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Aaton Cantar-X1
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Cantar-X User Manual v2.26 (r13) 2009 April 27
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for AAton Cantar X2
Summarization of Contents
Keep in Touch
User Manual and Software
Information on accessing the user manual, software downloads, and user community.
New Features Overview
Highlights of new features introduced in various software versions.
Description - Top View
Permanently Accessible Faders
Details on the Cantar interface, display, and fader accessibility.
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Explanation of front panel buttons, indicators, and input/output routing displays.
Description - Bottom View
Protected Input/Output Connections
Overview of audio sockets, connections like SubD 15/25, and the 3/8" cart holder.
FireWire Cable Usage Guidelines
Important rules for using FireWire cables to prevent damage and ensure reliability.
Description - Front View
Front Panel Button Functions
Detailed explanation of the functions assigned to each front panel button.
Screens, Controls, and Mixers
Information on circular/rectangular screens, Triple Crown, MainSelector, and mixer faders.
Description - Circular Screens
Input Grids and Output Maps
Explanation of how input routing and output mapping are displayed on circular screens.
Pan-pot Visualization
Details how pan-pot contributions to the mixdown are visualized.
Description - Rectangular Screen
Circular Modulometers
Explains the function and characteristics of the circular modulometers for metering.
Status Monitoring and Display
Details how the status of recording elements and operating modes are displayed.
Triple Crown Controls
Jog Crown Functionality
Describes how the Jog Crown is used for navigation, editing, and control.
Config Crown for Routings
Explains the use of the Config Crown for selecting In-Grids and Out-Maps.
Operating Positions - West
MainSelector Mode Selection
Explains how the MainSelector accesses operating modes like REC, PPR, TEST, PLAY, BROWSE.
MainSelector Button Functions
Details the specific functions assigned to the black, silver, and gold MainSelector buttons.
STOP Mode - Power Management
Starting and Stopping Cantar
Step-by-step guide on powering the device on and off safely.
Battery Safety and Voltage
Covers twin battery system, mains power, voltage limits, and battery check.
Power Consumption and Batteries
Details power usage in different modes and specifications of Lithium-Ion batteries.
STOP Mode - Folders and Files
Project, Day, and File Structure
Explains the filing system, project/workday folders, and file naming conventions.
Filename System Details
Details the Aaton filename system, filetags, descriptors, and suffixes.
STOP Mode - Time and Sync
Calendar and Sync Time Configuration
Explains system date/time for file management and sync time for audio/picture linking.
Sync Time Synchronization Methods
Describes methods for synchronizing Cantar with external timecode sources.
STOP Mode - Time and Sync (Continued)
Cantar as Master-Clock Functionality
Explains Cantar's role as a master-clock, its accuracy, and syncing capabilities.
Sync Methods Explained
Details internal record-run clock and external clock synchronization methods.
STOP Mode - Sample Rate and Frame Rates
Sampling Rate, Camera fps, Audio-TC Correlation
Discusses the correlation between sampling rate, camera frame rates, and audio timecode.
Timecode Handling on 'Planet Earth'
Explains timecode handling for integer and drop-frame speeds.
Timecode on the 'Slow-Planet'
Details timecode adjustments for NTSC-compatible 23.976fps HD cameras.
TEST Mode - Preamps
Audio Inputs and Preamplifier Settings
Lists audio input types and explains microphone preamp characteristics and gain adjustment.
Phantom Power, Limiters, and Filters
Details phantom power, limiter activation, high-pass filters, and phase inversion.
Differential Delays
Explains how to adjust differential delays for phase alignment of audio signals.
TEST Mode - Mixer
Gain Values and Mic/Line Links
Covers gain value display, preselected mic/line links, and stereo/surround configurations.
Balance Protection and Mixer Outputs
Details balance lock, mixer faders, and output routing options (Xa/Xb).
TEST Mode - Output Levels
Track Disarming and M/S Monitoring
Explains how to disarm tracks and monitor M/S signals for stereo decoding.
Headphone, Line-out, and Foldback Levels
Details headphone level protection, line-out, and foldback level adjustments.
Routing Selection and Rec&Play Rehearsal
Guides on checking routings, selecting In-Grids/Out-Maps, and rehearsing Rec&Play.
PPR Mode - Buffer and Metadata
Pre-record Buffer and Metadata Entry
Explains the pre-record buffer and entering scene, take, comments, and track names.
Track-names and Library Management
Details track naming conventions, library management, and default track names.
PPR Mode - Metadata and Files
User Tape Reference and Post-Record Metadata
Covers overwriting tape references and editing previous take metadata.
File Splitting and Erasure Procedures
Explains manual file splitting, automatic splitting, last take erasure, and false start handling.
PPR Mode - Remote Control
Record by LTC Functionality
Details using LTC for remote recording control, including timecode sources.
Remote Control Options
Lists Aaton accessories and keyboard control methods for remote operation.
REC Mode - Solos and Beeps
Modulometers and Track Solos
Explains track modulometers and how to solo inputs and tracks for monitoring.
Fader Locking and Reference Tone
Details how to lock faders and use the reference tone generator for testing.
Talkback Mic and Warning Beeps
Describes talkback mic routing and the system for warning beeps indicating status.
Take-Type and False-Start Handling
Explains take types and procedures for handling false starts during recording.
REC Mode - Blue-Rec Functions
Record Tally and SD Remote Control
Details the record tally output and remote control via SD.
AutoSlate and User Markers
Explains the AutoSlate function for syncing and creating user markers.
Blue-Rec and Rec&Play Operations
Covers Blue-Rec features, Rec&Play cloning, remixing, and re-recording.
PLAY Mode - Play-Card Creation
Playback Command Overview
Lists and explains the commands for navigating and controlling playback.
Play-Card Creation Process
Step-by-step guide on creating play-cards by setting cue-in and cue-out points.
BROWSE Mode - Indexing Files
Finding and Editing Files
Explains how to find files, edit metadata, and manage trashed files.
Creating Play-files for Rec&Play
Guides on indexing files for Rec&Play playback and navigating project/archive folders.
Live vs. Clone Mode Selection
Discusses the difference between Live and Clone modes for accessing play-files.
OPERAND Settings - East
MainSelector East Positions
Explains how the MainSelector accesses operating parameters.
Rectangular Screen Operand Display
Describes how operands and parameters are displayed in rows on the rectangular screen.
Operand Categories Overview
Lists categories like AUDIO/TC, TECHSET, SESSION, BACKUP, ROUTING, and their parameters.
ROUTINGS - T1-T6 In-Grids
Creating T1-T6 In-Grids
Step-by-step instructions for creating input routing configurations for tracks T1-T6.
M/S Declaration and AES Power
Explains M/S track declaration and managing AES power for digital inputs.
ROUTINGS - T7T8 In-Grids
Creating T7T8 In-Grids
Instructions for creating input routings for tracks T7T8, including mixer outputs.
Sixteen Tracks Configuration
Details achieving sixteen-track recording using Wordclock sync and specific In-Grids.
Rec&Play In-Grids
Explains specific In-Grids for Remix, Archive file update, and eight-track re-recording.
ROUTINGS - Out-Map Banks
Out-Map Creation Process
Describes the screen layout and process for creating custom output maps.
Routing Inputs to Outputs
Explains how to route inputs to various outputs like Phones, Foldback, Line-out, and Digi-out.
ROUTINGS - Digital Outputs
Digital Output Configuration
Details routing for Digi 1-8 AES outputs, including tracks and stereo mix options.
AES Power Management Reminder
Reminds users to turn AES interface ON when needed and OFF when not in use.
AUDIO/TC Settings - Mic/Line Links
Sample Rate, Bit Depth, Tone Level
Configuration options for sample rate, bit depth, and reference tone selection.
Talkback, Gain, Pre-record Duration
Settings for talkback routing, mixer gain, and pre-record buffer duration.
Fader Links and Templates
Details mic/line fader linking, balance lock, and scene/take templates.
AUDIO/TC Settings - LTC
Slate Settings and LTC Recording
Configuration for slate channel, recording via LTC, and TC source selection.
LTC Rate and Generator Options
Settings for LTC rate, user bits, LTC output, and operator-entered TC.
Digital Outputs and CantaRem Control
Explains Digi 1-8 outputs and controlling Cantar via CantaRem.
TECHSET - Save/Load Setups
Disk Management and Digi Power
Covers unmounting disks, managing Digi power, and installing software.
Setup Saving and Loading Procedures
Detailed instructions on saving and loading system configurations and parameters.
Backlight and Display Settings
Adjusting screen backlight, fader display options, and other display settings.
TECHSET - Beeps and Alerts
Beep Configuration and Routing
Customizing record beeps, clip detection, external TC alerts, and beep routing.
Meter Speed, Battery Alerts, HDD Power
Settings for meter ballistics, peak hold, battery alerts, and HDD power down.
System Settings and File Size
Configuring serial communication, factory reset, and maximum file size.
TECHSET - Software Management
System Time, Date, and Hardware IDs
Information on system time, date, and hardware IDs for technical support.
License Key and Software Versions
Details license key activation and managing software versions for the device.
Software Installation Procedure
Step-by-step guide for installing new software versions from an external disk.
SESSION - Formatting and Disk Management
Project Selection and Creation
Covers selecting existing projects and creating new ones for organizing recordings.
HDD Usage and Disk Formatting
Explains how to use internal/external HDDs and the process for formatting disks.
Disk Scanning and Instructions
Details disk scanning procedures and essential instructions for formatting.
SESSION - Sound Report Generation
DVD-RAM Formatting Procedures
Instructions for formatting DVD-RAM discs for Mac/PC compatibility.
HDD Scanning and Erasure
Procedures for scanning HDDs and erasing workday data.
Sound-Report Header Customization
Explains the various header items that can be customized in sound reports.
SESSION - Sound Report Details
Sound-Report Columns and File Formats
Discusses columns for take data and the generation of PDF/ALE files.
Sound-Report Generation Methods
Explains how to generate sound reports at any time or after specific operations.
BACKUP - Track Selection and Treatments
Save Modes and Day Copy Selection
Covers save modes (IdleCopy, Backup@Call) and selecting the day for backup.
Track Selection and File Treatments
Details track selection and applying treatments like MonoDirect, PolyNative, PolyRotate.
BACKUP - File Treatments and Media
Mixdown Treatments for Tracks
Explains mixdown treatments like MonoNative, PolyNative, Poly16Trunc, Poly16Dith.
Media Type and Burn Mode Selection
Covers selection of media types (CD/DVD/HDD) and burn modes for backup.
File Copying and Media Labeling
Details options for copying files, naming conventions, and creating media labels.
BACKUP - Reports and Execution
Sound Report Options
Explains Snap Report, Idle Report, and Erase Polys options for managing reports.
Backup Execution and Disk Handling
Guides on running backups, handling multiple disks, and direct backup from Mac/PC.
TUTORIAL - Backup and Report Procedures
Sound Report Storage and Folder Suffixes
Information on where and when to store sound reports and the meaning of folder suffixes.
Backup Operations and Metadata Changes
Details possibilities for metadata changes after backup and second backups.
TUTORIAL - Drives and Media
Internal and External Drive Usage
Covers internal HDD, SSD, external HDD/SSD, and CF card usage and formatting.
Media Types and Handling Best Practices
Information on CD/DVD burners, media types, and proper handling procedures.
TUTORIAL - Onboard Mixer Functions
Surround 5.1 and Double M/S Mixing
Explains how to mix surround sound and double M/S microphone signals.
Soundfield B-Format Monitoring
Details monitoring B-Format audio using Soundfield microphones.
Mixdown and Documentary Style Mixing
Describes mixing decoded M/S signals and creating mixes for documentary style.
TUTORIAL - Onboard Mixer Techniques
Boom and RF Mic Routing
Explains how to route boom and RF microphone signals to specific tracks.
Proper Mixing Practices
Discusses best practices for mixing, phase anomalies, and balancing microphones.
TUTORIAL - Camera Sync Procedures
On-Location Sync Methods
Explains methods for syncing Cantar with cameras using clapsticks or external timecode.
In-Edit Suite Workflow
Details how to import Cantar audio into editing systems and manage sync data.
TUTORIAL - Camera Sync Advanced
User's TapeRef Solution
Explains the User's TapeRef system for differentiating TC and managing multi-camera shoots.
Autosync and EDL Generation
Covers autosyncing audio tracks and generating Edit Decision Lists (EDLs).
TUTORIAL - Rec & Play Operations
Live Mode Applications
Explains live mode for recording phone calls, background music, or ADR.
Clone Mode Applications
Details clone mode for copying files, remixing, translation, and re-recording.
Rec&Play Workflow Setup
Guides on setting up routings, selecting play-cards, and performing Rec&Play operations.
Playback-File Indexing
Instructions on indexing audio files into play-cards for Rec&Play.
TUTORIAL - Rec & Play Advanced
Play-Card Creation Process
Step-by-step instructions for creating and managing play-cards with cue points.
Rehearsal and Live Recording
Explains how to rehearse recordings using Blue-Test and perform live recording.
ADR-1 and Playback Commands
Details ADR-1 function and general playback control commands.
TUTORIAL - Rec & Play Advanced Operations
Clone Recording and ADR-2
Covers clone recording for archives and ADR-2 for dialog replacement.
Re-Recording Process
Explains incrementally recording tracks to build up an eight-track file.
COMPANIONS - Tarkan Remote Control
Tarkan Setup and Operation
Guides on connecting and using Tarkan for remote control, metadata, and sound reports.
Tarkan Interface Screens Overview
Explains the main screen, In-Grids, Out-Maps, and Mixer sections of the Tarkan interface.
COMPANIONS - Tarkan Advanced Features
Tarkan Remote and Rec&Play
Details remote access and Rec&Play functionality via Tarkan.
Metadata Screen and Operands
Explains how metadata is displayed and accessed through Tarkan's operand screen.
COMPANIONS - Cantarem Control Surface
Cantarem Connections and RemFaders
Covers physical connections, RemFader assignments, and design considerations.
Cantarem Remote Operation
Explains how to control Cantar functions via the Cantarem surface.
COMPANIONS - Arcan-W PDA Control
Arcan-W Installation and Functions
Covers installation and remote control functions via PDA.
Arcan-W Working Screens
Explains the interface elements for monitoring, routing, and metadata editing.
Sound-Report Editing with Arcan-W
Details how Arcan-W assists in entering and modifying sound-report headers.
COMPANIONS - Origin-C & GMT Timecode
OriginC Master-Clock Setup
Guides on setting up OriginC for master-clock functions and TC synchronization.
GMT Timecode Generator
Explains the GMT's function as a low-power timecode generator for cameras.
Technical Specifications and Connections
Details technical specs and connection types for Origin-C and GMT.
COMPANIONS - Post-Production Software
Majax and IndawPass Software
Introduces Majax for file conversion and IndawPass for audio/video sync.
The PostChain Workflow
Information on distributing the 'Cantar-Post-Chain' for post-production workflows.
Titan-3 Autoconforming Software
Details Titan-3 for autoconforming audio files using Cantar filetags.
ANNEX - Connectors and Accessories
Audio and Digital Connectors
Lists and describes various connectors like XLR, SubD 25, LEMO, and Mini-XLR.
Accessories and Interface Adapters
Details accessories like line-out boosters, USB-PS2 converters, and 8to8 bridges.
Internal DVD-RAM Drive
Information about the internal DVD-RAM drive and its installation.
ANNEX - Quick Guide Reference
Basic Operations and Terminology
Provides a quick reference for basic operations and essential terminology.
Common Commands and Procedures
Lists common commands for playback, recording, and file management.
ANNEX - Quick Guide Continued
Playback and Formatting Operations
Guides on playback controls, formatting DVD-RAM and HDD/SSD disks.
Setup Files and Tarkan Connection
Explains saving setup files and connecting to Tarkan for remote control.
Playback Commands Summary
A summary of playback commands, including play, stop, pause, and cueing.
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