Using Basic Automation

What Type of Data Can Be Automated

Virtually all of the Digital X Bus channel parameters 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 fixed (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 connection 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.

order that you selected them.

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• Play the sequence back with the D8B receiving

 

MIDI playback at its MIDI input.

 

• Snapshots will playback in the same time and

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• To fine-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 flexibility

 

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 first. For- tunately, it doesn’t need to be. The power, flexibility, 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 definite 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 terminology 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.

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