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Anatomy of D-Command
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A
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B
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(A)
D-Command's Channel Strip
Provides complete track control, enabling operators to adjust all the typical parameters of a channel. The rotary encoders and faders on each channel strip can control plug-in parameters, sends, pans, and mic preamps, affording operators the flexibility to customize the way they work.
Each channel strip is comprised of two assignable touch-sensitive, multi-purpose rotary encoders with LED indicator rings, three 6-character alphanumeric displays (or scribble strips), a touch-sensitive motorized fader with +12dB of gain above unity, and attendant mode switches with LED status indicators. When an encoder or a fader is touched, the display immediately shows the parameter's value. Once the encoder is released, the display reverts to showing the parameter name.
All channel strips are capable of functioning independently. For instance, one channel strip may be adjusting sends while the next is adjusting pan controls or editing a plug-in's parameter values. These modes may be set either locally or globally.
(B)
Channel Strip Master Section
The master channel strip on the center section enables you to globally affect how channel strips behave across the D-Command work surface. Pushing any of the six Flip buttons migrates their corresponding rotary encoder controls down to the fader section. Dedicated buttons control plug-ins, input/output/send assignments, automation modes, global channel strip modes, and more.
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(C)
EQ Panel
D-Command's EQ Panel makes easy work of editing supported EQ plug-ins. The EQ Panel includes dedicated rotary encoders with LED rings and an alphanumeric display for viewing the EQ's parameter values. When an encoder is touched, the display adjusts to reflect the corresponding parameter's name. Also included are a Clip indicator, Compare and Safe buttons, a Master Bypass section, and a Cycle button that allows the EQ editing panel to be assigned in a "round robin" fashion to any applicable channel EQ. An LED bargraph is used to report input and output levels of the plug-in.
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(D)
Dynamics
Panel
Like the EQ Panel, the Dynamics Panel allows direct control of dynamics plug-ins. In addition to similar controls to those found on the EQ panel, specific dynamic controls are available. The Ext Key button switches the External Key input on and off, while the Listen button, behaving as a solo function, enables the user to audition the Key input. A Dynamics Gain Reduction meter displays gain reduction separately for Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate plug-ins. A Dynamics Output Level meter displays the output level from the Dynamics Section.
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(E)
Machine Control
Panel
D-Command's machine control panel includes a set of full transport controls - Play, Stop, Record Arm, etc., and a jog/shuttle wheel. This means you can run your Pro Tools session from the mix chair without having to use a computer keyboard and mouse.
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(F)
Time Code Display
D-Command features a 7-segment display for monitoring counter, Start, End, and Length data. The display can be set to indicate Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Milliseconds, Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames, Bars|Beats, Feet|Frames, and Sample modes.
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(G)
LED Bargraph Meters
Each channel strip has two 32-segment LED meters so you can meter stereo channels in Pro Tools. Eight LED bargraphs in the center section display surround mix levels.
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(H)
File Functions
File functions include the ability to Save, Undo, and Redo, send a MIDI "All Notes Off" message, and monitor and clear clipping on audio channels, plug-ins, and sends.
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(I)
Zoom/Navigate
D-Command's integration with Pro Tools includes console-based control of zoom and navigate functions. You may never reach for your mouse to edit in Pro Tools again!
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(J)
Soft Keys
Press any of D-Command's Soft Key mode buttons and the functions associated with each mode are shown in the dozen 6-character alphanumeric soft key displays. Soft Key modes provide quick access to Pro Tools editing functionality, Window, Playlist, Track and MIDI options, and more. When the system powers up, the displays list general session information until a soft key is pressed.
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(K)
Monitor System
D-Command supports mono through 5.1 recording, mixing, and monitoring, and makes easy work of setting up the exact monitoring configuration any session requires. D-Command's monitor system consists of an external rack enclosure called XMON that is remotely controlled from the D-Command work surface. Providing comprehensive monitoring of Pro Tools output and/or external analog inputs, the monitor/communications system feeds multiple control room monitors as well as headphone and cue subsystems. The main control room path includes an input source selector, level control, and output select buttons, along with listenback microphone inputs. The headphone/cue subsystem includes an input source selector, level controls with output select buttons, and a talkback assign.
D-Command's monitor system uses touch-sensitive rotary encoders along with a separate 6-digit alphanumeric display. When rotary controls in the monitor section are touched, the display adjusts to indicate the parameter value.
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