Avid Technology VENUE S3L-X Parts list manual

VENUE | S3L-X System Guide
and VENUE | Software 4.5

Legal Notices
© 2014 Avid Technology, Inc., (“Avid”), all rights reserved. This guide may not
be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
003, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, Adrenaline, AirSpeed, ALEX,
Alienbrain, AME, AniMatte, Archive, Archive II, Assistant Station, Audiotabs,
AudioStation, AutoLoop, AutoSync, Avid, Avid Active, Avid Advanced
Response, Avid DNA, Avid DNxcel, Avid DNxHD, Avid DS Assist Station,
Avid Ignite, Avid Liquid, Avid Media Engine, Avid Media Processor,
Avid MEDIArray, Avid Mojo, Avid Remote Response, Avid Unity, Avid Unity
ISIS, Avid VideoRAID, AvidRAID, AvidShare, AVIDstripe, AVX, Beat Detective,
Beauty Without The Bandwidth,Beyond Reality,BF Essentials, Bomb Factory,
Bruno, C|24, CaptureManager, ChromaCurve, ChromaWheel,
Cineractive Engine, Cineractive Player, Cineractive Viewer, Color Conductor,
Command|8, Control|24, Cosmonaut Voice, CountDown, d2, d3, DAE,
D-Command, D-Control, Deko, DekoCast, D-Fi, D-fx, Digi 002, Digi 003,
DigiBase, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Development
Partners, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus,
DigiLink, DigiMeter, DigiPanner, DigiProNet, DigiRack, DigiSerial, DigiSnake,
DigiSystem, Digital Choreography, Digital Nonlinear Accelerator, DigiTest,
DigiTranslator, DigiWear, DINR, DNxchange, Do More, DPP-1, D-Show,
DSP Manager, DS-StorageCalc, DV Toolkit, DVD Complete, D-Verb, Eleven,
EM, Euphonix, EUCON, EveryPhase, Expander, ExpertRender, Fairchild,
FastBreak, Fast Track, Film Cutter, FilmScribe, FlexEvent, FluidMotion,
Frame Chase, FXDeko, HD Core, HD Process, HDpack, Home-to-Hollywood,
HyperSPACE, HyperSPACE HDCAM, iKnowledge, Impact, Improv, iNEWS,
iNEWS Assign, iNEWS ControlAir, InGame, Instantwrite, Instinct,
Intelligent Content Management, Intelligent Digital Actor Technology,
IntelliRender, Intelli-Sat, Intelli-Sat Broadcasting Recording Manager, InterFX,
Interplay, inTONE, Intraframe, iS Expander, iS9, iS18, iS23, iS36, ISIS,
IsoSync, LaunchPad, LeaderPlus, LFX, Lightning, Link & Sync, ListSync,
LKT-200, Lo-Fi, MachineControl, Magic Mask, Make Anything Hollywood,
make manage move|media,Marquee,MassivePack,MassivePackPro,Maxim,
Mbox, Media Composer, MediaFlow, MediaLog, MediaMix, Media Reader,
Media Recorder,MEDIArray,MediaServer,MediaShare,MetaFuze,MetaSync,
MIDI I/O, Mix Rack, Moviestar, MultiShell, NaturalMatch, NewsCutter,
NewsView, NewsVision, Nitris, NL3D, NLP, NSDOS, NSWIN, OMF,
OMF Interchange, OMM, OnDVD, Open Media Framework,
Open Media Management, Painterly Effects, Palladium, Personal Q, PET,
Podcast Factory, PowerSwap, PRE, ProControl, ProEncode, Profiler,
Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Transfer,
QuickPunch, QuietDrive, Realtime Motion Synthesis, Recti-Fi,
Reel Tape Delay, Reel Tape Flanger, Reel Tape Saturation, Reprise,
Res Rocket Surfer, Reso, RetroLoop, Reverb One, ReVibe, Revolution, rS9,
rS18, RTAS, Salesview, Sci-Fi, Scorch, ScriptSync,
SecureProductionEnvironment, Shape-to-Shape, ShuttleCase, Sibelius,
SimulPlay, SimulRecord, Slightly Rude Compressor, Smack!, Soft SampleCell,
Soft-Clip Limiter, SoundReplacer, SPACE, SPACEShift, SpectraGraph,
SpectraMatte, SteadyGlide, Streamfactory, Streamgenie, StreamRAID,
SubCap,Sundance,Sundance Digital,SurroundScope,Symphony,SYNC HD,
SYNC I/O, Synchronic, SynchroScope, Syntax, TDM FlexCable, TechFlix,
Tel-Ray, Thunder, TimeLiner, Titansync, Titan, TL Aggro, TL AutoPan,
TL Drum Rehab, TL Everyphase, TL Fauxlder, TL In Tune, TL MasterMeter,
TL Metro, TL Space, TL Utilities, tools for storytellers, Transit, TransJammer,
Trillium Lane Labs, TruTouch, UnityRAID, Vari-Fi, Video the Web Way,
VideoRAID, VideoSPACE, VTEM, Work-N-Play, Xdeck, X-Form, and XMON
are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the
United States and/or other countries.
Bonjour, the Bonjour logo, and the Bonjour symbol are trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc.
Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the
U.S. and/or other countries.
JetPLL, JET and Jitter Elimination Technology are trademarks of TC Applied
Technologies, a division of TC Group Americas Inc. The JetPLL technology is
used under sublicense from TC Applied Technologies, and is the intellectual
property of Sonopsis Ltd. The JetPLL technology is protected by one or more
U.S. and non-U.S. patents, the details of which can be found at
www.tctechnologies.tc/patents.
This product may be protected by one or more U.S. and non-U.S. patents.
Details are available at www.avid.com/patents.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are
subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9329-65470-00 REV B 7/15

Safety Compliance
Safety Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety
certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards: UL60065 7th
/IEC 60065 7th and Canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 60065:03. Avid Inc., has been
authorized to apply the appropriate NTRL mark on its compliant equipment.
Warning
Important Safety Instructions
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Only perform the services explicitly described in the install and or user
manual. For services or procedures not outlined in the install or user manual,
speak with authorized service personnel.
6) Do not use this equipment near water.
7) Clean only with dry cloth.
8) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
9) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other equipment (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11) Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the equipment.
12) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13) For products that are not rack-mountable: Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/equipment combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
14) Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
15) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the equipment has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
equipment, the equipment has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
16) For products that are a Mains powered device:
The equipment shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects
filled with liquids (such as vases) shall be placed on the equipment.
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture.
17) For products containing a lithium battery:
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type.
18) The power inlet is the main disconnect device and should remain
accessible. Disconnect the power cord before servicing the unit.
19) The equipment shall be used at a maximum ambient temperature of 40° C.
Rack-Mount Safety Instructions
1) Elevated Operating Ambient - If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack
assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment might be
greater than room ambient. Therefore, consider installing the equipment in an
environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma)
specified by the manufacturer.
2) Reduced Air Flow - Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that
the amount of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not
compromised. Stage 48 airflow is from the front of the chassis enclosure to the
rear. Make allowances for cooling air to be available to the front panel surface
and no restrictions at the rear.
3) Mechanical Loading - Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such
that ahazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
4) Circuit Overloading - Consideration should be given to the connection of the
equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits
might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Appropriate
consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing
this concern.
5) Reliable Earthing - Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be
maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connections other
than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).

Contents iv
Part I Overview
Chapter 1. Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
S3L-X System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
S3 Control Surface Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
E3 Engine Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Stage 16 Remote Stage Box Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Additional Required Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Optional Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connection Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Conventions Used in This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2. Configuring and Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Unpacking and Assembling System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting an S3L-X System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Powering Up the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Confirming System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Enabling Config Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting Up a Basic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting Up a Shared Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting the System Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Managing Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
How to Proceed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Audio and Control Connections, Switches, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing Additional Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Contents

Contents v
Part II Description
Chapter 3. S3L-X System Control Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
S3 Control Surface Top Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Channel Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Channel Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Global Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Software Screen Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter 4. Banking and Selecting Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Banking Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Selecting and Targeting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Screen Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Screen Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Type Text Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Chapter 5. Channel Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Using Channel Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Assigning Functions to Channel Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
User Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Expanding Channel Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Availability of Channel Control Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chapter 6. Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Busses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Pickoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Misc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Plug-Ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Part III Signal Routing
Chapter 7. Inputs and Input Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Configuring Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Assigning Input Sources to Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Routing Input Channels to Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Routing Inputs to Direct Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Adjusting Input Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Using Built-In EQ and Dynamics on Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Using Plug-In Inserts on Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Using Input Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Input Channel Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Working with Inputs in a Shared Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Contents vi
Chapter 8. Outputs and Output Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Configuring Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Assigning Busses to Hardware Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Using Built-In Comp/Lim and EQ on Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Using Inserts on Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Adjusting On-Screen Output Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Adjusting the Mains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Direct Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
VCAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Automation Safing Output Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Managing Bus Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Working with Outputs in a Shared Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Chapter 9. Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Configuring Group Busses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Routing Groups to Mains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Adjusting Group Output Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Group Spill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Group Bus Signal Flow Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Chapter 10. Auxes and Variable Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Configuring Aux and Variable Group Busses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Routing Auxes and Variable Groups to Outputs, EQs, Dynamics and Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Adjusting Aux and Variable Group Send Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Adjusting Aux/Variable Group Output Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Chapter 11. Matrix Mixers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Configuring Matrix Mixers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Assigning Input Sources to Matrixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Adjusting Matrix Mixer Input Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Adjusting Matrix Mixer Output Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Snapshot Data and Parameters for Matrix Mixers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Chapter 12. Patchbay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Accessing the Patchbay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Overview of the Patchbay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Navigating the Patchbay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Assigning Channels in the Patchbay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Warning when Stealing Inputs or Outputs in the Patchbay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Patch List Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Chapter 13. Solo and Monitor Busses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Selecting a Solo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Configuring Solo and Monitor Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Using Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Solo Safing Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Using the Monitor Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Adjusting Monitor/Headphone Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Oscillator, Talkback, and 2-Track Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Contents vii
Chapter 14. Muting and Mute Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Muting Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Using Mute Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Part IV Processing
Chapter 15. Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Dynamics Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Built-In Comp/Lim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Built-In Exp/Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Adjusting Dynamics Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Input Direct Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
On-Screen Dynamics Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Dynamics Settings and Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Using the Sidechain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Channel Control Dynamics Parameter Mapping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Control Ranges for Built-In Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Chapter 16. EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
EQ Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Built-In EQ Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Adjusting EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Adjusting EQ Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Graphic EQ for Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Input Direct Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
EQ Settings and Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Control Ranges for Built-In 4-Band EQ (All Modes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Chapter 17. Plug-Ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Plug-Ins Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Installing and Authorizing Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Plug-in Version Checker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
USB Ports for iLoks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Plug-In Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Rack Slots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Routing Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Adjusting Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Bypassing Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Plug-In Presets and Snapshots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Plug-In DSP Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Initializing the Plug-In Racks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Plug-In Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Plug-In Latency and Processing Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Chapter 18. Hardware Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connecting External Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Assigning Hardware Inserts to Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Activating and Bypassing Hardware Inserts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Setting the Hardware Insert Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Contents viii
Part V Shows
Chapter 19. Shows and File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Creating Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Loading a Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Working with Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Transferring Settings, Shows and Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Undoing Changes Using the History Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Chapter 20. Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Snapshots Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Creating Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Recalling Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Recall Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Automation Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Managing Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Making Changes to Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Preview Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Undoing Snapshot Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Disabling Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Adding MIDI, Plug-In, and Media Data to Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Snapshot Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Snapshot Data Types and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Chapter 21. Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
The Events Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Creating Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Creating Triggers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Creating Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Testing Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Resetting Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Snapshots and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Default Settings, Templates and Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tap Tempo for Plug-ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Trigger Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Action Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Chapter 22. Synchronization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Automating Recall of Snapshots with MIDI Time Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Remote Control of Snapshot Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Triggering of External Devices on Snapshot Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Sending MIDI Messages on Snapshot Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Synchronizing with Word Clock and Digital Audio Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Contents ix
Chapter 23. Using the Standalone Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Differences Between Standalone Software and a VENUE System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Installing the Standalone Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Simulating a VENUE Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Transfer and Filing Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Exporting System Information and Patchbay Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Part VI Recording and Playback
Chapter 24. 2-Track USB Recording and Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
USB Flash Drive Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Media Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Recording Audio to USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Playing Back Audio from USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Managing USB Audio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Using Snapshots to Trigger Transport Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Using Events to Trigger USB Transport Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Controlling USB 2-Track Recording and Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Chapter 25. Pro Tools Recording and Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Pro Tools Recording and Playback Capabilities and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Pro Tools Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
S3L-X and Pro Tools Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Installing Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Connecting to Pro Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Enabling Direct Digital Splits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Using Virtual Soundcheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Using Pro Tools Assignable I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Using Input Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Enabling VENUE Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Using VENUE Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Controlling Pro Tools from Global Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Part VII Specifications and Troubleshooting
Chapter 26. Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
S3 Control Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
E3 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Stage 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Power and Status LED Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Network Port Snake Act and Sig LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Chapter 27. Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
S3 Control Surface Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
E3 Engine Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Stage 16 Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Contents x
Chapter 28. S3L-X System Signal Flow Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Monitor Bus Signal Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Input Signal Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Output Signal Flow Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Chapter 29. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Performing a Soft Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Hardware Monitoring Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Resetting Hardware Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Offline or Unavailable Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Resetting the Plug-In Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Using the System Restore Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Part VIII Reference
Chapter 30. GPI Port Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
GPI Port Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
GPI Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Chapter 31. ECx Ethernet Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
ECx Capabilities and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Required Components for ECx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
ECx Host and Client Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Appendix A. E3 Engine Secure USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Appendix B. Configuring Stage 16 Rack Ears/Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Appendix C. Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Environmental Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Part I: Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 1
Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System
Welcome to the VENUE | S3L-X digital live mixing system from Avid®. The S3L-X system includes the S3 control surface, the E3 en-
gine, and up to four Stage 16 remote I/O boxes, providing a compact, modular, scalable, and high-fidelity live mixing solution using ul-
tra-reliable and low-latency Ethernet AVB audio network connections.
The S3L-X system uses the same intuitive and powerful VENUE software used by all other systems in the Avid live systems family,
providing Show file portability between Avid live systems, direct Pro Tools®connectivity and interoperability, and support for
Pro Tools-compatible plug-ins. The S3L-X system allows provides Stage input sharing: share up to four Stage 16 remote stage boxes
between multiple E3 engines, with automatic gain tracking for shared inputs.
S3L-X system components: S3 control surface (top), E3 engine (middle) and Stage 16 remote stage I/O box (bottom)
Power
E3
INPUT
ANALOG
OUTPUT
ANALOG
OUTPUT
AES DIGITAL
INPUT
ANALOG
OUTPUT
ANALOG NETWORK
1234 5678

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 2
S3L-X System Features
S3L-X System Processing
The S3L-X system provides the following processing features
and capabilities:
• 64 input processing channels, each with built-in High-Pass
Filter, Dynamics and EQ processors
• 35 output processing channels, each with a built-in Com-
pressor/Limiter and 4-band fully parametric EQ
• 16 assignable 31-band Graphic EQs available for output
channels
• Three Main busses, configurable as Left–Center–Right or
Left–Right+Mono
• 27busses total(24 mix busses plus threeMainbusses), eight
mono stereo-linkable Matrixes, and eight VCAs
• 40 plug-in rack slots for Pro Tools compatible plug-ins
S3L-X System Recording and Playback
Features
S3L-X provides the following recording and playback capabili-
ties:
• 64 channels of fully integrated recording and 64 channels of
playback with a compatible Pro Tools system, including
true Virtual Soundcheck capability
• VENUE Link, providing Pro Tools and VENUE interopera-
bility and interconnection, including Pro Tools Transport
control from the S3 control surface
• Built-in USB 2-track recording and playback
Stage Input Sharing
S3L-X provides the following stage input sharing capabilities:
• Share up to four Stage 16 remote stage boxes between mul-
tiple E3 engines
• Automatic gain tracking on a per-channelbasis across all E3
engines and applied at all times, even during a snapshot
store or recall
• Independent control of the full range of input gain control
(+10dB to +60dB) from every E3 on the network
• Intelligent communication between E3 engines providing
ongoing device connectivity, assignment, health and status
monitoring
• Redundant connections to shared Stage 16 units in sup-
ported connection configurations
S3 Control Surface Features
The S3 control surface provides system controls, mix position au-
dio I/O, and control and utility connections.
System Controls
• 16 bankable fader strips, each with a touch-sensitive fader,
one multi-purpose assignable rotary encoder, solo, mute and
select controls
• Level meters on each fader strip
• Channel Control section for control of input settings, Dy-
namics and EQ settings (built-in or plug-ins), and Aux sends
• Eight rotary encoders for global control of parameters such
as output level controls and plug-ins
• Touch Strip for customizable control of system parameters
• Eight customizable function switches providing instant ac-
cess to up to 16 system parameters
Audio I/O
• Two analog mic/line XLR inputs with mic preamps for con-
necting microphones or line-level devices at the mix posi-
tion
• Two analog line inputs and four analog line outputs for con-
necting other line-level devices at the mix position
Control and Utility Connections
• Two Neutrik etherCON RJ-45 Ethernet Network ports for
connecting to the E3 engine and/or a compatible Pro Tools
system
• Two USB ports for keyboard and mouse/trackball (only)
• One 1/4-inch stereo headphone connector
• One 1/4-inch TRS footswitch connector
• Two XLR console light connectors (LED console lights re-
quired)
Standalone DAW Control and Audio
Interface
S3 provides the following features as a standalone studio control-
ler and Ethernet AVB audio interface with compatible computers
running EuControl 3.2 or higher:
• Control of EUCONTM-aware DAWs, including Pro Tools,
Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, MOTU Digital
Performer, Cakewalk SONAR, and more.
• Integrated automation controls
• Integrated transport controls
• 4x6 audio interface, including two mic inputs and Main and
Alt monitoring outputs, all controllable from the surface
For complete system requirements and a list of qualified
computers, operating systems, and third-party devices,
visit www.avid.com/S3Lsupport
For complete information on using S3 standalone, see the
S3 User Guide. For compatibility information and a FAQ,
visit www.avid.com/S3-Surface-Support.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 3
E3 Engine Features
The E3 engine provides mix position audio I/O, and connections
for synchronization, utility and control. The E3 engine also
houses the main CPU, DSP, and system drives for the S3L-X sys-
tem. The E3 engine is located at the mix position along with the
console.
Audio I/O
• Four analog mic/line XLR inputs with mic preamps for con-
necting microphones or line-level devices at the mix posi-
tion
• Four analog line-level XLR outputs
• Two stereo AES/EBU digital inputs
• Two stereo AES/EBU digital outputs
Synchronization, Control and Utility
Connections
• Three Neutrik etherCON RJ-45 Ethernet Network ports for
connecting to the S3 control surface and Stage 16 boxes
• One standard RJ-45 Ethernet port for connecting to a client
computer or networking equipment to enable ECx Ethernet
Control remote system control
• Three external USB 2.0 ports for connecting USB storage
devices (for data transfer, and for 2-track recording and
playback), iLok USB Smart Keys (for plug-in authoriza-
tion), and compatible MIDI devices
• One internally-mounted, secure USB 2.0 port for an iLok
• 16 channels of MIDI input and 16 channels of MIDI output
via a compatible external USB MIDI interface
• DVI video monitor port for software screen display
• Word clock I/O for digital clock synchronization
• One RJ-45 (100 BaseT Ethernet) port for ECx Ethernet
Control remote system control
• One GPIO port (DB9 connector) providing two GPI inputs
and two GPI outputs
• An internal universal PSU (100V to 240V nominal 50–60
Hz) accepting standard IEC AC power cables
CPU, DSP, and System Drives
The E3 engine houses the CPU, Avid Pro Tools|HDX-powered
DSP, and system drives that provide the processing power to run
the VENUE software and plug-ins for your system. The USB
ports on the E3 engine allow you to do the following:
• Update and restore your VENUE system software
• Install compatible plug-ins
• Transfer VENUE Show files and other data
• Record and play back 2-track audio
Stage 16 Remote Stage Box Features
Stage 16 provides remote stage I/O for S3L-X systems in a 4U
rack-mountable enclosure. The S3L-X system supports redun-
dant audio snake connections to up to four Stage 16 boxes. Audio
snake connection are made using supported Ethernet cables (see
Audio Network Connections).
Audio I/O
• 16 analog inputs with remotely controllable mic preamps
and individually selectable phantom power
• Eight analog outputs
• Four AES digital output channels (on two stereo connectors)
Control Connections
• Two Neutrik etherCON RJ-45 Ethernet Network ports for
connecting to the E3 engine and to other Stage 16 boxes
• An internal universal PSU (100V to 240V nominal 50–60
Hz) accepting standard IEC AC power cables

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 4
What’s Included
S3 Control Surface
Each S3 control surface includes the following:
• S3 control surface
• Avid mouse pad
• One (1) external universal power supply (100V to 240V
nominal 50–60 Hz)
• One (1) IEC power cable, North American standard
• S3L-X System Quick Setup Guide
• Other documentation, including a Health and Safety Guide, a
Welcome Letter, and a Registration card
• VENUE Tech Support card (for obtaining tech support for
your system)
E3 Engine
Each E3 engine includes the following:
• E3 engine
• Hardware for rack installation
• Replacement screws
• One (1) IEC power cable, North American standard
• S3L-X System Software & Plug-Ins pack
• Pro Tools software package
•S3L-X System Quick Setup Guide
• S3L-X Software Installation Guide
•S3L-X Quick Start Guide reference card
• Other documentation, including a Health and Safety Guide, a
Welcome Letter, and a Registration card
• VENUE Tech Support card (for obtaining tech support for
your system)
S3L-X System Software & Plug-Ins Pack
VENUE System Restore USB Drive The VENUE System Re-
store USB Drive contains VENUE System Restore software.
This software is used for S3L-X system maintenance only. Keep
this drive with the system at all times.
S3L-X Plug-Ins iLok An iLok USB key (2nd generation) is in-
cluded in this package to store your S3L-X plug-in licenses. To
run the S3L-X plug-ins on your S3L-X system, this iLok contain-
ing plug-in licenses must be connected to your E3 engine at all
times.
Activation Card The Avid S3L-X System Software & Plug-Ins
Activation Card is used to activate your S3L-X software and
plug-ins. This activation process deposits the following iLok li-
censes into your iLok account:
• S3L-X plug-in licenses
• Live Sound Production Toolkit license
The activation process also deposits the following S3L-X soft-
ware downloads and documentation into your Avid account:
• S3L-X plug-in installers
• Latest VENUE software update (if any)
• ECx Ethernet Control host and client software (for remote
control of your S3L-X system)
• VENUE Standalone software
• Documentation
• EuControl 3.2 software (enables S3 to be used as a stand-
alone studio controller for EUCON-enabled DAWs, includ-
ing Pro Tools)
Pro Tools Software and the Live Sound Production
Toolkit
Pro Tools software is included with the E3 engine, and is acti-
vated and downloaded separately from the S3L-X system soft-
ware and plug-ins. The Live Sound Production Toolkit is an iLok
license that enables up to 64 channels of I/O between your S3L-X
system and your Pro Tools computer.
Stage 16
Each Stage 16 includes the following:
• Stage 16 remote I/O box
• Hardware for rack installation
• Replacement screws
• One (1) IEC power cable, North American standard
• S3L-X System Quick Setup Guide
• Other documentation, including a Health and Safety Guide, a
Welcome Letter, and a Registration card
• VENUE Tech Support card (for obtaining tech support for
your system)
Do not use this drive for anything other than VENUE Sys-
tem Restore software. Do not use this drive to store
VENUE Show files, audio files, or any other data or soft-
ware, including VENUE software updates.
For more information on the activation process for your
S3L-X system software, go to www.avid.com/activation-
card and select S3L-X.
A separate USB flash drive (not provided) is required
to store software installers and documentation. Do not
use the included VENUE System Restore USB Drive.
An iLok 2 is also included in the Pro Tools package tostore
your Pro Tools and Live Sound Production Toolkit li-
censes. Do not store S3L-X system plug-in licenses and
Pro Tools licenses on the same iLok. You can, however, use
the same iLok account to manage all iLok licenses.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 5
Additional Required Components
The following required components must be purchased sepa-
rately:
• Shielded Cat 5e (350 MHz) or better Ethernet cable with
Neutrik etherCONconnectors (for audio network connec-
tions between components)
• Free-standing DVI-D compatible video monitor with
1024 x 768 minimum resolution (15-inch or greater
flat-panel TFT display recommended) and cable
• Windows-compatible USB keyboard and trackball/mouse
• USB 2.0 flash drive(s) for storing software, installers, and
documentation
Optional Components
The following components are optional, and must be purchased
separately:
• Shielded Cat 5e (350 MHz) or better Ethernet cable for con-
nections to Pro Tools
• Standard Cat 5e or better Ethernet cable for ECx Ethernet
Control connections
• USB storage device for transfer of VENUE Show files and
data (512 MB or larger recommended)
• USB 2.0 flash drive(s) for use with the built-in USB 2-track
recording and playback features
• Headphones with 1/4-inch connector
• Footswitch with 1/4-inch connector
• BNC cables for word clock connections to/from external
digital devices
• DB9 (9-pin) cable for connecting to GPI devices
• Two (2) LED console lights with XLR connectors
• Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter for connecting to
the Thunderbolt port of a qualified Pro Tools computer
Operational Requirements
Temperature and Ventilation
S3L-X system devices should be operated away from heat
sources and with adequate ventilation.
Storage
S3L-X system devices should be stored and transported at tem-
peratures not lower than 0 degrees F (–18 degrees C) and not ex-
ceeding 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Operation
S3L-X system devices should be operated at temperatures not
lower than 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) and not exceeding
104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
During operation, the bottom panels of the S3 control surface, the
front and back panels of E3 engine, and the side panels of the
Stage 16 should be exposed to ambient air. Do not block the ven-
tilation holes on any S3L-X system component.
Do not operate in direct sunlight or at extreme ambient tempera-
tures.
Water and Moisture
S3L-X system devices should be operated away from sources of
direct moisture and shouldbe kept clear of liquids that might spill
into the units. If condensation is present on the unit, leave the unit
to dry in ambient air for at least one hour before powering the unit
on.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Use a dry cloth to clean the surfaces of the S3L-X components.
Do not apply any cleaning solutions, spray cleaners, or abrasives
to the surface.
Hardware monitoring and automatic warnings are provided
for temperature, power and other factors. For more informa-
tion, see Hardware Monitoring Window.
Storage humidity range 5% to 95%, non-condensing
Operating humidity range 20% to 80%, non-condensing

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 6
Connection Requirements
Power Connections
Power connections on all S3L-X system devices are auto volt-
age-selecting (100 to 240V nominal, 90-260V maximal, 50–60
Hz).
Make sure your power source is correctly rated for the number of
units you are connecting. A surge-protected power source (not in-
cluded) is highly recommended.
Audio Connections
• All audio inputs and outputs (except Headphones) are bal-
anced XLR and/or balanced 1/4-inch connections.
• All 1/4-inch connections support balanced (TRS) and unbal-
anced (TS) connections.
• All external digital audio inputs and outputs are AES/EBU
(XLR) connections.
Audio Network Connections
Shielded Cat 5e (350 MHz) or better Ethernet cable with Neutrik
etherCONconnectors are required for primary and redundant au-
dio network connections between the console, the E3 engine, and
any Stage 16 boxes. Maximum distances of 100m are supported
for all audio network connections.
Pro Tools Connections
Shielded Cat 5e (350 MHz) or better Ethernet cable with RJ-45
connectors is required for the Ethernet AVB connection to
Pro Tools.
ECx Ethernet Control Connections
Standard Cat 5e Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors are sup-
portedfor ECx remote control connectionstoaclientcomputer or
wireless/wired router.
System Requirements and
Compatibility
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hard-
ware and software it has tested and approved. For complete sys-
tem requirements and a list of qualified computers, operating sys-
tems, hard drives, and third-party devices, visit:
www.avid.com/compatibility
About www.avid.com
The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source for
information to help you get the most out of your system. The fol-
lowing are just a few of the services and features available.
Product Registration Register your purchase online.
Support and Downloads Contact Customer Success (technical
support); download software updates and the latest online manu-
als; browse the Compatibility documents for system require-
ments or search the online Knowledgebase.
Training and Education Study on your own using courses
available online or find out how you can learn in a classroom set-
ting at a certified Avid training center.
Products and Developers Learn about Avid
products; download demo software or learn about our Develop-
ment Partners and their plug-ins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Avid or sign up for a
product demo.
Pro Tools Accelerated Videos Watch the series of free tutorial
videos. Accelerated Videos are designed to help you get up and
running with Pro Tools and its plug-ins quickly.
Live Sound Webinars Watch free tutorial videos and live sys-
tem-specific webinars to learn from the experts.
To learn more about these and other resources available from
Avid, visit our website (www.avid.com).
Registration
Review the enclosed Registration Information Card and follow
the printed instructions to quickly register your purchase online.
By registering, you become eligible to receive the following:
• Technical support information
• Software update and upgrade notices
• Hardware warranty information
For more information on audio connectors and specifica-
tions, see Audio Specifications.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the VENUE | S3L-X System 7
Conventions Used in This Guide
All of our guides use the following conventions to indicate menu
choices and key commands:
:
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear
on-screen are in a different font.
The following symbols are used to highlight important informa-
tion:
Hardware Switches on S3 Control
Surface
The names of switches on the S3 control surface are in bold (such
as Sel). The Shift switch on the S3 is indicated by bold text, in
all-caps (SHIFT) to distinguish it from references to the Shift key
on your QWERTY keyboard.
SHIFT and SHIFT Lock
The SHIFT switch on the S3 is used in conjunction with other
keys to access secondary functions Some switches have second-
ary functions, highlighted in gray above the primary function
(such as < Bank/Home,where Home is the secondary function).
The following terminology is used to describe SHIFT functions.
Example:
• “Press and hold the SHIFT switch then press the Back/Top
switch”
is written as
• “Press SHIFT+Back/Top”
How to Use this PDF Guide
These are some useful features of this PDF:
• The Bookmarks on the left serve as a continuously visible
table of contents. Click on a subject heading to jump to that
page.
• Click a + symbol to expand that heading to show subhead-
ings. Click the – symbol to collapse a subheading.
• The Table of Contents provides active links to their pages.
Select the hand cursor, allow it to hover over the heading un-
til it turns into a finger. Then click to locate to that subject
and page.
• All cross references in blue are active links. Click to follow
the reference.
• Select Find from the Edit menu to search for a subject.
Convention Action
Options > System In the VENUE software, click
Options to display the Options tab,
then click the System tab.
File > Save Choose Save from the File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key and
press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key and click
the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right mouse button
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your sys-
tem.
Important Notices include information that could affect your
data or the performance of your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in this guide and
other VENUE guides.

Chapter 2: Configuring and Connecting 8
Chapter 2: Configuring and Connecting
The chapter shows how to get your system up and running by do-
ing the following:
• Unpack and assemble the components
• Connect the power and peripherals (monitor, USB keyboard
and mouse)
• Connect your system in either of the following configurations:
• Connect one S3, one E3 and up to four Stage 16s in a basic
system
• Connect two S3s, two E3s and up to four Stage 16s in a
shared input configuration
• Power up the system
• Confirm system components
• Enable Config mode
• Set up the system for the first time
• Set the system clock
• Connect Audio (S3 control surface, E3 engine, and Stage 16 in-
puts and outputs), synchronization, and lights
• Install other optional software or updates
Unpacking and Assembling System
Components
Unpacking System Components
Remove all components from the shipping packaging.
Place the S3 control surface on a table or other stable surface
that leaves full access to its front and back panels.
Locate the E3 engine at the mix position along with the S3
control surface.
Make sure all components are free of any bags, padding or
other materials.
Keep cables and other included items organized, making sure
to keep them with their associated component after unpacking.

Chapter 2: Configuring and Connecting 9
Connecting Power
S3 Control Surface
The external PSU for the S3 control surface is connected to the
DC input on the S3 and to your power source.
To connect power to the S3 control surface:
1Connect one end of the included IEC power cable from the ex-
ternal PSU to your power source. Make sure the power cable is
pushed all the way into the PSU.
2Connect the cable with the 4-pin connector that is attached to
the PSU to the DC power input on the back panel of the S3. To
correctly align the pins on the connector with the power input,
make sure the arrow on the connector faces up.
E3 Engine
The AC power input for the E3 engine is located on the back
panel.
To connect power to the E3 engine:
Connect the included IEC power cable from the AC power in-
put on the back panel of the E3 engine to your power source.
Stage 16
The AC power input for the Stage 16 is located on the back/bot-
tom panel of the box. One male, 3-pin North American standard
IEC power socket with cable retaining tie is provided. The input
and power switch are recessed to allow the box to sit on its back.
To connect power to the Stage 16:
1Connect the included IEC power cable from the AC power in-
put on the back of Stage 16 to your power source.
2(Optional) Secure the powercable to the rack usingthe built-in
cable tie.
Connecting the IEC power cable to the S3 control surface PSU
S3 control surface DC power input
E3 engine AC power input
A B
1-2 3-4
AES OUTPUT
INPUTOUTPUT
You can reconfigure the rack ears on Stage 16 as handles.
See Configuring Stage 16 Rack Ears/Handles.
Stage 16 AC power input, power switch, and cable tie