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Owner's Manual
Owner's Manual
Using Basic Automation
What Type of Data Can Be Automated
Virtually all of the Digital X Bus channel param-
eters are available for automation. However, there
are a few exceptions—some obvious and some not
so obvious. All Digital X Bus channel parameters
can be automated except:
• Input Source selection
• Direct Output selection
• Floating, Pre, and Post Insert selections
• Digital Trim
• Phase Reverse
• Direct Out Level
Two Types of Automation
Automation moves are divided into two basic
types: snapshot and dynamic. Snapshot automation
makes it possible to instantly reset all automated
console settings to a predetermined fi xed (static)
position with a single command (snapshot recall).
Dynamic automation allows you to record and play
back any parameter changes, like fader positions
or mute toggles, in real time while locked into time
code.
The Digital X Bus is powered by Mackie’s Real
Time OS™ automation software. Upon initial power-
up, the console Automation Section is bypassed.
Snapshot Automation
Snapshot automation refers to simply scrolling
through various snapshots at the appropriate time
and place. (Recalling snapshots in the proper order
and position can be accomplished through connec-
tion to a MIDI sequencer, or by placing snapshot
events in the Event Automation Track.)
Your MIDI sequencer sees a snapshot selection
as a simple patch change, which can be recorded as
part of the same sequence that might contain all or
a portion of your music.
• Set the sequencer to receive and record MIDI
patch change data from the D8B MIDI channel
and cable.
• Select “MIDI Snapshots” in the Setup>Mix Op-
tions window.
• Run the sequence with the D8B receiving MTC
from the sequencer.
• Place the sequencer in record mode on the
D8B channel as you scroll through snapshots.
Each of these snapshot changes record into the
sequence.
• Play the sequence back with the D8B receiving
MIDI playback at its MIDI input.
• Snapshots will playback in the same time and
order that you selected them.
• To fi ne-tune snapshot placement, open the se-
quence track and adjust the time position in the
MIDI sequence.
Dynamic Automation
Dynamic automation is a function of the Digital X
Bus automation system. The power and fl exibility
offered by the Digital X Bus is awesome. This one
tool can revolutionize the way you do music.
Each new automation pass helps mold and shape
the music into a brilliant work of art. Dynamic au-
tomation involves real-time crafting of the mix with
the assistance of a computer processor.
Where Do I Start?
Automation is somewhat intimidating at fi rst. For-
tunately, it doesn’t need to be. The power, fl exibility,
and ease of use provided by the Mackie designers
makes the Digital X Bus painless and intuitive.
If you’ve used other automation systems, you
have a defi nite advantage. The concepts involved, as
they apply to the Digital X Bus, are similar to most
automation systems. The advantage the Digital X
Bus offers over most other automation systems is
its mind-boggling ability to automate virtually every
parameter on the console.
The following is a step-by-step, streamlined
procedure to help get you automating. To clarify ter-
minology and basic layout, refer to the Automation
Window description (page xx) in this manual.
Automation In Bypass
• Begin by setting up a basic mix with automation
off. Select BYPASS in the Automation section of
the control surface or in the Automation win-
dow (Windows > Automation).
Clear Automation
To avoid errant data, select all channels and clear
all types of automation data.
• Under the Channels menu, choose “Select All
Faders (Alt+Shift+A).”
•
Choose Clear Automation… from the Edit Menu.
Make sure the Mix Editor window is closed.
• Check “Entire Channel” from the CLEAR AUTO-
MATION window, then click OK.