DigiDesign D-Control User manual

D-Control
Version 8.0
®

Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2008 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, 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 Xpress, AVoption, Axiom, Beat Detective,
Bomb Factory, Bruno, C|24, Command|8, Control|24, D-Command, D-Control,
D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, D-Verb, DAE, Digi 002, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Digidesign,
Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign
TDM Bus, DigiDrive, DigiRack, DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, D-Show,
DV Toolkit, EditPack, Eleven, HD Core, HD Process, Hybrid, Impact, Interplay,
LoFi, M-Audio, MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox, MediaComposer, MIDI I/O, MIX,
MultiShell, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, PRE, ProControl, Pro Tools M-Powered,
Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Recti-Fi, Reel Tape, Reso,
Reverb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Sibelius, Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound
Designer II, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, TL Aggro,
TL AutoPan, TL Drum Rehab, TL Everyphase, TL Fauxlder, TL In Tune,
TL MasterMeter, TL Metro, TL Space, TL Utilities, Transfuser, Trillium Lane Labs,
Vari-Fi Velvet, X-Form, and XMON are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc. Xpand! is Registered in the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are
subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9106-59123-00 REV A 11/08
Documentation Feedback
At Digidesign, we are always looking for ways to improve our documentation. If
you have comments, corrections, or suggestions regarding our documentation,
email us at [e-mail].
Communications & Safety Regulation Information
Compliance Statement
The models D-Control and XMON comply with the following standards regulating
interference and EMC:
• FCC Part 15 Class A
• EN55103 – 1, environment E4
• EN55103 – 2, environment E4
• AS/NZS 3548 Class A
• CISPR 22 Class A
• ICES-003 Class A
Canadian Compliance Statement:
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
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.
Australian Compliance:
Radio and Television Interference
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Communications Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device. Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Digidesign,
Inc., could void the Certification and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for CISPR compliance under conditions that included the
use of peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system
components. Digidesign recommends the use of shielded cables and connectors
between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to
radios, television sets, and other electronic devices.
Safety Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety
certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards; UL6500 and
Canadian CSA standard; CSA C22.2 No.1-M90. Digidesign Inc., has been
authorized to apply the appropriate UL & CUL mark on its compliant equipment.
Important Safety Instructions
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus 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 apparatus (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 the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus 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 apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.

Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to authorized
Digidesign personnel.
Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a risk of
shock and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING VENTILATION:
Do not install D-Control anywhere or in any way that blocks free air
flow at any time around the back panel of the unit.
SPECIAL WARNING REGARDING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE:
Before powering on the D-Control unit, be sure to allow it to reach
room temperature. The unit includes some components that are
senstive to cold temperatures, so it is recommended that you
unpack the unit and allow it to acclimate before turning it on for the
first time.

Contents v
Contents
Part I Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction to D-Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
D-Control Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
D-Control System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Expansion Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connection Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2. D-Control Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
D-Control Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
D-Control Fader Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D-Control XMON Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Part II Installation
Chapter 3. Setting Up D-Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
D-Control Stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing D-Control Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing a Video Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Mounting D-Control Cables (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Reconfiguring the D-Control Keyboard for a Windows System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Moving the Keyboard and Trackball (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Replacing the Trackball with an External Trackball or Mouse (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 4. Connecting D-Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
D-Control Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter 5. Configuring D-Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Starting Up and Shutting Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Software Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Setting D-Control Preferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
System Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

D-Control Guidevi
Part III Reference
Chapter 6. Channel Strip Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Channel Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Channel Strip Master Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chapter 7. Plug-in Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Assigning and Removing Plug-ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Focusing Plug-ins on D-Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Opening Plug-in Windows On-Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Managing Multiple Plug-in Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Making Plug-ins Inactive or Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Changing Plug-in Presets from Channel Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Copying and Pasting Plug-in Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Enabling Plug-in Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Plug-in Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Displaying Dynamics Plug-in Gain Reduction on Channel Meters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Dynamics Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
EQ Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 8. Transport and Navigation Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Transport Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Zoom/Navigate Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Bank/Nudge Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Bank Select Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Dual Transport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
D-Control Multi-Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Chapter 9. Management and Soft Key Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Window Management Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Session Management Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Soft Keys Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Miscellaneous Controls Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Memory Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Window Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Chapter 10. Monitor and Meter Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Monitor Section Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Control Room Monitoring System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Headphone/Cue System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Talkback/Listen System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Meter Displays (Fader Module) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Setting D-Control Meters for Different Reference Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Contents vii
Chapter 11. Normal Mode Operations and Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Assigning Elements to Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Viewing Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Making Elements Active or Inactive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Working with Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Working with Plug-Ins and Sends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Flip Mode and Flop Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Inline Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Working with Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Chapter 12. Assigning Inserts, Sends and I/O with the Assign Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Overview of the Assign Matrix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Insert Assign Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Send Assign Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
I/O Assign Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Chapter 13. Custom Fader Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Overview of Custom Fader Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Custom Groups Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Custom Fader Mix/Edit Groups Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Custom Fader Tracks Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Custom Fader Plug-In Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Custom Fader Flip Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Custom Fader Map Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Appendix A. Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Entering Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Navigating Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Exiting Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
D-Control System Info Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
D-Control Name Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
D-Control Test Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Resetting D-Control to Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
D-Control Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Appendix B. Audio Connections and Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
25-Pin Female Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
15-Pin Connector Pinouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

D-Control Guideviii

Part I: Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Control 3
Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Control
Welcome to the D-Control™ worksurface for Digidesign®
ICON systems.
D-Control provides hands-on control of every feature in
Pro Tools, and offers powerful options for customizing the
Pro Tools mix environment.
D-Control Features
D-Control provides a full set of controls for all Pro Tools re-
cording, editing and mixing tasks, and a versatile remote-con-
trolled audio monitoring system.
Control Features
• Touch-sensitive, motorized Penny and Giles faders
• Touch-sensitive, multi-purpose rotary controls
• Dedicated controls for assignment and activation of inputs,
outputs, inserts and sends
• Flexible display of pan, insert, send, plug-in and mic pre
controls
• Dedicated EQ and dynamics plug-in control sections
• Dedicated controls for all channel strip functions including
recording and input monitoring modes, mute, solo, and
channel select
• Dedicated controls for automation mode, enable and safe
status
• Flip Mode for transfer of parameters from rotary controls to
faders
• Custom Fader Mode for flexible channel and parameter
mapping
• Full transport and navigation controls, including location
commands and scrub/shuttle capability
Monitoring Features
• 8-channel control room monitoring system supports mono
through 7.1 surround monitoring, with up to 6 possible in-
put sources and 3 selectable output paths
• 2-channel cue system with 5 separate outputs and selectable
talkback feed
• Built-in talkback microphone and external talkback mic In-
put
• Standalone mode for monitoring without Pro Tools
D-Control System Components
The following components are included in a D-Control
16-channel or 32-channel system:
Main Unit
• D-Control Main Unit
•ACpowercord
•Ethernetcable
•USBcable
• Windows keyboard caps set
• Ethernet loopback plug (for Ethernet testing)
Fader Module
(1 for 16-Channel System, 2 for 32-Channel System)
• D-Control Fader Module unit
•ACpowercord
•Ethernetcable
XMON Monitoring System
•XMONInterface
•ACpowercord
•XMONcable
D-Control Stand
• Left and right leg assemblies
• Rear crossbar assembly
• Rear pan support rail
• Front pan support rail
• Left and right plastic side caps
•Legfrontcaps
•Legrearcaps
• Stand hardware
• Video display arm assembly and hardware

D-Control Guide4
System Expansion Options
Fader Modules
Additional 16-channel Fader Modules can be added to D-Con-
trol, up to a total of 80 faders (five 16-channel Fader Modules).
Surround Panner Option
The Surround Panner option for D-Control work surfaces pro-
vides tactile control for many mixing and panning features to
enhance multichannel mixing for surround sound.
For details on D-Control expansion and customization op-
tions, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Operational Requirements
Temperature and Ventilation
D-Control should be installed and operated in a climate-con-
trolled environment, away from heat sources, and with ade-
quate ventilation. D-Control should be operated at an ambi-
ent temperature that does not exceed 100 degrees F
(35 degrees C).
The back panel and the front half of the bottom panel of each
unit should be exposed to ambient air. Blocking or partially
blocking the back panel or bottom panel of a D-Control unit
may cause the unit to malfunction and may void your war-
ranty.
The D-Control stand is designed to provide adequate ventila-
tion for the D-Control units. Installation of D-Control units in
other stands or studio furniture is not recommended, and may
void your warranty if adequate ventilation is not maintained.
Water and Moisture
D-Control units should be operated away from sources of
moisture or humidity and should be kept clear of liquids that
might spill into the units.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you need to clean the D-Control top surface, apply a
non-bleach cleaning solution to a cloth or paper towel, then
carefully wipe the surface. Do not use abrasives, cleaning solu-
tions with bleach, or spray cleaners.
Connection Requirements
Power Connections
Each D-Control unit (Main Unit and Fader Modules) and the
XMON Monitor Interface requires its own power connection.
Make sure your power source is correctly rated for the number
of units you are connecting. A surge protected power source
(not included) is highly recommended.
Ethernet Connections
Each D-Control unit communicates with Pro Tools via Ether-
net. A 10-BaseT Ethernet hub (not included) is required to
connect D-Control units to the host computer.
USB Connections
The computer keyboard and trackball on the D-Control Main
Unit require an available USB connector on the host computer
or on a USB hub if your system has one.
Audio Connections
All external analog audio inputs and outputs for control room
monitoring and studio communication are connected to the
XMON interface. D-Control connects to the XMON interface
with a single 15-pin cable (included). All analog inputs and
outputs on XMON are DB-25 connectors.
Audio Cables for D-Control Monitoring
Digidesign offers a range of DigiSnake cabling options for con-
necting Digidesign interfaces and external sources to the
XMON monitoring system. For details, visit the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).
System Requirements and
Compatibility
D-Control requires a Pro Tools|HD® system with at least one
Pro Tools|HD audio interface.
An expanded HD-series system is required for higher track
counts.
For complete system requirements and a list of Digidesign
qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and
third-party devices, refer to the latest information on the
Digidesign website:
www.digidesign.com/compatibility

Chapter 1: Introduction to D-Control 5
Mechanical Specifications
D-Control Stand Dimensions (not including video display arm)
Maximum Height 39.7 inches (100.9 cm)
Maximum Width
Main Unit with 1 Fader Module (16-channel system) 65.3 inches (165.9 cm)
Main Unit with 2 Fader Modules (32-channel system) 88.5 inches (224.8 cm)
Maximum Depth 45.7 inches (116.1 cm)
Figure 1. Stand dimensions for a 16-fader D-Control system
Figure 2. Stand dimensions for a 32-fader D-Control system

D-Control Guide6

Chapter 2: D-Control Overview 7
Chapter 2: D-Control Overview
D-Control Main Unit
Main Unit Top Panel
Figure 3. D-Control Main Unit top panel
Monitor Section
Dynamics Section
EQ Section
Transport
Section
Channel
Strip Master
section
Channel
Strip Master
Function controls
Custom Fader
controls
Focus
Talkback switch
Bank
Select
section
Window
Management
section
Session
Management
section
Soft Keys
section
Bank/Nudge
section
Zoom/Navigation
section
Miscellaneous
controls
Meter display
Talkback Microphone
Time Scale displays and Location indicators
Display Arm Housing Display Shelf
Automation Mode
controls
Channel
Strip Master
Assign and
(also on
left side of
Main Unit)
Display controls
Channel Strip

D-Control Guide8
Meter Display
The Meter display on the D-Control Main Unit can be set to
show the output levels, or levels associated with a track or
plug-in. See “Meter and Time Code Displays (Main Unit)” on
page 124.
Time Scale Displays and Location Indicators
The Time Scale displays and Location indicators mirror the
corresponding indicators in Pro Tools. See “Meter and Time
Code Displays (Main Unit)” on page 124.
Display Shelf and Display Arm Housing
D-Control gives you two options for using a video display:
You can place a free-standing display on the display shelf, or
you can install a VESA TFT display on the included display
arm. See “Installing a Video Display” on page 27.
Focus Channel Strip
The Focus Channel Strip on the D-Control Main Unit is used
to bring the controls of any channel strip in a session to the
center of the control surface, bringing them to the center mix
position. See “Channel Strips” on page 49.
Dynamics and EQ Sections
The D-Control Main Unit provides dedicated Dynamics and
EQ sections for plug-ins that support D-Control Dynamics
and EQ plug-in mapping. See Chapter 7, “Plug-in Controls.”
Monitor Section
The Monitor section on the D-Control Main Unit includes a
full set of controls for the control room monitoring, head-
phone/cue, and talkback/listenback sections of D-Control. See
“Monitor Section Controls” on page 115.
Zoom/Navigation Section
The Zoom/Navigate section on the D-Control Main Unit is
used to control navigation, display, and selections in the
Pro Tools Edit window. See “Zoom/Navigate Section” on
page 97.
Bank/Nudge and Bank Select Sections
The Bank/Nudge and Bank Select sections on the D-Control
Main Unit are used to control the display of Pro Tools tracks
on the control surface, in both Normal and Custom Fader
modes. See “Bank/Nudge Section” on page 98 and “Bank Se-
lect Matrix” on page 98.
Window Management and Session Management
Sections
The Window Management and Session Management sections
on the D-Control Main Unit include controls for opening and
closing Pro Tools windows, and managing and saving
Pro Tools sessions. See “Window Management Section” on
page 101 and “Session Management Section” on page 102.
Soft Keys Section
The Soft Keys section on the D-Control Main Unit provides ac-
cess to a wide range of Pro Tools commands directly from the
control surface. It also provides access to preferences and set-
tings specific to D-Control. See “Soft Keys Section” on
page 103.
Miscellaneous Controls
The Miscellaneous Controls section on the D-Control Main
Unit includes controls for basic Pro Tools editing and display
functions. See “Miscellaneous Controls Section” on page 112.
Transport Section
The Transport section on the D-Control Main Unit includes
two complete sets of transport controls, switches for setting
the transport mode, scrub/shuttle controls, as well as ad-
vanced audition and locate controls. See “Transport Section”
on page 91.
Channel Strip Master Section
The Channel Strip Master section is a set of controls that
appears on both the left and right sides of the D-Control Main
Unit, allowing easy access to powerful assignment, display,
and channel function controls from any mixing position. See
“Channel Strip Master Section” on page 57.
Custom Fader Controls
The Custom Fader controls in the D-Control Main Unit in-
voke a special set of D-Control modes, called Custom Fader
modes, which let you set aside and customize channel strips
for display and editing of a variety of functions. See “Custom
Fader Controls” on page 67.
Talkback Switches
Two Talkback switches on the Main Unit provide mirrored
control of the D-Control Talkback function. See “Talkback
Switch” on page 69.
Automation Mode Controls
The Automation Mode controls mirror the function of the
on-screen Automation Mode selector for each track. See “Au-
tomation Mode Controls” on page 69.

Chapter 2: D-Control Overview 9
Main Unit Back Panel
AC Power
The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable.
The D-Control Main Unit is auto power-selecting (100V to
240V) and automatically works with a standard modular
power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any
country.
Power Switch
The Power switch applies power to the D-Control Main Unit.
Footswitch Jack
The footswitch jack on the back panel of the D-Control Main
Unit is a 1/4-inch TRS jack that supports two footswitch con-
nections. See “Footswitch Connections” on page 34.
Keyboard/Trackball USB Connector
The USB connector on the back panel of the D-Control Main
Unit links the computer keyboard and trackball on the Main
Unit to the Pro Tools system. See “USB Connections” on
page 34.
Ethernet Connector
The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Control
Main Unit provides communication to Pro Tools. See “Ether-
net Connections” on page 33.
XMON Monitoring System Connector
The 15-pin connector on the back panel of the D-Control
Main Unit provides remote control of all audio monitoring
functions from the D-Control Monitoring section. See
“XMON Monitoring System Connection” on page 35.
Figure 4. D-Control Main Unit back panel connectors
Footswitch jack
Keyboard/Trackball
USB connector
Ethernet connector
XMON Monitoring System
connector
AC Power
Power switch

D-Control Guide10
D-Control Fader Module
Fader Module Top Panel
Meter Section
The Meter section on the D-Control Fader Module can display
track levels, plug-in meters, and other parameters depending
on D-Control metering preferences. See “Meter Displays
(Fader Module)” on page 125.
Channel Strip
Each channel strip on the D-Control Fader Module has iden-
tical channel controls, including six touch-sensitive rotary en-
coders, display and mode controls, and a touch-sensitive
fader. See “Channel Strips” on page 49.
Modifier Keys
Each D-Control Fader Module has a set of four switches in its
lower left corner that duplicate the function of the Pro Tools
computer keyboard modifiers. See “Modifier Key Switches” on
page 56.
Fader Module Back Panel
AC Power
The AC Power connector accepts a standard AC power cable.
The D-Control Fader Module is auto power-selecting (100V to
240V) and automatically works with a standard modular
power cord when connected to an AC receptacle in any
country.
Power Switch
The Power switch applies power to the Fader Module.
Ethernet Connector
The Ethernet connector on the back panel of the D-Control
Fader Module provides communication to Pro Tools. See
“Ethernet Connections” on page 33.
Figure 5. D-Control Fader Module top panel
Channel Strip
Rotary Encoder
section
Meter
section
Channel Strip
Mode controls
Channel faders
Channel Strip
Function controls
Modifier keys

Chapter 2: D-Control Overview 11
D-Control XMON Interface
D-Control monitoring is based on the XMON analog interface, which is remotely controlled from the D-Control
monitoring section.
XMON Front Panel
Power Switch
The Power switch applies power to the XMON Interface.
Mute Indicator
The Mute indicator shows the mute status of XMON.
MIDI Receive Indicator
The MIDI Receive indicator shows MIDI activity between
XMON and D-Control.
Mute Button
The Mute button mutes all XMON outputs. It is not possible
to unmute XMON with this button. The XMON mute state
can only be cleared from the D-Control Monitor section (see
“Monitor Section Controls” on page 115).
Figure 6. XMON front panel
Power
switch
MIDI Receive
indicator
Mute
indicator
Mute button

D-Control Guide12
XMON Back Panel
The back panel of the XMON interface includes connectors for all external analog audio inputs and outputs for D-Control. See
“Audio Connections” on page 35.
Figure 7. XMON back panel
Cue Inputs
Cue Outputs
Main Inputs Surround Inputs Stereo Inputs
Main Outputs Alt Outputs Talkback/ Meter Calibration Control Surface AC Power
Listenback/
Utility
Screws