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DigiDesign Command|8 Manual

DigiDesign Command|8 Manual

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Command|8™
Version 7.4

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  • Page 1 Command|8™ Version 7.4...
  • Page 2 Digidesign. 003, 003 Rack, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O, 888|24 I/O, 882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O, AudioSuite, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, Avid Xpress, AVoption,...
  • Page 3 Canadian Compliance Statement: Compliance Statement This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES- The model Command|8 complies with the following standards regulating interference and EMC: Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme • FCC Part 15 Class B NMB-003 du Canada •...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Connecting MIDI Devices to Command|8 ........12 Configuring MIDI Communication with Command|8 ....... 12 Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools .
  • Page 6 Viewing Command|8 Version Data ........

  • Page 7: Chapter 1. Introduction

    • Windows switches for Pro Tools display developed in collaboration between Digide- • Navigation and Zoom controls sign® and Focusrite. Command|8 is a compact • Tactile control of track volume, pan, send and flexible control surface for Pro Tools|HD®, level, send pan, and record status, as well as Pro Tools LE®, and Pro Tools M-Powered™...

  • Page 8: System Requirements And Compatibility

    News and Events Get the latest news from port and future upgrade offers. This is one of the Digidesign or sign up for a Pro Tools demo. most important steps you can take as a new user. To learn more about these and other resources...

  • Page 9: Midi Control Surface Terms

    Bank A group of similar controls (such as faders, the Pro Tools Reference Guide. rotary controls, or switches) that are arranged in discrete channel strips. With Command|8, you Conventions Used in This Guide can operate one bank of controls at a time.
  • Page 10 User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most out of Command|8. Important Notices include information that could affect the performance of Command|8 hardware or Pro Tools session data. Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts. Cross References point to related sections in this guide and other Digidesign guides.

  • Page 11: Chapter 2. Installing And Configuring Command|8

    Surfaces” on page 7 for more information. front of Command|8 to maintain proper ven- tilation. If you are mounting Command|8 in • Command|8 can also be used as a standalone studio furniture, be sure to leave adequate MIDI control surface to control software syn- space around the vents at the back and front.

  • Page 12: Example Setups

    Example Setups Command|8 with Pro Tools Figure 1 shows Command|8 connected for use with Pro Tools, acting as a control surface, MIDI inter- face, and monitor controller. MIDI sound module main monitors MIDI in/out MIDI synth audio in/out headphones USB to computer...
  • Page 13 (9–16). Figure 2 shows fader mapping when Command|8 is used with a 003. (Plug-ins cannot be edited on Command|8 when used with a 003 or Digi 002.) You can use Command|8 for expanded fader control, or for remote transport control and monitoring.

  • Page 14: Command|8 Back Panel

    Command|8 Back Panel Figure 4 shows the Command|8 back panel connectors and switches. Punch In +4/–10 switches Power MIDI In socket Ext Source Main Speaker MIDI Out Power Monitor Monitor switch Outputs 1 & 2 Inputs Inputs Figure 4. Command|8 back panel “Connecting Analog Audio for Monitoring”...

  • Page 15: Installing Software For Command|8

    Connect one end of the included USB cable to in three configurations (90– 120V for Japan the USB port on the back panel of Command|8. and USA, 220–230V for Europe, and 220V for UK). If travelling or ordering a replace-...

  • Page 16: Connecting Analog Audio For Monitoring

    Connect one end of the included USB cable to Make sure the Command|8 personality file is the USB port on the back panel of Command|8. installed (Applications/Digidesign Connect the other end of the USB cable to an /Pro Tools/Controllers/Command8.bundle).
  • Page 17 Input monitors or monitoring system. • Two pairs of balanced, TRS inputs, labeled On the Command|8 top surface, turn the Con- Main and Ext Source on the back panel of trol Room Level knob all the way down. Command|8. Each input pair is switchable be- tween –10 dBV or +4 dBu operation.

  • Page 18: Connecting A Footswitch

    MIDI Studio Setup document. device to the MIDI In 1 port of your Com- mand|8, and connect the MIDI In port of your To define a MIDI port on Command|8 with MIDI MIDI device or controller to the MIDI Out 1 port Studio Setup: of your Command|8.
  • Page 19 From the Output pop-up menu, choose the Port 3 MIDI Out 2 name of the output port (“C|8 MIDI Out1” or “C|8 MIDI Out2”) connected to the MIDI In of Configure AMS for any devices attached to the the device.

  • Page 20: Enabling Command|8 In Pro Tools

    To enable Command|8 in Pro Tools: Pro Tools and Command|8. Make sure your computer, Pro Tools hard- ware, and Command|8 are powered on and op- On Mac, Command|8 Port 1 must only be erating correctly. used for control surface communication. If Launch Pro Tools.

  • Page 21: Communication Test

    Configure the Mic Preamp window by doing Click OK. the following (see the Digidesign PRE Guide for If Command|8 is not listed, check that it is details). still enabled (see “Enabling Command|8 in • On Windows, choose Command|8 MIDI Pro Tools” on page 14).

  • Page 22: Troubleshooting

    If there is still a problem, repeat the instal- lation and configuration steps. To refresh and reinitialize Command|8 in Pro Tools: Once enabled in the Peripherals dialog, Com- Choose Setup > Peripherals and click the MIDI mand|8 will be available every time you launch Controllers tab.

  • Page 23: Chapter 3. Command|8 Overview

    Rewire applica- corresponding elements in Pro Tools. Com- tions, and other devices in use in your sessions. mand|8 MIDI ports can be used as you would those on a standard MIDI interface. For more information, see Chapter 5, “Us- ing Stand-Alone Mode.”...

  • Page 24: Command|8 Control Surface

    Command|8 Control Surface Figure 1 identifies each of the main Command|8 control sections. LCD Display Meters Control Room Monitor controls Console/Channel View controls Stand-Alone switch USB and MIDI Activity LEDs Modifiers Navigation and Zoom controls Transport controls Fader Strips Figure 1. Command|8 control sections...

  • Page 25: Lcd Display

    Console View Hold the Display Mode switch. The lower LCD Command|8 is in Console View when any of the row shows the fader level. Console View selectors (Pan, Send, or Insert) is Hold the Display Mode switch and turn the lit in the Console View area.

  • Page 26: Fader Strips

    Hold the Display Mode switch. The lower row of the LCD displays the insert or plug-in name. Fader Mute Because Command|8 faders are motorized, they move to follow automation when playing back Fader Strips and recording (when the track is set to an auto- mation read or write mode, and not Off).
  • Page 27 (indicated on-screen by The following controls affect the assignment a highlighted track name) for record enabling, and operation of all the faders. grouping, and other channel-related commands in Pro Tools. Flip Switch Console View The Channel Select switches select...

  • Page 28: Console And Channel View Controls For Pan, Sends, And Inserts

    Position selectors Select switches Figure 2. Command|8 Console and Channel View controls Both Console and Channel views let you view Send Sets the rotary encoders to adjust Send and access pan, sends, or plug-ins for editing, level. The LCD shows the names of currently as- and automation.
  • Page 29 Channel Select switches will be lit. Display Mode Selects display mode options. When you press an illuminated Channel Select Mon/Ø Toggles Auto Input and Input Only switch, controls for the first Dynamics plug-in Monitor mode for record enabled tracks.
  • Page 30 Pro Tools, so the Plug-in Master Bypass switch has no effect on them. ESC (Escape) When flashing, this switch lets you cancel certain operations on the Com- mand|8, such as Channel View selections and many on-screen dialogs in Pro Tools. Command|8 Guide...

  • Page 31: Transport, Navigation, And Zoom Controls

    Transport, Navigation, and Zoom Controls These controls mirror the operation of on-screen transport and navigation controls in Pro Tools. In addition, the Function/Utility switches let you invoke special control surface commands. Fader Bank, Nudge, and Display Zoom switches Fader Flip switch...
  • Page 32 Function/Utility Switches These multi-purpose switches control the dis- F1 Utility Enters Utility mode. This is where you play of Pro Tools tracks on the Command|8 con- set control surface and input preferences, as well trol surface, on-screen zoom functions, and as run pre-programmed diagnostic tests.

  • Page 33: Control Room Monitor Controls

    External Source input. When off on your computer keyboard. (unlit), Command|8 monitors the Main input. Command|8 lets you listen to either Main, or Ext Source, but not both simultaneously. To adjust the volume of the monitor output: Modifier switches Adjust the Main Level control.

  • Page 34: Usb And Midi Activity Leds

    USB and MIDI Activity LEDs The USB and MIDI Activity LEDs indicate USB and MIDI communication status. USB LED Stays lit when Command|8 is in Pro Tools mode. In other operating modes, the USB LED will flash when controls are moved MIDI LED Indicates MIDI activity at each of the Command|8 MIDI ports.

  • Page 35: Chapter 4. Using Command|8 With Pro Tools

    4 Using Command|8 with Pro Tools This chapter explains how to use Command|8 in PLAY Begins playback from the current cursor a Pro Tools session for recording and mixing. position. REC (Record) Arms Pro Tools for recording. Controlling the Transport...

  • Page 36: Navigating

    To exit display of MIDI controls: igation section to bank to the previous (left) or next (right) eight tracks in the session. Hold the Command switch and press the F5 switch again. Repeat as necessary. To show full track names in the LCD, press Display Mode plus the corresponding chan- nel Select switch.
  • Page 37 Up and Down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. These let you mark selection in and out points on the fly, and to move a highlight (selection range) to neigh- boring tracks. Chapter 4: Using Command|8 with Pro Tools...

  • Page 38: Recording

    Memory Locations Recording Pro Tools Memory Locations (markers) can be Command|8 lets you record audio and MIDI, created directly from Command|8 during play- with support for QuickPunch and TrackPunch back or while stopped. recording modes, Loop Recording, and TrackIn- put monitor switching. Command|8 also di-...
  • Page 39 Press the QuickPunch switch (above the pri- able switch a second time to exit Record Enable mary Transport switches). When enabled, its mode and return to the previous Command|8 LED is lit. view. Record enable tracks (see “Basic Audio and MIDI Recording”...
  • Page 40 Press Ctl/Clutch+Select (Windows) or TrackPunch, they must first be TrackPunch en- /Ctl+Select (Mac) on each track. One press im- abled as well as record enabled. Command|8 fea- mediately places the track in Record Safe mode. tures for TrackPunch provide convenient and...
  • Page 41 Press the Rec switch, then press the channel Select switch to TrackPunch enable and record Press Opt/Alt All+Mon/ø (Windows) or enable tracks. Ctl/Clutch+Mon/ø (Mac). The upper left of the LCD displays Select Input Monitor, and the Begin playback. Mon/ø switch flashes.
  • Page 42 MIDI tracks are assigned to “Port 1.” one or more tracks. (You cannot assign PRE in- This port is reserved for Command|8 con- puts to tracks from Command|8; you must use trol surface communication. Use Port 2, or the mouse and onscreen controls in Pro Tools.)

  • Page 43: Sends

    To view and adjust sends on a single track Sends (Channel View): Press the Pan/Send switch in the Channel Command|8 lets you adjust Pro Tools send View switch section. level, pan, pre/post fader tap, and send mute. (You cannot assign or remove sends from Com- Press a channel Select switch.

  • Page 44: Plug-Ins And Inserts

    Digi 002. Use the Digi 002 control surface, or Pro Tools onscreen controls. To enter Send Flip mode: Put Command|8 in Sends view, then select a The EQ and Dynamics switches provide direct send A-J as described above. access to EQ and Dynamics category plug-ins, respectively (see “EQ and Dynamics”...
  • Page 45 Target Plug-ins and Plug-in Windows Opening Plug-ins Command|8 can select, target, and open the Plug-ins can selected in Console or Channel window of a plug-in. Whenever you open a View modes. Selecting a plug-in for editing plug-in using Command|8, that plug-in be- makes it the Command|8 target.
  • Page 46 Command|8. Use the Console or Channel view switches to display all inserts (A–E) on all currently banked To target a plug-in for editing from Command|8, do tracks (Console view), or to display all inserts on one of the following: a single track (Channel view).
  • Page 47 To use plug-in Flip mode: ate number of channels. Focus Command|8 on an active plug-in to dis- play its parameters across the LCD. (See “Open- Press a channel Select switch to select the cor- ing Plug-ins”...

  • Page 48: Automation Functions

    Ctrl/Clutch Doing so utilizes Command|8 Stand-Alone and press the F4 switch on the Command|8. mode, in which faders, encoders, and switches All tracks in Write or Latch mode stop writing...

  • Page 49: Chapter 5. Using Stand-Alone Mode

    MIDI devices. Stand-Alone mode. Drivers are provided that let Each of the Command|8 faders, encoders, and Command|8 be used as a MIDI control surface switches in the fader strips (four per channel on a supported Windows or Mac computer with strip or 32 total) can be custom programmed to virtually any compatible software.

  • Page 50: Selecting Stand-Alone Mode

    Com- mand|8 presets. To navigate to a different MIDI Map preset (1–8): In Stand-Alone mode, press F3 PRE/MIDI Re- call. The LCD shows the number and name of the current preset above channels 1 and 2, re- spectively.

  • Page 51: Mapping

    By default, page 1 uses MIDI channels 1–8, and Encoders Each encoder can be mapped to any page 2 uses MIDI channels 9–16. You can cus- CC. Default is Pan (#10). Start and end MIDI val- tomize MIDI channel assignment as needed (see “Programming Controls”...

  • Page 52: Editing Midi Maps

    Switches In Stand-Alone mode, 32 of the Com- Transport Switches The Transport switches are mand|8 switches are available in both pages of permanently mapped to standard MMC (MIDI each preset. Machine Control) messages. (The RTZ switch does not support MMC.)
  • Page 53 5 ch 6 ch 7 ch 8 gramming Faders” on page 48 for fader de- tails.) • The upper row shows the available param- • To select an encoder, rotate the channel 1 eter names for (MIDI) Lo and Hi Value, encoder and scroll through the list of pro- Mode, and Name.
  • Page 54 MMC (MIDI Ma- to name. chine Control) transport command assign- ments. Rotate the channel 8 encoder (Name). This displays the Name parameters in the LCD. Rotate encoder 2 to scroll and select lower- case, upper-case, or numerics for the first charac- ter of the custom name.

  • Page 55: Presets To Save And Recall Maps

    Saving Command|8 Presets Presets to Save and Recall Command|8 presets can be saved to flash mem- Maps ory to save custom mapping of programmable Presets are snapshots of MIDI mapping assign- controls, custom names, and all other parame- ments that can be saved and recalled.
  • Page 56 SysEx data is connected properly to the Pro Tools Reference Guide. Command|8 (either through a USB MIDI or a 5- • Configure the MIDI Input Filter dialog to pin DIN MIDI connection).
  • Page 57 (or previous name, if any) is displayed. Select the control for MIDI editing. Press the channel 2 Select switch to enter Pre- Rotate the channel 8 encoder (Name). The set Name mode. The LCD displays a flashing LCD now displays Cursor, Char, Cancel, and cursor in the lower row of channel 1.
  • Page 58 Command|8 Guide...

  • Page 59: Appendix A. Utility Functions

    Utility Functions Command|8 Utility functions include the fol- Viewing Command|8 Version lowing: Data • Viewing software and firmware versions • Calibrating faders This Utility function lets you check the current • Testing of faders, encoders, LEDs, switches, firmware version and other statistics useful...

  • Page 60: Fader Utilities

    Press the Channel Select switch that corre- mode. sponds to FadTst. Do not touch the faders. Press the Channel Select switch that corre- Press the Select switch on Channel 8 to stop sponds to Fader. the test. Press the Channel Select switch that corre- Press the F1 Utility switch to exit Utility mode.

  • Page 61: Led Tests

    • Press the Channel Select switch that corre- sponds to Off to extinguish all LCD pixels. To turn off the LEDs, select Off. Press the Select switch on Channel 8 to stop Press the Channel Select switch that corre- the test.

  • Page 62: Switch Test

    Press the Channel Select switch that corre- sponds to Switch. sponds to BurnIn. Press any Command|8 switch to test it. The Press the Select switch on Channel 8 to stop LCD displays the location and name of each the test. switch as you test it.

  • Page 63: Index

    54 Bank switch 30 firmware 10, 53 banking tracks 3, 30 Flip bypassing inserts 38, 39 plug-ins 41 bypassing plug-ins 38, 39, 40 sends 38 focus plug-ins and targets 39 footswitch 12 CC# (Stand-Alone mode) 48 Chan (Stand-Alone mode) 47...
  • Page 64 14 multi-mono 41 Stand-Alone CC assign 48 paging 41 Stand-Alone channel assign 47 targets and focus 39 start and end assignments 48 viewing 39 SysEx 43 PRE 36 USB 12 enabling MIDI for 14 MIDI Machine Control (see MMC)
  • Page 65 Stand-Alone mode 45, 47 MIDI 12 and MMC 46 port limitations 10 assigning CC 48 assigning control channel 47 assigning Start and End values 48 compatibility 43 views entering 44 Channel View 19 F2 MIDI Edit mode 47 Console View 19...
  • Page 66 DIGIDESIGN TECHNICAL SUPPORT (USA) PRODUCT INFORMATION (USA) INTERNATIONAL OFFICES Visit the Digidesign website 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard Tel: 650.731.6100 Tel: 800.333.2137 for contact information Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA Fax: 650.731.6384 Tel: 650.731.6300 Fax: 650.731.6399...

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