DigiDesign Command|8 User manual

Command|8™
Version 7.4

Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2007 by Digidesign, a division of
Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights
reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be
duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of
Digidesign.
003, 003 Rack, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O,
888|24 I/O, 882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O,
AudioSuite, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo, Avid Unity, Avid Unity
ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, Avid Xpress, AVoption,
AVoption|V10, Beat Detective, Bruno, Command|8, Control|24,
D-Command, D-Control, D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, DAE, Digi 002,
Digi 002 Rack, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign
Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction,
Digidesign TDM Bus, DigiDrive, DigiRack, DigiTest,
DigiTranslator, DINR, DV Toolkit, EditPack, Impact, Interplay,
M-Audio, MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox, MediaComposer,
MIDI I/O, MIX, MultiShell, OMF, OMF Interchange, PRE,
ProControl, Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD,
Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Reel Tape, Reso, Reverb One,
ReVibe, RTAS, Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound Designer II,
Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, TL Space,
Velvet, and X-Form are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and
availability are subject to change without notice.
PN 9320-56813-00 REV A 07/07
Comments or suggestions regarding our documentation?
email: [email protected]

Communications & Safety Regulation Information
Compliance Statement
The model Command|8 complies with the following standards
regulating interference and EMC:
• FCC Part 15 Class B
• EN55022
• EN55024
• AS/NZS 3548 Class B
• CISPR 22 Class B
Radio and Television Interference
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, Digidesign, 2001 Jumipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94014-3886, USA
650-731-6300
declare under our sole responsibility that the product
Command|8
complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
and correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by
Digidesign, could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Canadian Compliance Statement:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-
003
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada
Australian Compliance
CE Compliance Statement:
Digidesign is authorized to apply the CE (Conformité
Europénne) mark on this compliant equipment thereby
declaring conformity to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
Safety Statement
The AC-AC adapter for this equipment has been tested to
comply with USA and Canadian safety certification in
accordance with the specifications the following:
IEC 60065 2001.
Warning

Contents v
contents
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Command|8 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Command|8 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Digidesign Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About www.digidesign.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MIDI Control Surface Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2. Installing and Configuring Command|8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Example Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Command|8 Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting Command|8 to Pro Tools and Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installing Software for Command|8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting Analog Audio for Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting a Footswitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting MIDI Devices to Command|8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Configuring MIDI Communication with Command|8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Communication Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 3. Command|8 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Command|8 Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Command|8 Control Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
LCD Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Fader Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Console and Channel View Controls for Pan, Sends, and Inserts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Command|8 Guidevi
Transport, Navigation, and Zoom Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Control Room Monitor Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Modifier Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Stand-Alone Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
USB and MIDI Activity LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 4. Using Command|8 with Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Controlling the Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Undo and Redo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Navigating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Sends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Plug-ins and Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Automation Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Software Synths and Rewire Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Chapter 5. Using Stand-Alone Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Overview of Stand-Alone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Stand-Alone Mode QuickStart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Selecting Stand-Alone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Editing MIDI Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Presets to Save and Recall Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix A. Utility Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Accessing Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Viewing Command|8 Version Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Fader Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
LED Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
LCD Display Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Switch Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Encoder Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Burn-In Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
chapter 1
Introduction
Welcome to the Command|8™ control surface,
developed in collaboration between Digide-
sign® and Focusrite. Command|8 is a compact
and flexible control surface for Pro Tools|HD®,
Pro Tools LE®, and Pro Tools M-Powered™ sys-
tems, and supported Avid® systems.
Command|8 Features
The main features of Command|8 include:
• Eight fader strips, each with a motorized,
touch-sensitive fader, rotary encoder, LEDs,
and Solo, Mute, and Channel Select switches
• Analog monitoring section with the following
features:
• Output and level control for mains and
headphones
• Two pairs of analog inputs, one for the
main mix from Pro Tools, one for alternate
sources
• One MIDI In port and two MIDI Out ports
providing 16 channels of MIDI input and 32
channels of MIDI output
• USB port for direct USB MIDI communication
with Pro Tools
• Large, bright LCD for data display
• 1/4-inch Punch In port for footswitch control
of recording
• Transport controls and mode switches
• Windows switches for Pro Tools display
• Navigation and Zoom controls
• Tactile control of track volume, pan, send
level, send pan, and record status, as well as
PRE™ (Digidesign mic preamplifier) gain
• Fast and convenient access to sends, inserts,
plug-in pages, pan settings, and other track
functions
• Five Function keys to access Utility, Fader
Mute, and MIDI mapping functions
• AC power supply designed specifically for
Command|8
• Stand-Alone mode with save and recall of up
to 8 snapshots
• Allows control of any device that supports
MIDI Continuous Controller messages
• Allows use of custom MIDI mapping
Command|8 Components
The Command|8 package includes the follow-
ing:
• Command|8 control surface
• USB cable
• Power adapter
• Command|8 Guide
• Registration Information Card

Command|8 Guide2
System Requirements and
Compatibility
Command|8 can be used with any supported
Pro Tools HD or Pro Tools LE system for tactile
control of recording and mixing. Command|8
can also be used in Stand-Alone mode and
mapped to control most digital audio worksta-
tions or devices that support MIDI.
For complete system requirements, visit the
Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Compatibility Information
Digidesign can only assure compatibility and
provide support for hardware and software it has
tested and approved.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, op-
erating systems, and third-party devices, visit
the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Digidesign Registration
Review the enclosed Digidesign Registration In-
formation Card and follow the instructions on it
to quickly register your purchase online. Regis-
tering your purchase is the only way you can be
eligible to receive complimentary technical sup-
port and future upgrade offers. This is one of the
most important steps you can take as a new user.
Registering your purchase is the only way you
can be eligible to receive:
• Complimentary technical support
• Any available software updates
• Future upgrade offers
About www.digidesign.com
The Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com) is
your best source for information to help you get
the most out of your Pro Tools system. The fol-
lowing are just a few of the services and features
available.
Product Registration Register your purchase
online. See the enclosed Digidesign Registration
Information Card for instructions.
Support and Downloads Contact Digidesign
Technical Support or Customer Service; down-
load software updates and the latest online
manuals; find the latest system requirements;
search the online Answerbase or join the world-
wide Pro Tools community on the Digidesign
User Conference.
Training and Education Become a certified
Pro Tools Operator or Expert; study on your
own using courses available online, or find out
how you can learn in a classroom setting at a
certified Pro Tools Training Center.
Products and Developers Learn about Digidesign
products; download demo software; learn about
our Development Partners and their plug-ins,
applications, and hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from
Digidesign or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
To learn more about these and other resources
available from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).

Chapter 1: Introduction 3
MIDI Control Surface Terms
Here are a few terms that apply to the use of a
MIDI control surface with Pro Tools.
Bank A group of similar controls (such as faders,
rotary controls, or switches) that are arranged in
discrete channel strips. With Command|8, you
can operate one bank of controls at a time.
Bank Size or Bank Width Corresponds to the
number of fader strips on your MIDI control sur-
face. Command|8 has eight fader strips.
Bank Swap The process by which you switch
control from one on-screen bank of channel
strip faders to another.
Global Controls Controls that perform single
functions that never change. For example, the
transport switches affect all tracks, and do not
change when you switch banks.
Control Surface Focus When you select a track,
send, plug-in, or output window for editing on a
control surface, it becomes the control surface fo-
cus. This is indicated by a colored outline sur-
rounding the top panel of the window in
Pro Tools.
About This Guide
This guide assumes you have installed Pro Tools,
and that you have an understanding of its fea-
tures and operating conventions as explained in
the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
Conventions Used in This Guide
This guide uses the following conventions to in-
dicate Pro Tools on-screen menu choices and
key commands:
:
Command|8 includes a Modifiers section that
provides the following modifier key equivalents:
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
Command|8 Modifier Modifier Key Equivalents
Windows Mac
SHIFT/ADD Shift Shift
OPT(ALT)/ALL Alt Option
a/(CTL) Control Command
CTL/CLUTCH Start Control

Command|8 Guide4
The following symbols are used to highlight im-
portant information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most out of Command|8.
Important Notices include information that
could affect the performance of Command|8
hardware or Pro Tools session data.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in
this guide and other Digidesign guides.

Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 5
chapter 2
Installing and Configuring Command|8
Installation Guidelines
• Pro Tools software includes drivers for Com-
mand|8. Make sure Pro Tools is correctly in-
stalled and operating before using
Command|8.
• Make sure not to block the back, sides, or
front of Command|8 to maintain proper ven-
tilation. If you are mounting Command|8 in
studio furniture, be sure to leave adequate
space around the vents at the back and front.
• Pro Tools does not support the use of more
than one Command|8 at a time. Two or more
Command|8 units cannot be enabled simulta-
neously in Pro Tools.
• Command|8 must be the only MIDI control
surface enabled within Pro Tools. It cannot be
used in combination with other MIDI control
surfaces.
• Command|8 can be used in combination with
non-MIDI control surfaces with some limita-
tions. See “Command|8 with Other Control
Surfaces” on page 7 for more information.
• Command|8 can also be used as a standalone
MIDI control surface to control software syn-
thesizers and Rewire applications, supported
Avid systems, and any device that supports
MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) communi-
cation. See Chapter 5, “Using Stand-Alone
Mode” for installation and operational in-
structions.

Command|8 Guide6
Example Setups
Command|8 with Pro Tools
Figure 1 shows Command|8 connected for use with Pro Tools, acting as a control surface, MIDI inter-
face, and monitor controller.
USB Connection The Command|8 USB port is
connected to the host computer. This provides
the communication necessary for Command|8
faders, encoders, and switches to control
Pro Tools sessions (as well as compatible Rewire
applications running within the Pro Tools mix
environment).
MIDI Connections A MIDI keyboard is connected
to the Command|8 MIDI In and MIDI Out ports,
and a sound module is connected to the second
MIDI Out port. You can use the three MIDI ports
to integrate a MIDI keyboard or other controller,
sound module, or sampler into your Pro Tools
system.
Audio Connections Analog audio from Pro Tools
is sent from an audio interface (such as a
Pro Tools|HD I/O, 003™ Rack, or Mbox® 2) to
the Command|8 Main Monitor inputs. The
Command|8 Speaker Outputs are connected to
powered monitors for control room monitoring.
An additional stereo source is also connected to
the Command|8 External Source Inputs. The
Control Room and Headphone controls let you
select between input sources (Main or External),
with control room Level, Mono, and Mute con-
trol. The Headphone output follows the control
room input source selection, with its own sepa-
rate level control that only affects the top panel
Headphone port.
Figure 1. Connecting Command|8 as a Pro Tools control surface, MIDI interface, and monitor controller
96
Pro Tools
USB to computer
CD player
MIDI synth
headphones
main monitors
MIDI sound module
MIDI in/out
audio in/out

Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 7
Command|8 with Other Control Surfaces
003 or Digi 002 and Command|8
When used as a MIDI control surface with a supported 003 or Digi 002® system, the faders on Com-
mand|8 function as additional faders (9–16). Figure 2 shows fader mapping when Command|8 is used
with a 003. (Plug-ins cannot be edited on Command|8 when used with a 003 or Digi 002.) You can
use Command|8 for expanded fader control, or for remote transport control and monitoring.
Ethernet Control Surfaces and Command|8
Command|8 can be used as a remote transport control for isolation rooms, drum booths, and other
locations, or for remote control of play and record functions. When used with a Digidesign Ethernet
control surface (D-Control™, D-Command™, ProControl® or Control|24™), Command|8 faders du-
plicate the left-most eight faders currently banked on the larger control surface.
Figure 3 shows basic connections when adding Command|8 to a Control|24 system.
Figure 2. 003 and Command|8 fader mapping
Faders 1–8 Faders 9–16
003 Command|8
Figure 3. Control|24-based Pro Tools system with Command|8 as a remote transport and monitor controller
USB to
computer
Mic input
Control|24
Control Room monitors
Command|8
Alt outputs
Remote
monitoring

Command|8 Guide8
Command|8 Back Panel
Figure 4 shows the Command|8 back panel connectors and switches.
Connecting Command|8 to
Pro Tools and Your Computer
This section lists the basic steps required to con-
nect Command|8 to a Pro Tools system. Instruc-
tions for each step can be found later in this
chapter.
Installing Command|8 for Pro Tools involves the
following:
1 “Connecting AC Power” on page 9.
2 “Connecting Command|8 to Your Computer”
on page 9.
3 “Installing Software for Command|8” on
page 9.
4 “Connecting Analog Audio for Monitoring”
on page 10.
5 “Connecting a Footswitch” on page 12 (op-
tional).
6 “Connecting MIDI Devices to Command|8”
on page 12.
7 “Configuring MIDI Communication with
Command|8” on page 12.
8 “Enabling Command|8 in Pro Tools” on
page 14.
For complete instructions for using Command|8
in Stand-Alone mode, see Chapter 5, “Using
Stand-Alone Mode.”
Figure 4. Command|8 back panel
USB
Power
Punch In
switch
+4/–10 switches
Power
Speaker
Main
socket
MIDI Out
1 & 2
MIDI In
Monitor
Inputs
Ext Source
Monitor
Inputs
Outputs

Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 9
Connecting AC Power
Connect power using the included external
power supply and cable. Command|8 is not
powered through its USB connection.
To connect power to Command|8:
1 Make sure the power switch is in the Off posi-
tion (down).
2 Connect the threaded end of the included
power supply cable to the Power socket on the
Command|8 back panel. Ensure that the ring
threads smoothly and seats securely on the
socket.
3 Plug the power supply into an available AC
power outlet.
Connecting Command|8 to Your
Computer
Command|8 communicates with Pro Tools
through a USB connection to the host com-
puter. Command|8 does not require a powered
USB connection. All power is supplied through
its AC connection.
To connect the Command|8 to your computer:
1 Start up your computer, logging in as Admin-
istrator. For details on Administrator privileges,
see your computer system documentation.
2 Make sure Command|8 is powered on.
3 Connect one end of the included USB cable to
the USB port on the back panel of Command|8.
4 Connect the other end of the USB cable to an
available USB port on your computer.
5 If prompted to install software, see the instal-
lation instructions that follow for your com-
puter platform (Windows or Mac).
Installing Software for
Command|8
Command|8 software is included on your
Pro Tools Installer disc. This software is required
to use Command|8 with Pro Tools.
Windows Software for Command|8
The Pro Tools Installer includes the option
“Command8 Controller and Driver.” If you se-
lected this option when installing Pro Tools, all
software required by Command|8 was installed
automatically.
If you installed Pro Tools and did not select this
option, use your Pro Tools Installer disc to in-
stall the required Command|8 software. (See the
Getting Started Guide that came with your
Pro Tools system for complete instructions.)
The Command|8 power supply is available
in three configurations (90– 120V for Japan
and USA, 220–230V for Europe, and 220V
for UK). If travelling or ordering a replace-
ment unit, be sure to specify the country in
which you plan to use Command|8.
Only use the included power supply cable to
connect Command|8 power. Use of any
other cable or power supply may damage
your unit. Additional power supplies are
available from your Digidesign dealer.
The Command|8 analog output section
automatically mutes when you turn the unit
on or off.
No software installation is required to use
Command|8 in Stand-Alone mode with
Mac computers.

Command|8 Guide10
To install Command|8 software on Windows:
1 Start up your computer, logging in as Admin-
istrator.
2 Make sure Command|8 is powered on.
3 Connect one end of the included USB cable to
the USB port on the back panel of Command|8.
4 Connect the other end of the USB cable to an
available USB port on your computer.
5 When the Found New Hardware Wizard ap-
pears, leave the Found New Hardware Wizard di-
alog open on-screen. Do not click Next.
6 Insert the Pro Tools Installer disc into your
CD/DVD drive.
7 Launch the Pro Tools Installer, and choose to
Modify the installed components.
8 Select the Command8 Controller and Driver
option.
9 When prompted about driver signing, click
Continue.
10 Follow the on-screen instructions to com-
plete the installation.
11 Restart your computer.
USB Ports and Command|8 Software
If you move your Command|8 USB cable to a
different USB port on your computer, you must
reinstall the Command|8 software to install the
driver for that USB port.
Mac Software for Command|8
To install Command|8 software on Mac:
1 Start up your computer, logging in as Admin-
istrator.
2 Make sure the Command|8 personality file is
installed (Applications/Digidesign
/Pro Tools/Controllers/Command8.bundle).
3 If the Command|8 personality file is not in-
stalled, use your Pro Tools Installer disc to in-
stall the required Command|8 software. (See the
Getting Started Guide that came with your
Pro Tools system for complete instructions.)
Firmware for Command|8
Command|8 can be updated for new features
and capabilities by updating its firmware. In-
structions for updating Command|8 firmware
can be found in the Read Me document that ac-
companies each release of updated firmware.
Visit the Digidesign website
(www.digidesign.com) for updated Command|8
firmware, as well as download and installation
instructions.
Connecting Analog Audio for
Monitoring
Analog audio connections let you use Com-
mand|8 for control room and headphone moni-
toring. Analog audio connections are not re-
quired for Command|8 to control Pro Tools
mixing functions.
The Pro Tools Installer creates a
Command8 folder in your Digidesign direc-
tory. This folder contains copies of all the
software you need to reinstall Command|8.
Use the contents of this folder if your
Pro Tools Installer is not available.
The Command|8 analog audio features are
for monitoring only. Command|8 is not an
audio interface for Pro Tools systems.

Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 11
Monitoring Overview
Command|8 provides the following analog au-
dio connectors.
Input
• Two pairs of balanced, TRS inputs, labeled
Main and Ext Source on the back panel of
Command|8. Each input pair is switchable be-
tween –10 dBV or +4 dBu operation.
Output
• Two channels of balanced, TRS output to con-
nect to powered speakers, a monitor amplifier
or other monitor equipment. Outputs are
switchable between –10 dBV or +4 dBu.
• One stereo Headphone output, which mirrors
the currently selected monitor input source
(see “Control Room Monitor Controls” on
page 27).
Input Connections
To monitor Pro Tools through Command|8:
1 Connect your Pro Tools stereo mix outputs
(usually Outputs 1–2) to the Command|8 Main
Left and Right monitor inputs on the back
panel. The Main inputs are balanced, TRS in-
puts.
2 Configure the Main inputs for –10 dBV or
+4 dBu operation using the –10/+4 switch be-
tween the Left and Right inputs.
To be able to monitor another stereo device
through Command|8:
1 Connect the analog outputs of a CD, DAT, or
other device to the Ext Source Left and Right in-
puts on the back panel.
2 Configure the Ext Source inputs for –10 dBV
or +4 dBu operation using the –10/+4 switch be-
tween the Left and Right inputs.
Output Connections
To connect Command|8 to your monitoring
system:
1 Be sure to mute, turn down, or power off your
monitors or monitoring system.
2 On the Command|8 top surface, turn the Con-
trol Room Level knob all the way down.
3 Configure the Command|8 Main outputs for
–10 dBV or +4 dBu operation using the –10/+4
switch between the two output ports on the
back panel.
4 Connect the Main Left and Right outputs on
the Command|8 back panel to the inputs of
powered monitors, a monitor amplifier, or other
monitor equipment.
Headphones
To connect headphones:
Connect a pair of headphones to the Head-
phones port, located next to the Control Room
section.
The Headphones Level knob controls head-
phone level only. This Headphone output is de-
signed to power a single pair of standard-quality
headphones, and is not designed to drive pow-
ered speakers or headphone distribution ampli-
fiers.

Command|8 Guide12
Connecting a Footswitch
(Optional)
The Punch In connector on the Command|8
back panel supports footswitch control of Track-
Punch and QuickPunch audio punch-in and
punch-out recording features. Both continuous
on/continuous off and instantaneous on/off
pedals with a 1/4-inch TRS connector are sup-
ported.
To connect a footswitch:
Connect the footswitch jack to the Punch In
connector.
Connecting MIDI Devices to
Command|8
Command|8 provides 16 channels of MIDI in-
put and 32 channels of MIDI output through
the MIDI IN 1, MIDI OUT 1, and MIDI OUT 2
connectors on the back panel. The connectors
accept standard 5-pin MIDI cables.
Command|8 driver software, installed when you
install Pro Tools (or standalone) software, is re-
quired for MIDI communication to function.
These drivers are recognized by MIDI Studio
Setup (Windows), and by Audio MIDI Setup
(Mac).
To connect MIDI devices to Command|8 for
Pro Tools:
1 Using standard 5-pin MIDI cables, connect the
MIDI Out port of a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI
device to the MIDI In 1 port of your Com-
mand|8, and connect the MIDI In port of your
MIDI device or controller to the MIDI Out 1 port
of your Command|8.
2 Connect MIDI Out 2 of Command|8 to the
MIDI In port of an additional MIDI device (such
as a sound module).
3 To monitor or record the audio output of your
MIDI devices within Pro Tools, connect the au-
dio outputs of your devices to available audio in-
puts on your Pro Tools audio interface.
USB MIDI Communication and
Command|8 Operating Modes
When connected to Pro Tools through USB,
Command|8 is recognized as a MIDI Control
Surface and MIDI interface (the Command|8
MIDI connectors are available as MIDI In and
Out ports).
Configuring MIDI
Communication with
Command|8
After connecting Command|8 and installing its
software, configure your MIDI studio to com-
municate with Command|8.
Configuring MIDI Studio Setup
(Windows Only)
On Windows systems, use MIDI Studio Setup to
configure MIDI communication with Com-
mand|8.
MSS automatically finds the MIDI ports on
Command|8, and lets you specify a custom
name for each port on Command|8 within the
MIDI Studio Setup document.
To define a MIDI port on Command|8 with MIDI
Studio Setup:
1 Choose Setup > MIDI > MIDI Studio in
Pro Tools.

Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Command|8 13
2 Click Create.
3 In the Instrument Name field, type a name for
the MIDI port and press Enter.
4 If the MIDI Out of the device is connected to
the MIDI In port of Command|8, choose
“C|8 MIDI In” from the Input Port pop-up
menu.
5 From the Output pop-up menu, choose the
name of the output port (“C|8 MIDI Out1” or
“C|8 MIDI Out2”) connected to the MIDI In of
the device.
6 Enable the appropriate MIDI channels (1–16)
for the Send Channels and Receive Channels
options (These determine which channels send
and receive MIDI.)
Configuring Audio MIDI Setup
(Mac Only)
On Mac systems, use Audio MIDI Setup to con-
figure MIDI communication with Command|8.
To update AMS for Command|8:
1 Launch Audio MIDI Setup (located in Applica-
tions/Utilities) or choose Setup > MIDI > MIDI
Studio in Pro Tools.
2 Make sure that Command|8 is recognized, is
online, and that its three ports are available in
AMS.
The following table shows how AMS lists Com-
mand|8 MIDI ports:
3 Configure AMS for any devices attached to the
Command|8 MIDI In and Out ports by connect-
ing their device icons to the appropriate Com-
mand|8 ports.
The following shows an example AMS Setup for
Command|8 and Pro Tools, with two MIDI de-
vices attached to the back panel MIDI ports of
the Command|8. Note how Command|8 port 1
is not assigned to any external devices.
4 Save and close your updated AMS setup.
Do not assign any devices to the
“C|8 Surface” port. This port is reserved for
Command|8-to-Pro Tools control surface
communication.
See the Getting Started Guide that came
with your system for more information
about MIDI Studio Setup.
Command|8 port equivalents in AMS
AMS (in/out) Command|8 back panel ports
Port 1 none (reserved for control surface
communication via USB MIDI)
Port 2 MIDI In 1, MIDI Out 1
Port 3 MIDI Out 2
Do not connect any AMS devices to
Command|8 Port 1. Port 1 is reserved for
Command|8-to-Pro Tools control surface
communication.
Example AMS Setup
See the Getting Started Guide that came
with your system for more information
about Audio MIDI Setup.

Command|8 Guide14
Enabling Command|8 in
Pro Tools
To enable Command|8 in Pro Tools:
1 Make sure your computer, Pro Tools hard-
ware, and Command|8 are powered on and op-
erating correctly.
2 Launch Pro Tools.
3 Choose Setup > Peripherals and click the MIDI
Controllers tab.
4 Select Command8 from the Type pop-up
menu.
5 Select C|8 Surface (Windows) or Command8,
Port 1 (Mac) in both the Receive From and Send
To selectors.
6 Click OK.
Configuring Command|8 MIDI
Interface Connections
The following example shows how to configure
Pro Tools to integrate a MIDI device connected
to Command|8 MIDI ports. This example shows
how the Digidesign PRE microphone preamp is
connected to Command|8 and configured in
Pro Tools for MIDI remote control of channel
gain.
To enable a PRE connected to Command|8:
1 Make sure you have connected MIDI correctly
between PRE and the MIDI In and MIDI OUT 1
ports on Command|8.
2 Make sure Command|8 is installed and has
been enabled in Pro Tools (see “Enabling Com-
mand|8 in Pro Tools” on page 14).
3 Choose Setup > Peripherals, and open the Mic
Preamp page.
Peripherals, MIDI Controllers page, Command|8
selected (Mac shown)
MIDI Out 1 and MIDI Out 2 are the back
panel 5-pin MIDI connectors. C8 Surface
(Windows) and Command|8 Port 1 (Mac)
represent the USB MIDI connection between
Pro Tools and Command|8.
On Mac, Command|8 Port 1 must only be
used for control surface communication. If
using Command|8 as a MIDI interface as
well as a control surface, check all MIDI
tracks to make sure they are assigned to Port
2 or Port 3. Do not assign MIDI tracks to
Port 1.
For more information, see “Controlling
PRE” on page 36.