Fairlight Xynergi User manual

Xynergi Media Production Centre
User Manual
16 February 2010
Software Version 2.6
Issue 001

Important Notice
The material in this document is copyright to Fairlight.AU Pty Ltd, and may not be quoted or reproduced
in any form without written permission from the company.
Fairlight is a trademark of Fairlight.AU Pty Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 11
Congratulations ..................................................................................................................11
Organising the Screens .......................................................................................................11
What Else You Need to Know...............................................................................................12
Anything Missing?...............................................................................................................13
THE XYNERGI SYSTEM................................................................................................ 14
XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER ............................................................................. 15
Monitor Section ..................................................................................................................15
Fixed Keys .........................................................................................................................17
Picture Keys.......................................................................................................................22
The Pad.............................................................................................................................24
Soft Keys ...........................................................................................................................25
THE XPLAIN SYSTEM................................................................................................... 26
What is Xplain?...................................................................................................................26
Xplain-Button .....................................................................................................................26
Xplain-How-To....................................................................................................................26
How Much does Xplain Cover? .............................................................................................26
Recommendation................................................................................................................26
HOW TO … .................................................................................................................... 27
Basics................................................................................................................................27
Recording ..........................................................................................................................43
Patching Signal Paths..........................................................................................................51
Reverse Patching................................................................................................................56
Monitors ............................................................................................................................57
Setup.................................................................................................................................61
Files ..................................................................................................................................72
Mixing................................................................................................................................75
Automation ........................................................................................................................83
Automation Curves .............................................................................................................91
Editing...............................................................................................................................95
THE NUMPAD.............................................................................................................. 102
Parameter Entry ...............................................................................................................102
Loc and Set......................................................................................................................102
Fader Sets........................................................................................................................103
Meter Sets .......................................................................................................................104
Go To..............................................................................................................................104
Jump by Seconds..............................................................................................................108
Review.............................................................................................................................109
Play Jog...........................................................................................................................110
EDITING ....................................................................................................................... 112
Introduction.....................................................................................................................112
The Cursor.......................................................................................................................112
Cut and Paste...................................................................................................................113

Copy................................................................................................................................118
Erase...............................................................................................................................118
Edit Soft Key Commands...................................................................................................118
Paste Special....................................................................................................................119
Trim................................................................................................................................120
Slip..................................................................................................................................121
Nudge .............................................................................................................................122
Fade and Crossfade ..........................................................................................................123
Editing on Multiple Layers..................................................................................................131
The Track Menu ...............................................................................................................131
Xynergi’s Quick Edit Layout................................................................................................133
Importing Clips from Other Projects ...................................................................................135
Clip Level.........................................................................................................................136
Gating Clips......................................................................................................................137
Replacing Audio Media......................................................................................................138
Undo and Redo.................................................................................................................139
Mouse-Based Editing.........................................................................................................140
Fade Menu.......................................................................................................................144
AUTOMATION ............................................................................................................. 145
Introduction.....................................................................................................................145
Automation Basics ............................................................................................................145
How to Use Automation.....................................................................................................146
Enabling Mix Items ...........................................................................................................148
Mix Item Status................................................................................................................149
Programmed Automation...................................................................................................152
Saving and Loading Mixes .................................................................................................153
Mix Undo .........................................................................................................................154
'System Mix' - Save function ..............................................................................................155
AutoSave .........................................................................................................................155
The Mix Menu...................................................................................................................155
The Utils Menu .................................................................................................................156
Mix Editing.......................................................................................................................157
Data Storage....................................................................................................................157
Mix "Thinning"..................................................................................................................157
On-Screen Mix Controls.....................................................................................................158
Automation Curves ...........................................................................................................159
TIME DOMAIN PROCESSING..................................................................................... 163
Introduction.....................................................................................................................163
Time Compression/Expansion ............................................................................................163
Using VocAlign Processing.................................................................................................164
Removing Clicks ...............................................................................................................165
TRACKS & TRANSPORT............................................................................................ 166
Introduction.....................................................................................................................166
Displaying Tracks..............................................................................................................166
Pyxis Track – Displaying Video...........................................................................................167
Track Colours...................................................................................................................167
The Clip...........................................................................................................................169

Selecting Tracks ...............................................................................................................172
Time Scale and Display Zooming........................................................................................173
Audio Scrollers..................................................................................................................176
Transport Controls............................................................................................................178
Jog Commands.................................................................................................................178
Shuttle.............................................................................................................................178
CLIP EQUALISATION ................................................................................................. 180
Introduction.....................................................................................................................180
EQ display........................................................................................................................180
SCREEN MIX CONTROLS .......................................................................................... 184
The Mixer Screen..............................................................................................................184
Mouse Control in the Mixer Screen .....................................................................................186
Fat Channel......................................................................................................................187
Virtual Channel.................................................................................................................189
Input Section....................................................................................................................190
Direct Send and Insert ......................................................................................................190
Panning ...........................................................................................................................191
Equalisation......................................................................................................................192
Dynamics.........................................................................................................................193
Aux Sends........................................................................................................................195
Zoom Panels ....................................................................................................................195
On-Screen Automation Controls .........................................................................................201
METERS....................................................................................................................... 202
Introduction.....................................................................................................................202
Fat Channel Bus Meters.....................................................................................................202
Master Screen Meters........................................................................................................202
Meter Sets .......................................................................................................................205
Peaks ..............................................................................................................................206
Meter Point ......................................................................................................................207
MACROS...................................................................................................................... 208
What is a Macro?..............................................................................................................208
Displaying Macros.............................................................................................................208
Recording Macros.............................................................................................................209
Macro Names ...................................................................................................................210
Macro Colour Groups.........................................................................................................210
Editing Macros..................................................................................................................211
GROUPING .................................................................................................................. 212
Introduction.....................................................................................................................212
Summary of Groups..........................................................................................................212
Link Groups......................................................................................................................212
Fader Groups ...................................................................................................................217
Naming a Group ...............................................................................................................220
Multi Trim ........................................................................................................................220
USING XE-6 FADERS.................................................................................................. 222
Introduction.....................................................................................................................222
Basic Operation ................................................................................................................222

The OLED Display.............................................................................................................223
Fader Sets........................................................................................................................224
Call button.......................................................................................................................224
Auto button......................................................................................................................224
PanPot Function ...............................................................................................................224
Fader Function .................................................................................................................225
USING THE FAIRLIGHT FADER SIDECAR............................................................... 226
Introduction.....................................................................................................................226
Fader Controls..................................................................................................................226
Using Groups....................................................................................................................228
Faders To.........................................................................................................................228
Fader Sets........................................................................................................................230
AUDIOBASE ................................................................................................................ 232
Introduction.....................................................................................................................232
Creating and Maintaining Databases...................................................................................232
Searching for Sounds........................................................................................................232
Placing Sounds In A Project...............................................................................................232
ADR.............................................................................................................................. 234
Introduction.....................................................................................................................234
The ADR List....................................................................................................................234
ADR Preferences...............................................................................................................236
The ADR Display...............................................................................................................237
AUTO CONFORM WITH EDL TOOL........................................................................... 240
Introduction.....................................................................................................................240
Loading an EDL ................................................................................................................240
Capture and Conform........................................................................................................240
Reconform.......................................................................................................................242
Additional Facilities ...........................................................................................................243
PROJECT AND FILE MANAGEMENT........................................................................ 244
Introduction.....................................................................................................................244
Project Formats................................................................................................................244
MT Projects......................................................................................................................245
DR2 Projects ....................................................................................................................247
Waveform Profiles.............................................................................................................249
Revealing the Project File ..................................................................................................250
Backup Files.....................................................................................................................250
Automatic File Saving........................................................................................................250
Undo Files........................................................................................................................251
Video Files .......................................................................................................................252
Typical Xynergi Drive Configuration....................................................................................252
Designating Media Device..................................................................................................252
Creating New Projects.......................................................................................................253
Backup Project to Folder....................................................................................................253
Media Scanning................................................................................................................254
Detailed Media Management..............................................................................................254
PYXIS TRACK.............................................................................................................. 256

Introduction.....................................................................................................................256
Creating a Pyxis Track.......................................................................................................256
Hiding and Showing the Video Track ..................................................................................257
Loading Video into Pyxis Track...........................................................................................258
Capturing Video into Pyxis Track........................................................................................261
The Pyxis Window.............................................................................................................263
Editing the Video Track .....................................................................................................266
Watermarking ..................................................................................................................268
Using Pyxis Track as a Machine..........................................................................................269
PLUG-INS AND REWIRE ............................................................................................270
Introduction.....................................................................................................................270
General Capabilities ..........................................................................................................270
VST and VSTi ...................................................................................................................270
Using VST Effects in Xynergi..............................................................................................271
Automation of Plug-ins......................................................................................................273
Controlling Plug-ins on Screen............................................................................................273
Controlling Plug-ins on the Surface.....................................................................................275
Plug-ins on Faders............................................................................................................275
Plug-ins in the Pad............................................................................................................277
Clip based Plug-ins............................................................................................................282
Using VST Instruments in Xynergi ......................................................................................284
ReWire ............................................................................................................................284
Fairlight Partner Program ..................................................................................................287
HUI SLAVE MODE.......................................................................................................289
Introduction.....................................................................................................................289
Setup...............................................................................................................................289
MIDI Devices....................................................................................................................289
Remap File.......................................................................................................................291
Advanced – using Scripted Macros .....................................................................................294
IMPORT / EXPORT...................................................................................................... 295
Introduction.....................................................................................................................295
Importing Files.................................................................................................................295
Importing Video Files........................................................................................................295
Importing an OMF ............................................................................................................295
Importing Individual Sound Files........................................................................................296
Sample Rate Conversion....................................................................................................296
Export .............................................................................................................................297
TIMECODE SETUP...................................................................................................... 301
Introduction.....................................................................................................................301
Synchronization Indicators.................................................................................................302
Synchronization Details .....................................................................................................302
MACHINE CONTROL .................................................................................................. 304
Introduction.....................................................................................................................304
Setting up Machines..........................................................................................................304
Machine Control Indicators................................................................................................309
LTC Generator..................................................................................................................309

Putting Machines Online....................................................................................................310
Editing with Machine Control..............................................................................................311

User Manual INTRODUCTION February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 11
Introduction
Congratulations
You’re reading the manual. This is a great way to learn Xynergi.
The early chapters are designed to ease you gently into the system. They are:
System Diagram – what does your system do?
The Xynergi Tactile Controller – names of its parts, and their functions, briefly
This section is a reduced version of the Xynergi Fold-Out, a large printed picture that is
included in the Xynergi package. It’s a good idea to keep it by you while you’re learning
the system. Once it gets too tattered to read, you probably don’t need it any more.
The Xplain Help system – how to consult it easily while using the system
How To … – steps through the operations you do most often
After that we have some more detailed guides to apects of the system.
Organising the Screens
Xynergi is commonly used with two screens, one displaying the Editing Screen, and the other for
the Mixer Screen.
The Editing Screen
The Editing Screen is shown full screen, expanding automatically to fit the display size of the
monitor. Note: Screen bit depth MUST be 24 bit.
The Mixer Screen
The Mixer Screen is normally shown full-screen on its own monitor. There are two sets of graphics
available, with resolution 1280 x 1024, and 1024 x 768. The bigger ones look best!
Note: Screen bit depth MUST be 24 bit.
It is possible to resize the Mixer Screen on the fly, as follows:
Step 1 Open the System Variables screen by typing ctrl+u
Step 2 Select the Window Frame On radio button.
The screen will immediately show a Title Bar.
Step 3 Close the System Variables window by clicking on its Close button, or typing esc.
Step 4 Using the mouse, click and drag one corner of the screen to change its size.
Step 5 You can also drag the screen to another monitor if desired.
Single Screen Operation
If you start Xynergi with only one monitor connected, the Editing and Mixer screens will both be
shown on that one monitor. According to your activity, they will come “forward” to take focus
when you perform certain activities.
To make sure that Mixing activities bring the Mixer screen forward, do the following:

User Manual INTRODUCTION February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 12
Step 1 Open the System Variables screen by typing ctrl+u
Step 2 Select the Auto Show Mixer button.
Step 3 Close the System Variables window by clicking on its Close button, or typing esc.
You can also force the Editing Screen forward by typing ctrl+Editor, and the Mixer screen by
typing ctrl+Mixer.
What Else You Need to Know
Installation
If you need to install or re-install the system, please read the manual:
Xynergi Media Production Centre Quickstart.pdf.
This manual is installed on your hard disk, usually in the folder C:\Program Files\Fairlight\Dream
II\Docs.
First Startup
Even if someone else has installed the system for you, there are some things you need to do the
first time you start the system. The Quickstart manual mentioned in the previous paragraph
includes a chapter on this subject, called Launching Xynergi for the First Time. Please read this
before using Xynergi, or at least have it standing by in case things get confusing.
Momentary and Latching
What??
Sorry, but this is one of the keys to speed in Xynergi. Many operations can be done two ways.
Momentary means: Hold down a key to open a mode, do one thing in that mode, then let go the
key to exit the mode and go back to where you were. This is skilful, because it requires two
hands, but it’s fast.
Latching means: Press a key to enter (latch) a mode, do some things in that mode, then press the
original key again to exit the mode. This is not as fast, but it’s easier, being one-handed.
When we refer to momentary operation, you’ll see words like hold down and release.
When we refer to latched operation, you’ll see the word press or type which both mean “press
and release”.
Some Important Terms
Throughout this manual we will use some terms that you need to understand.
Transport
This refers to the movement of the system along the timeline. For example, when we “put the
transport into Play” it means we cause forward movement along the timeline. This applies to the
disk audio tracks, Pyxis Track (if enabled), the timecode generator (if enabled), and any machines
that are being controlled by the system.
Transport commands include Play, Stop, Record, Jog, Rewind, Shuttle and FF.
The timeline is shown at the top of the Edit Screen.

User Manual INTRODUCTION February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 13
Play Head
The line in the center of the Edit Screen is called the Play Head or Cursor. This is the current point
where the system plays audio and video. It is also the point where most edits occur. The
timecode display shows the position of the Play Head.
Anything Missing?
There are many topics that are not covered here. They are covered in the Xplain system on-board
the Xynergi controller. In many cases that’s a much easier way to learn about them. For
information about Xplain see page 26.
If you find there’s some aspect of Xynergi that is not explained (or Xplained) adequately, please
let us know. You can email me: [email protected]
With new releases of software you’ll sometimes get a new version of this manual that adds more
information. You can also download the latest version from Fairlight’s website:
www.fairlightau.com

User Manual THE XYNERGI SYSTEM February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 14
The Xynergi System
1. I/O Configuration –
see page 27.
2. Patching connects
paths in the system –
see page 32.
3. Recording – see
page 30.
4. Editing – see page
72.
5. Processing – see
page 56.
6. Bus Assignment
assigns channels to
Buses – see page 48.
7. Mixing – see page
118.
8. Bus Format (mono,
stereo, 5.1 etc) – see
47.
Mix Automation – see
page 64.
9. Monitor Configuration
sets up speakers for
control room and studio
– see page 41.
1 2 3 5 6 7
9
4 8

User Manual XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 15
Xynergi Tactile Controller
Monitor Section
The rotary pots are used to adjust the Control Room and Studio monitor listening level.
The Mute buttons cut the level to their respective monitors.
The Dim button reduces the Control Room (CR) monitor level. To control how much the level is
dimmed:
Step 1 Stop the transport
Step 2 Hold down the Dim button
Step 3 Turn the Jog Wheel. The level is shown in the Pad
Picture Keys
Lower Soft Keys
Upper Soft Keys
Fixed Keys
Monitor Section
Jog Wheel
Pad

User Manual XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 16
Step 4 Release the Dim button
Fixed Level Monitoring
Sometimes the monitoring environment must be set to a standard level, and not changed. This is
called Fixed Level monitoring.
The Dim button is used to fix the CR monitor level. When fixed, it is unaffected by the rotary pot.
To turn on Fixed Level monitoring:
Step 1 Stop the transport
Step 2 Hold down the BLUE key
Step 3 Press the Dim button
To set the level for Fixed monitoring, first set up an SPL meter at an appropriate position.
Step 1 Stop the transport
Step 2 Hold down the BLUE key
Step 2 Hold down the Dim button
Step 3 Turn the Jog Wheel. The level changes, and is shown in the Pad. Adjust to match the
required SPL level.
Step 4 Release the Dim button
Step 2 Release the BLUE key

User Manual XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 17
Fixed Keys
Fixed keys are “normal” switches with labels that do not change. Their functions change a little,
but not as much as the picture keys. LEDs show function and status.

User Manual XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 18
Numeric Keypad (Numpad)
The Numeric Keypad, also known as the Numpad, has many uses. Its function changes when you
press the keys surrounding it, like Loc, Set, Fader Sets and so on.
The following functions are available on the Numpad:
Function Press or Hold Button
Type Numbers None
Parameter Entry None
Choose Fader Set Fader Sets
Choose Number of tracks on Edit Screen BLUE
Go To a timecode, mark or clip name Go To
Jump by a number of seconds Jump Left \ Right or REW \ FF
Set Review time Review
Choose Meter Set Meters (Setup Megamode)
Capture timecode into a Locator Set
Move to a Locator Loc
Set Loop Jog width Jog Play (hold down)
Macro execution Macro key (see Chapter “Macros” page
208).
These functions are described in detail in the Chapter “The Numpad”
Type Numbers
When naming channels, clips and other things, these keys type the large number written on them.

User Manual XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 19
Play Jog
Primarily used to enter Jog mode, but also toggles to Play mode if Jog mode is active. This is
designed to allow easy transport control without moving your right hand away from the Jog
Wheel.
BLUE + Jog initiates Shuttle mode, where the speed of the transport depends on the Jog Wheel
position.
The Jog function has many other commands and variations. For details, please see Jog Play, page
110.
REW and FF
These keys are repeats of the keys found in the transport row of the Picture keys.
Both REW and FF can be repeated many times to increase speed.
Pressing REW + FF issues a STOP command.
jog + REW jump left
jog + FF jump right
REW + 0jump left one frame
FF + 0jump right one frame
REW + 1jump left one second
FF + 1jump right one second
REW + 2jump left two seconds
FF + 2jump right two seconds
etc
Review
Jumps back by a few seconds, then starts playing. You can control the number of seconds that it
jumps back (hold down Review and press a Numpad key).
Jump Keys
These keys are used to quickly move the transport forward or backwards on the timeline to Jump
Targets. These may be the next/previous clip head or tail (point), fade point and/or mark, or to a
specific clip name.
While the Jump key is held down, you may press a Numpad key (1, 2etc) to jump by that many
seconds.

User Manual XYNERGI TACTILE CONTROLLER February 16, 2010
Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 20
See more about Jumping on page 32.
From and To
These keys are used to define the start and end times of a Range.
A Range is a marked period of time in the project. Ranges are used for:
Editing – the range can be cut, copied, erased, nudged and more
Recording – a range can be automatically recorded
Mix Automation – a range can be filled with automation values, or isolated for a Write
pass
See more about Using Ranges on page 96.
Undo / Redo
Allow a large number of audio edits to be undone/redone.
When you issue an Undo or Redo command the system will revert to the timecode location, zoom
setting and track selection at the time of the edit. You can prevent part of this by changing a
preference in the Setup General Preferences dialog. This is found in the menus at the top of
the Edit Screen.

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Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 21
Note: Undo applies only to audio editing, not mixing or automation moves.
Zoom
Hold down Zoom then turn the Jog wheel (or press the +and –buttons) to adjust the amount of
time being displayed horizontally across the Edit screen.
A specific Zoom value can be obtained by holding down Zoom and pressing a Numpad key
combination, making a number between 1 and 20, the releasing Zoom. The Zoom value is shown
at the bottom of the Edit Screen.
Zooming in and out can also be done using the wheel on your mouse, when the Edit screen is in
focus (if not, click somewhere on it).
Simply pressing and releasing Zoom toggles between your last two zoom settings.

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Xynergi Media Production Centre Page 22
If ctrl and Zoom are both held down, the Jog wheel adjusts the number of tracks being displayed
in the Edit screen. Similarly, holding down ctrl and turning the mouse wheel makes this
adjustment.
Picture Keys
Picture keys change their appearance and function according to what you are doing. Their
function is usually clear from the label, and they can also tally on/off states. Some picture keys
use animation to indicate warning states.
Layouts
A layout is a group of keys that are presented together. Some layouts include all the keys, and
some include only a few, or even one. Layouts can include picture keys and fixed keys.
Picture Keys by Colour
Different colours are used for different types of keys, as shown below.
Megamode Keys
Megamode keys are always green.
Megamodes are layouts that change the whole keyboard. They are used for different areas of
operation. Each megamode includes, where possible, all the functions you need to perform its
group of tasks. Sometimes the same function appears on more than one megamode, because it is
needed in both. In these cases the function always appears on the same button.
See more about megamodes on page 42.