Mcu Control Guide - Solid State Logic AWS 900+ Owner's Manual

Section 5a – Mackie Control (MCU) Emulation
The AWS 900+ expands available DAW control options by emulating the Mackie Control MIDI protocol as an
alternative to the existing HUI protocol emulation. The new AWS software includes dedicated front panel function
key mappings for Logic, Nuendo, Sonar and Digital Performer.
The Mackie Control Protocol originates from the Mackie Control Universal MIDI controller and the companion eight
fader extender unit. The main control unit is functionally very similar to a HUI unit supporting 8 channel faders and
associated controls, a master fader, transport controls and jog wheel, cursor keys together with dedicated function
key groups for workstation control. Fader resolution is 10bit (1024 steps), identical to the HUI implementation. The
Mackie Control Unit is supplied with overlay templates for different DAW packages, which label the various function
key groups specifically for each supported DAW. In addition the default Logic grouping is supported by a number
of workstations, which do not have dedicated overlays. These include Live, Sequoia, Final Cut Studio and
Soundtrack Pro.
Mackie Control Emulation Advantages
• Supported by a large number of Workstation manufacturers including Apple, Sony and Steinberg.
• Plug-Ins and Virtual Instruments are controlled from the Channel D-Pots and can be flipped onto the Faders,
a feature previously reserved for Pro Tools and Digidesign proprietary control surface solutions.
• Channel meters use far less MIDI bandwidth.
• 6 Character Labels for Track/Channel Names and parameter information.
• Master Fader control.
Implementation
In Mackie Control mode the AWS 900+ emulates a Mackie Control Master Console plus two Mackie Extender
sections. For all supported workstations, the AWS should be configured in the relevant Control Surface set up
menu, as two extenders plus a main Mackie Control unit. For the majority of DAWs the set up layout should follow
the actual console surface layout with the extenders as channel 1-16 and a Mackie Control unit as channels 17-
24. This ensures that any DAW master menus or messages that are shown on the channel displays are located as
close to the console centre section as possible. Plug-Ins and Instruments will have their parameters assigned left
justified on to the AWS channel D-Pots.
The console Master section DAW control keys map to the workstation functions according to the active control
template. This is selected from the DAW menu in the SSL Option Menu.
Misc
TR Auto
P Tools Nuendo
Logic
Initially four dedicated DAW templates are supported, Logic, Nuendo (also used for Cubase), Sonar and Digital
Performer. The Logic template can also be used as a generic interface for Live, Final Cut Pro and other software
that supports the standard Mackie Control surface function key grouping. The AWS 900+ includes the additional
key caps to support the four function templates. Existing 900 users will need to order the key cap set from their
local SSL distributor
Lnks DAW
Sonar DP
SSL
AWS 900+ Owner's Manual

MCU Control Guide

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