Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
20621 Plummer Street • Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA • (888) 588-6434 • cmautomation.com
Creative Tools for New Technologies
™
Digital Mixer Worksurface
Owner’s Manual
Version 2.0
Before you call us with your questions,
please read the manual at least once.
This way we can improve the quality of
our customer support and create better manuals.
The manual provides you with everything
you need to get going quickly.
Thank you for purchasing Motor Mix. Happy Motoring!
Carl Malone
President, CM Automation
i CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Notice
Please return your warranty card immediately. Your name will be place on
our mailing list (unless you request otherwise) and we will inform you of
all product updates as well as new product developments. Some of these
updates will be free, so please send the card in.
CM Automation reserves the right to make improvements or changes at
any time to the products described in this manual.
Published by:
CM Automation
20621 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
U.S.A.
Version 2.0 2000
Copyright © 2000 CM Automation
™
All rights reserved
Legal Notice
CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 ii
Table of Contents
Pro Tools Operations
Set Up & Quickstart ......................................... 1
Troubleshooting ............................................... 2
Operation.................................................... 3-6
Multi Unit Benefits............................................ 7
Standard Operations
Set Up, Troubleshooting ................................... 8
Operations ................................................ 9-11
Multi Unit Benefits (Standard Operations) ......... 12
Motivation .................................................... 13
Specifications ................................................ 14
Worksurface Layout....................................... 15
Back Panel Layout ......................................... 16
Page 1 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Pro Tools Set Up & Quickstart
QuickStart, Setting up a
Pro Tools /Motor Mix System
1.)
You will need a Pro Tools system with software version 4.1
or later.
2.)
Connect Motor Mix MIDI IN and OUT to the MIDI OUT and IN on
one port of your functioning MIDI interface.
3.)
Launch OMS setup and define Motor Mix: Is controller on MIDI
channel 1 (only 2 boxes checked). Note: If you are using
multiple Motor Mix units with Pro Tools, each unit must be
connected to the MIDI interface with two MIDI cables. Repeat
step 3 for each unit, but create a unique name for each unit,
like: Motor Mix 1, Motor Mix 2 etc.
4.)
Open a Pro Tools session and select “controllers” in the
peripherals menu.
5.)
Select “HUI” and then select Motor Mix and the number of
channels = 8. Note: If you are using multiple Motor Mix units
with Pro Tools, repeat step 3 for each unit, but create a unique
name for each unit, like: Motor Mix 1, Motor Mix 2 etc.
6.)
If you are using Pro Tools 5.xx, pull down the MIDI menu and
select “MIDI Input Devices”. Click on each Motor Mix listed.
This will enable Pro Tools to receive its MIDI input.
7.)
In Pro Tools 5.x and higher, go to the Set up window and choose
Preferences. In the Preferences box, click on Operation. Then
select ‘Classic’ located in the Numeric Keypad Mode Section.
Classic Numeric Keypad allows you use the Locate function on
Motor Mix.
8.)
Move a Motor Mix fader and the corresponding fader should
move in the Pro Tools mix window.
9.)
If you need to operate software other than Pro Tools, you must
first exit the Pro Tools mode by pressing the "PLAY" and
"ESCAPE" switches on Motor Mix. The LCD will say "Pro Tools
mode - OFF -". Motor Mix will remain in normal operation
mode until returned to Pro Tools mode by pressing the "PLAY"
and "ESCAPE" switches a second time.
10.)
Each time when you use Pro Tools you should have Motor Mix
powered up first to insure that Motor Mix gets a complete
update of your most recent session settings.
Troubleshooting
If Motor Mix does not respond properly, you can run the built in self-test in
Motor Mix. Simply connect the MIDI output directly into the MIDI input on
Motor Mix and apply power. Motor Mix will move all 8 faders, blink the
LED's and the LCD and test the MIDI in and out. If the test passes, you can
look for problems elsewhere.
Contacting Technical Support
For questions related to setting up and using Motor Mix with Pro Tools, or
if you feel that Motor Mix needs to be repaired, contact the Digidesign
technical support department.
Digidesign phone: 650 842-6699
Digidesign email: techsupt@digidesign.com
For questions related to setting up and using Motor Mix with products
other than Pro Tools, please contact the manufacturer of the product you
are using.
Pro Tools Troubleshooting
CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 2
Fader-Send “FLIP”
While the rotary pots are controlling sends, press the rotary selector
switch. The channels faders and mutes then ”FLIP” to become the send
level and mute controls, The top row of the LCD displays the send assign-
ments and the multi switches and LEDs control the send pre/post settings.
If the channel Multi LED is lit, then the send is pre fader. Pressing the multi
switch will toggle the send from pre to post. The pre and post text will also
be displayed briefly on the LCD.
While “FLIPPED”, rotate the selector to work on any of the other sends in
a “FLIPPED” fashion. Press the selector to return to rotary pot control.
Pan settings and channel plug in bypasses cannot be accessed while the
sends are “FLIPPED”.
Select Switches
The switches just below the LCD are the "SELECT" switches. They are used to
select one or more channels for grouping or Plug-in control, and provide
access to many other Pro Tools features. They are also used to make selec-
tions that appear on the LCD. For example, press the "AUTO ENBL" switch
and push the select switches to make automation enable selections in
Pro Tools.
Multi Controls
The 8 channel switches just below the rotary pots are the "Multi" switches.
The 4 switches and 4 green/yellow LED's just below the selector determine
what the "Multi" switches are doing.
Plug-in Bypass
Press the top switch just below the 7 segment display/selector. The 8
channel switches under the rotary pots are now the Plug-in bypass controls
for the channels. A green LED on in the channel bypass switch indicates
that all the Plug-ins on that channel are bypassed. Push any of the channel
bypass switches to toggle Plug-in bypass on that channel.
Send Mute
Press the second switch under the selector. The same 8 channel switches
under the rotary pots are now send mute controls for the channels. For
example: Rotate the selector to select Send A ("SA" on the 7 segment dis-
play). A green LED on in the channel indicates Send A is muted. Push any
of the channel bypass switches to mute/unmute a send. Use the selector to
select other sends for mute/unmute.
Send Pre/Post Assign
Press the third switch below the selector. The 8 switches are the Send pre/
post controls for those channels. Use the rotary selector to select a Send A.
When one of the switches is pressed, the pre/post for that channel will be
toggled and displayed briefly on the top row of the LCD. Use the selector
to choose other sends for pre/post assignment.
Switches, Faders, Pots or Selector
Usage with Pro Tools
Fader Input
Moving a fader on Motor Mix actually moves the Pro Tools on-screen fader.
When Pro Tools Automation is moving the faders on Motor Mix, you can
still make level changes by simply touching the Motor Mix fader and ex-
ecuting the move you desire. Motor Mix disengages the fader motor so
you can make level change, but it reengages the motor the moment you
stop touching the Motor Mix fader. If you wish to keep the fader stationary
with the motor disengaged, press and hold the "SHIFT" switch. The motor
will stay disengaged as long as the "SHIFT” switch is held down. Holding
the “SHIFT” switch down will also allow you to make very small fader
movements quite slowly. It keeps the fader motor disengaged during the
small fader movements.
Fader Punch Mode
Another option that allows you to disengage the fader motor is to Punch In
the individual faders. Punching In a fader will completely disengage the
motor on that fader. It saves you from having to hold the “SHIFT” button.
To enter Fader Punch Mode, “double click” the “SHIFT” button. This will
cause the LED in the button to blink. Now start playback. Press the “burn”
button above the fader you want to Punch In. The yellow LED (funct B)
below the “write” LED shines steadily to show that one or more faders are
punched in.
To Punch Out an individual fader, press the “burn” button above the fader
you want to Punch Out. To Punch Out all faders, press either the “SHIFT”
or “write” switch. Pressing any of the transport switches will also Punch
Out all faders.
To exit Fader Punch Mode, “double click” the “SHIFT” button once again.
The LED will stop blinking. The “SHIFT” switch still performs its normal
functions while in fader punch mode.
Rotary Pot Usage
When you open a session, the 7 segment display will read "P" For PAN. If a
channel is in stereo, the pot will be the left balance control. Rotate the pots
and watch the lower row on the LCD to see the PAN pointers. The dash in
the center of the channel LCD indicates PAN enter position. Push the selec-
tor down, and the 7 segment display will read "Pr", PAN right. The rotary
pots will now be the right balance control on any stereo channels. Push a
second time to return to PAN.
Rotate the selector slowly and the 7 segment display will read "SA" for
Send A. Rotate the pots and watch the lower row of the LCD to see send
pot settings. If no send is assigned on that channel. The lower LCD row will
be blank on that channel. Turn the rotary selector again to select sends B
thru E. The rotary pots and selector are the Plug-in controls. See the "Plug-
in" section below.
Page 3 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Pro Tools Operations
CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 4
Pro Tools Operations
Function Switches to Left of Faders
“AUTO ENBL"
Press this switch, and the LCD screen will display the automation enable
choices. The LEDs’s below the LCD show the current enable states. Press
any of the switches below the LCD to choose a selection. Press the "AUTO
ENBL" switch to exit.
"auto mode"
With "SHIFT" down, press the "auto mode" switch, and the LCD screen will
display the current automation mode choices. The LED’s below the LCD
show the current mode. Rotate the rotary pots to choose a selection.
Press the "ALL" switch and rotate a rotary pot to change all channels be
the same state.
If your are playing back Pro Tools automation tracks while in Punch or
Latch automation mode, you can Punch In a fader by pressing the “burn”
button above that fader. The “burn” button LED will shine steadily as long
as the fader motor is disengaged. To Punch Out the fader, press the “burn”
button again. The LED will go out and the motor will engage.
"SUSPEND"
Press the "SUSPEND" switch to globally suspend playback and recording of
automation. The LED will blink. Press again to globally reactivate playback
and recording of automation.
"create"
The "create" switch is used to create groups. First use the "SELECT" switches
below the LCD to select the a channel to include in a group. Press and hold
the "SHIFT" switch . Press more select switches to add channels. With
"SHIFT" still down press the "create" switch and the Pro Tools Group dialog
box will appear. Press the "ENTER" switch on Motor Mix to complete the
process or "ESCAPE" to exit without grouping.
The "group” switch and LED under the "VIEW" section on Motor Mix are
used to enable/disable groups. If the LED is lit, the groups are enabled.
With groups enabled, press and hold the "SHIFT" switch then hold the
"group" switch down. The top row of the LCD will show the channel
group assignments.
"PLUG-IN" Assignment
1.) Use a “SELECT” switch (below the LCD) to pick a channel for
plug in assignment.
2.) Press the “PLUG IN” switch to enter plug in mode.
3.) Press “SHIFT” and “assign” and the LCD display inserts 1-4.
You can use the rotary selector switch to select insert 5
for assignment.
4.) Rotate a rotary pot (even numbered) on Motor Mix to make a
plug in selection for the desired insert.
5.) Press the “assign” switch again to complete assignments for
that insert.
6.) Repeat steps 3-5 to add more plug ins to that channel.
"PLUG-IN" Control
Use the "SELECT" switch to select a channel with a Plug-in assigned. Press
the "PLUG-IN” switch to enable the LCD, rotary pots and "SELECT" switches
to control your Plug-ins. The Plug-in window will open and the rotary pots
and selector will become Plug-in controls. The 7 segment displays will say
"IN" For insert control or "PA" for parameter control. Push the selector to
toggle between insert and parameter control.
Insert control mode
There is an LCD page for Inserts 1-4 and one for Insert 5. Rotate the
selector to select either page. The top row of the LCD will display both the
insert page and the current channel being controlled. The lower LCD row
will display either "no insert" or a shorthand label for a Plug-in. If no label
is flashing, that Plug-in is being controlled by Motor Mix. Use a "SELECT"
switch to pick an insert to control, and the parameter control mode will
become active.
Parameter control mode
The LCD will display the Plug-in parameter names and settings. The top
LCD row and the "SELECT" switches will control switchable parameters. The
lower LCD row and rotary pots control continuously variable parameters.
Note that the "SELECT" switch and the correct rotary pot will be just below
the parameter values on the LCD. Rotate the selector to move between
parameter pages. The upper left of the LCD displays Plug-in page/label.
"compare"
With "SHIFT" down, press the "compare" switch to compare current Plug-in
settings with previous settings. This switch only compares if the compare
button is lit in the Plug-in window.
"WINDOW"
Press this switch, and the LCD screen will display the Pro Tools window
choices, mixer, memory locations, edit, setup, transport, insert editor. The
LED's below the LCD show the open windows. Press any of the switches
below the LCD to open or close a window. Press the "WINDOW" switch to
close the window and exit.
“tools"
With "SHIFT" pressed down, press the "tools" switch to select an edit tool.
"ALL"
If the "ALL" switch is held down, the current action will be applied across all
channels. For example, press "ALL" and then a “Mute” switch, and all
channels will be muted or unmuted.
"alternate"
With "SHIFT" pressed down, press the "alternate" switch. Now move a fader
and it's attenuation settings will appear in the top LCD row for that
channel. Move a rotary pot, and the PAN setting or SEND attenuation will
appear in the top LCD row on that channel.
Page 5 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Pro Tools Operations
Function Switches to Right of Faders
"PLAY"
Press this switch to activate PLAY. The LED will be lit to indicate Pro Tools is
playing.
"transport"
With "SHIFT" pressed down, press the "transport" switch. The bottom row of
the LCD will show 5 transport controls and the current time code, bars/
beats, feet frames, etc. Press a "SELECT" switch to activate a transport
function. The “REW” and “FFWD” controls are momentary in this mode.
The "RECORD" switch is the master record enable. Press the "transport"
switch again to exit.
"STOP"
Press this switch to stop PLAY, REWIND or FAST FORWARD. The LED will be
lit to indicate Pro Tools is stopped.
"locate”
Note: To use the “locate” function on Motor Mix, you must be in Classic
Numeric Keypad Mode. See instructions for setting Pro Tools to Classic
Numeric Keypad Mode on page 1 - section #7.
With “SHIFT" pressed down, press the "locate" switch. The bottom row of
the LCD will show 5 locate controls and the current time code, bars/beats,
feet frames, etc. Press a “SELECT" switch to activate a transport function.
The “REW” and “FFWD” controls are momentary in this mode. Press the
"LOCATE" switch to use the autolocate. The Memory-Locate window will
open. Press one or two number keys on Motor Mix and the "." key to
activate locate. Press "ESCAPE” at any time to exit or enter a locate. Press
the "locate" switch again to exit.
"Fast Forward"
Press this switch to activate FAST FORWARD. The LED will be lit to indicate
Pro Tools is in fast foreword.
"monitor"
With "SHIFT" pressed down, press the "monitor" switch. The bottom row of
the LCD will show 5 punch/monitor controls and the current time code,
bars/beats, feet frames, etc. Press "AUD" audition the punch pointer. Press
"PRE", "IN", “OUT" or "POST" to audition the punch points. Press the
"monitor" switch again to exit.
"Rewind"
Press this switch to activate REWIND. The LED will be lit to indicate Pro
Tools is rewinding.
"status"
With "SHIFT" pressed down, press the "status" switch. This opens the Pro
Tools session status window. Press "SHIFT” and "status” again to close
the window.
"NEXT”
Press this switch to move to the next memory-locate position.
"configure"
This switch is reserved for future use.
"LAST"
Press this switch to move to the previous memory-locate position.
"assign"
With “SHIFT" pressed down, press the "assign" switch. The LED will flash.
Rotate the selector to select; SEND A thru SEND E, Input "In" or Output
"Out". Each channel rotary pot is used to change the assignment. Press
"ESCAPE" or "status” to close the window.
“ENTER"
This switch duplicates the keyboard "ENTER" switch. It is used to end a
process like grouping.
"utility"
This switch is reserved for future use.
"ESCAPE"
This switch is used to exit processes before completion.
Motor Mix with keyboard
Most of the computer keyboard switches like “Control”, “Shift”, “Alt”, etc.
also perform their usual Pro Tools functions in conjunction with Motor Mix.
For example; Pressing the “CNTRL” key on the keyboard allows you to
move a fader independently or other faders in its group. Think of it as
momentarily releasing the fader of a group. Release the “CNTRL” key to
put the fader back under group control.
CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 6
Multi Unit Benefits
Creating Custom Consoles!
•
You can create a custom console tailored to the way you work.
•
Pro Tools supports up to 4 Motor Mixes.
•
Each Motor Mix uses one MIDI IN/OUT port.
•
When you have three Motor Mixes joined together and you
bank switch, the bank is 24 channels wide.
•
You can combine them in two basic ways:
1.) In-line configuaration
2.) Spread configuaration using the CM Automation Wedge
™
.
Contact your dealer for information and qualified
service centers for help.
Setup
Hardware Requirements
Your personal computer with a properly installed and configured MIDI in-
terface with one MIDI input and one MIDI output dedicated to Motor Mix.
The computer must have the audio hardware that your DAW application
requires such as A to D converters (audio inputs) and D to A converters
(audio outputs) and Plug-ins .
Connections
Connect the Motor Mix MIDI out jack to the MIDI input on your computer
MIDI interface. Connect your computer MIDI out jack to the MIDI input
jack on Motor Mix.
Software Requirements
An audio application from one of the many Motor Mix support partners.
Run the audio application and go into the proper menu to enable MIDI
input to the application and MIDI output from the application. If the appli-
cation requires a special controller setup, please follow the directions in the
software support manual provided by the software company. We will post
software installation procedures on our web site (cmautomation.com) as
they become available.
Troubleshooting
If Motor Mix does not respond properly, you can run the built in self-test in
Motor Mix. Simply connect the MIDI output directly into the MIDI input on
Motor Mix and apply power. Motor Mix will move all 8 faders, blink the
LED's and the LCD and test the MIDI in and out. If the test passes, you can
look for problems elsewhere.
Contacting Technical Support
For questions related to setting up and using Motor Mix with Pro Tools, or
if you feel that Motor Mix needs to be repaired, contact the Digidesign
technical support department.
Digidesign phone: 650 842-6699
Digidesign email: techsupt@digidesign.com
For questions related to setting up and using Motor Mix with products
other than Pro Tools, please contact the manufacturer of the product you
are using.
Standard Operation, Set up, Troubleshooting
Page 7 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 8
Standard Operations
Description of Controls and Displays
Fader Input
When the faders are not being moved by the computer, you can move
them. Motor Mix disengages the motor so you can make level changes.
The motor will stay disengaged as long as you continue to move the fader.
If you wish to keep the fader stationary but keep the motor disengaged,
press and hold the "SHIFT" switch. The motors will engage as soon as the
"SHIFT” switch is released. If you wish to make very small fader move-
ments quite slowly, press the “SHIFT” switch. This keeps the faders touch
released during the small fader movements.
Shift “double click”
Click the shift switch twice quickly and its LED will blink. It is like holding
the “SHIFT” switch down to hold faders punched in. Any fader that is
punched in will remain punched in until either the “SHIFT” switch or the
“write” shift is pressed. Press the “shift” switch twice quickly to exit. The
“SHIFT” switch still performs its normal functions while in this mode.
The yellow LED (funct B) below the “write” LED lites to show that one or
more faders are punched in. A punched in fader will send moves out and
the motor(s) will remain off. Press the “write” or “SHIFT” switch to punch
out all faders, and the LED will extinguish. If the transport is playing,
pressing “Stop”, “PLAY”, “FFWD” or “REW” will also punch out the faders.
If a fader is being moved by the computer, press a “burn” button to punch
the fader in and it will remain punched in regardless of the “SHIFT” switch.
The “funct B” LED lites to show that faders are also punched in. Press the
channel “burn” switch a second time to punch it out. Press the “write” or
“SHIFT” switch to punch out all faders, and the “funct B” LED will extin-
guish. If the transport is playing, pressing “Stop”, “PLAY”, “FFWD” or
“REW” will also punch out the faders.
Rotary Pots
The 8 rotary pots on Motor Mix send out relative information only, since
the application always knows the current setting. The bottom row of the
LCD indicates the current pot settings either graphically or numerically
depending on the application. The pots simply add or subtract to the
current setting. These pots are intended to control pan, aux send levels,
equalizers, and any plug-ins you may have installed.
Rotary Selector
Used in conjunction with the 7 segment display to select what the rotary
pots are controlling. Normally, the pots start out controlling pan. Rotating
this selector should cause the pots to change their task. Typically, they
would go from pan to aux1 to aux2 to aux3, etc. The 7 segment display
should give some indication of what the rotary pots are controlling:
P=(pan), A1=(aux1), A2=(aux2), etc. The utility of these controls depends
on how the host application has implemented them.
Plug-in Parameters
Are controlled by the "ROTARY POTS" section. When controlling plug-ins,
all 8 rotary pots become the controls for a selected Plug-in. When a Plug-in
has more than 8 parameters, use the selector to select other parameters.
When Plug-ins are being controlled, the upper row of the LCD should
display the parameter name like "FREQ" or "BOOST" and the lower row of
the LCD indicates the current pot settings either graphically or numerically,
depending on the application. The use of these controls depends on how
the host application has implemented them.
View Controls
The View Control section includes the left and right arrow switches. There
are 3 ways to navigate Motor Mix to control and view all the channels in
your mixer application.
1.) With “BANK” and “GROUP” switches off, you see channels 1-8
displayed. Press the right arrow and you will advance the channels 2-9.
Press again and advance to 3-10. This is advancing one channel at a time.
The left arrow does the same thing in reverse. The channel labels you have
assigned in software will appear in the upper row of the LCD. The LCD has
only 5 characters per channel, so use 5 characters or less when you create
your channel names.
2.) With the “BANK” switch on, you see channels 1-8. Press the right arrow
and you advance immediately to channels 9-17. Press the right arrow
again and you will advance to channels 18-26. This is advancing by banks
of 8 channels. Pressing the left arrow key does the same thing in reverse.
Multi Controls
Just below the 8 rotary pots are 8 Multi switches. Below the selector are 4
switches, 4 green LED's and 4 yellow LED's. For example, if the green LED
next to the "equalize" label is lit, the 8 Multi switches are used to turn on
and off any equalizers in the mixer channel. When the equalizer is "In",
the green LED in the Multi switch should be lit to indicate the equalizer
is active.
Burn Buttons
Just below the 8 Multi switches are 8 "Burn" switches. Below the View
controls are 3 switches, 3 red LED's and 3 yellow LED's to select what the
"Burn" switches are controlling. For example, if the red LED next to the
"rec/rdy" label is lit, the 8 "Burn" switches become the channel record
enable switches. When the red LED in the "Burn" switch is blinking or lit,
that indicates the channel is record enabled or recording.
Page 9 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Standard Operations
Solo Switches
These switches should function just like the Solo switches you are familiar
with. Their green indicator LED is controlled by the host application just
like all the other LED's on Motor Mix. When a Solo is engaged, the green
LED is lit.
Mute Switches
These switches should function just like the Mute switches you are familiar
with. Their red indicator LED is controlled by the host application. When a
Mute is engaged, the red LED is lit.
Left and Right Function Switches
These are the switches to the left and right of the faders on Motor Mix. All
16 of these switches have a green LED. The "SHIFT” switch at the lower left
is used to shift the panel switches to make secondary selections. For
example, press and hold “SHIFT” and then the “equalize” switch. This will
make the “eff-1” selection show up below the “equalize” switch. Remem-
ber, if the “SHIFT” switch is held, any fader that is punched in “UPDATE”
mode will stay punched in until “SHIFT” is released.
Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 10
Standard Operations
Page 11 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Multi Unit Benefits
Creating Custom Consoles!
•
You can create a custom console tailored to the way you work.
•
Some DAW software supports multiple Motor Mixes.
•
Each Motor Mix uses one MIDI IN/OUT port.
•
You can combine them in two basic ways:
1.) In-line configuaration
2.) Spread configuaration using the CM Automation Wedge
™
.
Contact your dealer for information and qualified
service centers for help.
Thank you for purchasing the Motor Mix worksurface. We know it will
become a solid part of your production studio. It should significantly speed
productivity, reduce stress, enhance creativity.
Where did Motor Mix come from?
The power of computer based Digital Audio Workstations is proving to be a
dream realized for many of us. CM Automation takes the next step by
creating a worksurface specifically for digital audio artistry.
The Science of it all.
Hypothesis
Audio engineering is the same physical task, whether in the digital or ana-
log realm. With the sophisticated digital audio software available today, it
was time to refine the operation of digital
audio workstations (DAW).
Experiment
We spent many hundreds of hours examining all the tasks performed
during various phases of audio creation and production processes. We
included both novices and seasoned experts in our observations and data
gathering. Both traditional studios tape machines with dedicated mixers
and bleeding edge PC based DAW's were examined in detail. We recorded
the eye, hand, head, and full body movements associated with each task.
We ended up with a list which clearly identified what an ideal worksurface
should be. This was our guide in developing the Motor Mix digital
mixer worksurface.
Conclusions
1.) People need their worksurfaces to be small enough to minimize
eye-hand movements, reduce clutter and workspace size and keep
the producer/creator/engineer in the desired monitoring position
(a.k.a. sweet spot).
2.) The worksurface must to be powerful enough to perform hundreds of
tasks simply with minimal repetition of movement. This will reduce
repetitive stress injuries. The utility and power of the surface must also be
intuitive so the novice can quickly operate software applications without a
steep learning curve.
3.) The worksurface must have adequate display capabilities to reduce or
eliminate eye and head motions. The scribble strip must be on the work-
surface and clearly identify what is assigned to a specific channel and what
the settings are.
4.) The primary controls like fader, mute, and solo must not have multiple
levels of functionality to them. The worksurface also needs to be light and
mobile so it can be easily moved about the workspace.
5.) The worksurface must NOT limit the number of available channels even
thought it only has eight faders. The process to navigate the worksurface
over this sea of channels must be simple and flexible.
Result, Motor Mix Digital Mixer Worksurface
Motor Mix is not a simpleminded motorized MIDI fader pack that must
continually be reconfigured to do different tasks. Motor Mix has
bidirectional communication as its most outstanding feature. Couple that
with 8 motorized faders, 360 degree rotary pots, and electronic scribble
strip (LCD), and it becomes something far greater than the sum of it's
parts. Motor Mix is a professional worksurface. The faders, rotary pots,
selector and panel switches are all designed to input your touch commands
into the host computer running your audio applications. The motor faders,
LCD display, and LED's on Motor Mix all are controlled by the host
application. Bidirectional communication guarantees that any user input
from the computer mouse, keyboard, or Motor Mix will operate smoothly
with your computer application, and that the CRT monitor and Motor Mix
displays will reflect the same message. The result is a seamless integration
of worksurface and application.
Typically, a 24 channel analog console with 6 aux busses and 4 band
equalizer would have in excess of 250 pots spread out over about 10
square feet. Since the controls on this type of mixer perform only one task
on one channel, you had to go to where the action was. Scanning this vast
array of controls to change something was like finding a needle in a
haystack. The Motor Mix digital mixer worksurface, which is one square
foot size and has dedicated controls can provide this level of control and
ease of operation.
Motor Mix does not require any special programming or set up to work
with your host applications. CM Automation has furnished a detailed
specification document to all our support partners. Our supporters take this
document and add support for Motor Mix in their software. Motor Mix
always sends and receives the same messages. You can switch between
applications that support Motor Mix, without having to make multiple
setups. Motor Mix has become the standard digital mixer worksurface.
CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 12
Motivation
Page 13 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Specifications
Motor Mix Specifications:
• 8 100 millimeter long-life Motion Sensing motorized faders for channel
level control and for channel volume indication.
• 8 Quality continuous high resolution rotary pots to control of PAN, Aux
Sends, EQ, Time Delay, Dynamics and other Plug-ins. These are not
cheapie selectors that you have to rotate 27 times to pan from left to
right. They feel and act exactly like the pots you are familiar with except
that they are endless (no end stops).
• 2 Seven segment displays to display rotary pot function (scribble strip).
• 1 Detented 24 pulse rotary selector with push to control rotary
pot functionality.
• 1 40 x 2 Backlit LCD with contrast control to display Channel Labels,
PAN, Aux Send Level, effect parameters, input/output assignments,
channel level meter, and soft key control.
• 4 View Control Switches to quickly navigate Motor Mix through any
number of channels. Motor Mix can be set to view individual channels,
banks of 8 channels or groups of up to 8 channels. All by 2 simple
key strokes.
• 8 "MUTE" Switches with red LED status indicator.
• 8 "SOLO" Switches with green LED status indicator.
• 8 "Burn" Switches (5 alternate functions) with red LED status indicator to
control channel audio recording, automation enables, or other
commands you can embed into project files.
• 8 Multi Switches (8 functions) with green LED status indicator for channel
eq, dynamics, delay and 5 other Multi control choices.
• 8 Channel Select Switches. These switches are used to make channel
specific choices like applying a Plug-in.
• 16 System Keys for disk operations, window control, channel label setup,
transport, and input/output assignments. CM Automation will provide
application specific overlays for the Left and Right function switches.
• Easy communications setup.
• Accessory Serial Port for Edit /Transport Controller.
• MIDI In and Out ports for full bidirectional communications with DAW.
• Small Size (10
1
/
2
inches wide by 12
1
/
2
inches deep).
• Attractive dual slope chassis design for best viewing and ergonomic feel.
• Built in Low Noise Power Supply.
CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00 Page 14
Worksurface Layout
Page 15 CM Automation Motor Mix Operations Manual v 2.0 2/00
Back Panel Layout