MACKIE Digital 8Bus D8B v5.1 - Manual (Page 144)

D8B Manual • Chapter 4 • page 138
Save Snapshot For Safety
As you build the mix, save snapshots as soon
as the music begins to reveal itself. Label the
snapshots for your own reference. Sometimes these
basic mixes, which are derived from your initial
“gut” reaction to the music, are the most powerful.
Basic dynamic automation does not require
these snapshot saves, but they’re often useful as
the mix comes together, even if only as a cross-
reference. If you develop a string of snapshots that
are very powerful, they can be strung together
during automation. However, the procedure we’re
outlining here highlights dynamic automation.
Time Code From Playback Device
Route MTC
The D8B requires MIDI Time Code (MTC) at
the MIDI input to operate automation along with
the record/playback device.
•
Connect the MIDI output of your computer,
sequencers, MIDI interface, or transport control
to the MIDI input of the D8B.
• Most sequencers or other record/playback
devices that transmit MTC need to be configured
to route to a specific MIDI channel, cable, or
device. Consult your MTC source operator’s
manual to confirm accurate and verifiable
routing to the D8B.
Verify MTC at D8B Transport SMPTE Window
• When your sequencer or other record/playback
device is running and MTC is transmitted, the
D8B control surface position readout window will
scroll MTC. You will see a continuous increase of
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, and Frames. If you see
this scrolling time code in the D8B POSITION
display, it’s almost automation time!
• MTC also displays in the on-screen Locator
window.
• If SMPTE VIEW is not selected, the readout will
display Bars/Beats/Ticks (BBT). Press the SMPTE
VIEW button at the left of the control surface
readout to toggle between SMPTE and BBT.
Set Default Levels…
Once your ducks are in a row, you’re ready to
begin the automation process! The Set Default
Levels…” command determines the starting point
for the entire mix. Fader levels can be written
from the beginning of time code (00:00:00:00) to
the end (23:59:59:30).
If you don’t set default levels to your prefer-
ence, levels will jump to any previously selected
automation settings as soon as MTC begins. This
can be very frustrating, but if you’ve religiously
saved snapshots of your mix status, you won’t be
far from repair.
•
Determine that your mix is solid enough that
you’d like to have all parameters written as
defaults. Don’t get too freaked out about this—
you’ll be tweaking the mix to perfection anyway.
• Verify that all channels are selected by choosing
each of the four fader banks and confirming that
all SELECT buttons are highlighted.
• Select Set Default Levels… from the Edit Menu.
• Respond “Yes” to complete the task.
• If you need to recall your static mix at any point,
you can save or update snapshots at any time.
Exit Bypass Mode
Once the default levels have been set, it’s time
to exit BYPASS mode. From this point on, any
parameter change can be written into automation.
Select Parameters
Choose the parameters you’d like to record as
automation data on the first pass. This is typically
a great time to ride basic fader, mute, and pan
settings. However, there is no problem with
selecting Faders, Mutes, Pan, and ALL so no
matter what moves you make, they can be re-
corded and recalled by the automation processor.
Any Combination of Faders, Mutes, and Pans on
First Pass
• Choose automation parameters by selecting
them in the control surface AUTOMATION
section, in the on-screen locator window, or the
Options/Automation menu.
• The D8B shows no favoritism to any or all
parameter writing during automation. You’ll
discover the process that works best for you.
Note: Faders, Mutes, and Pan all apply individually to the
one parameter they name. ALL applies to all automation
parameters other than Faders, Mutes, and Pan.
Safety Net: You can undo any automation record pass
or series of record passes using the History List. You
can also redo your undo. Or undo your redo. Or undo
your hairdo.
Auto Touch Mode
Auto Touch mode offers great flexibility and
ease of use. When AUTO TOUCH is selected,
automation data is recorded instantaneously for
any parameter as soon as you change its setting.
Select AUTO TOUCH by highlighting the control
surface AUTO TOUCH button, clicking AUTO
TOUCH in the on-screen Locator window, or select-
ing Auto Touch in the Options/Automation menu.
You’ll know you’ve succeeded in writing
automation data when you see the yellow light
illuminate the control surface WRITE button or
the on-screen channel WRITE icon.
Start playback device
• Verify MTC in the Locator position readout.
• Verify selection of desired automation
parameters—for now select FADERS, MUTES,
PAN, and ALL.