F Stagebox Installation Requirements - 67 G Machine Control - Solid State Logic C300 HD Installation Manual

C300HD Installation Guide
Appendix G: C300HD Machine Control
Overview
C300HD features a comprehensive multi-port serial machine controller, a timecode reader and a virtual machine timecode
generator locked to the system master timeline, running synchronously at the system reference frequency. Both the
timecode reader and generator support 'stationary' timecode.
Two primary modes of operation are supported – multi machine synchronous control where each connected machine
resolves to a common sync reference at play speed, and asynchronous single machine control where the controlled
machine uses a local/internal reference for speed control with linear play speed timecode as the positional reference for
the 'desk' timeline.
Machines can be addressed using serial (RS422) control, direct HUI (MIDI) control, or legacy style parallel control with a
maximum of four devices online at any one time for synchronous operation, or a single device for asynchronous operation.
The Centuri core features a timecode reader with four switchable inputs, and LTC and MTC timecode generators, which
are locked to the designated 'desk' master position in all synchronous operating modes.
Asynchronous operation is supported in a timecode only chase system or via the DCTM (Direct Control of Tape Machine)
port, and requires continuous LTC from the master device at play speed.
The primary interface for control of external machines is the set of transport control buttons on the Automation and
Motion Control panel that allow any online machine (and the desk) to be put into play, record, fast-forward, rewind, etc. A
rotary encoder 'wheel', located next to the transport controls, can send true jog and shuttle commands to 9-pin controlled
devices, or can control the desk's built in 'virtual machine' in comparable modes.
Primary Machine Control Options
Sony 9-Pin
controls machines using the Sony 'P2' RS422 remote protocol, including track arming support. This can be used with video
machines, DAT and MDM recorders which support 9-pin control, as well as disk-based workstations and recorders such
as Pro Tools, Nuendo, Radar, Sadie, Pyramix and Fairlight, which all have 9-pin emulation. Up to four machines may be
synchronised simultaneously using Sony 9-pin with either a nominated serial machine or the 'desk' as the system master.
On Slave devices selecting 'LTC Chase ON' from the port set up menu enables the controlled device's internal timecode
synchroniser in Play and defeats slewing the device into lock via serial 'Varispeed' commands. This is normally the
recommended approach to controlling DAWs as slaves whilst retaining control of Track arming and Master Record from
the C300HD front panel.
It is mandatory that all controlled serial machines are set up for 'Ext Video Sync' operation using a video reference from
a suitable house sync generator and with the 'SYNC PLAY' option enabled if applicable (which is the case for the majority
of machines except VTRs).This rule is particularly important for digital audio recorders.
Indirect control of machines may also be achieved via third-party machine control systems such as units from Soundmaster,
CB Electronics and Tamura; all have a control port, which emulates a single 9-pin machine.
LTC Slave
The desk follows play speed timecode from a locally controlled machine. Supports the MMC (Midi Machine Control) locate
commands to follow positional changes from machines, primarily DAWs, which only output play speed timecode. MIDI Port
12 must be used to receive MMC locates.
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