The Mix Editor Window (Ctrl+5)

The Mix Editor window contains a graphic representation of automation data. Though automation data is primarily entered through the control surface knobs, buttons, and faders, it can also be altered graphically in the Mix Editor. Precise level and timing information is easily entered and adjusted here. The resizable window supports various selectable views from 1 to 24 channels, or parameters, of data on the Y axis and any length of time region on the X axis (up to 24 hours). A vertical scroll bar allows for paging or incremental viewing of the channels or parame- ters, and the horizontal scroll bar allows for paging or scrolling time chunks, according to the current time resolution.

The Mix Editor can view a single channel with all of its parameters or, by selecting the “Channel View” checkbox, you can view multiple channels of one parameter type (plus a background event of a different type). This allows you to view, for example, 12 EQ parameter tracks stacked on top of one another, or 6 stacked pan automation curves.

Automation Event curves are displayed as dots (actually, small squares) that represent nodes, and lines that represent value ramping. The nodes represent editable points that are either created during the automation process in real time, or by the hand tool in the Mix Editor.

Note that on/off or radio button-type parameters (e.g., Mutes, EQ On/Off, or Snapshots, etc.) that aren’t of a ramping type, are displayed as stepped values.

Events such as Snapshot Recall, Load Plug-in Preset, Load EQ Preset, etc., can now be inserted in the Mix Editor window by right-clicking on the time bar.

Adrop-down menu appears that offers the following options: Loop Selection, Insert New Cue, Insert New Event, Mute All Events, UnMute All Events, Select Time Units, Enable Snapping, Snap To Cues, Snap To Grid, and Snap Grid options. Events include Snapshots, Load EQ, Load Compres- sor, Load Gate, Load Channel, and Load Plug-in.

Dedicated buttons for Insert New Cue, Insert New Event, Mute All Events, and Unmute All Events are also provided in the upper right corner of the Mix Editor window.

Event markers appear in the Mix Editor’s time bar, and can be dragged forward or backward. Right-click on the event marker to open a drop- down menu for selecting Mute Event, Delete Event, Edit Event, Commit Event, and Lock Time.

Note: Committing an event means that the selected event becomes part of the Mix Editor automation data, and no longer operates as a separate event. See “Commit Event” on page 82 for an in-depth discussion of this feature.

Automation tracks may be cut, copied and pasted, in typical graphic editor fashion, using click and drag highlighting with the mouse cursor and the Highlighter tool (Crosshair). Single segment copy and multiple pasting may be performed easily with repeatable segments for a “groove” repetition approach. An entire time region across all parameters or channels (accord- ing to the current filter views) may be selected by clicking and dragging across the top time bar. Highlighted regions may be “nudged” up, down, left or right, for trim or offset needs, using the 4 nudge arrows (top center of the Mix Editor window).

Note: Refer to the History List as well. It is of great value when using the Mix Editor.

Page and Back Pull-downs

•Allows two automation types to be viewed as foreground (Page) and background (Back) data (great for seeing relational data like fader and pan, or surround front/rear pan vs. L-R pan). The

D8B Manual • Chapter 3 • page 79