News

New Euphonix MC Media Application Controller Software Enhances Pro Tools Control (16/10/2006)

MC is now Intel-based Mac Pro Compatible

The latest 1.1.3 version of software for the MC Media Application Controller includes enhancements to the way the MC controls Pro Tools as well as several new features for improving control of all applications. The new release also includes compatibility with the new range of Apple's Intel-based Mac Pros.

Apple's Logic, Steinberg's Nuendo and Merging's Pyramix all have dedicated EuCon Adaptors for MC integration, but many MC users are also taking advantage of the MC's rich control feature set for speeding up the way they work with Pro Tools.

One of the most powerful MC features for working with Pro Tools are the 56 LCD SmartSwitches that can be programmed to send out 'keyboard shortcuts', such as 'cntl-option-shift-tab' to 'Extend selection to include previous region', from a single labeled SmartSwitch. Users can also program multiple command macro keys. The MC now ships with a new Pro Tools Application Set designed by an MC Pro Tools user with multiple banks of SmartSwitches programmed to make it much simpler and faster to access Pro Tools commands. Users can start with this Application Set and customize it to their own way of working.

Pro Tools SmartSwitches

Working with Pro Tools plug-ins from the 8 knobs on the MC is much simpler as the plug-in window in Pro Tools pops up when selected for control from the touch-sensitive knobs which now show parameter values during adjustment. The four faders can be used to access new Pro Tools automation features found in version 7.2. A new feature allows one of the faders to be set to an 'attention fader' so that when any track is selected from Pro Tools or from the MC's touch screen, that fader will automatically switch control to the selected track. Four tracks can be mapped to the faders and saved as a 'Layout' making it easy to recall multiple saved Layouts for working in different sections of the project. Adding System 5 fader modules to the MC turns it into a System 5-MC with all the powerful control features mentioned above as well as track and plug-in control from the channel strip's fader and 8 knobs with meter and track name designations on the stip's TFT screen.

Studio Monitor Express

The MC ships with the Studio Monitor Express software application for Mac or PC that includes professional surround sound monitor controls on the MC together with talkback from the MC's built-in microphone. In the case of Pro Tools, an additional hardware I/O box is required to take advantage of this feature, such as the Apogee Ensemble or the RME Fireface, which can be fed from the Digidesign hardware outputs. The advantage of using Studio Monitor Express is that the controls are within easy reach on the MC surface and the application provides full surround monitor matrix functionality to any application running on the host workstation, not just Pro Tools. Studio Monitor Express can handle 5.1 surround monitoring with main control room and two additional alternate speaker sets, plus two stereo SLS/headphone outputs. The Mac OSX version can source from 8 internal and 8 external (32 for PC) feeds. The software can be upgraded to Studio Monitor Pro with up to 7.1 monitoring, 48 inputs and outputs, recording feeds and 4 separate talkback feeds.

On top of all this the MC makes it easy to switch control from Pro Tools to any other application such as Logic Pro, as the control surface instantly switches to match the application in focus, including loading and displaying the appropriate LCD SmartSwitches for that application. And the MC has the ability to switch between multiple workstations at the push of a button. No other controller comes close to these features making it the only solution for a truly integrated control environment.

Fernand Bos

Independent Music Editor, Fernand Bos, whose credits include 'Cold Mountain', uses an MC to control Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Nuendo and Digital Performer all running on his Mac G5 with his Digidesign 192 I/O feeding into the Apogee Ensemble for monitoring, "When I switch between applications on the MC," he notes, "my workflow doesn't change. I can switch from Pro Tools to Digital Performer with one touch of a button and don't have to take my hands off the controller. There's less movement, so I'm more efficient-it's a much easier, peaceful way of working."

www.euphonix.com

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