PD-1net User guide
CB Electronics 13 March 2018 6
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PD-1net Pec-Direct Remote For DAW's
The PD-1net is an upgrade for the popular PD-1 DAW monitoring controller. The original PD-1 now
the PD-1net provided a new way to implement the 'Pec-Direct' panel concept. The solo, mute and
source/playback switching are implemented within the digital audio workstation. By switching within
the workstation a large number of interconnections and hardware are eliminated, for instance an
outboard 48 track Pec/Direct unit would require 96 inputs!. The audio is then mixed within the
workstation to generate the individual monitor feeds (LCRS...).
Film pioneered multi-channel recording, some current mixes can have over 200 separate elements in
any section. The combination of multiple multi-channel segments with multi-format delivery
requirements has forced film dubbing mixers to develop a flexible way of working which demands an
appropriate monitoring system. Two main elements have evolved: firstly the concept of stems,
premixed multi-channel elements, typically music, dialogue and effects, secondly the 'PEC-Direct'
panel (PEC = Photo Electric Cell). This could also be called a 'tape-direct', “playback-direct” or today
'disk-direct', we prefer the original name 'Pec-Direct'.
The typical monitor section in a film desk is a completely separate mixer with for example 6 stems of
8 tracks requiring 48 'Direct' inputs and 48 'Pec' inputs. The inputs are routed to up to 8 outputs (For
example a 7 track mix of L, R, C, Sub/FX, LS, RS, CS ). The dialogue stems may only be mono, the
music stems may be two or three track or four track, and up to 7 track effect stems.
The PD-1net builds the function of the desk monitor section into the DAW eliminating completely the
hardware and wiring required to implement the monitor section in the console.
An added advantage of connecting directly to the DAW is that the Stem and Track names may be
read directly from the DAW, stems may be generated automatically from the track names so that the
user does not have to re-enter them.
The following updates have been made to the PD-1net and PD-1v2 Software
•[Bank] key that allows access to 16 Stems each of which can be up to 16 tracks wide
•Stem Linking allowing Object stems with more than 16 tracks
•The Output port can now access 128 tracks on Protools
•The Input Port may be used as a Output Port and can access 64 tracks (You will need to
purchase another USB-422 for this) allowing up to 192 tracks in total.
PD-1v2 Software only upgrade
•Connect with the new PD-2 Stem assignment s/w available for Mac or Windows via the
RS422 input port.
PD-1net Only
•Ethernet has been provided to link multiple PD-1's and connect with the new PD-2 Stem
assignment s/w available for Mac or Windows.
For multi operator systems the PD-1net may be used with a second PD-1net, PD-1, PD-3 or PD-
2(When Available).
Size: The PD-1net is designed as a stand alone unit the front panel is 230mm wide x 200mm. The lip
around the front panel allows the PD-1net to be mounted in a panel.
