Avid Technology S3 User manual

Avid S3 Guide
Installation and Overview

Legal Notices
© 2022 Avid Technology, Inc., (“Avid”), all rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
For a current and complete list of Avid trademarks visit: http://www.avid.com/legal/trademarks-and-other-notices
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.
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 9329-66378-00 REV A 04/22

Safety Compliance
Safety Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety certifications in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards: UL60950-1:2007, 2nd Edition and
canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 60950-1-07, 2nd Edition. Avid Inc. has been authorized to apply the appropriate UL and CUL 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) Do not use this equipment near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other equipment (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) 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.
10) Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the equipment.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) 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.
13) Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14) 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.
15) 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.
16) For products containing a lithium battery:
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
17) For products with a power switch:
The main power switch is located on the back panel of S3. It should remain accessible after installation.
18) The equipment shall be used at a maximum ambient temperature of 40° C.

Avid S3 Guide iv
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How to Use this PDF Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hardware Switches on S3 Control Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connecting S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing EuControl Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Create Your Surface in EuControl Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Updating S3 Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Enabling EUCON in Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Confirming EUCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Powering-On Your System After Initial Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting a Second Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting a Footswitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Avid Control Desktop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Troubleshooting EuControl Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
S3 Surface Controls Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Channel Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Channel Strip Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Assignable Channel Encoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Channel Encoder Assignment Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fader Banking Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Left Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Channel Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
View and Arrow Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Application/Workstation Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Solo Clear and Mix to Monitors Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Right Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Surface SHIFT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Modifier Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Touchstrip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contents

Avid S3 Guide v
S3 Audio I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Enabling S3 Audio on the Workstation Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Direct Out Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
S3 Audio Connections Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Accessing Audio Control on the S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Connecting and Adjusting Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Connecting and Adjusting Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Connecting Hardware Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Connecting and Adjusting Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Saving S3 Monitor Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
S3 Control Surface Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
S3 Control Surface Mechanical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Appendix A. Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Environmental Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Safety Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Introduction 1
Introduction
Welcome to the Avid S3 studio controller and Ethernet AVB 4 in/6 out audio interface from Avid®. The S3 uses Avid’s high-speed
EUCONTM (Extended User Control) protocol to enable fully integrated control of Pro Tools® and other EUCON-compatible audio
and video applications via an Ethernet connection. The same Ethernet connection also provides Ethernet AVB audio connections
between the on-board audio I/O on the S3 and the workstation computer.
Installation This guide shows how to install the S3 and EuControl software, and gives an overview of the S3 control surface.
Learning After installing the S3 and EuControl software, download the Using EuControl Surfaces.pdf for instructions on how to
use S3 and other Avid media controllers to record, edit, and mix in Pro Tools (download the most recent editions of all EUCON
guides here). Thanks to the EUCON protocol, most steps for Pro Tools are also applicable in other EUCON-aware applications
from our development partners, including Logic Pro X, Cubase, Nuendo, Pyramix and more (see the EUCON Application
Setup.pdf to learn how to set up EuControl communication with these applications).
The S3, when connected to an E3 engine and up to four Stage 16 remote stage boxes, is also the central controller for the
VENUE | S3L-X live digital mixing system.
EuControl Software
EuControl lets your workstation computer find, link, and communicate with the S3 via the EUCON protocol. Eu-
Control also lets you set preferences for and customize the controls on your S3. EuControl software must be installed
on the workstation computer before you can use the S3 with your application. You can also control applications on
a secondary workstation computer by installing the separate EUCON Workstation software.
Ethernet AVB Audio
(AVB-compatible Mac Running OS X 10.9.x and Higher Required)
Ethernet AVB audio is a high-fidelity, low-latency Ethernet audio protocol used to connect the on-board audio I/O on S3 to your
Core Audio- and AVB-compatible workstation computer. AVB audio must be enabled on the workstation computer before you can
use the I/O on the S3 with your applications. See S3 Audio I/O for more information.
See the VENUE | S3L-X System Guide for more information.

Introduction 2
What’s Included
• S3 control surface
• Power supply with IEC cable
• Cat5e (350 MHz) Ethernet crossover cable
• Documentation pack, which includes the EuControl software Activation Card, S3 Welcome Letter, Health and Safety Guide and
a warranty card
Optional Equipment
• A standard Ethernet router or switch (for control surface functionality only)
• A qualified AVB-compatible Ethernet switch (for audio I/O and control surface functionality)
System Requirements and Compatibility
One S3 control surface can be used with EuControl Software at a time. One S3 can be used in conjunction with the
Pro Tools | Control app for iPad (not included) and one Pro Tools | Dock. When no Pro Tools | Dock is present, S3 can be used with
one Artist Transport at a time.
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved. For compatibility in-
formation and other resources, visit:
EUCON Compatibility
Software Installation
To install your controller as well as EuControl software, follow the instructions in the most recent editions of the following guides:
You can download all EuControl documentation from this article on our Knowledge Base: EuControl Product Guides.
If you bought the S3 as part of a VENUE | S3L-X system, see the VENUE | S3L-X System Guide for information on what is included.
Guide Description
Avid Control Guide.pdf Installation instructions, overview of controls and features, and hardware specifications
Avid Dock Guide.pdf Installation instructions, overview of controls and features, and hardware specifications
Avid S1 Guide.pdf Installation instructions, overview of controls and features, and hardware specifications
Avid S3 Guide.pdf Installation instructions, overview of controls and features, AVB audio capabilities, and hard-
ware specifications
EUCON Application Setup Guide.pdf Setup and configuration instructions for applications from EUCON Development Partners
Using EuControl Surfaces.pdf
Comprehensive operations guide for all controllers that explains track and session basics,
recording, plug-ins and sends, mixing, and more including explanations of all EuControl Set-
tings and examples of how to use and customize Soft Keys
EUCON Networking Guidelines.pdf Guidelines and suggested configurations (with diagrams) for best network performance.

Introduction 3
About This Guide
This guide covers using the S3 control surface with Pro Tools and other EUCON-compatible applications.
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 information:
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 a + symbol to expand that heading to show
subheadings. Click the – symbol to collapse a subheading. Click on a subject heading to jump to that page.
• The Table of Contents provides active links to their pages. Select the hand cursor, allow it to hover over the heading until it
turns into a finger. Then click to locate to that subject and page.
• Any text entry in blue is an active link. Click on the link to go to that section.
Select Find from the Edit menu to search for a subject.
For applications that only support MackieControl, see the EUCON Application Setup Guide.pdf..
Convention Action
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 system.
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 Avid guides.

Introduction 4
Hardware Switches on S3 Control Surface
The names of switches on the S3 control surface are in bold, such as Sel. The two Surface SHIFT switches on the S3 are indicated
by bold text, in all-caps to distinguish it from references to the Multi Select/SHIFT Global Modifier switch and the Shift key on
your computer keyboard.
Accessing Secondary Functions Using Surface SHIFT
The Surface SHIFT switches on the S3 are used in conjunction with other switches to access a secondary layer of functions. The
secondary functions of some switches are highlighted in gray above the primary function (such as < Bank/Home, where Home
is the secondary function). Other switches have secondary functions that are not labeled on the surface. Read this guide to learn how
to access all secondary functions.
The following terminology is used to describe Surface SHIFT functions.:
Example:
• “Press and hold the Surface SHIFT switch then press the Bank/Home switch”
is written as
• “Press Surface SHIFT + Bank/Home”
Momentary or Latching SHIFT
By default, the Surface SHIFT switch operates in momentary behavior (active only while pressed and held down).
You can change this to operate in Latching behavior in the Preferences tab of EuControl Settings.
Surface SHIFT switch (left) and the Multi Select/SHIFT switch (right)

Introduction 5
Resources
The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source for information to help you get the most out of your Avid system.
The following are just a few of the services and features available.
Account Activation and Product Registration
Activate your product to access downloads in your Avid account (or quickly create an account if you don’t have one). Register your
purchase online, download software, updates, documentation, and other resources.
https://www.avid.com/account
Support and Downloads
Contact Avid Customer Success (technical support); download software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the Com-
patibility documents for system requirements; search the online Knowledge Base or join the worldwide Avid user community on
the User Conference.
https://www.avid.com/products/pro-tools-s3/learn-and-support
http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/faq/S3-Surface-Support-FAQ
Products and Developers
Learn about Avid products; download demo software or learn about our Development Partners and their plug-ins, applications, and
hardware.
https://www.avid.com/Products/index.html
Get Started Fast Video Tutorials
Watch the latest video tutorials for the Control app, Dock, S3, and other EuControl products on YouTube:
S3 + Dock Integrated Workflows
For earlier EuControl hardware and software videos, watch the Get Started Fast videos:
Get Started Fast with Pro Tools | S3 and Dock
You can find more videos, including the latest workflow tutorials, on the Avid website. Go to www.avid.com, view Products and
select Pro Mixing. Follow the links for your controller and check the Learn and Support listings for video resources.

Installation and Setup 6
Installation and Setup
This chapter shows how to get your S3 set up as a studio control surface, and consists of the following steps:
Connecting S3
First, connect your S3 directly to your workstation computer (the computer running Pro Tools or other DAW), or connect to a
router that is then connected to your workstation computer, then power on S3.
To connect your S3 to your workstation computer:
1Connect the female end of the AC power cord into the power adapter and the male end into a power outlet. Make sure the AC
power cord is pushed all the way into the adapter.
2Connect the DC output cable from the power adapter to the DC In jack on the back panel.
•Connecting S3
•Installing EuControl Software
•Enabling EUCON in Pro Tools
•Confirming EUCON
Standard routers and switches can be used if you are using the S3 only as a control surface. However, to use the built-in AVB
audio I/O on the S3, the S3 must be connected directly to the computer or to an AVB-compatible Ethernet switch. Visit
www.avid.com/compatibility for information on compatible peripherals.
Connecting the AC power cable to the power adapter
Connecting the DC power output cable to the DC In jack

Installation and Setup 7
3Connect one end of an Ethernet Crossover cable into Network port A on the back panel of the S3.
4Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an available Ethernet port on your computer, or to the computer’s Thunderbolt
port using an Ethernet-to-Thunderbolt adapter.
5If you want to connect the S3 to a local area network, or to connect an Artist Transport, connect the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet
router or switch, and make sure the router or switch is powered on before powering on the S3.
6If you are connecting to a Mac with two Ethernet ports, we recommend you use Ethernet 1 rather than Ethernet 2. However, if
you want to use Ethernet 2, do the following on your computer:
• On the workstation computer, go to System Preferences > EUCON.
• Click the Network Interface pop-up menu and choose Ethernet 2.
7Press the power switch on the back of the S3 to the “on” position. The faders jump and the LEDs blink during initialization.
8When the S3 is finished initializing, confirm that the S3 is in Studio Mode, indicated by Studio Mode appearing in the 15th
top-row encoder display.
9Do one of the following depending on the S3’s current mode:
• If the S3 is in Studio Mode, proceed to Installing EuControl Software.
• If Live Mode is shown in the display instead of Studio Mode, proceed to Toggling Studio and Live Modes.
Network port A on the back panel of the S3
If your system includes a Dock and an S3 you can connect the Dock to Network port B on the S3, and connect S3 network port A
to your workstation. (S3 and S1 cannot be used simultaneously.)
An Ethernet-to-USB adapter may also be used, but audio I/O to and from the S3 is not supported.
S3 cannot connect to your workstation computer using a wireless connection. A hard-wired network connection is required.
Top-row encoders showing Studio Mode enabled
If the S3’s current mode does not appear in the two encoder displays after the S3 is powered on, the firmware on your S3 must be
updated via VENUE Software 4.5 or higher. Connecting the S3 to an E3 engine with VENUE 4.5 or higher installed and powering
on both devices automatically updates the firmware on the S3. See the What’s New in VENUE 4.5 Guide for more information.
12V DC
Studio Mode

Installation and Setup 8
Toggling Studio and Live Modes
The S3 operates in one of the two following modes:
Studio Mode Lets you use the S3 with your workstation computer after EuControl software has been installed. If the S3 is in Stu-
dio Mode and is connected to an E3 engine (for use in an S3L live mixing system), the S3 will not be recognized by any E3 engines
in the network.
Live Mode Lets you use the S3 with an E3 engine as part of an S3L live mixing system. If the S3 is in Live Mode and is connected
to a workstation computer with EuControl software installed, the S3 will not be recognized by EuControl on the workstation com-
puter.
You can toggle the S3 between modes using the Application/Workstation switch.
To toggle between Live and Studio modes:
1Power off your S3.
2Press and hold the Application/Workstation switch, then press the power switch on the back of the S3 to the “on” position.
3Keep holding the Application/Workstation switch until the two rightmost top row encoder displays (encoders 15 and 16)
show Live Mode/Studio and OK, respectively.
4Press the encoder under the display showing Live Mode/Studio once, so that the desired mode appears above and in larger text
than the other mode in the display.
5Press the encoder under the display showing OK. The S3 restarts automatically in the selected mode.
Top-row encoder displays showing mode toggle controls
Encoder display showing Studio Mode enabled
12V DC
...then press the S3 power switch to “On”Press and hold the Application/Workstation switch...
Top
In
Sel
In
Sel
Config
Back
Page
Expnd
Page
Live Mode
Studio
OK
Studio Mode
Live

Installation and Setup 9
Installing EuControl Software
Next, install EuControl software on your workstation computer. An Internet connection is required to download EuControl.
To install EuControl software:
1Visit www.avid.com/account and log into your Avid account (or create an account if you don’t already have one) to download
the EUCON_WorkstationUnifiedInstall installer for your workstation computer’s platform (Mac or Windows). If you do not see
EuControl software in your account go to avid.com/activationcard and click on EuControl.
2When download is complete, locate the EUCON_WorkstationUnifiedInstall on your computer and double-click it to mount it
(DMG on Mac) or uncompress it (ZIP for Windows), then launch the installer.
3Follow the on-screen prompts until the Installer list is displayed (as shown at right). For a description of each option, select it
(Mac) or hover the mouse over it (Windows only).
4Select each option you want to install:
• To only install EuControl, select S1/S3/Dock/Control/Artist Series.
• To also install Avid Control Desktop, select it.
• If you have already installed EuControl on your primary workstation and
now want to install onto an additional, external workstation, select Ex-
ternal Workstation. (See also Connecting a Second Workstation).
5Click Continue (Mac) or Next (Windows), then click Install.
When reminded that a restart is required, click Continue Installation (Mac)
or Yes (Windows).
6When installation is complete click Restart.
After your computer restarts, EuControl software launches automatically
and is running when its icon appears in the Menu bar (Mac) or the System tray (Windows).
The icon appears unlit until at least one device is connected in EuControl software (explained later).
7If the lit EuControl icon does not appear, do any of the following:
•See
3 – Add to add S3 manually.
• Click the unlit EuControl icon and choose Restart EUCON Applications.
• Shut down S3 and your computer, then turn them on (S3 first, then the workstation computer).
•See
www.avid.com/S3-Surface-Support for the most current troubleshooting information.
8Proceed to Updating S3 Firmware.
To uninstall items:
1Launch the installer. Items that are currently installed are selected (checked) and indicated as Installed.
2Do the following:
• To uninstall a specific component, make sure it is not selected (no check mark).
• To uninstall all EUCON applications, select Uninstall all applications.
• To uninstall all User Preferences, select Uninstall User Preferences (your appsets will not be removed).
3Click Continue (Mac) or Next (Windows).
(macOS Only) Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted to add EuControl to the Security/Accessibility list in System Settings.
EuControl icon on Mac, unlit (at left) and lit (right)
Installing EUCON Workstation software

Installation and Setup 10
AutoLaunch Settings
You can enable or disable auto-launch for EuControl software elements using the AutoLaunch selector.
To configure AutoLaunch on Mac:
1Make sure EuControl or S6 WSControl is installed, then do the following:
Mac Click on the EuControl or WSControl icon in the menu bar.
Windows Right-click on the EuControl or WSControl icon in the System Tray at the bottom of the screen.
2From the Auto-launch Apps sub-menu, choose any of the following (you can enable more than one):
•EuControl (for S3, S1, Dock, Avid| Control, and Artist Series)
•WSControl (for S4/S6)
•MTRX (DADMan for Pro Tools | MTRX and MTRX Studio)
•XMON
• Avid Control Desktop
Create Your Surface in EuControl Settings
EuControl can be configured to launch automatically upon starting your computer (use the Auto-Launch Apps choices in the Eu-
Control menu). EuControl is responsible for finding, linking, and communicating with all Avid media controllers on the network.
You can use the different tabs in the EuControl Settings window to manage surfaces, pair surfaces with tablets, connect to work-
stations, and more.
First Time Startup
The first time your computer starts up after installing EuControl software you will be guided through the initial configuration steps.
Check Firmware A dialog appears reminding you to check and update firmware on hardware units. Click OK to proceed.
Create Surface Next, the Create Surface dialog is shown that describes how to configure your surface arrangement in EuControl
Settings. Click OK to proceed to the Surfaces tab in EuControl Settings.
You can also access EuControl Settings at any time.
To open the EuControl Settings window:
1Do following:
• On macOS, click the EuControl icon on the taskbar and select EuControl Settings.
• On Windows, double-click the EuControl icon in the system tray and select EuControl Settings. If you don't see the EuCo-
ntrol icon, it could be automatically hidden by Windows. Click on the small white arrow to show hidden icons, then dou-
ble-click the EuControl icon.
2Go to the Surfaces tab to manage connected (attached) controllers.
EuControl Auto-launch Apps selector (macOS shown)

Installation and Setup 11
Using the Surfaces Tab to Add and Manage Controllers
After installing EuControl for the first time, or whenever you need to manage controllers, use the Surfaces tab to add and arrange
a Dock, S1, S3, and/or Avid Control apps.
To connect a single controller to EuControl:
1Select the controller in the All Surfaces list and click Add. Or drag the controller from All Surfaces and drop into My Surfaces.
The controller appears in the Surface or Master Tablet column in My Surfaces.
The controller is now communicating with EuControl software.
2Repeat to add additional controllers, if any (see next), then proceed to Updating S3 Firmware.
To arrange multiple S1s or multiple Artist Mix units:
The order (top-to-bottom) that surfaces are listed in My Surfaces determines the order of fader strips (1–n, left-to-right). For ex-
ample, if you add two S1s the top-most S1 will default to tracks 1–8 and the lower S1 to tracks 9–16.
• To reorder controllers, select one in My Surfaces and use the up/down arrow buttons located to the right of My Surfaces.
To enter a custom name for a controller:
To give a controller a custom name, double-click it in My Surfaces and enter a new name.
Configuring Avid Control (and Avid Control Desktop) with Other Control Surfaces
You can use more than one Avid Control app simultaneously as long as there is at least one Avid S1 in the My Surfaces list.
• When only a Dock and/or S3 is present, only one Avid Control app can be used.
• When a Dock and one S1 is present, up to two Avid Control apps can be used.
• For each additional S1 in the My Surfaces list (up to the maximum of four) another Control app can be added.
Beginning with EuControl 2020.11, Avid Control Desktop can be used according to the following guidelines:
• One or more S1s, or one S3, must already be present in the My Surfaces list. Unlike Avid Control for iOS and Android, Avid
Control Desktop cannot be used standalone, and cannot be used without a supported hardware control surface (see below).
• As long as there is one S1 that is not linked to a tablet for Meters mode, one instance of Avid Control Desktop can be added
to provide Meters mode for the unlinked S1. When two or more S1s are connected (or one S1 is not linked to a Meters tablet)
you can combine one or more tablets running Avid Control app for iOS/Android with one instance of Avid Control Desktop.
• With S3 you can add one instance of Avid Control Desktop to provide Meters view for S3 tracks. You can also add one Master
tablet in addition to the one instance of Avid Control Desktop.
• Note that only one instance of Avid Control Desktop can be used at any time.
Surfaces tab showing an Avid Control selected in All Surfaces to be added to My Surfaces
Surfaces tab showing Avid Control in My Surfaces
In previous versions of EuControl software the Surfaces tab included the “Automatically Add” menu. This menu has been re-
moved to better support multiple tablets and Control apps.

Installation and Setup 12
The following table shows maximum combinations and configurations.
Control App Master, Hybrid, and Meters Modes
The Control app (only) can be used in Master, Hybrid, or Meters modes.
Master The Control app is not linked to any control surface and provides all views. Meters view is independent of, and does not
follow, control surface banking. When using the Control app by itself, or with only a Dock and/or S3, the app functions in Master
mode. There can only be one Master tablet.
Hybrid (Master + Meters) The Control app is linked to an S1 and all Control app views are available, but Meters view follows the
S1 to which it is linked. There can only be one Hybrid tablet, or one Master tablet.
Meters The Control app is linked to an S1 and provides Meters view only, which banks with the S1 to which it is linked. To use
the Control app in Meters mode there must be at least one S1, and one other Control app already configured as a Master or Hybrid
tablet. Each additional Meters tablet requires its own S1. (Avid Control Desktop, when present, operates in Meters mode only.)
You designate tablets for Master, Meters, or Hybrid modes using the My Surfaces list in EuControl Settings.
Master Tablet Designation
To add a Control app as a Master tablet:
1Make sure no other Control app/tablets are already in the Surfaces and Master Tablet column of the My Surfaces list.
2Select a Control app in All Surfaces and click Add. Or drag it from All Surfaces to an empty row in My Surface (but not on top
of any S1s). If you select multiple units in All Surfaces and add them simultaneously, only one Control app will be added (as a
Master). In My Surfaces, Master or Hybrid apps are shown in bold.
That Control app becomes a Master, provides all views, and Meters view does not follow control surface banking.
Dock S1 S3 Control app Avid Control Desktop
# of units # of units # of units Maximum # of tablets Control app Modes
ACD scales to the number of
available surface tracks that
are not linked to a Meters
tablet
1x 1x Master
1x Master 1x
1x 1x 1x Master 1x
1x 2x1x Master +1xMeters
1x 1x 1x Master or 1x Hybrid 1x
1x 1x 2x 1x Master + 1x Meters 1x
1x 2x 3x 1x Master + 2x Meters 1x
1x 3x 4x 1x Master + 3x Meters 1x
1x 4x 5x 1x Master + 4x Meters 1x
4x 4x 1x Master or Hybrid + 3x Meters 1x
1x 1x 1x Master 1x
Surfaces tab showing an Avid S1 and unlinked Avid Control app (Master mode)
Master

Installation and Setup 13
Hybrid Tablet Designation
To designate a Control app as a Hybrid tablet:
1Make sure an S1, but no other Control app/tablets, are already in the Surfaces and Master Tablet column of My Surfaces.
2Drag a Control app from All Surfaces and drop it on top of the same row as an S1 in My Surfaces.
That Control app becomes a Hybrid, provides all views, and Meters view displays 8 strips that follow S1 banking.
Meters Tablet Designation
To designate one Master and one Meters tablet:
1Make sure an S1, but no other Control app/tablets, are already in the Surfaces and Master Tablet column of My Surfaces.
2Drag a Control app from All Surfaces and drop it on top of the same row as an S1. This Control app becomes a Hybrid.
3Drag another available Control app from All Surfaces to an empty row in My Surface (but not on top of any S1s).
• The most recently added Control app becomes a Master and provides all views.
• The originally added Control app (linked as a Hybrid to the S1 in step 2) changes to a Meters app.
To designate one Hybrid and one or more Meters tablets:
1Add at least two S1s to My Surfaces.
2Drag a Control app from All Surfaces and drop it on top of the same row as an S1. This Control app becomes a Hybrid.
3Drag another Control app from All Surfaces and drop it on top of a row for a different S1 to designate it as a Meters app.
4Repeat step 3 to add additional Control apps as Meters apps to other S1s, if any.
Surfaces tab showing a Control app linked to an S1 (Hybrid mode)
Surfaces tab showing a linked S1 and Control app (Meters mode) and a second Control app (Master mode)
Surfaces tab showing a linked S1 and Control app (Meters mode) and a second Control app (Master mode)
Hybrid
Master
Meters
Hybrid
Meters

Installation and Setup 14
To unlink a Control app/tablet from an S1:
Select the linked Control app in My Surfaces and drag it back to All Surfaces.
To reassign tablets and S1s in the My Surfaces list:
To link a Control app to a different S1, drag the app onto the new S1.
Guidelines
• If there are no other tablets in the My Surfaces list, dragging a tablet onto an S1 will always make that tablet a Hybrid.
• A Hybrid tablet’s Meters view follows banking on the S1 to which it is linked.
• If an S1 has a tablet linked in Hybrid mode, and a second tablet is added to the My Surfaces list as a Master, the originally
linked Hybrid tablet becomes an S1 Meters tablet.
• If there are two S1 units (but no Dock) the first tablet dragged on top of an S1 becomes a Hybrid. Dragging another tablet onto
the other S1 adds that tablet as a Meters tablet, leaving the previously added tablet as a Hybrid.
Overview of the Surfaces Tab
The Surfaces tab in EuControl Settings shows all EUCON controllers on your network and those connected to your instance of Eu-
Control. Use the Surfaces tab to add and connect surfaces, arrange them in the desired order, pair S1s with Control app tablets and
manage Control app Master/Meters/Hybrid designation.
The Surfaces tab provides the following lists and controls.
1 – All Surfaces
All Surfaces shows all Avid media controllers on the network. A device shown in light gray is already connected either to your own
or another instance of EuControl running on a different workstation. In both cases, it is not selectable.
2 – My Surfaces
My Surfaces shows the media controllers connected to your instance of EuControl. The Type column shows an icon for each de-
vice. The Surface or Master Tablet column shows the name of the device, and for tablets indicates whether Avid Control is func-
tioning in Master, Meters, or Hybrid mode. The top-to-bottom order corresponds to the left-to-right order of the surfaces, respec-
tively. The leftmost surface is assigned to fader strip 1. Use the up and down arrow buttons (located to the right of My Surfaces)
to reorder the list. Each media controller can be renamed by double-clicking the existing name and typing a new name.
3 – Add
Click Add to add the selected All Surfaces entry to My Surfaces. This connects the selected Avid media controller to your instance
of EuControl. You can also click and drag an Avid media controller from All Surfaces to My Surfaces. Add is disabled if all media
controllers in All Surfaces are connected to any instance of EuControl.
Surfaces tab showing the Avid Control app in All Surfaces (at left) and added to the My Surfaces list (at right)
1 2
3
4
5
6

Installation and Setup 15
4 – Remove
Click Remove to remove the selected surface or linked S1/Control app pair from My Surfaces and make it available to other in-
stances of EuControl. Remove is disabled if no surface is selected.
5– Show Info
Select a unit in All Surfaces or My Surfaces and click Show Info to see the name of the device (and currently linked Control app,
if any), hardware and software information, or troubleshooting suggestions.
6 – Update Firmware
Select a single hardware media controller (not Avid Control/Desktop) in the My Surfaces list, then click Update Firmware to
check and, if necessary, update firmware on that unit by following the on-screen instructions. Repeat for any additional hardware
controllers.
Artist Control Banks Independently
(Artist Control Only)
This option is only available when an Artist Control is selected in the My Surfaces list. When enabled, each Artist Series unit can
bank independently of each other (in applications that support it).
Updating S3 Firmware
After installing EuControl, make sure your S3 is running the latest firmware. The firmware is provided within EuControl, so an In-
ternet connection is not required.
To update S3 firmware:
1Click (Mac) or double-click (Windows) the EuControl icon and select EuControl Settings.
2If necessary, click Surfaces to display the Surfaces tab.
3Click Avid S3 in the My Surfaces list so it is highlighted.
4Click Update Firmware. If the Update Firmware dialog shows a message that the surface is up to date, no further action is nec-
essary.
In previous versions of EuControl software the Surfaces tab included the “Automatically Add” menu. This menu has been re-
moved to better support multiple tablets and Control apps.
If S3 does not appear in the My Surfaces list, add it manually. See 3 – Add.
Surfaces tab