

3 Turn the encoder knob counter-clockwise until no assign-

ment is visible.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂash-

ing Assign switch to conﬁrm the removal.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the removal

and restore the assignment.

MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument Tracks

The Assign Inputs and Assign Outputs switches can be used to

assign the MIDI Inputs and Outputs on Instrument tracks.

To assign a MIDI Input or Output on an Instrument track:

1 Press the Assign Inputs or Assign Outputs switch to enter

the corresponding Assign mode. Encoder row #1 shows MIDI

inputs/outputs.

2 On each channel where you want to make an assignment,

turn the encoder knob in encoder row #1 to select from the

ﬁrst level of MIDI menu choices.

3 Press the encoder’s Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through MIDI menu levels.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂash-

ing Assign switch to conﬁrm the assignments.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the assign-

ments.

Make Inactive Controls

The Make Inactive controls are used to make tracks, inputs,

outputs, sends, or plug-ins inactive. Each switch puts D-Com-

mand into a temporary Make Inactive mode in which ele-

ments are made inactive or reactivated. The switch flashes

while Make Inactive mode is in effect.

Making a Track Inactive

Tracks can be made inactive in any Make Inactive mode.

To toggle a track inactive/active:

1 Press any of the Make Inactive switches.

2 Press channel strip Select buttons to deactivate or reactivate

the corresponding tracks.

3 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode

Assignment controls

Make Inactive Controls

Assign Inputs

switch Assign Outputs

switch

Inputs Inactive

switch

Sends Inactive

switch

Outputs Inactive

switch

Inserts Inactive

switch

D-Command Guide44

Inputs Inactive Switch

The Inputs switch invokes Inputs Inactive mode and displays

channel inputs in the bottom row of encoders. The By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder toggles the in-

put inactive and active.

Outputs Inactive Switch

The Outputs switch invokes Outputs inactive mode and dis-

plays the main channel outputs in the bottom row of encod-

ers. The Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the bottom encoder tog-

gles the output inactive and active.

Sends Inactive Switch

The Sends switch invokes Sends Inactive mode and displays

the channel’s sends on its encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch on each encoder toggles the corresponding send inac-

tive and active.

Inserts Inactive Switch

The Inserts switch invokes Plug-ins Inactive mode and dis-

plays a channel’s inserts on its encoders. The Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch on each encoder toggles the corresponding insert inac-

tive and active.

To toggle an input, output, send, or insert active/inactive:

1 Make sure the channel is showing the top-level view for the

element you want to make active/inactive.

2 Press a Make Inactive switch to enter the appropriate Make

Inactive mode.

3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switches on encoders to deacti-

vate or reactivate their corresponding track elements.

4 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

Plug-in Automation Controls

The Plug-in Automation controls are used to enable parame-

ters for automation and to place them in automation safe

mode.

Enable Parameters Switch

The Enable Parameters switch lets you enable parameters for

automation by touching or pressing their controls.

In Enable Parameters mode, the Enable Parameters switch is

lit. While in this mode, the Auto LED for any rotary encoder

enabled for automation is lit red, and the switch for any pa-

rameter enabled for automation is lit.

To toggle automation on and off for plug-in parameters:

1 Press the Enable Parameter switch.

2 Touch the rotary encoders or press the switches for the con-

trols for which you want to toggle automation on or off.

3 Press the Enable Parameter switch again to exit Enable Pa-

rameters mode.

Automation Safe Switch

The Automation Safe switch invokes a mode in which the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch for each plug-in or send and the chan-

nel Select switch for each track become Safe switches.

Plug-ins and Sends

While in Automation Safe mode, pressing a Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch on a plug-in or send protects any automation on that

plug-in or send from being overwritten. The Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch for any protected plug-in or send is lit, reflecting the

state of the Safe button in the on-screen plug-in or send out-

put window.

Tracks

While in Automation Safe mode, pressing a channel Select

switch protects volume, pan and mute parameters on that

track from being overwritten. The channel Select switch for

any protected track is lit, reflecting the state of the Safe button

in the on-screen track output window.

To toggle automation safe on and off:

1 Press the Automation Safe switch.

2 Press the channel Select switch on the tracks for which you

want to toggle automation safe status. The automation safe

status of the track is reﬂected by the Safe button in the track’s

on-screen output window.

3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for the plug-ins or sends

for which you want to toggle automation safe status.

4 Press the Automation Safe switch again to exit Automation

Safe mode.

Plug-in Automation controls

Enable Parameter

switch Automation Safe

switch

You can also toggle automation for a plug-in parameter by

holding Control+Start+Alt (Windows) or Command+Con-

trol+Option (Mac) and touching the rotary encoder for the

parameter.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 45

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls

Plug-ins and D-Command

D-Command provides dedicated Dynamics and EQ sections

for plug-ins that support dynamics and EQ plug-in mapping.

These sections include encoders and switches that map to

standard controls for each plug-in type.

Plug-ins of all types can be focused across multiple D-Com-

mand channels using Custom Fader Plug-ins mode. See

“Plug-In Mode” on page 97.

Plug-in Channel Formats

D-Command supports mono, stereo, multichannel and

multi-mono plug-in channel formats up to six channels wide.

With D-Command, you can display, edit, and link specific

channels of multi-mono dynamics and EQ plug-ins directly

from the Channel Select switches in the corresponding sec-

tion.

Assigning and Removing Plug-ins

You can make plug-in assignments directly from D-Command

in several ways. In Inserts mode, plug-ins can be added on an

insert-by-insert basis. In Assign Inserts mode you can assign

plug-ins to insert positions on multiple tracks.

To assign a plug-in in Inserts mode:

1 Press the Inserts switch to display inserts on the channel

where you want to assign the plug-in.

2 If the insert location where you want to assign a plug-in is

not showing, press the Page Up or Page Down switches on the

channel where you want to make the assignment until the ap-

propriate location is displayed.

3 Do one of the following:

• If the insert location you want to use is empty, press the

corresponding encoder Select switch.

• If a plug-in is already present in the insert location you

want to use, press and hold the corresponding encoder

Select switch.

4 Turn the encoder knob that corresponds to the insert posi-

tion that you want to edit to select from the ﬁrst level of menu

choices.

5 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

6 When the plug-in you want to assign is displayed, press the

encoder Select switch to conﬁrm your selection.

To assign plug-ins to multiple tracks:

1 Press the Assign Inserts switch to enter Inserts Assign mode.

The ﬁrst two send or insert positions will show on the encoder

displays by default.

2 To display and edit other insert positions, press the Page Up

or Page Down switches on the channel where you want to

make the assignment.

3 At the insert position where you want to make the assign-

ment, turn the encoder knob to select from the ﬁrst level of

menu choices.

4 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

5 When the plug-in you want to assign is displayed, press the

encoder Select switch to conﬁrm your selection.

6 Repeat steps 2–5 to make additional insert assignments.

7 Press the ﬂashing Assign switch to conﬁrm the assignments

and exit Inserts Assign mode.

To remove a plug-in:

1 Press the Set to Default switch.

2 Press the encoder Select switch for each plug-in you want to

remove.

3 Press the ﬂashing Set to Default switch to exit Set to Default

mode.

D-Command Guide46

Focusing Plug-ins on D-Command

A plug-in is focused when its controls are mapped to the knobs,

switches or faders on D-Command. Its parameters can then be

edited and automated from the control surface. D-Command

lets you focus a plug-in with or without displaying its window

on-screen.

You can focus plug-ins in multiple locations on D-Command:

in the Dynamics section, in the EQ section, and in the Custom

Faders section.

When a plug-in is focused on D-Command and displayed

on-screen in Pro Tools, a colored outline appears in the

plug-in window header.

To focus a plug-in in the Dynamics or EQ section:

1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by

pressing the track’s Select switch. The ﬁrst dynamics and EQ

plug-ins on that track are automatically focused in the corre-

sponding D-Command section.

2 Press the Cycle switch in the Dynamics or EQ section to fo-

cus successive dynamics or EQ plug-ins on that channel. (The

No Insert option is always available.)

To focus a plug-in in the Custom Faders section:

1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by

pressing the track’s Select switch. The name of the ﬁrst plug-in

that is not a dynamics or EQ plug-in appears in the Focus

Channel display.

2 Press the Plug-in switch in the Custom Faders section. The

switch lights to indicate the mode is active. The plug-in name

and channel format appear in the Custom Fader channel dis-

plays, and the plug-in’s parameters appear in the Custom

Fader channel encoders.

3 In the Custom Faders section, press the Bank/Cycle switch

to cycle through the plug-ins on the focused channel. (The No

Insert option is always available.)

The plug-in whose name appears in the Custom Faders display

is focused in Custom Fader mode. See “Plug-In Mode” on

page 97.

Opening Plug-in Windows On-Screen

There are several ways to open plug-in windows on-screen

from D-Command.

To open a plug-in window from any channel on D-Command:

■Hold Start (Windows) or Control (Mac) and press the en-

coder Select switch for the plug-in.

To open a plug-in window on a focused track:

1 Focus a track in the Focus Channel section by pressing its Se-

lect switch.

2 In the Custom Faders section, press the Bank/Cycle switch

to cycle through the plug-ins on the focused track. Plug-in

names are shown in the Custom Faders display.

3 In the Custom Faders section, press the Win switch to open

the plug-in whose name is displayed.

To open a focused dynamics or EQ plug-in window:

■Press the Window switch in the Dynamics or EQ section of

D-Command.

To open or close all focused plug-in windows:

■Press the Plug-in switch in the Window Management sec-

tion.

To close all open plug-in windows:

■Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and press the Plug-in

switch in the Window Management section. This closes all

real-time and AudioSuite plug-in windows.

To set D-Command to automatically open plug-in windows:

1 Press the Operations switch in the D-Command Soft Keys

section twice.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “ChanWn” until its

value is “Yes.”

With this preference set to “Yes,” when you insert a new

plug-in, press an encoder Select switch to edit a plug-in, or cy-

cle through plug-ins on the focused track, the plug-in window

will automatically open on-screen.

When plug-in names are shown on the encoder displays, a

plug-in can be quickly brought into Custom Fader mode by

pressing its associated encoder Select switch.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 47

Managing Multiple Plug-in Windows

D-Command lets you open and swap multiple plug-in win-

dows on-screen. This makes it possible keep multiple plug-in

windows open while focusing on different tracks (for exam-

ple, in a session where several tracks have dynamics and EQ

plug-ins).

Targeting Plug-ins

A plug-in is said to be targeted on-screen when its target icon in

the plug-in window header is lit red. The first plug-in window

to be opened is automatically targeted.

◆When a plug-in window is targeted, it is replaced when you

open any new plug-in window.

◆When a plug-in window is not targeted (when its target icon

is grey) the plug-in window will remain on-screen.

To open multiple plug-in windows:

■Hold Shift while opening each new window. The new

plug-in windows are not targeted.

To swap multiple plug-in windows while changing track focus:

1 Focus a track with multiple plug-ins (for example, dynam-

ics, EQ and pitch shift plug-ins) by pressing the track’s Select

switch.

2 Open multiple plug-in windows on the focused track while

holding the Shift modiﬁer.

3 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while changing focus

to another track with multiple plug-ins by pressing that track’s

Select switch.

Focused plug-ins with open windows swap into new plug-in

windows on-screen, wherever plug-ins are present in the new

track.

Making Plug-ins Inactive or Active

You can toggle the active/inactive status of a plug-in directly

from a channel strip without putting D-Command into Make

Inactive mode.

To toggle a plug-in active/inactive directly from a channel strip:

1 Press the Inserts switch on a channel strip to display the

names of the plug-ins on the channel’s encoders.

2 If the insert location for the plug-in that you want to make

active/inactive is not showing, press the Page Up or Page

Down switches on the channel until the appropriate location

is displayed.

3 Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Control+ Command

(Mac) and press the encoder Select switch for the plug-in.

Copying and Pasting Plug-in Settings

You can copy plug-in settings from a plug-in and paste them

into another copy of the same plug-in directly from a channel

strip on D-Command.

To copy and paste plug-in settings:

1 Press the Inserts switch on a channel strip to display the

names of the plug-ins on that channel’s encoders.

2 If the insert location for the plug-in whose settings you

want to copy is not showing, press the Page Up or Page Down

switches on the channel until the appropriate location is dis-

played.

3 Copy the settings of a plug-in by holding Shift+Control

(Windows) or Shift+Command (Mac) and pressing the Select

switch under the name of the plug-in.

4 Paste the settings into another instance of the same plug-in

by pressing the B/M/P switch under the name of that plug-in.

D-Command Guide48

Enabling Plug-in Automation

When plug-in names are displayed in top-level view on a

D-Command channel strip, you can quickly enable all param-

eters of a plug-in for automation.

You can also use the Do To All or Do To Selected switches on

D-Command to automate multiple plug-ins in the same insert

position in a session.

To toggle automation on and off for a parameter of a plug-in:

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names

appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the name

of the plug-in you want to automate.

3 Press an encoder Select switch to display that plug-in’s pa-

rameters on the Custom Fader encoders.

4 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for the

plug-in parameters you want to enable for automation.

To toggle automation on and off for all parameters of a plug-in:

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names

appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the name

of the plug-in you want to automate.

3 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for the

plug-in whose parameters you want to enable for automation.

To toggle automation on and off for all plug-ins in a given Inser t

position:

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names

appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the insert

position for the plug-ins you want to automate.

3 Press the Do To All switch in the Global controls section.

4 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for any

plug-in at the insert position (Insert 1–5) where you want to

enable plug-in automation.

To toggle automation on and off for plug-ins in a given Inser t

position on all selected tracks:

1 Select the tracks containing the plug-ins you want to enable

for automation.

1 Press the Inserts switch in the Channel Strip Mode controls

of a track to show the top level Inserts display. Plug-in names

appear in the encoder displays of that track.

2 Press the Page Up or Page Down switch to display the insert

position for the plug-ins you want to automate.

3 Press the Do To Selected switch in the Global controls sec-

tion.

4 Hold Control+Alt+Start (Windows) or Command+Op-

tion+Control (Mac) and touch the rotary encoder for any

plug-in at the insert position (Insert 1–5) where you want to

enable plug-in automation.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 49

Dynamics Section

The Dynamics section includes standard controls for compressor, gate, and limiter plug-ins, an array of controls for managing the

display and editing of plug-in parameters, and for selecting or linking channels in multi-mono plug-ins.

Dynamics Plug-in Support

Dynamics processing plug-ins may have widely varying con-

trols, depending on their applications. The D-Command Dy-

namics Section provides dedicated knobs and switches to ac-

commodate a wide range of possible plug-ins. Not all plug-ins

will require all the Dynamics controls, while others may have

more parameters than can be displayed in the Dynamics sec-

tion at one time. To display all controls in any plug-in, use

Custom Fader Plug-ins mode. (See “Plug-In Mode” on

page 97.)

Displaying Dynamics Plug-ins

The D-Command Dynamics section automatically focuses the

first dynamics plug-in on the channel displayed in the Focus

Channel section on the Main Unit.

To display successive dynamics plug-ins that are on the fo-

cused channel, press the Cycle switch in the Dynamics sec-

tion.

D-Command Dynamics section

Knee/Hysteresis/Q

Attack/Q

Gain/Hold/Input Level

Ratio/Range/Frequency

Release/Frequency

Threshold/Output Level

Gain Reduction

meter

Channel Select

switches

Dynamics Edit/Display/Page controls

control

Output

meter

Clip

indicator

D-Command Guide50

Knee/Hysteresis/Q and

Ratio/Range/Frequency Controls

Knee/Hysteresis/Q Control

The top encoder in this section controls the knee shape, the

hysteresis value, or the Q value for the current plug-in page,

depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto indicator under

the encoder knob lights when the displayed parameter is en-

abled for automation.

Ratio/Range/Frequency Control

The bottom encoder in this section controls the compression

ratio, the range value, or the filter frequency for the current

plug-in page, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto

indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed

parameter is enabled for automation.

Attack/Q and Release/Frequency Controls

Attack/Q Control

The top encoder in this section controls the attack value, or

the Q value for the current plug-in, depending on which indi-

cator is lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights

when the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Release/Frequency Control

The bottom encoder in this section controls the release value

for the current plug-in, or the filter frequency for the current

plug-in page, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto

indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed

parameter is enabled for automation.

Knee/Hysteresis/Q and Ratio/Range/Frequency controls in the

Dynamics section

Knee/Hysteresis/Q

control

indicator

Knee

indicator

Ratio/Range/Frequency

control

Ratio

indicator Frequency

indicator

Hysteresis

indicator

Range

indicator

Attack/Q and Release/Frequency controls in the Dynamics section

Attack/Q

control

Release/Frequency

control

Release

indicator Frequency

indicator

Attack

indicator Q

indicator

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 51

Gain/Hold and Threshold Controls Gain/Hold/Input Control

The top encoder in this section controls the gain (make-up

gain), the hold value for the current plug-in page, or the input

gain for the current plug-in, depending on which indicator is

lit. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when

the displayed parameter is enabled for automation.

Threshold/Output Control

The bottom encoder in this section controls the threshold

value for the current plug-in page, or the output gain for the

current plug-in, depending on which indicator is lit. The Auto

indicator under the encoder knob lights when the displayed

parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain/Hold and Threshold controls in the Dynamics section

Gain/Hold

control

Hold

indicator

Gain

indicator

Threshold

control

Input

indicator

Threshold

indicator Output

indicator

D-Command Guide52

Dynamics Channel Select Controls

Dynamics Display

The LED display in the Dynamics section show the name of

the focused plug-in by default. When any rotary encoder is

touched, the display shows the corresponding parameter

value.

Lock Switch

The Lock switch is used to lock the focus of the Dynamics sec-

tion on the current plug-in. When the plug-in focus is locked,

the current plug-in remains in the Dynamics section, even

when a different track is focused on D-Command. This switch

lights when the plug-in focus is locked.

Save and Save As Switches

The Save and Save As switches perform the Save and Save As

commands in the Plug-in settings menu. The Save command

saves current parameter settings to the current plug-in settings

file, and the Save As command saves the parameter settings to

a new plug-in settings file.

To save a Dynamics plug-in setting from D-Command:

1 Press the Save or Save As switch in the Channel Select con-

trols of the Dynamics section. The Save or Save As switch

ﬂashes while the Save Settings dialog is open.

2 Type a name for the plug-in setting.

3 Do one of the following:

• Click OK to save the settings and close the dialog.

• Press the ﬂashing Save or Save As switch to save the set-

tings and close the dialog.

• Press the Escape switch to exit the dialog without saving

the settings.

Channel Select controls in the Dynamics section

Dynamics display

Master Link switch

Bypass indicator

Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch

Channel Select switches

Lock switch

Save and Save As switches

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 53

Channel Select Switches

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all chan-

nels are controlled in tandem and the Channel Select switches

have no effect.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the con-

trols for the channels are usually linked and edited together.

However, you can edit plug-in settings for individual channels

of a multi-mono plug-in by using the Channel Select switches

to unlink all of the channels, or to link specific channels.

There are Channel Select switches for the following channels:

• L (Left)

• C (Center)

• R (Right)

• Ls (Left Surround)

• Rs (Right Surround)

• LFE

A maximum of six channels (5.1 surround) may be in use at

any time.

Master Link Switch

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all chan-

nels are controlled in tandem, and the Master Link switch has

no effect.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the Master

Link switch toggles the Master Link button in the plug-in win-

dow, which links or unlinks all channels of the plug-in. When

the Master Link button is enabled, the Link switch is lit.

Select/Link/Bypass Mode Switch

The Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch determines the function

of the Channel Select switches with multi-mono plug-ins.

Select Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches deter-

mine which channel of a multi-mono plug-in is the focus of

the plug-in controls. When a channel is selected, its switch is

lit. If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked be-

havior.

In Select mode, if the D-Command Channel Window Display

preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also

change the channel display in the plug-in window.

Bypass Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches deter-

mine which channels of a multi-mono plug-in are bypassed.

When a channel is bypassed, its switch is lit. If any channels

are linked, their switches follow linked behavior.

Link Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches deter-

mine which individual channels of a multi-mono plug-in are

linked together. Linked channels are indicated by switches

that are lit.

D-Command Guide54

Dynamics Edit and Display Controls

External Key Switch

The External Key switch turns the Key Input on or off for

plug-ins that support side-chain processing with external in-

put. This switch lights when Key Input is on.

Key Listen Switch

The Listen switch turns the Key Listen function on or off for

plug-ins that support auditioning the Key Input. This switch

lights when Key Listen is on.

Automation Switch

The Automation switch lets you enable Dynamics parameters

for automation by touching or pressing their controls in the

Dynamics section only.

In Automation mode, the Auto switch is lit. While in this

mode, the Auto indicator for any rotary encoder enabled for

automation is lit red, and the switch for any parameter en-

abled for automation is lit.

To toggle automation on and off for individual Dynamics

parameters:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Touch the rotary encoders or press the switches in the Dy-

namics section for which you want to toggle automation.

3 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

To toggle automation on and off for all parameters of a Dynamics

plug-in:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Do one of the following:

• Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac).

– or –

• Hold Do to All.

3 Touch any rotary encoder or press any switches in the Dy-

namics section.

4 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

Automation Safe Switch

The Automation Safe switch toggles the Safe button in the

plug-in window, which protects existing automation for that

plug-in from being overwritten.

Window Switch

The Window switch is used to open and close the on-screen

window for the currently focused plug-in.

Compare Switch

The Compare switch toggles the Compare button in the

plug-in window, which alternates between the currently

saved plug-in setting and any changes you have made.

Edit and Display controls in the Dynamics section

Page switch

External Key switch

Compare switch

Cycle switch

Master Bypass switch

Key Listen

switch Automation switch

Automation Safe switch

Window switch

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 55

Cycle Switch

The Cycle switch steps through all available Dynamics

plug-ins on the focused channel.

Master Bypass Switch

The Master Bypass switch bypasses the plug-in.

Page Switch

With plug-ins that have more than one page of controls, the

Page switch lights. Pressing this switch steps through the

pages for the currently displayed plug-in.

The current function of the rotary encoders in the Dynamics

section is shown by the corresponding indicator LEDs. Active

controls are shown in the on-screen plug-in window by col-

ored outlines.

Dynamics Gain Controls and Meters

Output Meter and Clip Indicator

The Output meter shows the output level for the current

plug-in. The Clip indicator lights when a clip is reported by

the plug-in, and can be cleared by pressing the Clear Clip

switch in the Session Management section.

Gain Reduction Meter

The Gain Reduction meter shows the amount of gain reduc-

tion for Compressor/Limiter functions (using the range

shown on the left) and Expander/Gate functions (using the

range shown on the right).

Level meters in the Dynamics section

Gain Reduction meter

Output meter

Clip Indicator

D-Command Guide56

EQ Section

The EQ section includes standard controls for a variety of multi-band equalization plug-ins, an array of controls for managing the

display and editing of plug-in parameters, and controls for selecting or linking channels in multi-mono plug-ins.

EQ Plug-in Support

EQ processing plug-ins may have widely varying controls, de-

pending on their applications. The D-Command EQ section

uses paging to accommodate the widest range of plug-ins pos-

sible.

Each encoder column controls several frequency bands,

which are chosen by pressing the Page switch. LEDs light to

indicate the frequency band that is currently active for edit-

ing. Notch/Shape switches are located on the Low and High

band to change filter types.

To simultaneously display all controls in any plug-in, use Cus-

tom Fader Plug-ins mode. (See “Plug-In Mode” on page 97.)

Displaying EQ Plug-ins

The D-Command EQ section automatically displays the first

EQ plug-in on the channel that is focused in the Focus Chan-

nel section on the Main Unit.

To display successive EQ plug-ins that are on the focused

channel:

■Press the Cycle switch in the EQ section.

D-Command EQ section

Low Filter/

High-Pass Filter

Channel Select

switches

EQ Edit and Display controls

controls

Low-Mid Filter/

Mid Filter

controls

High-Mid Filter/

Level

controls

High Filter/

Low-Pass Filter

controls

Output

meter

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 57

Low Filter and High-Pass Filter Controls

Q Encoder

The top encoder controls the Q of the selected filter. The Auto

indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter

is enabled for automation.

Notch/Shape Switches and Indicator

The Notch/Shape switch let you switch between the two filter

types when they are available. The indicators on either side of

the switch light to show which type of filter is active.

Frequency Encoder

The middle encoder controls the filter frequency for the cur-

rently selected band. When the filter is a notch filter, the en-

coder controls the center frequency. When the selected filter

is a low-pass filter, the encoder controls the cutoff frequency.

The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the

parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain Encoder

The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The

Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the pa-

rameter is enabled for automation.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the correspond-

ing EQ band in the plug-in.

Low-Mid Filter and Mid Filter Controls

Q Encoder

The top encoder controls the Q of the selected filter. The Auto

indicator under the encoder knob lights when the parameter

is enabled for automation.

Frequency Encoder

The middle encoder controls the center frequency for the cur-

rently selected band. The Auto indicator under the encoder

knob lights when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain Encoders

The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The

Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the pa-

rameter is enabled for automation.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the correspond-

ing EQ band in the plug-in.

Low Filter and High-Pass Filter controls in the EQ section

Q encoder

Notch/Shape switch

Shelf indicator

Filter In switch

Gain

encoder

High-Pass Filter

indicator

Frequency encoder

Low Filter

indicator

Notch indicator

Low-Mid Filter and Mid Filter controls in the EQ section

Q encoder

Filter In switch

Gain

encoder

Mid Filter

indicator

Frequency encoder

Low-Mid Filter

indicator

D-Command Guide58

High-Mid Filter and EQ Level Controls

Q/Input level Encoder

The top encoder controls the Q of the High-Mid filter, or the

Input level. The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights

when the parameter is enabled for automation.

Frequency/Output Level Encoder

The middle encoder controls the center frequency for the cur-

rently selected band, or the Output level. The Auto indicator

under the encoder knob lights when the parameter is enabled

for automation.

Gain Encoder

The bottom encoder controls the gain for the High-Mid band.

The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the

parameter is enabled for automation.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the correspond-

ing EQ band in the plug-in.

High Filter and Low-Pass Filter Controls

Q Encoders

The top encoder controls the Q of the selected band. The Auto

indicator under each encoder knob lights when the parameter

is enabled for automation.

Notch/Shape Switches and Indicator

The Notch/Shape switch let you switch between the two filter

types when they are available. The indicators on either side of

the switch light to show which type of filter is active.

Frequency Encoder

The middle encoder controls the filter frequency for the cur-

rently selected band. When the filter is a notch filter, the en-

coder controls the center frequency. When the selected filter

is a low-pass filter, the encoder controls the cutoff frequency.

The Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the

parameter is enabled for automation.

Gain Encoder

The bottom encoder controls the gain for each band. The

Auto indicator under the encoder knob lights when the pa-

rameter is enabled for automation.

Filter In Switch

The Filter In switch lets you engage or bypass the correspond-

ing EQ band in the plug-in.

High-Mid Filter and EQ level controls in the EQ section

Q/Input level encoder

Filter In switch

Gain

encoder

Level

indicator

Frequency/Output level

High-Mid Filter

indicator

encoder

Low Filter and High Filter controls in the EQ section

Q encoder

Notch/Shape switch

Shelf indicator

Filter In switch

Gain

encoder

Low-Pass Filter

indicator

Frequency encoder

High Filter

indicator

Notch indicator

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 59

EQ Channel Select Controls

EQ Displays

The LED display in the EQ section shows the name of the fo-

cused plug-in by default. When any rotary encoder is touched,

the display shows the corresponding parameter value.

Lock Switch

The Lock switch is used to lock the focus of the EQ section on

the current plug-in. When the plug-in focus is locked, the cur-

rent plug-in remains in the EQ section, even when a different

track is focused on D-Command. This switch lights when the

plug-in focus is locked.

Save and Save As Switches

The Save and Save As switches perform the Save and Save As

commands in the Plug-in settings menu. The Save command

saves current parameter settings to the current plug-in settings

file, and the Save As command saves the parameter settings to

a new plug-in settings file.

To save an EQ plug-in setting from D-Command:

1 Press the Save or Save As switch in the Channel Select con-

trols of the EQ section. The Save or Save As switch ﬂashes

while the Save Settings dialog is open.

2 Type a name for the plug-in setting.

3 Do one of the following:

• Click OK to save the settings and close the dialog.

• Press the ﬂashing Save or Save As switch to save the set-

tings and close the dialog.

• Press the Escape switch to exit the dialog without saving

the settings.

Channel Select Switches

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all chan-

nels are controlled in tandem and the Channel Select switches

have no effect, except with multichannel plug-ins (such as

Focusrite d2) that directly support channel selection.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the con-

trols for the channels are usually linked and edited together.

However, you can edit plug-in settings for individual channels

of a multi-mono plug-in by unlinking all of the channels, or

by using the Channel Select switches to link specific channels.

There are Channel Select switches for the following channels:

• L (Left)

• C (Center)

• R (Right)

• Ls (Left Surround)

• Rs (Right Surround)

• LFE

These choices can be used to support all possible channel con-

figurations in Pro Tools. A maximum of six channels (5.1 sur-

round) may be in use at any time.

Channel Select controls in the EQ section

EQ display

Master Link switch Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch

Channel Select switches

Bypass indicator

Lock switch

Save and Save As switches

D-Command Guide60

Master Link Switch

Multichannel Plug-ins

When you are working with a multichannel plug-in, all chan-

nels are controlled in tandem, so the Master Link switch has

no effect, except with multichannel plug-ins (such as

Focusrite d2) that directly support channel linking.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins

When you are working with a multi-mono plug-in, the Master

Link switch toggles the Master Link button in the plug-in win-

dow, which links or unlinks all channels of the plug-in. When

the Master Link button is enabled, the Link switch is lit.

Select/Link/Bypass Mode Switch

The Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch determines the function

of the Channel Select switches with multi-mono plug-ins.

Select Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches deter-

mine which channel of a multi-mono plug-in is the focus of

the plug-in controls. When a channel is selected, its switch is

lit. If any channels are linked, their switches follow linked be-

havior.

In Select mode, if the D-Command Channel Window Display

preference is set to Yes, the Channel Select switches also

change the channel display in the plug-in window.

Bypass Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches deter-

mine which channels of a multi-mono plug-in are bypassed.

When a channel is bypassed, its switch is lit. If any channels

are linked, their switches follow linked behavior.

Link Mode In this mode, the Channel Select switches deter-

mine which individual channels of a multi-mono plug-in are

linked together. Linked channels are indicated by switches

that are lit.

Chapter 7: Plug-in Controls 61

EQ Edit and Display Controls

Automation Switch

The Automation switch lets you enable EQ parameters for au-

tomation by touching or pressing their controls in the EQ sec-

tion only.

In Automation mode, the Auto switch is lit. While in this

mode, the Auto indicator for any rotary encoder enabled for

automation is lit red, and the switch for any parameter en-

abled for automation is lit.

To toggle automation on and off for individual EQ parameters:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Touch the rotary encoders or press the switches in the EQ

section for which you want to toggle automation.

3 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

To toggle automation on and off for all parameters of an EQ

plug-in:

1 Press the Automation switch.

2 Do one of the following:

• Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac).

– or –

• Hold Do to All.

3 Touch any rotary encoder or press any switches in the EQ

section.

4 Press the Automation switch again to exit Automation

mode.

Automation Safe Switch

The Automation Safe switch toggles the Safe button in the

plug-in window, which protects existing automation for that

plug-in from being overwritten.

Compare Switch

The Compare switch toggles the Compare button in the

plug-in window, which alternates between the currently

saved plug-in setting and any changes you have made.

Window Switch

The Window switch is used to open and close the on-screen

window for the currently focused plug-in.

Output Meter and Clip Indicator

The Output meter shows the output levels for the current

plug-in. The Clip indicator lights when a clip is reported by

the plug-in, and can be cleared by pressing the Clear Clip

switch in the Session Management section.

Cycle Switch

The Cycle switch steps through all available EQ plug-ins on

the focused channel.

Master Bypass Switch

The Master Bypass switch bypasses the plug-in.

Page Switch

The Page switch steps through the pages for the currently dis-

played plug-in. The Page switch lights when plug-ins have

more than one page of controls. Active controls are shown in

the on-screen plug-in window by colored outlines.

Edit and Display controls in the EQ section

Cycle switch

Master Bypass switch

Automation switch Automation Safe switch

Page switch

Compare switch

Window switch

Clip indicator

Output meter

D-Command Guide62

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls 63

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls

Transport Section

The D-Command Transport section includes transport switches, switches for setting the transport mode, scrub/shuttle switches

and controls, and advanced audition and locate switches.

Transport Switches

Pro Tools Transport

The D-Command Pro Tools Transport switches correspond to

the controls in the Pro Tools Transport window.

Rewind Switch Moves backward through the Pro Tools session

beginning from the current cursor position.

Fast Forward Switch Moves forward through the Pro Tools ses-

sion beginning from the current cursor position.

Stop Switch Stops playback of the Pro Tools session.

Play Switch Begins playback of the Pro Tools session from the

current cursor position.

Record Switch Arms Pro Tools for recording. The exact func-

tion of the Record switch depends on the current Pro Tools

record mode (QuickPunch, TrackPunch, Wait for Note,

Pause).

MIDI Merge Indicator Shows when MIDI Merge is activated.

Latching Behavior for Fast Forward and Rewind

Switches

You can set Fast Forward or Rewind to follow latched behavior

from the D-Command Transport section.

To set Fast Forward to latch:

■Hold the Fast Forward switch and momentarily press the Re-

wind switch.

To set Rewind to latch:

■Hold the Rewind switch and momentarily press the Fast

Forward switch.

D-Command Transport Section

Scrub/Shuttle

Pro Tools Transport

switches

Transport Modes switches

Audition switches

Locate switches

Master Record Mode

switch

controls

Pro Tools Transport switches

Rewind Fast

Forward

Stop Play Record

MIDI Merge

indicator

D-Command Guide64

Playback of Timeline Selection and Edit Selection

from the Transport

When the Timeline and Edit selections in the Edit window are

unlinked, you can set the D-Command Transport to control

playback of either the Timeline selection or the Edit selection.

To focus the D-Command Transport on the Timeline selection:

■Press the Edit/Timeline Selection switch in the Miscella-

neous Controls section so that the Timeline LED is lit.

To focus the D-Command Transport on the Edit selection:

■Press the Edit/Timeline Selection switch in the Miscella-

neous Controls section so that the Edit LED is lit.

Scrub/Shuttle Controls

The Scrub/Shuttle controls are used for scrubbing, scrubbing

while trimming, shuttling, and making selections.

Scrub/Shuttle Wheel

The Scrub/Shuttle wheel is used to control cursor position in

Pro Tools and for locating external machines.

Trim Switch

The Trim switch places the transport in Trim/Scrub mode,

which lets you scrub to locate an edit point, then trim to that

point.

To use Trim/Scrub:

1 Navigate to a region or selection you want to trim.

2 Press the Trim switch.

3 Press the Scrub switch.

4 Rotate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel to move the cursor to the

trim location.

5 To trim to the cursor location, press the Trim switch again.

To cancel without trimming, press Escape.

Scrub Switch

The Scrub switch places the transport in Scrub mode, which

lets you scrub from the cursor position or across a selection.

To use Scrub mode:

1 While Pro Tools is stopped, press the Scrub switch.

2 Rotate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel clockwise to scrub audio for-

ward, or counter-clockwise to scrub audio backward.

3 To exit, press the Scrub switch again.

Shuttle Switch

The Shuttle switch places the transport in Shuttle mode,

which lets you locate the cursor in the Edit window.

To use Shuttle mode:

1 While Pro Tools is stopped, press the Shuttle switch.

2 Rotate the Scrub/Shuttle wheel clockwise to shuttle forward,

or counter-clockwise to shuttle backward.

3 To exit, press the Shuttle switch again.

Scrub, Trim/Scrub and Shuttle modes can be used to create se-

lections and define regions in the Pro Tools Edit window.

Master Record Enable Switch

The Master Record Enable switch toggles record enable status

for all applicable audio tracks in a session. This switch flashes

when channels are record-enabled and the Pro Tools trans-

port is stopped, and lights continuously during recording.

If any tracks in the session are record-enabled, pressing the

Master Record Enable switch takes them out of their enabled

state. If no channels are record-enabled, pressing the Master

Record Enable switch places all applicable audio tracks into

record-enabled state.

Scrub/Shuttle controls

To trim to the end of a selection, hold Alt (Windows) or

Option (Mac) while pressing the Trim switch.

Scrub

switch

Trim

switch Shuttle

switch

Scrub/Shuttle

Wheel

Master Record Mode switch

Master Record Enable switch

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls 65

Transport Mode Switches

The Transport Mode switches are used to put the Pro Tools

transport in the various playback and record modes.

Pro Tools Online Switch

The Pro Tools Online switch toggles the Pro Tools online

state. The online state is mirrored in the Online button in the

Pro Tools Transport window.

While Pro Tools is online and waiting for time code, this

switch flashes. When time code is received, this switch lights

continuously.

9-Pin Remote Switch

The 9-Pin Remote switch enables 9-pin Remote Deck Emula-

tion mode with Digidesign MachineControl.

Machine Online Switch

This feature has not been implemented for D-Command.

Loop Playback Switch

The Loop Playback switch toggles Loop Playback mode in

Pro Tools. When Loop Playback mode is active, this switch

lights. The Loop Playback state is mirrored in the Play button

in the Pro Tools Transport window.

QuickPunch Switch

The QuickPunch switch toggles QuickPunch record mode in

Pro Tools. When QuickPunch mode is active, this switch

lights. The QuickPunch state is mirrored in the Record button

in the Pro Tools Transport window.

TrackPunch Switch

The TrackPunch switch toggles TrackPunch record mode in

Pro Tools. When TrackPunch mode is active, this switch

lights. The TrackPunch state is mirrored in the Record button

in the Pro Tools Transport window.

Audition Switches

The Audition switches are used to activate pre-roll and

post-roll in playback, define selection in and out points, and

trigger automatic playback of ranges

Audition Switch

The Audition switch toggles Audition mode on and off. When

Audition mode is on, this switch lights.

When Audition mode is on, you can quickly listen to either

the start or end of a selection, with or without pre-roll or

post-roll, by pressing the following switches:

Pre-Roll Switch Plays audio starting at the pre-roll point up to

the beginning of the selection.

Mark In Switch Plays audio starting at the selection start

through the length of the post-roll amount.

Mark Out Switch Plays audio back-timed from the selection

end by the pre-roll amount.

Post-Roll Switch Plays audio starting at the end of a selection

through the post-roll amount.

Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Switches

When Audition mode is off, the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll

switches toggle pre-roll and post-roll playback on and off in

Pro Tools. When pre-roll or post-roll is active, the correspond-

ing switch lights.

When Audition mode is on, the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll

switches play a range of audio around the current Edit selec-

tion.

Transport Mode switches

Pro Tools Online

switch

9-Pin Remote

switch Loop Playback

switch

Machine Online

switch

TrackPunch

switch

QuickPunch

switch

Audition switches

Audition

switch Pre-Roll

switch

Mark In

switch Mark Out

switch

Post-Roll

switch

D-Command Guide66

Mark In and Mark Out Switches

When Audition mode is off, the Mark In and Mark Out

switches are used to define selection start and end during

playback, or when using the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

When Audition mode is on, the Mark In and Mark Out

switches play a range of audio around the current Edit selec-

tion.

To move the selection start:

With the transport stopped, hold the Mark In switch and turn

the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

To move the selection end:

With the transport stopped, hold the Mark In switch and turn

the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

To move the entire selection:

With the transport stopped, hold both the Mark In and Mark

Out switches and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.

Locate Switches

The Locate switches move the Pro Tools transport to the des-

ignated location.

Go To Start Switch

The Go To Start switch returns the playback cursor to the be-

ginning of the session.

Go to End Switch

The Go To End switch moves the playback cursor to the end of

the session.

Back Switch

The Back switch stops the Transport (if it is moving) and

moves the playback cursor back (earlier in time) by the

amount of time selected in Back settings pop-up in Pro Tools.

You can also click repeatedly to move back multiple times.

Forward Mode

Forward mode can be invoked by pressing Alt (Windows) or

Option (Mac), and pressing the Back switch.

Back & Play Switch

The Back and Play switch combines the function of the Back

switch and the Transport Play switch. The playback cursor

moves back by the amount of time selected in the Back set-

tings preference in Pro Tools.

If pre-roll is enabled, the pre-roll time will be observed in ad-

dition to the Back time if pre-roll is enabled.

Forward & Play Mode

Forward & Play mode can be invoked by doing the following:

To move the playback location forward and begin playback:

■Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and press the Back and

Play switch in the Transport section.

Instant Playback

The Instant Playback switch primes Pro Tools for playback, so

that pressing Play will begin playback instantaneously. This

switch can also be used during recording to put Pro Tools in

Record Pause mode.

Locate switches

Go To Start

switch Go To End

switch Back

switch Back & Play

switch

Instant

Playback

switch

Chapter 8: Transport and Navigation Controls 67

Zoom/Navigate Section

The Zoom/Navigate section is used to control navigation, dis-

play, and selections in the Pro Tools Edit window.

Zoom Mode Switch

The Zoom Mode switch puts the arrow switches in Zoom

mode.

Navigate Mode Switch

The Navigate Mode switch puts the arrow switches in Navi-

gate mode.

Arrow Switches (Up, Down, Previous, Next)

The function of the Arrow switches depends on the current

mode.

Zoom Mode When set to Zoom Mode, the Up and Down Ar-

row switches change the vertical zoom and the Previous (Left)

and Next (Right) Arrow switches change the horizontal zoom.

Navigate Mode In Navigate mode, the Up and Down Arrow

switches move the edit cursor up and down among tracks, and

the Previous (Left) and Next (Right) Arrow switches move the

edit cursor left and right among region boundaries or tran-

sients (according to the Tab to Transients setting).

Text Entry In both Zoom or Navigate modes, the Arrow

switches can be also used to navigate on-screen text fields and

enter numerical values in the on-screen Main and Sub

Counters, Start/End/Length fields, and Pre/Post Roll fields in

the Edit and Transport windows. The Previous (Left) and Next

(Right) Arrow switches move between fields, and the Up and

Down Arrow switches change the value.

Zoom Preset Switches

The Zoom Preset switches recall the five horizontal Zoom pre-

sets in Pro Tools.

To store a Zoom Preset:

1 Using either the Horizontal Zoom buttons or the Zoomer

tool, set the zoom level that you want to store.

2 While pressing Control (Windows) or Command (Mac),

press a Zoom Preset switch.

To recall a Zoom Preset:

■Press the corresponding Zoom preset switch.

Nudge/Bank Section

The Nudge/Bank section controls the display of any channels

in Normal mode on the D-Command surface. If any channels

are in any of the Custom Fader modes, they are not affected by

Bank or Nudge commands, and the other channels move

around them.

Nudge Switches

The Nudge switches move the display of tracks on the control

surface to the left or right, one channel at a time.

To nudge the track focus forward or backward by one channel:

■With a track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, hold Con-

trol (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the left or right

Nudge switch.

Bank Switches

The Bank switches move the display of tracks on the controls

surface to the left or right by the number of available channels

on the control surface.

To nudge the track focus forward or backward by eight channels:

■With a track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, hold Con-

trol (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the left or right

Bank switch.

D-Command Zoom/Navigate Section

Zoom Mode Navigate Mode

Arrow

switches

switch switch

Zoom Preset switches

D-Command Nudge/Bank Section

Nudge Left and Right switches

Bank Left and Right switches

D-Command Guide68

Chapter 9: Management Sections 69

Chapter 9: Management Sections

Window Management Section

The Window Management section includes controls for opening and closing Pro Tools windows on-screen. When a window is

open, its corresponding switch is lit.

Workspace Browser Switch

The Workspace Browser switch opens and closes the DigiBase

Workspace Browser. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and

press this switch to close all DigiBase windows.

MIDI Event List Switch

The MIDI Event List switch opens and closes the MIDI Event

List or brings it to the front.

Mic Pre Switch

The Mic Pre switch opens and closes the Mic Pre window for

the focused track.

Memory Locations Switch

The Memory Locations Switch opens and closes the Memory

Locations window

Transport Switch

The Transport switch opens and closes the Transport window

Pan Switch

The Pan switch opens and closes the Pan window for the fo-

cused track. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) to close all

Pan windows.

Mix Switch

The Mix switch opens the Mix Window or brings it to the

front.

Edit Switch

The Edit switch opens the Edit Window or brings it to the

front.

Plug-in Switch

The Plug-in switch opens and closes windows for any cur-

rently targeted plug-ins in the session. Hold Alt (Windows) or

Option (Mac) to close all plug-in windows.

D-Command Window Management section

Transport switch

Edit switch

Mic Pre switch

Pan switch

Plug-in switch

MIDI Event List switch

Workspace Browser switch

Memory Locations switch

Mix switch

D-Command Guide70

Session Management Section

The Session Management section includes controls for ses-

sion-wide management and save operations.

Go To Switch

The Go To switch is used to focus a specific track onto the Fo-

cus Channel section on the Main Unit.

To go to a speciﬁc track:

1 Press the Go To switch.

2 Enter the track position number for the track and press En-

ter.

Clear Clip Switch and Plug-in Clip Indicator

D-Command indicates occurrences of signal clipping on au-

dio tracks, sends, and plug-ins. (Clip indication on D-Com-

mand follows the clip settings in the Pro Tools Display prefer-

ences.)

The Clear Clip switch lights if a clip occurs on an audio track

or on a send anywhere in the session. The Plug-in Clip indica-

tor lights if a clip occurs on a plug-in anywhere in the session.

In addition, D-Command shows clipping with the following

indicators:

• If an audio track clips, the meter clip LED for the clipping

channel’s lights red.

• If a send clips, the Send switch ﬂashes in the Channel Strip

Mode controls section. In addition, if one of the encoders

on the channel strip is controlling the clipping send, the

corresponding encoder clip LED lights red.

• If a plug-in clips, the Insert switch ﬂashes in the Channel

Strip Mode controls section. In addition, if one of the en-

coders on the channel strip is displaying the clipping

plug-in, the corresponding encoder clip LED lights red.

Pressing the Clear Clip switch clears all clip indicators on

D-Command, and in the Pro Tools session.

All Notes Off Switch

The All Notes Off switch can be used to silence stuck notes

with MIDI devices. It sends an All Notes Off message to each

channel for all connected MIDI devices.

Publish Switch

The Publish switch executes the Send Session Via DigiDelivery

command in Pro Tools, opening the Send To DigiDelivery di-

alog on-screen.

Save Switch

The Save switch executes the Save Session command in

Pro Tools. Whenever a change is made in a session and the

Save command is available, this switch lights.

To save the current session:

1 Press the Save switch. The switch ﬂashes, prompting conﬁr-

mation of the Save command.

2 Do one of the following:

• To conﬁrm the Save command, press the Save switch

again.

– or –

• To cancel the Save command, press Escape.

Redo Switch

The Redo switch executes the Redo command in Pro Tools.

Undo Switch

The Undo switch executes the Undo command in Pro Tools.

D-Command Session Management section

All Notes Off

switch

Redo

switch

Undo

switch

Clear Clip

switch

Publish

switch

Save

switch

Plug-in Clip

indicator

Go To

switch

Chapter 9: Management Sections 71

Soft Keys Section

The Soft Keys section provides access to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from the control surface. It also provides

access to preferences and settings specific to D-Command. The section consists of six variable-function soft keys and displays,

along with a matrix of mode switches that change the functions shown in the displays. When a function is shown in a Soft Key

display, pressing the corresponding Soft Key switch activates that function.

Some controls invoke multiple pages of Soft Key functions. To cycle through multiple pages of the same control, repeatedly press

the control switch.

Default Soft Key Display

When a session is first opened, the Soft Key displays show ba-

sic information about the session:

• Session Name

• Bit: Session Bit Depth

• Sampl: Session Sample Rate

• File: Session File Type

• Tcode: Session Time Code Rate

• Delay Compensation On/Off Status

Delay Compensation can be toggled on and off from this dis-

play. The other settings shown above cannot be changed from

the Soft Keys section.

Soft Keys Display with Pro Tools Dialogs

When Pro Tools has a dialog on-screen, the two lower Soft

Keys temporarily display “Escape” and “Enter,” letting you

cancel or confirm the dialog from the control surface.

Exiting from Soft Key Modes

You can exit a Soft Key mode and return to the default Soft

Key display by holding Control (Windows) or Command

(Mac) and pressing the currently lit Soft Key switch.

D-Command Soft Keys section

Audio Files

switch

Management

controls

Show/Hide

switch

Utility

switch

Soft Key switches

and

displays

Edit

controls

Track Size

switches

Automation

controls

Memory/MIDI

controls

Console Preference

controls

D-Command Guide72

Management Controls

Snapshot Switch

This function is currently not implemented for D-Command.

Group Switch

The Group switch displays the following commands:

• Create Edit: Create Edit Groups

• Suspnd: Suspend Groups

• Create Mix: Create Mix Groups

• Create Both: Create Mix and Edit Groups

Track Switch

The Track switch displays the following commands:

• New Track: Track > New

• Dup Track: Track > Duplicate

• Delete Selectd: Track > Delete

• Make Act/In: Track > Make Active/Inactive

• Bounce: File > Bounce To > Disk

Playlist Switch

The Playlist switch displays the following playlist commands:

• New: New Playlist

• Duplicate: Duplicate Playlist

• Delete Audio: Delete Unused Audio Playlists

• Delete MIDI: Delete Unused MIDI Playlists

Window Switch

The Window switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Auto Enabls: Window > Automation Enable

• Beat Det: Event > Beat Detective

• Strip Silence: Edit > Strip Silence

• Session Setup: Setup > Session

• Tasks: Window > Task Manager

• Projct Browser: Window > Project Browser

Page 2

• Color Pallet: Window > Color Palette

• Big Countr: Window > Big Counter

• Undo Histry: Window > Undo History

• Disk Space: Window > Disk Space

• Video Window: Window > Video

• System Usage: Window > System Usage

Page 3

• I/O Setup: Setup > I/O

• HW Setup: Setup > Hardware

• PB Engine: Setup > Playback Engine

• Disk Alloc: Setup > Disk Allocation

• Preferences: Setup > Preferences

• Peripherals: Setup > Peripherals

Edit Controls

Edit Function 1 Switch (Basic Edit Commands)

The Edit Function 1 switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Cut: Edit > Cut

• Copy: Edit > Copy

• Paste: Edit > Paste

• Clear: Edit > Clear

• TCE To TLSel: Edit > TCE Edit to Timeline Selection

Page 2

• CutSP AllAut: Edit > Cut Special > All Automation

• CopySP AllAut: Edit > Copy Special > All Automation

• CutSP PanAut: Edit > Cut Special > Pan Automation

• CopySP PanAut: Edit > Copy Special > Pan Automation

• CutSP PI Aut: Edit > Cut Special > Plug-in Automation

• CopySP PI Aut: Edit > Copy Special > Plug-in Automation

Page 3

• PsteSP Merge: Edit > Paste Special > Merge

• ClrSP AllAut: Edit > Clear Special > All Automation

• PsteSP RepFil: Edit > Paste Special > Repeat to Fill Selec-

tion

• ClrSP PanAut: Edit > Clear Special > Pan Automation

• PsteSP ToCurr: Edit > Paste Special > To Current Automa-

tion Type

• ClrSP PI Aut: Edit > Clear Special > Plug-in Automation

Management controls

Snapshot

switch Group

switch Track

switch Playlist

switch Window

switch

Edit controls

Function 1

switch Function 2

switch Function 3

switch Modes

switch Tools

switch

Chapter 9: Management Sections 73

Edit Function 2 Switch

The Edit Function 2 switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Trim to Sel: Edit > Trim > To Selection

• Cpture Region: Edit > Capture Region

• Seprte Region: Edit > Separate Region

• Heal Seprtn: Edit > Heal Separation

• Consolidate: Edit > Consolidate Selection

• Time Stamp: Audio Regions List > Time Stamp Selected

Page 2

• SendTo Back: Region > Send to Back

• SendTo Front: Region > Bring to Front

• Group Region: Region > Group

• Ungrp Region: Region > Ungroup

• Ungrp All: Region > Ungroup All

• Regrp Region: Region > Regroup

Edit Function 3 Switch (Manipulation Commands)

The Edit Function 3 switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Duplicate: Edit > Duplicate

• Repeat: Edit > Repeat

• Shift: Edit > Shift

• Insert Silnce: Edit > Insert Silence

• Lock Region: Region > Lock/Unlock

• Mute Region: Region > Mute/Unmute

Page 2

• Loop Region: Region > Loop Region

• Unloop Region: Region > Unloop Region

• ID/Rem SyncPT: Region > Identify/Remove Sync Point

• Rename Rgns: Region > Rename Regions

• Quantz ToGrid: Region > Quantize to Grid

• RgnDrop: Region List > Timeline Drop Order >

L to R/Top to Bottom

Edit Modes Switch

The Edit Modes switch displays the Pro Tools Edit modes:

• Shufﬂ: Shufﬂe Mode

• Spot: Spot Mode

• Slip: Slip Mode

• Grid Rel: Relative Grid Mode

• Grid Abs: Absolute Grid Mode

Edit Tools Switch

The Edit Tool Tools switch displays the Pro Tools Edit Tools.

To cycle through multiple versions of the same tool, repeat-

edly press the corresponding Soft Key.

• Zoom: Normal/Single Zoomer tools

• Trim: Standard/Scrub/TCE Trimmer tools

• Select: Selector tool

• Grabbr: Time/Separation/Object Grabber tools

• Scrubber tool

• Pencil: Square, Random, Free, Line, Triangle, Arc, S-Curve

To select the Smart Tool, press any two buttons for the Trim-

mer, Selector or Grabber simultaneously.

Memory/MIDI Controls

Memory Location Switch

The Memory Location switch (“Mem Loc”) displays the

names of Memory Locations in pages of six. The Soft Key dis-

play is paged by repeatedly pressing the Memory Location

switch in the Soft Keys section. To page backwards, hold Shift

while pressing the Memory Location switch.

MIDI Switch

The MIDI switch displays the following commands:

Page 1

• Wait Note: Transport Window > Wait for Note button

• Count Off: Transport Window > Countoff button

• Merge Record: Transport Window > MIDI Merge button

• Transpose: Event > MIDI > Transpose

• Veloc: Event > MIDI > Change Velocity

• Click On/Off: Options > Click

Page 2

• Change Tempo: Change Tempo window

• Change Meter: Change Meter window

• Split Notes: Event > MIDI > Split Notes

• Select Notes: Event > MIDI > Select Notes

• Quantz: Event > MIDI > Grid/Groove Quantize

• Input Quantz: Event > MIDI > Input Quantize

Page 3

• Write PTProp: Track > Write MIDI Real Time Properties

• Remove DpNote: Event > Remove Duplicate Notes

Memory/MIDI controls

Memory Location

switch MIDI

switch

D-Command Guide74

Audio Files Switch

The Audio Files switch displays the following commands for

importing and exporting data into Pro Tools:

• Import Audio: File > Import > Audio

• Import MIDI: File > Import > MIDI

• Audio To Trk: File > Import > Audio To Track

• MIDI To Trk: File > Import > MIDI To Track

• Import SesDat: File > Import > Session Data

• Export Selctd: Regions List > Export Selected As Files

Show/Hide Switch

The Show/Hide switch displays commands from the

Show/Hide Tracks List menu.

The Show/Hide switch has two pages of Soft Key functions.

Show/Hide Switch (Page 1)

• Show All: Show All Tracks

• Hide All: Hide All Tracks

• Show Selctd: Show Only Selected Tracks

• Hide Selctd: Hide Only Selected Tracks

• Show Inactv: Show Only Inactive Tracks

• Hide Inactv: Hide Only Inactive Tracks

Show/Hide Switch (Page 2)

• Show Audio: Show Only Audio Tracks

• Hide Audio: Hide Only Audio Tracks

• Show Aux: Show Only Auxiliary Inputs

• Hide Aux: Hide Only Auxiliary Inputs

• Show MIDI: Show Only MIDI Tracks

• Hide MIDI: Hide Only MIDI Tracks

Show/Hide Switch (Page 3)

• Show Instmt: Show Only Instrument Tracks

• Hide Instmt: Hide Only Instrument Tracks

You can select multiple Show/Hide categories by holding Shift

while pressing the corresponding Soft Key.

Console Preferences

The Console Preference switches control D-Command prefer-

ences only, and do not affect the Pro Tools on-screen display.

User Switch

The User switch displays a user-configurable, custom set of

Soft Keys, chosen from any of the other Soft Key displays. To

cycle through both pages of User Soft Key selections, repeat-

edly press the User switch.

To add a Soft Key command to a User Soft Key selection:

1 In the Soft Keys section, press the User switch repeatedly to

display the page (Page 1 or Page 2) where you want to add the

operation.

2 Press the Soft Keys to display the page containing the oper-

ation you want to add.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Soft Key for the operation.

To remove a Soft Key command from the User Soft Key selection:

1 Press the User switch repeatedly to display the operation

you want to remove.

2 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Soft Key for the User operation.

Meter Switch

The Meter switch displays the following D-Command meter

preferences:

SndMtr (Send Meters) Toggles send metering on channel ro-

tary encoders on and off.

InsMtr (Insert Meters) Toggles plug-in metering on channel

rotary encoders on and off.

Meters Toggles channel metering between pre- and post-fader

modes.

CtrMtr (Center Meters) Toggles the 8-channel meter display

on the Main Unit meter bridge between main output levels

and the focused track.

RefLvl (Reference Level) Lets you change the D-Command

meter display to help monitor program material with respect

to different reference levels.

Console Preferences

User

switch Operation

switch Meter

switch

Chapter 9: Management Sections 75

Operation Switch

The Operation switch controls operations specific to D-Com-

mand, and does not affect the Pro Tools on-screen display. For

details on setting preferences, see “Setting D-Command Pref-

erences” on page 22.

The Operation switch has three pages of Soft Key functions.

Operation Switch (Page 1)

BnkJus (Bank Justiﬁcation) Determines whether banks of

channels in Normal mode are justified at the left, left center

(to the left of the Main Unit), right center, (to the right of the

Main Unit) or right side of the control surface.

CF Jus (Custom Fader Justiﬁcation) Determines whether chan-

nels in Custom Fader mode are placed at the left, center-left,

center-right, or right side of the control surface.

MaxCF (Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size) Determines the

number of channels to be used when displaying channels in

the Custom Fader modes. The bank size can be set to 4 and 8

faders for a Main Unit, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 faders for an ex-

panded system.

Rotary (Rotary Encoder Mode) Determines responsiveness of

rotary encoder knobs. Fixed mode is at normal resolution. The

velocity modes set different rates of encoder acceleration. In

Fine mode, response is fixed and at fine resolution.

Select (Select Switch Latch Mode) Determines whether chan-

nel Select buttons follow latching or exclusive-or (non-latch-

ing) behavior when in Select mode.

Encod (Encoder Order) Determines whether inserts, sends, and

pan controls will be displayed in order from top-to-bottom or

bottom-to-top on D-Command rotary encoders.

Operation Switch (Page 2)

ApTrgt (Target Track from Application) Determines whether se-

lecting an Insert or Send on-screen focuses its track on the

D-Command Main Unit.

Faders (Faders On/Off) Turns off D-Command faders to pre-

vent fader movement when monitoring a mix.

ChanWn (Channel Window Display) Determines whether dis-

playing plug-in or send pan parameters (by pressing an en-

coder Select switch) on D-Command opens the corresponding

plug-in or send window on-screen in Pro Tools. Also deter-

mines whether the Channel Select switches (in the Dynamics

or EQ sections) change the channel display of multi-mono

plug-ins.

◆When this preference is set to “Yes,” the on-screen display

of plug-in and send windows changes to reﬂect the state of the

control surface.

◆When this preference is set to “No,” the on-screen display of

plug-in and send windows does not change to reﬂect the state

of the control surface.

TchVal (Touch Display of Parameter Values On/Off) Turns off

the display of parameter values when faders or encoders are

touched.

Import PIMaps (Import Plug-in Maps) Opens “Choose a map-

ping file” dialog in Pro Tools.

Export PIMaps (Export Plug-in Maps) Opens “Save Plug-in

Mapping As” dialog in Pro Tools.

Operation Switch (Page 3)

CFTrks (Custom Faders Display Hidden Tracks) Determines

whether tracks that are hidden in Pro Tools are displayed or

hidden in Custom Fader modes. Tracks that are hidden in

Pro Tools but shown in Custom Faders cannot be Selected or

Record enabled.

Brdcst (Broadcast) Determines whether the XMON monitor-

ing system is in Broadcast mode, which prevents AFL and PFL

solo modes from changing the XMON Control Room Input

source.

Match Time (AutoMatch Time) Lets you use the Scrub/Shuttle

wheel to set AutoMatch time for automated panning func-

tions.

Glide Time (AutoGlide Time) Lets you use the Scrub/Shuttle

wheel to set AutoGlide time for automated panning func-

tions.

FCStrp (Focus Channel Strip) Determines whether focusing a

channel in the Focus Channel section also places a duplicate

of the focused channel in the channel strip to the immediate

left of the Global Controls section.

When Focus Channel Strip is enabled, all controls and modes

are linked. You can, however, use four encoders simulta-

neously by using the Page Up or Page Down switches to bring

a different set of sends or inserts to the duplicate channel’s en-

coders.

Trk/Ed (Link Track and Edit Selection) Toggles the Options >

Link Track and Edit Selection option, which automatically se-

lects a track or range of tracks when a selection is made in the

track’s timeline.

For more information about importing and exporting

plug-in maps, see “Exporting and Importing .pim Files” on

page 99.

The duplicate Focus Channel strip is not available when

D-Command is in a Custom Fader mode.

D-Command Guide76

Automation Controls

AutoMatch Switch

The AutoMatch switch enables AutoMatch command in Latch

or Write automation modes.

Join Switch

The Join switch resumes writing automation in Latch mode,

on all channels that were previously writing automation, after

an interrupted automation pass.

Actions Switch

The Actions switch displays the following commands:

Actions Switch (Page 1)

WrtTo Start (Write To Start) Writes current automation values

from the insertion point backward to the beginning of a selec-

tion or track while performing an automation pass.

WrtTo All (Write to All) Writes current automation values to

an entire selection or track while performing an automation

pass.

WrtTo End (Write to End) Writes current automation values

from the insertion point forward to the end of a selection or

track while performing an automation pass.

WrtTo Next (Write to Next Breakpoint) Writes current automa-

tion values from the insertion point forward to the next auto-

mation breakpoint while performing an automation pass.

Snap Back Causes all Latch or Write enabled tracks to exit

their current automation pass and return instantly to the pre-

viously written automation levels. During playback, stops

writing of automation without applying any AutoMatch

ramping.

Actions Switch (Page 2)

Copy To Send Opens the Copy To Send dialog to allow copy-

ing of track control values to each selected track’s send (Edit >

Automation > Copy To Send).

Thin Auto (Thin Automation) Performs the Thin Automation

command. (Edt > Automation > Thin).

Modes Switch

The Modes switch displays the following D-Command Modes:

AWrtTo Start (Auto Write to Start on Stop) Automatically

writes current automation values from the insertion point

backward to the beginning of a selection or track when the

transport is stopped after an automation pass.

By default, Automatic Write to Start on Stop mode is enabled

for a single automation pass only. Hold Start+Alt (Windows)

or Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the Auto ToStrt

switch to configure the mode to remain enabled after an au-

tomation pass.

AWrtTo All (Auto Write to All on Stop) Writes current automa-

tion values to an entire selection or track when the transport

is stopped after an automation pass.

By default, Automatic Write to All on Stop mode is enabled for

a single automation pass only. Hold Start+Alt (Windows) or

Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the Auto ToAll switch

to configure the mode to remain enabled after an

automation pass.

AWrtTo End (Auto Write to End on Stop) Writes current auto-

mation values from the insertion point forward to the end of

a selection or track when the transport is stopped after an au-

tomation pass.

By default, Automatic Write to End on Stop mode is enabled

for a single automation pass only. Hold Start+Alt (Windows)

or Control+Option (Mac) while pressing the Auto ToEnd

switch to configure the mode to remain enabled after an au-

tomation pass.

AWrtTo Next (Auto Write to Next Breakpoint on Stop) Writes

current automation values from the insertion point forward

to the next automation breakpoint when the transport is

stopped after an automation pass.

AutoJoin AutoJoin is used in Latch mode to automatically re-

sume writing of automation after the transport is stopped and

started again during an automation pass.

Automation controls

AutoMatch

switch Join

switch Actions

switch Modes

switch

Chapter 9: Management Sections 77

Utility Switch

The Utility switch places the D-Command in Utility mode.

When D-Command is in Utility mode, this switch flashes.

Utility mode lets you view D-Command system information,

name D-Command units, run D-Command diagnostic tests,

and set certain D-Command hardware preferences. For com-

plete information on Utility mode, see Appendix A, “Utility

Mode”

Track Size Switches

The Track Size Up and Down switches increase and decrease

the track height of all tracks where a selection or edit cursor is

present.

Utility switch

Track Size controls

Track Size Up

switch

Track Size Down

switch

D-Command Guide78

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 79

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections

Monitor Section Controls

The Monitor section includes a full set of controls for the control room monitoring, headphone/cue, and talkback/listenback

sections of D-Command. All input and output connections to the D-Command monitoring system are made on the XMON in-

terface, which is connected to the D-Command console with the XMON cable, and remotely controlled from this section.

D-Command Monitor section

Output Channel Select

and Mode switches

Monitor

Mode

controls

Talkback/Listenback

controls

Input source switches

and Output controls Cue

controls

D-Command Guide80

Input Source Switches and Output Controls

Input Source Switches

The monitor system has five input sources:

• Main Inputs (6 channels)

• Surround Inputs (6 channels)

• Stereo 1 Inputs (2 channels)

• Stereo 2 Inputs (2 channels)

• Stereo 3 Inputs (2 channels)

These sources are selected by pressing their corresponding In-

put switches, which light when the source is activated.

Input Level Trim Mode

Each input source can be trimmed independently, to allow for

setting of different reference levels or to compensate for differ-

ences in gain structure. Available trim values range from

–20 dB to +10 dB in 0.5 dB steps.

To trim input levels:

1 Press and hold the Input Source Selector switch for the input

you want to trim, until the switch ﬂashes.

2 Turn the Main Output Level encoder knob to set the trim

value. The monitor section display shows “Trim” and the trim

value in dB.

3 Press the ﬂashing Input Source Selector switch to exit Trim

mode.

Sum Switch

In normal operation, the Input Source switches follow exclu-

sive-or (non-latching) behavior, allowing only one source to

be monitored at a time.

However, D-Command has a Sum mode that allows multiple

input sources to be monitored at the same time. When Sum

mode is on, multiple input source switches can be active.

Sum mode ignores any input trim values when it is active.

To add or remove inputs in Sum mode:

1 Press the Sum switch. The switch lights to indicate Sum

mode is on.

2 Press any number of Input Source switches to toggle their

corresponding inputs on or off. It is possible to turn all inputs

off in this mode.

To exit Sum mode:

■Press the Sum switch again. Monitoring reverts to the input

that was selected when you entered Sum mode.

Output On/Off Switches

The monitor system has three outputs:

• Main Control Room Outputs (6 channels)

• Alt Control Room Outputs (6 channels)

• Mini Control Room Outputs (2 channels)

Only one output can be active at a time. The Output On/Off

switches follow exclusive-or (non-latching) behavior. When

you activate an output, its name and gain value (in dB) are

shown in the monitor section display.

Output Level Control

The monitor system output section has a touch-sensitive ro-

tary encoder for control of output level. When the encoder

knob is touched, the monitor section display shows the cur-

rent level in dB. Gain ranges from a minimum of –INF to a

maximum of +10 dB, in 1 dB steps.

Output Level Trim Mode

Each output level control can be trimmed independently, to

allow for setting of different reference levels or to compensate

for differences in gain structure. Available trim values range

from –20 dB to +10 dB, in 0.5 dB steps.

To trim output levels:

1 Press and hold the On/Off switch for the output you want to

trim, until the switch ﬂashes.

2 Turn the encoder knob to set the trim value. The monitor

display shows the trim value in dB.

3 Press the ﬂashing On/Off switch to exit Trim mode.

Input source switches and Output controls

Output

Level control

Stereo Input

switches

Output

controls

Mini Output

On/Off switch

Main Output

On/Off switch

Alt Output

On/Off switch

Sum switch

Surround

Main switch

switch

Input source

switches

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 81

Headphone/Cue Controls

Cue Input Source Switches

The Headphone/Cue monitor system has three input sources:

• Cue 1 Input (2 channels)

• Cue 2 Input (2 channels)

• Main Monitor Input (2 channels)

Cue Output On/Off Switches

The Cue system has four available outputs:

• Cue 1 (2 channels)

• Cue 2 (2 channels)

• Headphone (2 channels)

• Studio Loudspeaker (2 channels)

The two Cue Outputs, Headphone Output, and Studio Loud-

speaker Output can be active in any combination, including

all on or all off.

The following table shows possible outputs for each input

source. (Talkback can be added to each of the outputs.)

To assign an input source to an output:

1 Press the switch for the output for which you want to assign

an input. The switch will light, and the Monitor LED display

will show the currently selected source.

2 Press the Set Source switch repeatedly to cycle through the

available source choices.

Assign Talkback Switch

The Assign Talkback switch lets you add the talkback signal to

any of the Headphone/Cue system outputs. The Assign Talk-

back switch lights to indicate that talkback is active for a given

output.

Cue controls

Studio Loudspeaker

switch

AFL/PFL Level

switch

Assign Talkback

switch

Cue Input Source

switches

Headphones

switch

Set Source

switch

Cue Output

On/Off switch

Cue Output

Level control

Input Possible Outputs

Cue 1 Cue 1, Headphone, Studio LS

Cue 2 Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS

Main Monitor Cue 1, Cue 2, Headphone, Studio LS

D-Command Guide82

Output Channel Select Controls

Set Up Switch

The Set Up switch resets output trim levels to their default val-

ues.

Channel Select Switches

The Channel Select switches let you solo or mute individual

channels of the Control Room outputs. The function of the

Channel Select switches depends on the mode of the

Solo/Mute switch.

• When the mode is set to Solo, each Channel Select switch

solos the corresponding output channel.

• When the mode is set to Mute, each Channel Select switch

mutes the corresponding output channel.

In both modes, the Channel Select switches follow latched be-

havior, allowing multiple outputs to be soloed or muted. The

Channel Select switches light to indicate that they are active.

There are Channel Select switches for the following channels:

• L (Left)

• C (Center)

• R (Right)

• Ls (Left Surround)

• Rs (Right Surround)

• LFE

These choices support all possible channel configurations in

Pro Tools. A maximum of six channels (5.1 surround) may be

in use at any time.

Individual Output Trim Mode

Each output channel can be trimmed individually for each of

the three control room outputs (Main, Alt, and Mini), allow-

ing you adjust the channel balance for each set of control

room speakers. Trim values are stored for each of the three

outputs. Available trim values range from –30 dB to +10 dB, in

0.5 dB steps.

To trim the output level for an individual output channel:

1 Activate the control room output (Main, Alt, or Mini) whose

channel levels you want to trim.

2 Press and hold the Channel Select switch for the output

channel you want to trim, until the switch ﬂashes.

3 Turn the Output Level encoder to set the trim value for the

channel. The monitor display shows “Trim” and the trim

value in dB.

4 Press the ﬂashing Channel Select switch to exit Trim mode.

5 Repeat the above steps for each output channel and each set

of outputs (Main, Alt, or Mini) you want to trim.

Solo/Mute Switch and Indicators

The Solo/Mute switch toggles the function of the Channel Se-

lect switches between Solo and Mute modes. The indicators

light to indicate which mode is active.

Output Channel Select controls

Channel Select switches

Solo/Mute switch

and indicators

AFL and PFL

switches

Set Up switch

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 83

AFL and PFL Switches

The AFL and PFL switches invokes After Fader Listen and Pre

Fader Listen Solo modes.

AFL and PFL modes send signal to a separate output path with

independently adjustable levels for each mode. The XMON

Control Room Input source is automatically changed to mon-

itor the AFL/PFL input, unless you put D-Control in Broadcast

mode (see “Broadcast Mode for AFL and PFL Monitoring” on

page 83). This lets you monitor the soloed channels in the

Main control room monitors (with Broadcast mode off) or in

a dedicated solo monitoring system (with Broadcast mode

on).

To select the Solo mode:

1 Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec-

tion to select the corresponding Solo mode.

Setting AFL and PFL Levels

Levels can be set separately for AFL and PFL modes from the

D-Command Monitor section.

To set the AFL or PFL level:

1 Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec-

tion.

2 Turn the Cue output level control. The AFL/PFL level is

shown in the Monitor displays.

To set the AFL or PFL level to its default setting:

1 Press the AFL or PFL switch in the D-Command Monitor sec-

tion.

2 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and touch the Cue

output level control.

Broadcast Mode for AFL and PFL Monitoring

You can put the D-Command monitoring system in Broadcast

mode, which prevents AFL and PFL solo modes from changing

the XMON Control Room Input source. This lets you solo

channels while preserving the main monitor mix.

You can then use the AFL/PFL path selector in the I/O Setup

dialog to route the AFL/PFL solo signal directly from the HD

Audio Interface to a separate set of speakers or headphones.

To put the XMON monitoring system in Broadcast mode:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Soft Key section.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Broadcast”

While in Broadcast mode, any channels soloed while in AFL

or PFL are still sent to the AFL/PFL path, but XMON does not

switch the Control Room Input source to monitor that path.

While in Broadcast mode, any channels soloed while in SIP

mode will still cause all other tracks to be muted.

AFL and PFL Solo modes require the use of the Surround

Mixer plug-in.

D-Command Guide84

Talkback/Listen System

Talkback Controls

The Talkback system has two talkback microphone inputs

(one external, one built-in) both using the touch-sensitive ro-

tary encoder for control of output volume. When either

switch is lit, the monitor section display show the correspond-

ing volume level in dB. Level control on each ranges from a

minimum level of –INF to a maximum level of +30 dB.

Talkback Level Control

When the External Talkback switch is lit, the Level control ad-

justs the volume for the external talkback microphone. When

the encoder knob is touched, the monitor section display

shows the level in dB.

The Talkback Level control also adjusts the volume of the

built-in (Internal) microphone, located on the meter bridge of

the D-Command Main Unit.

Talkback Dim Function

When Talkback is engaged, the Dim switch lights and the Dim

function is automatically applied to the Main outputs. Any

adjustment of the Dim level affects both the Talkback Dim

function and the Control Room Output Dim function.

To set the Dim level:

1 Press and hold the Assign Talkback switch until the switch

ﬂashes.

2 Turn the Cue Output Level encoder to set the Dim value.

The monitor section shows the Dim value in dB.

Auto Talkback Switch

The Auto Talkback switch activates a mode in which the talk-

back and listen microphones are automatically turned on

whenever the Pro Tools transport is not in Play or Record.

When Auto Talkback is active, the Auto Talkback switch

lights, and the Talkback switches flash.

While in Auto Talkback mode, you can temporarily disable

and re-enable talkback, while staying in Auto Talkback mode.

To temporarily disable Talkback while in Auto Talkback mode:

■Press either of the ﬂashing Talkback switches.

To re-enable talkback while in Auto Talkback mode:

■Double-press either Talkback switch so it ﬂashes again.

Talkback Switch

The Talkback switch, located at the bottom of the Channel

Strip Master section on the Main Unit, controls the D-Com-

mand Talkback function.

The Talkback switch can follow momentary or latched behav-

ior. If held, the switch is active only when pressed down.

If rapidly double-pressed, the switch latches on and flashes to

indicate that talkback is active. Press the switch again to turn

off talkback.

Control Room Output controls

External Talkback

switch

Talkback/Listen

Level control

Auto Talkback

switch

Listen Mic

Select switches

Internal Talkback

switch

Talkback switch

Latch Off

Touch

Write Trim

Read

Talkback

Dbl Press to Latch

Auto Mode

Talkback switch

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 85

Listen Control

The Listen system has two selectable microphone inputs, both

using the touch-sensitive rotary encoder for level control.

Listen Mic Select Switches

There are two Listen Mic Select switches for the external listen

microphone inputs:

• Mic 1

• Mic 2

Either or both of these inputs can be active at any time. When

one input is active, the encoder controls the level of that input

independently. When both inputs are active, the encoder

controls both levels simultaneously, maintaining any relative

offset between the two.

Level control ranges from a minimum level of –INF to a max-

imum level of +30 dB.

Dim Level Control

The Dim Level control lets you adjust the amount of level re-

duction applied by the Dim switch, located at the bottom of

the Monitor section. Level reduction ranges from –30 dB to

0 dB, in 1 dB steps.

When the Dim encoder knob is touched, the monitor section

display shows “Dim” and the gain reduction in dB.

Monitor Output Mode Controls

Calibration Mode Switch

The Calibration Mode switch invokes a mode that changes

the output value displayed by the Monitor section display

from gain (expressed in dB) to sound pressure level (expressed in

dB SPL) for each of the control room outputs. This switch

lights when an SPL value is shown for the active output.

To display output levels in dB SPL, you must first calibrate

each output. This SPL calibration requires the use of a pink

noise source (or other reference material) and a sound pres-

sure level meter to measure the output of individual control

room speakers.

To calibrate Control Room outputs to display SPL:

1 Send the reference material to the Main Control Room Out-

puts, and set the output level in Pro Tools to your studio ref-

erence level (for example, –18 dBFS).

2 Pan the signal to center (so that equal level is sent to all

Main Control Room Output speakers).

3 Set the speaker-to-speaker balance for all speakers in the sys-

tem using Output Trim mode for each channel, using the

sound pressure level meter to measure SPL at the mix position.

See “Individual Output Trim Mode” on page 82.

4 Solo the Center speaker, and adjust the Main Control Room

Output level encoder until the sound pressure level meter

measures the target reference level (for example, 85 dB) at the

mix position.

5 Press and hold the Calibration Mode switch until it ﬂashes.

6 Adjust the Main Control Room Output level encoder until

the target reference level is displayed in the Monitor Section

display.

7 Press the ﬂashing Cal switch.

8 Repeat steps 4–7 for the Alt and Mini outputs.

To toggle the output display between dB and dB SPL:

1 Select the output whose display you want to toggle (Main,

Alt, or Mini).

2 Press the Calibration Mode switch.

◆When the Calibration Mode switch is lit, output is dis-

played in dB SPL.

◆When the Calibration Mode switch is unlit, output is dis-

played in dB.

Mono Switch

The Mono switch mixes the Left and Right signals of any of

the output modes (any surround channels are not affected) to

provide mono output, useful for checking phase and balance

relationships. The Mono switch lights to indicate that it is ac-

tive.

Mono Trim Mode

Mono output can be trimmed to adjust its reference level in

comparison to other outputs. Available trim values range

from –12 dB to 0 dB, in 0.5 dB steps.

To trim mono output:

1 Press and hold the Mono switch until it ﬂashes.

2 Turn Alt Output encoder knob to set the Mono trim value.

The monitor display shows “Trim” and the trim value in dB.

3 Press the ﬂashing Mono switch to exit Trim mode.

Monitor Output Mode controls

Calibration Mode

switch

Dim switch

Mono switch

Mute switch

D-Command Guide86

Dim Switch

The Dim function applies an adjustable gain reduction to the

Control Room outputs. This function affects all three output

destinations. The Dim switch toggles the dim function on and

off, and lights to indicate that it is active.

Mute Switch

The Mute switch toggles the mute state for all Control Room

outputs. Mute operates globally on all three output destina-

tions. The Mute switch lights to indicate that it is active.

If the Mute switch on the XMON interface front panel is acti-

vated, the Mute switch on D-Command must be used to un-

mute the monitor system. (Outputs cannot be unmuted from

XMON front panel.)

Chapter 10: Monitor and Meter Sections 87

Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)

Meters

The Channel Strip Meter display features dual 32-segment LED bar graphs for each channel, and can display pre- or post-fader

levels depending on the D-Command Meter Preferences setting. In Custom Fader mode, these meter displays can show plug-in

input and output meters, gain reduction meters for dynamics plug-ins, and other parameters. The top LED is red and indicates

clipping on the corresponding channel or parameter.

The Output Meter display includes eight 32-segment LED bar graphs with clip indication for displaying output levels or the level

of the track focused in the Focus Channel Strip, depending on the D-Command Meter Preferences setting.

For details on setting meter preferences, see “Meter Preferences” on page 24.

Time Scale Displays

The Time Scale displays on the Main Unit mirrors the Main Time Scales in Pro Tools.

Time Scale Display Format Indicators

The indicators to the left of the Time Scale displays show the currently displayed format for both the Main Time Scale and the

Sub Time Scale. Formats include:

• Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Milliseconds

• Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames

• Feet+Frames

• Bars|Beats

Talkback Microphone

The built-in D-Command talkback microphone is located between the Meters and the Time Scale display.

Meter and Time Scale displays (Main Unit)

Channel Strip Meter displays

Time Scale display

Talkback Microphone

Time Scale display format indicators

Output Meter displays

D-Command Guide88

Setting D-Command Meters for Different Reference Levels

The Pro Tools Reference Level meter preference lets you change the D-Command meter display to help monitor program material

with respect to different reference levels.

At each setting except 0 dB, a single LED lights continuously across the meter bridge at a fixed point to indicate that reference

level. You can then compare the peaks of the program material to the indicated level.

The following reference level settings are available:

0 dB This is the normal setting used for referencing material to a 0 dB (full code) reference level.

–14 dB This reference level setting lights a single LED at –14 dB across the meter bridge.

–18 dB This reference level setting lights a single LED at –18 dB across the meter bridge.

–20 dB This reference level setting lights a single LED at –20 dB across the meter bridge.

To set a D-Command meter reference level:

1 In the Soft Keys section, press the Meter switch.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “RefLvl” to cycle among the meter reference level settings.

3 Press the Meter switch to exit.

Chapter 11: Operating Modes 89

Chapter 11: Operating Modes

The power and flexibility of D-Command lies in its different

operating modes, which let you customize the behavior of its

channel strip controls to fit your workflow.

The two types of D-Command operating modes are Normal

mode and the four Custom Fader modes. This section provides

an overview of each mode and its associated commands.

Normal Mode

In Normal mode, Pro Tools tracks are displayed on D-Com-

mand in a standard console format. In this mode, channel

strips correspond to a track in the session, and most of the

channel strip controls correspond directly to on-screen con-

trols or views in Pro Tools:

◆Channel Fader controls channel volume

◆Channel Display shows track name, and track volume when

fader is touched

◆Pan switch shows Pan values on encoders (this is the default

view when a new track is created)

◆Inserts switch shows Insert name on encoders

◆Sends switch shows name of Send on the encoder display,

and Send level on the encoder LED ring

Assigning Elements to Tracks

You can assign Inputs, Outputs, Inserts, and Sends to tracks

directly from D-Command by entering Assign mode.

To assign an input or output to a track:

1 Press the Assign Inputs switch or Assign Outputs switch to

enter the corresponding Assign mode. Input and output as-

signments are displayed and edited on the lower encoder.

2 If necessary, press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch repeatedly to

move up through to the top menu level.

3 Turn the encoder knob to choose between audio interface

channels and busses.

4 Press the encoder Select switch to conﬁrm your selection.

5 Turn the encoder knob to choose the audio interface chan-

nel or bus assignment that you want.

6 Repeat steps 2–5 for any other channels that you want to as-

sign an input or output.

7 Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂashing

Assign switch to conﬁrm the assignments.

To assign a send or insert to a track (global assign mode):

1 Press the Assign Sends switch or the Assign Inserts switch to

enter the corresponding Assign mode. The ﬁrst two send or in-

sert positions will show on the encoder displays by default.

2 To display and edit other insert positions, press the Page Up

or Page Down switches on the channel where you want to

make the assignment.

3 Turn the encoder knob that corresponds to the insert posi-

tion that you want to edit to select from the ﬁrst level of menu

choices.

4 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

5 Press the encoder Select switch to conﬁrm each menu level

selection.

6 Repeat steps 2–5 to modify other send or insert assignments.

7 Press each flashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂash-

ing Assign switch to conﬁrm the assignments.

To assign a send or insert to a track (temporary assign mode):

1 Press the Inserts or Sends switch on the channel where you

want to make the assignment.

2 To display and edit other insert positions on the channel,

press the channel’s Page Up or Page Down switches.

3 Do one of the following:

• If the send or insert position is empty, press the encoder

select switch. The encoder display shows the “>” sign in-

dicating that you are editing the send or insert position.

– or –

• If the send or insert position is already assigned, press

and hold the encoder select switch until the encoder dis-

play shows the “>” sign indicating that you are editing

the send or insert position.

4 Turn the encoder knob that corresponds to the insert posi-

tion that you want to edit to select from the ﬁrst level of menu

choices.

D-Command Guide90

5 Press the encoder Select switch to move down and the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch to move up through menu levels.

6 Press the encoder Select switch to conﬁrm each menu level

selection.

7 Repeat steps 2–5 to modify other send or insert assignments.

8 Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch to conﬁrm the as-

signment.

To remove an input, output, send or insert:

1 Press an Assign switch to enter the corresponding Assign

mode.

2 For the assignment you want to remove, press the encoder

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch repeatedly until you reach the top

level menu for the assignment.

3 Turn the encoder knob counter-clockwise until no assign-

ment is visible.

4 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂash-

ing Assign switch to conﬁrm the removal.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the removal

and restore the assignment.

Assigning Inputs in Sessions with Multiple

Plug-In Outputs

In sessions with plug-ins that have multiple outputs, the out-

puts of those plug-ins are available as inputs in other audio

and Auxiliary Input tracks. These appear as a third category of

inputs, labelled plug-ins, in the track input menu.

When assigning inputs from D-Control, this third category of

inputs appears as a top-level menu choice.

To assign an input from a plug-in output:

1 Press the Assign Inputs switch.

2 On the channel where you want to make the assignment,

turn an encoder knob to select Plug-In from the ﬁrst level of

menu choices.

3 Press the encoder Select switch to move down to the indi-

vidual plug-in level.

4 Turn the encoder knob to select the plug-in whose auxiliary

output you want to select.

5 Press the encoder Select switch to move down to the list of

plug-in auxiliary outputs.

6 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing encoder Select switch or press the ﬂash-

ing Assign Inputs switch to conﬁrm the assignment.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the assign-

ment.

Making Elements Active or Inactive

You can make Inputs, Outputs, Inserts, Sends, and entire

tracks active or inactive directly from D-Command by enter-

ing a temporary Make Inactive mode.

To toggle input paths active/inactive:

1 Press the Make Inactive Inputs switch to enter the Make In-

active mode.

2 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the appropriate en-

coder to deactivate or reactivate the input. Inactive inputs are

shown with an inverted text display.

3 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

To toggle output paths active/inactive:

1 Press the Make Inactive Outputs switch to enter the Make

Inactive mode.

2 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the appropriate en-

coder to deactivate or reactivate the combined outputs for

that channel.

3 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

To toggle individual outputs sub-paths active/inactive:

1 Press the Make Inactive Outputs switch to enter the Make

Inactive mode.

2 Press the Select switch on the appropriate encoder to view

the output sub-paths for the channel.

3 Press the Page Up or Page Down switches to step through

the possible output sub-paths.

4 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the appropriate en-

coder to deactivate or reactivate your choice of output

sub-paths. Inactive output sub-paths are shown with an in-

verted text display.

5 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

To toggle a send or plug-in active/inactive:

1 Press the Make Inactive Sends switch or the Make Inactive

Inserts switch to enter the corresponding Make Inactive

mode. The ﬁrst two insert or send positions will show on the

encoder displays.

Chapter 11: Operating Modes 91

2 To display and edit other insert positions, press the Page Up

or Page Down switches on the channel where you want to

make the assignment.

3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on the appropriate en-

coder to deactivate or reactivate the insert or send assignment.

Inactive assignments are shown with an inverted text display.

4 Repeat steps 2–3 to modify other send or insert assignments.

5 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

To toggle a track inactive/active:

1 Press any of the Make Inactive switches.

2 Press channel strip Select buttons to deactivate or reactivate

the corresponding tracks.

3 Press the ﬂashing Make Inactive switch to exit Inactive

mode.

Selecting a Track

You can select tracks in Pro Tools directly from D-Command.

In Select mode, Select switches can follow latching or

non-latching behavior. For details on setting the latch mode

for the Select switch, see “Select Switch Latch Mode” on

page 23.

To select a track from D-Command:

1 Make sure the Select/Focus switch mode is set to Select.

2 Press the channel Select switch for the track you want to se-

lect.

To select a range of tracks:

1 Press the Select switch on the channel at the start of the

range you want to select.

2 Hold Shift and press the Select switch on channel at the end

range you want to select.

All tracks between the first channel and last channel (inclu-

sive) are selected.

To select or deselect multiple, non-contiguous tracks, do one of

the following:

■If the Select Switch Latch Mode is set to latch, press addi-

tional Select switches.

– or –

■Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Select switches on multiple channels.

Focusing a Track

You can focus any track in a session in the Focus Channel sec-

tion, and the Dynamics and EQ sections of D-Command. Fo-

cusing a track also makes it available for use with the Custom

Fader Plug-in mode. (See “Plug-In Mode” on page 97.)

To focus a track in the Focus Channel section from D-Command:

1 Make sure the Select/Focus switch mode is set to Focus.

2 Press the channel Select switch for the track you want to fo-

cus.

To focus a track on the Focus Channel section from Pro Tools:

1 Make sure the Target Track from Application preference is

set to Yes. For details on this preference, see “Target Track from

Application” on page 24.

2 On-screen in Pro Tools, click the plug-in state plate, send

window, panner window, or mic pre pane for the track you

want to focus.

To focus a speciﬁc track number:

1 Do one of the following;

• Press the Go To switch on D-Command.

– or –

• Choose Operations > Scroll to Track Number in

Pro Tools.

2 Enter the track position number for the track and press En-

ter.

To nudge the track focus left or right by one channel:

■Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Nudge Left or Nudge Right switch.

To bank the track focus left or right by eight channels:

■Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Bank Left or Bank Right switch.

Focus Channel Strip

If the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Operations prefer-

ence is set to Yes, focusing a track also places a duplicate of the

focused track in the channel strip to the immediate left of the

Global Controls section. See “FCStrp (Focus Channel Strip)”

on page 75.

The duplicate Focus Channel strip is not available when

D-Command is in a Custom Fader mode.

D-Command Guide92

Focusing a Plug-In

If the D-Command Focus Channel Strip Operations prefer-

ence is set to Yes, focusing a track on D-Command brings the

name of the first active plug-in into the Focus Channel dis-

play.

To focus a plug-in in the Focus Channel display:

1 Make sure the Select/Focus switch mode is set to Focus.

2 Press the channel strips’s Select switch. The ﬁrst plug-in that

is not a dynamics or EQ plug-in is automatically focused, and

its name appears in the Custom Faders display.

3 In the Custom Faders section, press the Bank/Cycle switch

to cycle through the plug-ins on the Custom Faders display.

The plug-in whose name appears in the Focus Channel dis-

play is then available for Custom Fader Plug-In mode. (See

“Plug-In Mode” on page 97.)

To focus a plug-in in the Dynamics or EQ section:

1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by

pressing the track’s Select switch. The ﬁrst dynamics and EQ

plug-ins on that track are automatically focused in the corre-

sponding D-Command section.

2 Press the Cycle switch in the Dynamics or EQ section to fo-

cus successive dynamics or EQ plug-ins on that channel. (The

No Insert option is always available.)

To focus a plug-in in the Custom Faders section (temporary

plug-in assign mode):

1 Press the Inserts switch on the plug-in’s channel strip to en-

ter Inserts mode.

2 Press the encoder Select switch for the plug-in that you want

to control.

The plug-in is focused in the Custom Fader section. (See

“Plug-In Mode” on page 97.)

Automation Safe Mode

The Automation Safe switch invokes a mode in which the By-

pass/Mute/Pre switch for each encoder and the channel Select

switch become Automation Safe switches. While in this mode,

pressing a Bypass/Mute/Pre switch on a plug-in or send pro-

tects any automation on that plug-in or send from being over-

written. Pressing a channel Select switch protects any auto-

mated parameters on that track from being overwritten.

In Automation Safe mode, the Automation Safe switch is lit.

While in this mode, the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for any pro-

tected insert or send is lit, and the channel Select switch for

any protected channel is lit.

To toggle Automation Safe mode on and off:

1 Press the Automation Safe switch.

2 Press the channel Select switch on the tracks for which you

want to toggle automation safe status.

3 Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch for the plug-ins or sends

for which you want to toggle automation safe status.

4 Press the Automation Safe switch again to exit Automation

Safe mode.

Bypassing Plug-ins

When a plug-in name is displayed on an encoder (in the top

level Inserts display), the encoder’s Bypass/Mute/Pre (B/M/P)

switch bypasses the corresponding plug-in. The B/M/P switch

lights when the insert or plug-in is bypassed.

To bypass a plug-in:

1 Press the Inserts switch on the plug-in’s channel to display

the ﬁrst two Insert names on the channel’s encoders.

2 To display and edit other insert positions, press the Page Up

or Page Down switches.

3 Press the B/M/P switch that corresponds to the plug-in you

want to bypass. The B/M/P switch lights when the plug-in is

bypassed.

Making Plug-ins Active/Inactive

When a plug-in name is displayed on an encoder (in the top

level Inserts display), it can be made inactive without entering

Make Inactive mode.

To toggle a plug-in active/inactive:

1 Press the Inserts switch on a channel strip to display the

names of the plug-ins on the channel’s encoders.

2 If the insert location for the plug-in that you want to make

active/inactive is not showing, press the Page Up or Page

Down switches on the channel where you want to make the

assignment until the appropriate location is displayed.

3 Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Control+ Command

(Mac) and press the encoder Select switch for the plug-in.

Muting Sends

You can mute sends directly from D-Command by setting the

appropriate mode for the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch.

To mute sends:

1 Press the Sends switch on the track to display Send names in

the channel encoders.

2 To display and edit other send positions, press the Page Up

or Page Down switches.

Chapter 11: Operating Modes 93

3 Press the Switch Mode switch to set the mode to Mute.

4 Press the B/M/P switch for the send you want to mute. The

red Mute LED lights to indicate that the send is muted.

Setting Send Pre-/Post-Fader Operation

You can set sends to pre-fader or post-fader operation directly

from D-Command, by setting the appropriate mode for the

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch.

To toggle sends between pre-fader and post-fader operation:

1 Press the Sends switch on the track to display Send names in

the channel encoders.

2 Press the Switch Mode switch to set the mode to Pre.

3 Press the B/M/P switch for the send you want to toggle. The

green Pre LED lights to indicate that the send is set for

pre-fader operation.

Flip Mode

Channels in Normal mode can use Flip Mode, which transfers

controls from a row of encoders to the channel faders.

In Flip mode, the Flip switch lights, the rotary encoder control

swaps with the channel fader; the encoder Select switch swaps

with the channel Select switch; the encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch swaps with the channel Mute switch; and the encoder

display swaps with the channel display.

To transfer controls from a row of rotary encoders to the channel

faders:

■Press the Flip switch that corresponds to the encoder row

that you want to transfer.

To exit Flip mode:

■Press a lighted Flip switch.

Assigning Inserts and Sends While in Flip

Mode

You can assign Inserts or Sends directly to an encoder even

when its controls are flipped to the channel fader.

When an encoder’s controls are flipped to the channel fader,

the channel Select switch replaces the encoder Select switch,

the channel Mute switch replaces the Bypass/Mute/Pre

switch, and the channel Fader replaces the encoder knob.

To assign an individual insert or send to a ﬂipped encoder:

1 On the channel where you want to make the assignment,

press the Inserts or Sends switch to display the corresponding

elements on the channel. The controls for the ﬂipped encoder

appear on the channel fader.

2 Press and hold the channel Select switch on the channel

where you want to assign the insert or send. The channel

scribble strip shows a right arrow (“>– –”) to indicate the chan-

nel is in assign mode.

3 Move the channel fader to select from the ﬁrst level of menu

choices.

4 Press the channel Select switch to move down and the chan-

nel Mute switch to move up through menu levels.

5 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing channel Select switch to conﬁrm the

assignment.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the assign-

ment.

To change a previously assigned insert or send on a ﬂipped

encoder:

1 On the channel where you want to change the assignment,

press the Inserts or Sends switch to display the corresponding

elements on the channel.

2 Press and hold the channel Select switch for the ﬂipped in-

sert or send you want to change, until the channel scribble

strip shows a right arrow (“>”) next to the assignment to indi-

cate the channel is in assign mode.

3 Do one of the following to select a new insert or send:

• Move the channel fader to select from the current level of

menu choices.

– or –

• Press the channel Select switch to move down and the

channel Mute switch to move up through menu levels.

4 When the new insert or send is displayed in the channel

scribble strip, do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing channel Select switch to conﬁrm the

assignment.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the assign-

ment.

To remove an individual insert or send on a ﬂipped encoder:

1 On the channel where you want to remove the assignment,

press the Inserts or Sends switch to display the corresponding

elements on the channel.

2 Press and hold the channel Select switch for the ﬂipped in-

sert or send you want to remove, until the channel scribble

strip shows a right arrow (“>”) next to the assignment to indi-

cate the channel is in assign mode.

3 Press the encoder Bypass/Mute/Pre switch repeatedly until

you reach the top level menu for the assignment.

4 Move the channel fader until no assignment is visible.

D-Command Guide94

5 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing channel Select switch to conﬁrm the

removal.

– or –

• Press the ﬂashing Escape switch to cancel the removal

and restore the assignment.

Custom Fader Modes

With the Custom Faders feature, you can temporarily set aside

channel strips on D-Command and focus them on your own

customized groups of tracks, on Pro Tools Mix and Edit

groups, on specific track types, or on plug-in controls. Custom

Fader modes are only accessible on D-Command, and are not

displayed on-screen in Pro Tools.

On D-Command, Custom Fader channels are completely sep-

arate from the surrounding channels on the control surface.

All tracks in the session bank around the Custom Fader chan-

nels, and continue to behave normally in Pro Tools and on

D-Command.

When channels are in use by any of the Custom Fader modes,

the blue indicator marked “CF,” located to the left of the

channel fader, is lit.

The status of Custom Fader modes is saved with the Pro Tools

session. If you save and close a session with a Custom Fader

mode active, the session will reopen with the same mode ac-

tive.

The three Custom Fader modes are covered in detail later in

this section:

Groups Mode Lets you access Custom Groups or Mix/Edit

Groups functions.

The Custom Group functions let you create and recall up to

eight custom arrangements of tracks on D-Command that are

independent of the Mix or Edit groups in Pro Tools.

The Mix/Edit Group functions let you recall Pro Tools Mix or

Mix/Edit groups and display them on the Custom Fader chan-

nel strips. You can also activate and delete Mix or Mix/Edit

groups.

Tracks Mode Lets you bring all tracks of a particular type to

the Custom Fader channel strips. Track Types include Audio

tracks, Auxiliary Input tracks, MIDI tracks, Instrument tracks,

and Master Fader tracks.

Plug-In Mode Lets you focus the controls of a plug-in on the

Custom Fader channel strips, and any plug-in meters on the

channel strip’s meters.

A special expanded Plug-In mode focuses the plug-in header

controls (such as Bypass, Compare and Safe) on the channel

strip Mute switches.

Setting the Number of Custom Fader Channels

You can set the Custom Fader bank size, the maximum num-

ber of D-Command channels used by the Custom Fader

modes. The bank size can be set to 4 and 8 faders for a Main

Unit, and 4, 8, 16 and 24 faders for an expanded system.

To set the Custom Fader bank size:

1 Press the Operation switch in the Console Prefs Soft Keys

section.

2 Do one of the following:

• To increase the maximum number of faders used by the

Custom Fader modes, press the Soft Key that corresponds

to “Max CF.”

– or –

• To decrease the maximum number of faders used by the

Custom Fader modes, hold Shift and press the Soft Key

that corresponds to “Max CF.”

3 Press the Operation switch again to exit.

Custom Fader Controls

The Groups switch, Tracks switch, and Plug-In switch in the

Custom Faders section light when the corresponding Custom

Fader mode is active.

The Map switch works in combination with the Custom Fader

modes, and has no independent effect.

The Lock switch and Window switch function both in the

Custom Fader modes and independently. See “Lock Switch”

on page 40.

Custom Fader controls

MapGroups

Lock

Tracks

WindowPlug-In

Focus Channel

Bank

Cycle

Custom Faders

Map switch

Lock switch

Window switch

Groups switch

Tracks switch

Plug-In switch

Bank/Cycle switch

Focus Channel

display

Chapter 11: Operating Modes 95

Custom Groups Mode

Custom Groups mode lets you create a custom collection of

tracks and arrange them in any order in the Custom Fader

channels. You can create up to eight independent Custom

Groups in a session.

Custom Groups are useful for temporarily associating tracks

that are not part of a Pro Tools Mix/Edit group. Also, because

you can add multiple instances of the same track to a Custom

Group, you can use this mode to map multiple parameters

from a single track onto adjacent channel faders.

Custom Groups are created and recalled entirely on D-Com-

mand, and are independent of Mix/Edit groups in Pro Tools.

D-Command Custom Groups are not reflected on-screen in

Pro Tools.

Custom Groups are saved in the Pro Tools session file, and

move with the session to any other system that supports

D-Command operation.

To create a Custom Group:

1 Press the Groups switch in the Custom Faders section.

2 Press the Bank/Cycle switch until the Focus Channel display

indicates “Custom” for Custom Groups mode. The eight avail-

able Custom Groups appear on the encoders in the Custom

Fader channels.

3 Press the Select switch under the encoder that corresponds

to the Custom Group you want to deﬁne. The Focus Channel

display indicates the selection.

4 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Groups switch. The Groups switch will ﬂash.

5 Add or subtract channels from the Custom Group by doing

the following:

• To add a channel to the Custom Group:

• Press the channel Select switch for the source channel

you want to add to the Custom Group.

• If no Custom Group channel Select switch is lit, tracks

are added to the Custom Group in the order you select

them, and are right-justified in the Custom Fader chan-

nels.

• To add multiple copies of a channel to the Custom Group:

• Hold Shift and press the channel Select switch once for

each copy of the source channel that you want to add to

the Custom Group.

• To insert a channel between existing channels in a Custom

Group:

• Press the channel Select switch of the Custom Fader

channel following the position where you want to insert

a new channel. The switch will light indicating that the

next channel will be placed before the fader.

• Press the channel Select switch for the source channel

you want to add to the Custom Group.

• To remove a track from the Custom Group do one of the fol-

lowing:

• Press the channel Select switch for the source channel

that you want to remove from the Custom Group.

• Hold Control+Start (Windows) or Command+Control

(Mac) and press the channel Select switch of the track

you want to remove in the Custom Group.

• Press the Set to Default switch and press the channel Se-

lect switch of the track you want to remove in the Cus-

tom Group.

6 Press the ﬂashing Group switch when you are ﬁnished.

To recall a Custom Group:

1 Press the Groups switch in the Custom Faders section.

2 Press the Bank/Cycle switch until the Focus Channel display

indicates “Custom” for Custom Groups mode. The eight avail-

able Custom Groups appear on the encoders in the Custom

Fader channels.

3 Press the Select switch that corresponds to the Custom

Group you want to recall.

To name a Custom Group:

1 Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and press the Groups

switch for the Custom Group you want to name.

2 Enter a name for the Custom Group in the Pro Tools dialog,

and click OK.

To edit a Custom Group:

1 Recall the Custom Group you want to edit.

2 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Groups switch.

3 Add or remove channels from the Custom Group by press-

ing the appropriate Channel Select switches.

4 Press the ﬂashing Group switch when you are ﬁnished.

To delete a Custom Group:

1 Recall the Custom Group you want to delete.

2 Hold Start+Alt+Control (Windows) or Control+Op-

tion+Command (Mac) and press the Groups switch.

3 Press Enter.

To exit Custom Groups Mode:

■Press the Escape switch.

D-Command Guide96

Mix/Edit Groups Mode

Mix/Edit Groups mode lets you create, display, and edit

Pro Tools Mix and Mix/Edit groups on the Custom Fader

channels. This mode is useful for quickly calling the members

of a group to a set of faders for mixing and automation.

To show a Mix/Edit group in the Custom Fader channels:

1 Press the Groups switch in the Custom Faders section.

2 Press the Bank/Cycle switch until the Focus Channel display

indicates “Groups” for Mix/Edit Groups mode. The Mix/Edit

Group letters and names appear on the encoders in the Cus-

tom Fader channels.

3 If the Mix/Edit group you want to access is not visible on the

Custom Group encoders, press the Page Up or Page Down

switches to step through the possible Mix/Edit groups.

4 Press the Select switch that corresponds to the Mix/Edit

group you want to display.

To activate/deactivate a Mix/Edit group:

■While in Mix/Edit Groups mode, do one of the following:

• Press the Bypass/Mute/Pre switch that corresponds to the

Mix/Edit group you want to activate/deactivate.

• Hold Control+Alt (Windows) or Option+Command

(Mac) and press the Select switch that corresponds to the

Mix/Edit group you want to activate/deactivate.

■When a Mix/Edit group is selected, hold Control+Alt (Win-

dows) or Option+Command (Mac) and press the Groups

switch.

A deactivated group is indicated by inverted text in the Cus-

tom Faders display.

To create a Mix/Edit group:

1 Make sure you are in Select mode.

2 Select the tracks you want to group by pressing their Select

switches.

3 Press the Group switch in the Management Soft Key section.

4 Choose the type of group to create: Edit Group, Mix Group,

or Edit/Mix Group.

5 Enter a name for the Group and click OK.

To edit a Mix/Edit group:

1 Make sure you are in Select mode.

2 In Mix/Edit Groups mode, recall the Mix/Edit group you

want to edit.

3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the

Groups switch.

4 Add or remove channels from the Mix/Edit group by press-

ing the appropriate Channel Select switches.

5 Press the ﬂashing Escape switch when you are ﬁnished.

To delete a Mix/Edit group:

1 Recall the Mix/Edit Group you want to delete.

2 Hold Start+Alt+Control (Windows) or Control+Op-

tion+Command (Mac) and press the Groups switch.

3 Press Enter.

To exit Mix/Edit Groups Mode:

■Press the Escape switch.

Tracks Mode

Tracks Mode lets you bring all tracks of a particular type to the

Custom Fader channel strips. Track Types include audio

tracks, Auxiliary Input tracks, MIDI tracks, Instrument tracks,

and Master Fader tracks.

To bring a Track type to Custom Fader channels:

1 Press and hold the Tracks switch in the Custom Faders sec-

tion until the switch ﬂashes.

2 Press the Bank/Cycle switch to toggle between the various

track types. The Focus Channel display indicates the selection.

3 Press the Tracks switch to conﬁrm your selection.

To exit Tracks mode:

■Press the lit Tracks switch.

Chapter 11: Operating Modes 97

Plug-In Mode

Plug-In mode focuses the first plug-in on the focused channel

on the Custom Fader Channels. This places all of the plug-in’s

parameters on the Custom Fader channel encoders, and any

plug-in meters on the Custom Fader channel meters.

This mode is useful for controlling plug-ins with a large num-

ber of controls, such as virtual instruments.

To focus a plug-in on the Custom Fader channels:

1 Focus the plug-in’s track in the Focus Channel section by

pressing the track’s Select switch. The name of the ﬁrst plug-in

that is not a dynamics or EQ plug-in appears in the Focus

Channel display.

2 Press the Plug-In switch in the Custom Fader section. The

switch lights to indicate the mode is active. The plug-in name

and channel format appear in the Custom Fader channel dis-

plays, and the plug-in’s parameters appear in the Custom

Fader channel encoders.

3 In the Custom Faders section, press the Bank/Cycle switch

to cycle through the plug-ins on the focused channel. (The No

Insert option is always available.)

Custom Faders and Plug-ins

In general, continuous plug-in parameters map to the Custom

Fader encoder knobs, and switched parameters functions map

to the B/M/P (Bypass/Mute/Pre) encoder switches. The pres-

ence of a switched parameter is indicated by the Pre indicator

above the corresponding B/M/P switch.

To see what parameter is controlled by a B/M/P switch, press

the Switch Info switch.

In some cases, the same control may be mapped to an encoder

knob and its corresponding switch, allowing you to use either

control to adjust the parameter.

Plug-in meters map to the Custom Fader channel meters.

Plug-in input and output meters appear as standard level

meters. Any dynamics gain reduction meters (for example, in

a compressor or limiter plug-in) are shown as top-to-bottom

meters.

Expanded Plug-In Mode

Expanded Plug-In mode lets you access additional plug-in

controls and manage individual channels (also called streams)

of a multi-mono plug-in. This mode places the following stan-

dard header controls in the Custom Fader channel displays:

• Plug-In Bypass

• Plug-In Compare

• Plug-In Automation Safe

• Plug-In Automation Enable

To enter Expanded Plug-In mode:

■Press and hold the Plug-In switch in the Custom Fader sec-

tion until the switch ﬂashes. The plug-in header controls are

mapped as follows:

Plug-In Bypass To bypass the currently displayed plug-in,

press the Mute switch that corresponds to “Bypass” in the

channel displays. This toggles the Effect Bypass button in the

Plug-In window.

Plug-In Compare To toggle between the original saved plug-in

setting and any changes you have made to it, press the Mute

switch that corresponds to “Comp” in the channel displays.

This toggles the Compare button in the Plug-In window.

Plug-In Automation Safe To prevent existing plug-in automa-

tion from being overwritten, press the Mute switch that corre-

sponds to “Safe” in the channel displays. This toggles the Safe

button in the Plug-In window.

Plug-In Automation Enable To enable individual plug-in con-

trols for automation, press the Mute switch that corresponds

to “AutoEn” in the channel displays. This lists the automat-

able plug-in controls on the Custom Fader encoders. Choose

the controls to automate by pressing their encoder Select

switches. This toggles the Auto button in the Plug-In window.

Multi-Mono Plug-ins and Expanded Plug-In Mode

With multi-mono plug-ins, the following plug-in channel

controls are mapped to the Custom Fader channel displays:

Link To link channels of a multi-mono plug-in, press the Mute

switch that corresponds to “Link” in the channel displays.

This toggles the Master Link button in the Plug-In window.

Target Stream To target a particular multi-mono plug-in chan-

nel for editing, press the Mute switch that corresponds to

“TargtS” in the channel displays. This lists the plug-in chan-

nels on the Channel Fader encoders. You can then choose a

channel by pressing its encoder Select switch. The switch

lights to indicate the targeted channel.

Group Stream To group individual multi-mono plug-in chan-

nels for editing, press the Mute switch that corresponds to

“GroupS” in the channel displays. This lists the plug-in chan-

nels on the Channel Fader encoders. You can then group any

number of streams by pressing their encoder Select switches.

The Select switches light to indicate grouped channels.

Bypass Stream To bypass individual multi-mono plug-in

streams, press the Mute switch that corresponds to “BypS” in

the channel displays. This lists the plug-in channels on the

Channel Fader encoders. You can then bypass a stream by

pressing its encoder B/M/P switch. The B/M/P switch lights to

indicate the bypassed stream.

To exit Expanded Plug-In mode:

■Press the ﬂashing Plug-In switch.

D-Command Guide98

Custom Fader Flip Mode

When in Custom Groups, Mix/Edit Groups, or Plug-In mode,

you can flip Custom Fader encoder rows to the faders with

Custom Fader Flip mode. Custom Fader Flip mode only affects

Custom Fader channels, and has no effect on channels in Nor-

mal mode.

To enter Custom Fader Flip mode:

■When in Groups, Tracks, or Plug-In mode, hold Win (Win-

dows) or Control (Mac) and press the Flip switch for the en-

coder row you want to ﬂip to the faders.

To exit Custom Fader Flip mode:

■Press the lit Flip switch.

Custom Fader Map Modes

When in Groups or Plug-In mode, you can map individual en-

coder controls to faders on a track-by-track basis with Custom

Fader Map modes.

This mapping feature works differently depending on which

of the Custom Fader modes you are in. (Mapping is not avail-

able in Tracks mode.)

Custom Fader Maps are saved with the session.

Map Mode for Custom Groups or Mix/Edit Groups

When in Custom Groups mode or Mix/Edit Groups mode,

you can map any encoder parameter to the fader on the same

Custom Fader channel. In these Map modes, the rotary en-

coder control swaps with the channel fader, and the encoder

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch swaps with the channel Mute switch.

Mapping while in these modes is vertically restricted to en-

coders and faders in the same channel strip.

To map an encoder to a fader (Custom Groups mode or Mix/Edit

Groups mode):

1 While in Custom Groups mode or Mix/Edit Groups mode,

press and hold the Map switch in the Custom Faders section

until the switch ﬂashes.

2 In the Custom Fader channels, touch any rotary encoders

that you want to map to their corresponding channel fader.

3 Do one of the following:

• Press the ﬂashing Map switch to conﬁrm the mapping.

– or –

• Press the Escape switch to cancel the mapping and leave

Map edit mode.

The Map switch lights solid to indicate that the mapping is ac-

tive.

To bypass mapping (Custom Groups mode or Mix/Edit Groups

mode):

■Press the lit Map switch. Even when it is not displayed,

mapping is remembered for each Custom Group or Mix/Edit

Group.

To recall mapping (Custom Groups mode or Mix/Edit Groups

mode):

1 Press the Groups switch in the Custom Faders section. The

Focus Channel display indicates “Custom” for Custom

Groups mode, and the eight Custom Groups appear on the

encoders in the Custom Fader channels.

2 While holding the Groups switch, press the Bank/Cycle

switch to toggle between “Groups” (Mix/Edit Group Mode)

and “Custom” (Custom Group Mode) if necessary. The Focus

Channel display indicates the selection.

3 Press the Select switch that corresponds to the Custom Fader

group you want to recall.

4 Press the Map switch.

Plug-In Map Mode

When in Custom Faders Plug-In mode, you can map any

plug-in parameter to any of the faders in the Custom Fader

channels, including faders on different channels. In Plug-In

Map mode, a mapped rotary control is duplicated on the

fader, and a mapped switch is duplicated on the channel Mute

switch. (Because Plug-In mode does not use the faders, no

swapping takes place.)

Mapping while in this mode has no restriction on the vertical

relationship between encoders and faders.

How Plug-In Mapping is Stored

◆When you map a plug-in, all other instances of that plug-in

in the session will use the same mapping.

◆Plug-in mapping is saved as a preference ﬁle with a .pim ex-

tension.

◆Plug-In mapping for the last opened session is remembered

by the Pro Tools system (saved in the Pro Tools application

preferences ﬁle), so when you create a new session on the sys-

tem, all instances of the same plug-in will use the stored map-

ping.

◆Plug-in mapping ﬁles (.pim) ﬁles can be imported and ex-

ported for use with other D-Command and D-Control con-

soles.

To map an encoder to a fader (Plug-In mode):

1 While in Plug-In mode, press the Map switch in the Custom

Faders section.

2 In the Custom Fader channels, press the channel Select

switch on the channel where you want to map the encoder.

The Select switch ﬂashes to indicate Map mode.

Chapter 11: Operating Modes 99

3 Do one of the following:

• In the Custom Fader channels, touch any rotary encoder

that you want to map to the selected channel’s fader.

– or –

• In the Custom Fader channels, press any switch that you

want to map to the selected channel’s Mute switch.

The mapped control appears on the selected channel’s fader.

Plug-In parameter mapping is remembered for that plug-in,

and is usable on any channel where it occurs.

To bypass mapping (Plug-In mode):

■Press the lit Map switch. Even when it is not displayed,

mapping is remembered for each plug-in.

To recall mapping (Plug-In mode):

1 Focus the plug-in in the Focus Channel section.

2 Recall the plug-in by pressing the Plug-In switch in the Cus-

tom Faders section.

3 Press the Map switch.

To clear mapping (Plug-In mode):

1 Focus the plug-in in the Focus Channel section.

2 Recall the plug-in by pressing the Plug-In switch in the Cus-

tom Faders section.

3 Press the Map switch.

4 Press and hold the Set to Default and Do to All switches.

5 Press the channel Select switch on any custom fader chan-

nel.

Exporting and Importing .pim Files

To export plug-in mapping:

1 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Keys switch twice to

view the second page of Soft Key functions.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Export PIMaps.”

3 Enter a name for the Plug-In Map (.pim) ﬁle, choose a loca-

tion, and click Save.

4 Press the Operation Soft Key twice to exit.

To import plug-in mapping:

1 Press the Operation Console Prefs Soft Keys switch twice to

view the second page of Soft Key functions.

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Import PIMaps.”

3 Locate the plug-in mapping (.pim) ﬁle you want to use and

click Import.

4 Press the Operation Soft Key twice to exit.

D-Command Guide100

Appendix A: Utility Mode 101

Appendix A: Utility Mode

D-Command Utility mode lets you view system information,

run diagnostic tests, set hardware preferences, and reset sys-

tem settings.

Entering Utility Mode

You can enter Utility mode at any time to change D-Com-

mand settings. Utility mode can be accessed from the D-Com-

mand Main Unit and also on individual D-Command Fader

Modules.

Entering Utility Mode from a Main Unit

When putting a D-Command Main Unit into Utility mode,

the behavior of connected Fader Modules depends on

whether or not the units are online.

A D-Command unit is online if Pro Tools is running and the

unit is declared in the Peripherals page of the Setups dialog. A

unit is offline when Pro Tools is not running, or if it is not de-

clared on a system that is running Pro Tools.

To enter Utility mode from the Main Unit:

■Press the Utility switch in the Session Management section.

The Utility switch and the Soft Keys flash to indicate Utility

mode is active.

• If the Main Unit is online, any Fader Modules declared

on the same Pro Tools system also enter Utility mode.

• If the Main Unit is ofﬂine, all ofﬂine Fader Modules on

the same Ethernet network enter Utility mode.

Entering Utility Mode on a Fader Module

You can put individual Fader Modules into Utility mode to

test them independently of other D-Command units.

To put an individual Fader Module into Utility mode:

1 If Pro Tools is running, do one of the following:

• Quit Pro Tools.

– or –

• Choose Setups > Peripherals, click Ethernet Controllers,

and make sure the Fader Module is not declared.

2 Press and hold the Modiﬁer Keys in the lower left of the

Fader Module in the following sequence: Shift + Alt/Com-

mand + Win/Option. The encoder Select switches in the bot-

tom row ﬂash to indicate Utility mode is active.

Navigating Utility Mode

When the unit is in Utility mode, the Utility Setup Page is dis-

played on the Soft Key displays (Main Unit) or on the bottom

row of encoders (Fader Module).

The Utility Setup page has five top level options:

• System: System Info Page

• Name: Name Setup Page

• Test: Test Setup Page

• Reset: Reset D-Command to Defaults

• Pref: Preference Setup Page

To access an option on the Utility Setup Page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to the option.

To move back up to the Utility Setup Page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Fader Module Modiﬁer Key sequence for Utility mode

D-Command Guide102

Exiting Utility Mode

To exit Utility mode, do one of the following:

■Press the ﬂashing Utility switch (Main Unit).

– or –

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

D-Command System Info Page

The System Info page provides access to the system firmware

version and Ethernet information.

To display the System Info page:

■From the Utility Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “System.”

To exit the System Info page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Firmware Version

In the System Info page, hold the Soft Key (Main Unit) or en-

coder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “FW

ver.” This shows the Comm board and Motor Control board

firmware versions.

Ethernet Info

In the System Info page, hold the Soft Key (Main Unit) or en-

coder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Ethrnt” to display the following information:

◆Unit Name (as named on the Name Page)

◆ID: Ethernet address (Machine Address Code) for the unit

◆Num: The Digidesign serial number for the unit

◆Type: The Ethernet packet type used by Digidesign for con-

trol surface communication

D-Command Name Page

The Name page is used to view and change D-Command unit

names. These names appear in the Pro Tools Peripherals dia-

log, and must be unique so as to identify each D-Command

unit correctly. This is especially important if your system is on

an Ethernet network with multiple controllers connected to

it.

To display the Name page for a D-Command unit:

1 Put the unit you want to name into Utility mode. Fader

Modules must be put into Utility mode independently. (See

“Entering Utility Mode on a Fader Module” on page 101.)

2 From the Utility Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Name.”

The Main Unit name appears in the Soft Keys section. The

Fader Module name appears in its encoder displays. The first

character of the name flashes to indicate text entry.

To change the unit name:

1 Turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel (Main Unit) or any encoder

knob (Fader Module) to change the selected text.

2 To move forward and backward through the name ﬁeld,

press the ﬂashing Soft Keys (Main Unit) or encoder Select

switches (Fader Module) that correspond to the “<” and “>”

symbols.

3 When you are ﬁnished entering text, do one of the follow-

ing:

• Conﬁrm the new name by pressing the Soft Key (Main

Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that

corresponds to “OK.”

• Clear the name ﬁeld by pressing the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corre-

sponds to “Clear.”

• Cancel the new name by pressing the Soft Key (Main

Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that

corresponds to “Cancel.”

Appendix A: Utility Mode 103

D-Command Test Pages

The Test pages let you test various mechanical and electronic

components of the unit.

To display the Test Setup page:

■From the Utility Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Test.”

The Test Setup page has five top level test modes:

• Ethernet: Ethernet Test Page

• LED: Switch and LED Test Pages

• Display: Display Test Page

• Fader: Fader Test Page

• Rotary: Rotary Encoder Test Page

To enter a test mode on the Test Setup page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to the test mode name.

To exit the Test Setup page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Ethernet Test Page

There are three test levels for Ethernet communication on

D-Command: Internal, Mendec, and External. These tests can

assist Digidesign Technical Support should you ever experi-

ence difficulty with Ethernet communication between

D-Command and Pro Tools.

Each test sends data packets through that unit’s Ethernet sys-

tem. The Transmit (Xmit) and Receive (Recv) values for each

test show the number of packets sent and received in the test,

and the “Error” and “Retry” fields show percentage error in

the transmission and receiving process. An error rate of 1 per-

cent or less generally indicates acceptable performance. (In

normal operation, errors are retried and no data loss occurs.)

To display the Ethernet Test page:

1 Put the unit you want to test into Utility mode. Fader Mod-

ules must be put into Utility mode independently. (See “En-

tering Utility Mode on a Fader Module” on page 101.)

2 From the Test Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Ethrnt.”

To exit the Ethernet Test page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Internal

The Internal test verifies the first stage of Ethernet communi-

cation by sending data packets through the unit’s Ethernet

link chip.

To perform the Internal Ethernet test:

1 From the Ethernet Test page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Clear” to clear any values in the unit’s test data page.

2 Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Intrnl.”

To exit the Internal Ethernet test:

■Press the ﬂashing Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select

switch (Fader Module).

Mendec

The Mendec (Manchester Encoder/Decoder) test verifies the

second stage of Ethernet communication by sending data

packets through the unit’s Ethernet encoder and decoder.

To perform the Mendec Ethernet test:

1 From the Ethernet Test page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Clear” to clear any values in the unit’s test data page.

2 Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Mendec.”

To exit the Mendec Ethernet test:

■Press the ﬂashing Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select

switch (Fader Module).

External

The External test verifies the third stage of Ethernet commu-

nication by sending data packets out of the unit’s external

Ethernet port and back into the unit using the Ethernet loop-

back connector (provided with the D-Command Main Unit).

To perform the External Ethernet test:

1 If Pro Tools is running, quit Pro Tools.

2 Disconnect the unit from the Ethernet network.

3 Plug the Ethernet Loopback connector into the unit’s Ether-

net port.

4 From the Ethernet Test page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Clear” to clear any values in the unit’s test data page.

5 Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Extrnl.”

D-Command Guide104

To exit the External Ethernet test:

■Press the ﬂashing Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select

switch (Fader Module).

Switch and LED Test Page

The Switch and LED Test page has five modes:

• Switch: Switch Test Mode

• Red: Red LED Test Mode

• Yellow: Yellow LED Test Mode

• Green: Green LED Test Mode

• Vegas: Vegas Mode

To display the Switch and LED Test page:

■From the Test Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“LED.”

To exit the Switch and LED Test page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

To enter any of the Switch and LED Test modes:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to the mode name.

Switch Test Mode

Switch Test mode lets you test each switch on the unit indi-

vidually.

To test any switch:

■Press the switch you want to test.

The switch LED lights as long as it is held and the Soft Key dis-

play (Main Unit) or encoder displays (Fader Module) show the

location information for the switch.

To exit Switch Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

LED Test Modes (Red, Yellow, Green)

The LED Test modes lets you test all red, yellow, and green

LEDs on the unit individually.

To test LEDs:

■Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Red,” “Yellow,” or

“Green” to test all LEDs of the corresponding color.

To exit LED Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Vegas Mode

Vegas mode randomly lights every switch, meter, and display

on the unit, and runs the faders in sine wave mode.

To enter Vegas mode:

■Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Vegas.”

To exit Vegas mode:

■Press any switch on the unit.

Display Test Page

The Display Test page has three modes:

• Text: Display Test

• Time Code: Time Code Display Test

• Meter: Meter Bridge LED Test

To display the Display Test page:

■From the Test Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Disply.”

To exit the Display Test page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

To enter any of the Display Test modes:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to the mode name.

Text (Display) Test

The Text test mode cycles through a series of display tests that

check all displays on the control surface.

To exit Text Test mode:

■Press any ﬂashing Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select

switch (Fader Module).

Meter Bridge LED Test

The Meter Bridge LED test cycles through a series of auto-

mated tests that check all LEDs on each meter.

To exit Meter Bridge LED Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Appendix A: Utility Mode 105

Time Code Display Test

(Main Unit Only)

The Time Code Display test cycles through a series of auto-

mated tests that check all LED segments on the Main Unit

Time Code display.

To exit Time Code Display Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Escape.”

Fader Test Page

The Fader Test page provides four test modes and a calibration

mode:

• Step: Fader Step Test Mode

• Cycle: Fader Cycle Test Mode

• Group: Fader Group Test Mode

• Touch: Fader Touch Test Mode

• Recal: Recalibrates Faders

To display the Fader Test page:

■From the Test Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Fader.”

To exit the Fader Test page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

To enter any of the Fader Test modes:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to the test name.

Step Test Mode

In Step Test mode, faders jump together, in stepped fashion, to

positions that are adjustable with the Scrub/Shuttle wheel

(Main Unit) or any encoder knob (Fader Module).

To exit Step Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Cycle Test Mode

In Cycle Test mode, faders move together, from the bottom to

top, in a continuous cycle, at a speed that is adjustable with

the Scrub/Shuttle wheel (Main Unit) or any encoder knob

(Fader Module).

Fader position values are shown in the channel displays and

are updated in real time as the faders move.

To exit Cycle Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Group Test Mode

In Group Test mode, faders can be moved to test group re-

sponse.

This mode displays which faders are currently being touched

by showing the letter “T” in their channel displays.

To exit Group Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Touch Test Mode

The Touch Test page lets you test the touch sensitivity of each

fader. The channel displays show when a fader is touched and

what frequency the fader is currently recognizing. The fader

frequency value is updated in real time.

This mode displays which faders are currently being touched

by showing the letter “T” in their channel displays.

To exit Touch Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “Escape.”

Recal

The Recal command recalibrates D-Command fader touch

sensitivity and position to factory specifications.

In addition, under conditions of heavy use, the D-Command

fader motor protection feature may disengage a fader if it is in

danger of overheating. The Recal command reengages any dis-

engaged faders.

To recalibrate the faders:

■From the Fader Test page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Recal.”

D-Command Guide106

Rotary Test Page

The Rotary Test page lets you test the touch-sensitive encoder

knob and the LED ring in each rotary encoder, as well as the

Scrub/Shuttle wheel on the Main Unit.

To enter Rotary Test mode:

■From the Test Setup page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Rotary.”

To exit Rotary Test mode:

■Press the Soft Key next to “Escape” (Main Unit) or the ﬂash-

ing encoder Select switch.

To test the rotary encoders:

◆Touch any encoder knob. When the encoder knob is

touched, the encoder’s display turns red and the “Auto” indi-

cator LED below the knob lights.

◆Turn any encoder knob. When the encoder knob is turned,

each LED in the LED ring lights in order.

To test the Scrub/Shuttle wheel:

■Turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel. The numerical value in the

lower left display of the Soft Key section value changes de-

pending on which way you turn the wheel.

Resetting D-Command to Factory

Defaults

The Reset (Factory Default) page lets you reset the D-Com-

mand Main Unit and Fader Modules to their factory default

settings.

To reset D-Command:

1 From the Utility Setup Page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Reset.”

2 Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to “OK.”

3 Do one of the following:

• Conﬁrm your choice by pressing OK again.

– or –

• Cancel the reset operation by pressing the Soft Key (Main

Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that

corresponds to “Cancel.”

D-Command Preferences

D-Command Preferences let you set various display and oper-

ation preferences for the unit.

To display the Preferences page:

■From the Utility Setup Page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit)

or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds

to “Prefs.”

The D-Command Preferences page has five preferences:

• Bright: Display Brightness

• Contrast: Display Contrast

• Foot 1: Footswitch 1 Settings

• Foot 2: Footswitch 2 Settings

• Sleep: Sleep Mode Settings

To access a preference on the Preferences page:

■Press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch

(Fader Module) that corresponds to the preference name.

Display Brightness Page

The Display Brightness page lets you adjust the brightness of

the display LED displays.

To set the display brightness:

1 From the Preferences page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Bright.”

2 Turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel (Main Unit) or any encoder

knob (Fader Module) to change the brightness value. Bright-

ness values range from 0–127.

3 Do one of the following:

• Conﬁrm the new brightness value by pressing the Soft

Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Mod-

ule) that corresponds to “OK.”

– or –

• Cancel the new brightness value by pressing the Soft Key

(Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module)

that corresponds to “Cancel.”

Appendix A: Utility Mode 107

Display Contrast Page

The Display Contrast page lets you adjust the level of back-

lighting in the display LED displays.

To set the display contrast:

1 From the Preferences page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Contrast.”

2 To adjust the overall contrast for all displays, press the Soft

Keys (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switches (Fader Mod-

ule) that correspond to “>>” or “<<” to increase or decrease

the contrast value. Overall contrast values range from 0–9.

3 To adjust the relative contrast for individual rows of dis-

plays, turn the Flip encoder knobs (Main Unit) or any encoder

knobs in a given row (Fader Module). Individual contrast val-

ues are shown as “Step” numbers ranging from 0–62.

4 To cycle the displays through inverted text display, repeat-

edly press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select

switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to “Invert.”

5 Do one of the following:

• Conﬁrm the new contrast values by pressing the Soft Key

(Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module)

that corresponds to “OK.”

• Reset the contrast values to their defaults by pressing the

Soft Key (Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader

Module) that corresponds to “Reset.”

• Cancel the new contrast values by pressing the Soft Key

(Main Unit) or the encoder Select switch (Fader Module)

that corresponds to “Cancel.”

Footswitch 1 and 2 Settings Pages

(Main Unit Only)

The Footswitch Settings pages for Footswitch 1 and Foot-

switch 2 let you set the function for each. For each setting,

pressing the footswitch is the functional equivalent of press-

ing the corresponding switch on the D-Command Main Unit.

Each Footswitch Settings page has four options:

• Flip + / Flip – : Changes the polarity of the footswitch

connection to positive (+) or negative (–).

• Play: Simulates pressing the Play switch on the transport

• Record: Simulates pressing the Record switch on the

transport

• Talkback: Simulates pressing the Talkback switch on the

D-Command Main Unit

To set the function of the footswitches:

1 From the Preferences page, press the Soft Key that corre-

sponds to “Foot 1” or “Foot 2.”

2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the function you want

to assign to the footswitch. The Soft Key for the selected func-

tion lights continuously.

■Press the Soft Key that corresponds to “Escape.”

Sleep Mode Settings Page

Sleep mode saves power by dimming the LEDs on the D-Com-

mand unit. The Sleep Mode Settings page lets you set the

amount of idle time before the LEDs on the unit dim automat-

ically.

To set the time before the D-Command unit sleeps:

1 From the Preferences page, press the Soft Key (Main Unit) or

the encoder Select switch (Fader Module) that corresponds to

“Sleep.”

2 Turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel (Main Unit) or any encoder

knob (Fader Module) to change the time before the unit goes

to sleep. Times range in 1-minute increments from 1 to 59

minutes, then in 1-hour increments from 1 to 12 hours, to Off

(the unit never goes to sleep).

D-Command Guide108

Appendix B: Audio Connections and Pinouts 109

Appendix B: Audio Connections and Pinouts

All external D-Command audio connections are made to the back panel of the XMON interface, shown below. All audio con-

nectors are standard female DB-25 connectors. The connector for communication with D-Command is a 15-pin female connec-

tor.

25-Pin Female Connector Pinouts

All XMON DB-25 connector pinouts conform to the pin num-

bering scheme shown below.

Cue Inputs

Main Inputs

* Main Inputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but the corre-

sponding Lc and Rc outputs cannot be controlled indepen-

dently from the D-Command monitor section.

XMON back panel connectors

Cue Inputs

Cue Outputs

Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs

Main Outputs Alt Outputs Talkback/Listenback/Utility D-Command connector

DB-25 Connector (user view)

Cue Inputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Cue Input 1 (Left) 24 12 25

Cue Input 1 (Right) 10 23 11

Cue Input 2 (Left) 21 9 22

Cue Input 2 (Right) 7 20 8

[Not Connected] 18 6 19

[Not Connected] 4 17 5

[Not Connected] 15 3 16

[Not Connected] 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

113

1425

Main Inputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Main Input 1 (L) 24 12 25

[Main Input 2 (Lc)]* 10 23 11

Main Input 3 (C) 21 9 22

[Main Input 4 (Rc)]* 7 20 8

Main Input 5 (R) 18 6 19

Main Input 6 (Ls) 4 17 5

Main Input 7 (Rs) 15 3 16

Main Input 8 (LFE) 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

D-Command Guide110

Surround Inputs

* Surround Inputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but the corre-

sponding Lc and Rc outputs cannot be controlled indepen-

dently from the D-Command monitor section.

Stereo Inputs

Cue Outputs

Main Speaker Outputs

* Main Speaker Outputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but Lc

and Rc outputs cannot be controlled independently from the

D-Command monitor section. Global Volume, Solo, and

Mute controls affect all outputs.

Surround Inputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Surround Input 1 (L) 24 12 25

[Surround Input 2 (Lc)]* 10 23 11

Surround Input 3 (C) 21 9 22

[Surround Input 4 (Rc)]* 7 20 8

Surround Input 5 (R) 18 6 19

Surround Input 6 (Ls) 4 17 5

Surround Input 7 (Rs) 15 3 16

Surround Input 8 (LFE) 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

Stereo Inputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Stereo Input 1 (Left) 24 12 25

Stereo Input 1 (Right) 10 23 11

Stereo Input 2 (Left) 21 9 22

Stereo Input 2 (Right) 7 20 8

Stereo Input 3 (Left) 18 6 19

Stereo Input 3 (Right) 4 17 5

[Not Connected] 15 3 16

[Not Connected] 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

Cue Outputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

SLS Output (Left) 24 12 25

SLS Output (Right) 10 23 11

Cue Output 1 (Left) 21 9 22

Cue Output 1 (Right) 7 20 8

Cue Output 2 (Left) 18 6 19

Cue Output 2 (Right) 4 17 5

[Not Connected] 15 3 16

[Not Connected] 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

Main Speaker Outputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Main 1 (L) 24 12 25

[Main 2 (Lc)]* 10 23 11

Main 3 (C) 21 9 22

[Main 4 (Rc)]* 7 20 8

Main 5 (R) 18 6 19

Main 6 (Ls) 4 17 5

Main 7 (Rs) 15 3 16

Main 8 (LFE) 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

Appendix B: Audio Connections and Pinouts 111

Alt Speaker Outputs

* Alt Speaker Outputs 2 and 4 are active on XMON, but Lc and

Rc outputs cannot be controlled independently from the

D-Command monitor section. Global Volume, Solo, and

Mute controls affect all outputs.

Talkback/Listenback Pinouts

15-Pin Connector Pinouts

The XMON 15-pin connector pinouts conform to the pin

numbering scheme shown below.

XMON to D-Command Connector Pinouts

Alt Speaker Outputs

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Alt 1 (L) 24 12 25

[Alt 2 (Lc)]* 10 23 11

Alt 3 (C) 21 9 22

[Alt 4 (Rc)]* 7 20 8

Alt 5 (R) 18 6 19

Alt 6 (Ls) 4 17 5

Alt 7 (Rs) 15 3 16

Alt 8 (LFE) 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

Talkback/Listenback

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

Ext Talkback Mic

Input

24 12 25

Listen Mic 1 Input 10 23 11

Listen Mic 2 Input 21 9 22

AFL Input 1 20 7 8

AFL Input 2 6 18 19

Mini Speaker Out (L) 4 17 5

Mini Speaker Out (R) 15 3 16

Talkback/Slate Out 1 14 2

GND 13

SHIELD GND connector housing

15-pin connector (user view)

XMON to D-Command Pinouts

Signal Name Hot (+) Cold (–) Ground (shield)

RS422 Input 1 9

RS422 Output 2 10

MIDI Input 12 4

MIDI Output 11 3

Headphones L 5 13

Headphones R 6 14

Internal Talkback Mic 15 8

GND 7

SHIELD GND connector housing

915

D-Command Guide112

Index 113

Index

Numerics

9-Pin Remote switch 65

Actions switch (automation) 76

After-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 83

All Enabled switch (automation) 36

All Notes Off switch 70

All switch (automation) 36

Alt outputs (Monitor section) 80

Arrow switches 67

Assign controls 42, 89

Inputs 42

Inserts 42

Outputs 42

Sends 42

Assign Talkback switch 81

Attack/Q control (Dynamics plug-ins) 50

Audio Files switch 74

Audition Mode switch 65

Audition switches 65

Audition Mode 65

Mark In 66

Mark Out 66

Post-Roll 65

Pre-Roll 65

Auto Talkback switch 84

AutoMatch indicators 34

AutoMatch switch 76

automation

enabling for plug-ins 48, 97

encoder mode indicator 30

plug-ins 44, 54, 61

Automation controls 76

Action 76

AutoMatch 76

Join 76

Modes 76

Automation Enable controls 36

Mute 36

Pan 36

Plug-in 36

Send Level 36

Send Mute 37

Send Pan 36

Volume 36

Automation Mode controls 6, 40

Latch 41

Off 41

Touch 41

Trim 41

Write 41

Automation Mode indicators 34

Automation Mode switches 33

Automation Safe mode 44, 92, 97

Automation Safe switch (plug-ins) 54, 61

Automation Suspend switch 39

Automation switch (plug-ins) 54, 61

Automation Trim switch 33

Automation Write controls 35

Write to All 36

Write to All Enabled 36

Write to Current 36

Write to End 36

Write to Start 36

B/M/P (see Bypass/Mute/Pre)

Back and Play switch 66

Back switch 66

Bank Justification preference 22

bank size (Custom Faders) 94

Bank/Cycle switch

and Custom Fader mode 40

banking (tracks) 6

Broadcast mode (Monitor section) 83

Bypass/Mute switches (channel strips) 31

Bypass/Mute/Pre switch 92

Bypass/Mute/Pre switches (rotary encoders) 30

Show Values 37

Switch Info 37

Switch mode 37

calibration

faders 25

meters 25

Calibration Mode switch 85

channel display modes 33

Channel Select switches

for channel strips 32

for Monitor section 82

for plug-ins 53, 59

Channel Strip Function controls 32

Automation Mode 33

Automation Trim 33

Channel Select 32

display modes 33

Input Monitor Mode 32

Mute 33

Record Enable 32

Record Safe mode 32

Solo 33

Channel Strip Mode controls 31

Bypass/Mute 31

Inserts 31

Mic Pre mode 31

Pan 31

Sends 31

channel strips 29

Channel Select switch 32

fader section 34

channels

focusing 33, 91

selecting 33

Clear Clip switch 70

clipping indication 70

Compare switch (plug-ins) 54, 61

D-Command Guide114

connections

audio 17, 109

alt 111

control room 18

cue system 19, 109, 110

headphone 19

main 109, 110

solo outputs 111

stereo inputs 110

surround inputs 110

talkback/listenback 111

Ethernet 7, 8, 15, 16, 21

footswitch 7, 16

power 15

XMON 7, 10, 17, 111

Console Preferences 74

Meter 74

Operation 75

User 74

Current switch (automation) 36

Custom Fader Flip mode 98

Custom Fader Justification preference 22

Custom Fader Map modes 40, 98

and Custom Fader Plug-in mode 98

and Custom Groups mode 98

and Mix/Edit Groups mode 98

Custom Fader Mode indicators 34

Custom Fader modes 39, 94

Custom Groups 39, 95

Expanded Plug-In mode 97

Mix/Edit Groups 39, 96

Plug-In 97

Plug-in 40

Tracks 40, 96

Custom Faders 6

bank size 94

display 39

displaying plug-ins 40

Groups switch 39

locking plug-ins 40

Custom Groups mode (Custom Fader) 39, 95

Cycle switch (plug-ins) 55, 61

D-Command Units

declaring 21

naming 22

Dim function 84

Dim Level control 85

Display Brightness 106

Display Contrast 107

Display Mode switch 38

Display preferences 24

Do To All switches 37, 38

Do To Selected switches 37, 38

Dynamics (plug-ins) 6, 45, 49

gain reduction display 55

Dynamics plug-in controls

Attack 50

External Key 54

Filter Frequency 50

Gain 51

Hold 51

Hysteresis 50

Input 51

Key Listen 54

Knee 50

output 51

Q 50

Range 50

Ratio 50

Release 50

Threshold 51

Edit Controls

Edit Functions 72, 73

Edit Modes 73

Edit Tools 73

Edit controls 72

Edit Function switches 72, 73

Edit window

navigation 6

playback of selections 64

Edit/Timeline switch 41

Enable Parameters switch 44

Encoder preferences 23

Encoder Select switches 30

End switch (automation) 36

EQ (plug-ins) 6, 45, 56

EQ plug-in controls

High 58

High-Mid 58

High-Pass 57

Level 58

Low Filter 57

Low-Mid 57

Low-Pass 58

Mid 57

Escape switch 37

Ethernet 7, 8, 15, 16, 21

expansion options 3

External Key switch (Dynamics plug-ins) 54

Fader Module

attaching to Main Unit 14

back panel overview 8

components 3

hardware 13

placement 13

faders 34

calibration 25

Faders On/Off preference 23

Flip mode 35, 93

and Instrument tracks 32

Flip switches 35

Focus Channel 39

display 39

Focus mode (Channel Select switch) 33

focusing

channels 33, 91

plug-ins 46, 92

footswitch 7, 16

Footswitch settings 107

Forward and Play 66

Gain/Hold/Input control 51

Global Controls 6, 35

Global Modifier controls 37

Automation Suspend 39

Display Mode 38

Do To All 37

Do To Selected 37

Escape 37

Select/Focus 37

Set To Default 38

Solo Clear 39

Suspend Groups 39

Go To End switch 66

Go To Start switch 66

Go To switch 70

Group Status indicators 34

Group switch 72

groups

creating 96

deleting 96

editing 96

Groups switch (Custom Faders) 39

Headphone/Cue controls 81

Output controls 81

High Filter controls (EQ plug-ins) 58

High-Mid Filter controls (EQ plug-ins) 58

High-Pass controls (EQ plug-ins) 57

Input controls (Monitor section) 80

Input Level Trim controls (Monitor section) 80

Input Monitor Mode switches 32

Input Source Sum controls (Monitor section) 80

inputs

assigning 89, 90

making inactive 90

Index 115

inputs (Monitor section)

main 80

selecting 80

stereo 80

summing 80

surround 80

trimming 80

inserts

assigning 89, 93

making inactive 90

Inserts switches 31

Instant Playback switch 66

Instrument tracks 32, 43

into Utility 101

Join switch 76

Key Listen switch (Dynamics plug-ins) 54

keyboard modifiers 34

Knee/Hysteresis/Q control (Dynamics plug-ins) 50

Latch switch (automation) 41

latching

solos 33

transport controls 63

Level controls (EQ plug-ins) 58

levels

inputs (Monitor section) 80

output channels (Monitor section) 82

outputs (Monitor section) 80

Solo modes (Monitor section) 83

Link Edit and Timeline switch 41

Listen controls 85

listenback

connections 111

Locate switches 66

Back 66

Back and Play 66

Forward and Play 66

Go To End 66

Go To Start 66

Instant Playback 66

location display 87

Lock switch (Custom Fader Plug-in mode) 40

Lock switch (plug-ins) 52, 59

Loop Playback switch 65

Low Filter controls (EQ plug-ins) 57

Low-Mid Filter controls (EQ plug-ins) 57

Low-Pass controls (EQ plug-ins) 58

Main Counter switch 41

Main inputs (Monitor section) 80

Main outputs (Monitor section) 80

Main Unit

components 3

top panel overview 5

Utility mode 101

Make Inactive controls 43, 90

Inputs 44

Inserts 44

Outputs 44

Sends 44

Management controls 72

Map switch (Custom Fader mode) 40

Mark In switch 66

Mark Out switch 66

Master Bypass switch (plug-ins) 55, 61

Master Link switch (plug-ins) 53

Master Record Enable switch 64

Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size preference 23

Memory Location switch 73

Memory/MIDI controls

Memory Location 73

MIDI 73

meter display 87

Meter preferences 24

Meter switch 74

meters 6

calibration 25

plug-ins 61

reference levels 88

Mic Pre mode 31

Mic Select switches 85

Mid Filter controls (EQ plug-ins) 57

MIDI controls 32

MIDI switch 73

Mini (stereo) outputs (Monitor section) 80

Mix/Edit Groups mode (Custom Fader) 39, 96

Modes switch (automation) 76

modifier switches 34

Monitor Output Mode controls

Calibration switch 85

Dim switch 86

Mono switch 85

Mute switch 86

Monitor section 79

Dim Level control 85

Headphone/Cue controls 81

Input controls 80

Input Level Trim controls 80

Input Source Sum controls 80

Output Channel Select switches 82

Output controls 80

Output Level Trim controls 80

Talkback/Listen controls 84

monitoring 6, 79

Mono switch 85

Mute switch (automation) 36

Mute switch (Monitor section) 86

Mute switches (channel strips) 33

Navigate Mode switch 67

navigation controls 6

Nudge/Bank switches 6, 67

nudging (tracks) 6

Off switch (automation) 41

Operation switch 75

Output Channel Select switches (Monitor section)

Mute 82

Solo 82

Output Channel Trim mode (Monitor section) 82

Output controls (Monitor section) 80

Output Level Trim controls (Monitor section) 80

Output meter (plug-ins) 55

outputs

assigning 89

making inactive 90

outputs (Monitor section)

Alt 80

calibrating 85

channels 82

main 80

Mini (stereo) 80

selecting 80

trimming 80, 82

Page switch (plug-ins) 55, 61

Page switches (channel strips) 31

Pan switch (automation) 36

Pan switches 31

pinout diagrams 109

Playlist switch 72

Plug-in Automation controls 44

plug-in controls

Dynamics 6, 45, 49

EQ 6, 45, 56

Plug-In mode (Custom Fader) 97

Plug-in mode (Custom Fader) 40

Plug-in switch (automation) 36

plug-ins 6, 45, 49, 56

assigning 45

Automation Safe 44, 97

Automation Safe switch 54, 61

Automation switch 54, 61

bypassing 55, 61, 92, 97

Channel Select switches 53, 59

D-Command Guide116

Compare switch 54, 61, 97

copying settings 47

Custom Fader mode 97

Cycle switch 55, 61

Dynamics 49

enabling automation 44, 48, 97

EQ 56

focusing 46, 92, 97

Lock switch 52, 59

making inactive 47, 92

Master Bypass switch 55, 61

Master Link switch 53

meters 61

multichannel 45, 53, 59, 60

multi-mono 45, 53, 59, 60, 97

multiple plug-in windows 47

opening plug-in windows 46, 54, 61

Output meters 55

Page switch 55, 61

Save As switch 52, 59

Save switch 52, 59

Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch 53, 60

targeting 47

Window switch 54, 61

Post-Roll switch 65

Pre-Fader Listen (Monitor section) 83

Preferences (D-Command) 22, 106

Bank Justification 22

Custom Fader Justification 22

Display 24

Display Brightness 106

Display Contrast 107

Encoders 23

Faders On/Off 23

Footswitch settings 107

Maximum Custom Fader Bank Size 23

Meters 24

Select Switch Latch mode 23

Sleep Mode settings 107

Pre-Roll switch 65

Pro Tools Online switch 65

Publish switch 70

QuickPunch switch 65

Ratio/Range/Frequency control (Dynamics plug-ins) 50

Read switch (automation) 41

Record Enable switches 32

Record Safe mode 32

Redo switch 70

reference level preference (meters) 88

Release/Frequency control (Dynamics plug-ins) 50

requirements

connections 4, 17, 109

operational 4

resetting D-Command units (Utility mode) 106

rotary encoders 29

automation mode indicator 30

Bypass/Mute/Pre Switch mode 37

display color 30

Save As switch (plug-in settings) 52, 59

Save switch (plug-in settings) 52, 59

Save switch (sessions) 70

saving settings 52, 59

Scrub switch 64

Scrub/Shuttle controls 64

Scrub switch 64

Scrub/Shuttle wheel 64

Shuttle switch 64

Trim switch 64

Scrub/Shuttle wheel 64

Select mode (Channel Select switch) 33

Select Switch Latch mode 23

Select/Focus switch 37

Select/Link/Bypass Mode switch (plug-ins) 53, 60

selections

playback from transport controls 64

Send Level switch (automation) 36

Send Mute switch (automation) 37

Send Pan mode 31

Send Pan switch (automation) 36

sends

assigning 89, 93

Automation Safe 44

making inactive 90

muting 92

setting pre- or post-fader 93

Sends switches 31

Session Management switches 6, 70

All Notes Off 70

Clear Clip 70

Publish 70

Redo 70

Save 70

Undo 70

Set To Default switch 38

Set Up switch (Monitor section) 82

Show Values switch 37

Show/Hide switch 74

Shuttle switch 64

Sleep Mode settings 107

Soft Keys 6, 71

Automation controls 76

Console Preferences 74

Edit controls 72

Management controls 72

solo

latching 33

output connections 111

Solo Clear switch 39

Solo Mode controls (Monitor section) 83

After-Fader Listen 83

Broadcast 83

Pre-Fader Listen 83

Solo Safe mode 33

Solo switches 33

Solo/Mute switch (Monitor section) 82

Start switch (automation) 36

Stereo inputs (Monitor section) 80

Sum mode (Monitor section) 80

Surround inputs (Monitor section) 80

Suspend Groups switch 39

Switch Info switch 37

System Info (Utility mode) 102

talkback 81

connections 111

Dim function 84

External level control 84

Level control (built-in) 84

microphone (built-in) 87

Talkback switch 41, 84

Talkback/Listen controls 84

Auto Talkback switch 84

Listen 85

Mic Select switches 85

Talkback switch 84

targeting plug-ins 47

Test pages (Utility mode) 103

Threshold/Output control 51

time scale display 6, 87

Touch switch (automation) 41

Track Size switches 77

Track switch 72

TrackPunch switch 65

tracks

Automation Safe 44

focusing 33, 91

making inactive 90

selecting 33, 91

Tracks mode (Custom Fader) 40, 96

transport controls 6, 63

latching behavior 63

Transport Mode switches 65

9-pin Remote 65

Loop Playback 65

Pro Tools Online 65

QuickPunch 65

TrackPunch 65

Trim mode (Monitor section) 82

Trim switch (automation) 41

Trim switch (Scrub/Shuttle controls) 64

Index 117

Undo switch 70

Unit Name (Utility mode) 102

User switch 74

Utility mode 101

Reset Unit 106

System Info 102

Test pages 103

Unit Name 102

Utility switch 77

Volume switch (automation) 36

Window Management switches 6, 69

Window switch (Custom Fader Plug-in mode) 40

Window switch (plug-ins) 54, 61

windows

opening 69, 72

Write switch (automation) 41

Write to All (automation) 36

Write to All Enabled (automation) 36

Write to Current (automation) 36

Write to End (automation) 36

Write to Start (automation) 36

XMON 109

back panel overview 10

components 3

connections 7, 10, 17, 111

front panel overview 9

Zoom Mode switch 67

Zoom Preset switches 67

Zoom/Navigate section

Arrow switches 67

Navigate Mode switch 67

Zoom Mode switch 67

Zoom Preset switches 67

D-Command Guide118

DIGIDESIGN

2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard

Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA

Tel: 650.731.6300

Fax: 650.731.6399

TECHNICAL SUPPORT (USA)

Tel: 650.731.6100

Fax: 650.731.6384

PRODUCT INFORMATION (USA)

Tel: 800.333.2137

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES

Visit our Digidesign Web site

for contact information

www.digidesign.com

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