PN 9321-62789-00 REV B 10/10 HDx TDM Card for VENUE Systems
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Contents Chapter 1. Overview.............................................................................. 1 HDx Card Capabilities and Features................................................................ 1 HDx Components............................................................................. 1 Qualified VENUE Systems........................................................................ 1 System Requirements.......................................................................... 2 Conventions Used in This Guide................................................................... 2 Chapter 2. Installing HDx.......................................................................... 3 FOH Rack HDx Card Installation................................................................... 3 Mix Rack HDx Card Installation.................................................................... 5 Confirming HDx Card Installation.................................................................. 8 Connecting Pro Tools HD to HDx.................................................................. 9 Power Sequence.............................................................................. 9 Chapter 3. Using HDx............................................................................ 13 Overview.................................................................................. 13 Pro Tools System Settings...................................................................... 14 Signal Routing for Recording Direct Digital Splits in Stage Mode........................................... 15 Signal Routing for Playback in Virtual Soundcheck Mode and HDx Input Mode................................. 16 Enabling Digital Splits......................................................................... 17 Enabling Virtual Soundcheck Mode................................................................ 17 Enabling Input Mode.......................................................................... 18 Enabling Redundant Outputs.................................................................... 19 Example Recording and Playback Configurations...................................................... 19 Monitoring Recording with an HD Audio Interface...................................................... 22 Environmental Compliance...................................................................... 23 EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance)................................................................ 23 Contents iii
Chapter 1: Overview Welcome to the HDx TDM Option card for VENUE systems. The HDx card lets you integrate a Pro Tools HD system with your VENUE system, allowing you to record and archive live performances, and to integrate pre-recorded Pro Tools tracks with live inputs. By combining the HDx card s recording and playback features, you can also perform Virtual Soundchecks: play back the tracks you recorded the night before and adjust the mix before a performance or rehearsal. HDx Components The HDx Option package includes the following items: HDx card (installs into a qualified VENUE system) Ribbon cable for connecting the HDx card to the DSP Mix Engine card Registration Information card This guide HDx Card Capabilities and Features Provides a direct connection of up to 64 channels of 24-bit, 48 khz digital audio between a VENUE system and a Pro Tools HD system using DigiLink cables (purchased separately). Record up to 128 channels of digital audio (up to 96 Stage inputs and up to 32 assignable channels) into Pro Tools (with two HDx cards). Playback up to 128 Pro Tools tracks directly into a VENUE system (with two HDx cards). Provides a one-for-one digital split of all Stage input channels 1-48 without needing to crosspatch or configure the VENUE software Patchbay. Provides an additional 16 user-assignable input and 16 user-assignable output channels (configured in the VENUE software Patchbay), which can be used for any combination of recording and playback (including simultaneous playback and recording). Provides a redundant output configuration in which you can do the following: With two HDx cards installed, record all 48 Stage inputs, plus any assignable outputs, to two independent, 64-channel Pro Tools HD systems. With an HDx card and a VENUE MADI card installed, record all 48 Stage inputs, plus any assignable outputs, to a Pro Tools HD system, and transmit the same channels to an external MADI device. Qualified VENUE Systems Qualified VENUE systems include VENUE D-Show systems, VENUE Profile systems, and VENUE Mix Rack systems. On VENUE D-Show and VENUE Profile systems, up to two HDx cards can be installed in a VENUE FOH Rack for a maximum of 128 channels of digital I/O. On VENUE Mix Rack systems, a total of 64 channels of digital I/O are available. On all systems, two cards can be installed and operated in a 64-channel redundant output configuration. See System Requirements on page 2 for more information. Chapter 1: Overview 1
System Requirements The following are required to use the HDx card: A Pro Tools HD or Pro Tools HD Accel system running Pro Tools HD version 6.9 or higher. An HD Audio Interface is not required. Two Pro Tools HD cards per HDx card are required for full channel count (64 channels). Two DigiLink cables per HDx card (purchased separately). All DigiLink cables in the system should be the same length. A qualified VENUE system. To enable redundant outputs, a qualified VENUE system running VENUE software 2.9 or higher. An available expansion slot in your FOH Rack or Mix Rack. (FOH Rack only) A second Snake card if installing two HDx cards or installing a MADI card and an HDx Option card. (Mix Rack only) To enable redundant outputs in a Mix Rack, installation of the clock source jumper cable if installing two HDx cards, or installing a HDx card and a MADI card. The clock source jumper cable is included with but not installed in the Mix Rack. See Installing the Clock Source Jumper Cable on page 7 for installation instructions. To enable redundant outputs, a qualified VENUE system running VENUE software 2.9 or higher. For complete system requirements and software upgrade information, visit the Avid website (www.avid.com). Compatibility Information Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved. For a list of Avid-qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, refer to the latest compatibility information on the Avid website (www.avid.com). Conventions Used in This Guide Our guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands: Convention File > Save Control+N Control-click Right-click Action Choose Save from the File menu Hold down the Control key and press the N key Hold down the Control key and click the mouse button Click with the right mouse button The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear on-screen are in a different font. The following symbols are used to highlight important information: User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your VENUE system. Important Notices include information that could affect your data or the performance of your system. Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts. Cross References point to related sections in this guide and other guides. 2 HDx TDM Card
Chapter 2: Installing HDx If you are using an FOH Rack with your VENUE system, see FOH Rack HDx Card Installation on page 3. If you are using a Mix Rack, see Mix Rack HDx Card Installation on page 5. FOH Rack HDx Card Installation This section shows how to install HDx cards into an FOH Rack. A maximum of two HDx cards can be installed in an FOH Rack. 6 On the back panel, choose an empty expansion slot and remove the slot cover by removing the two screws. Orient the cards to match the order of the Snake cards. For example, if the top Snake card is connected to the first, innermost Mix Engine card (corresponding to Stage Rack 1), place the first HDx card in the top expansion slot. When connected to the first Mix Engine card, the top HDx card will correspond to Stage Rack 1 and the first Snake card. To install an HDx card in an FOH Rack: 1 Shut down your sound system. 2 Power down the FOH Rack. Expansion slots 3 Disconnect power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables connected to the FOH Rack. 4 Remove the front panel faceplate by unscrewing its mounting screws (#1 Phillips). Keep the screws nearby for remounting the front panel later. Mounting screws (remove all) Back panel of the FOH Rack 7 Remove the HDx card from its packing material. Hold the card by its edges. Mounting bracket Faceplate Power connector Ribbon Cable connector Front panel of the FOH Rack 5 If your system has an FWx FireWire card installed, disconnect its ribbon cable and remove the card. HDx and FWx (FireWire Record/Playback Option) cards cannot be installed in the FOH Rack, and used simultaneously. HDx card showing bracket and connectors Chapter 2: Installing HDx 3
8 Gently slide the card into the expansion slot. Make sure it is oriented right-side up. 9 Secure the HDx card to the back panel of the FOH Rack using the two screws that secured the slot cover to the rack. 10 From the open front panel, reach inside the rack and attach included screw to secure the card to the chassis of the FOH Rack. 11 Locate an available power cable plug and connect it to the power socket on each HDx card. When correctly connected, the power cable s yellow wire should be the first wire on the left. Make sure the cables are securely connected. 12 Connect the included ribbon cable from the port on the first HDx card to the port labeled FireWire on the first Mix Engine card (the innermost card when viewed from the open front panel). Make sure that the notches on the ribbon cable line up correctly with the notch on the ports, and that each connector is securely connected. The HDx card connected to this first Mix Engine card will appear as HDx1 in the VENUE Patchbay. 13 If you are installing a second HDx card, do the following: Slide the card into the open expansion slot. and Connect the included ribbon cable to the port on the second HDx card and to the port labeled FireWire on the second Mix Engine card, the card immediately adjacent to the first Mix Engine card. The HDx card connected to this second Mix Engine card will appear as HDx 2 in the VENUE Patchbay. A single HDx card may be connected to the second Mix Engine card, which will then appear on the system as HDx2. A second FOH Rack Snake card is required for any HDx cards connected to the second Mix Engine card. 14 Reattach the FOH Rack front panel faceplate using its screws. 15 Reconnect power, audio, FOH Link, and any MIDI cables to the FOH Rack. 16 Power on all VENUE system components. Proceed to Confirming HDx Card Installation on page 8. Connecting the ribbon cable to the HDx card Connecting the ribbon cable to the first Mix Engine card 4 HDx TDM Card
Mix Rack HDx Card Installation This section shows how to install HDx cards into a Mix Rack. If you are installing a second option card in the Mix Rack for the redundant output configuration, follow these instructions and then proceed to Installing the Clock Source Jumper Cable on page 7. 5 On the back panel, locate the expansion slots. If you are installing one card, or the first of two cards, remove the top expansion slot cover by removing the two screws that secure it to the rack. To install the HDx card in the Mix Rack: 1 Shut down your sound system. 2 Power down your Mix Rack. 3 Disconnect all power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables connected to the Mix Rack. Expansion slots 4 Remove the front panel faceplate by unscrewing its mounting screws (#1 Phillips). Keep the screws nearby for remounting the front panel later. Mounting screws (remove all) Back of Mix Rack and the expansion slots 6 Remove the HDx card from its packing material. Hold the card by its edges. Mounting bracket Power connector Faceplate Ribbon Cable connector Front of the Mix Rack HDx card showing bracket and connectors Chapter 2: Installing HDx 5
7 Gently slide the card into the expansion slot. Make sure it is oriented right-side up. 10 Locate an available power cable. If the power cable is attached to the chassis with zip ties, cut the zip ties. Be careful not to cut the wires. Tightening the captive thumbscrews 8 Secure the HDx to the back of the Mix Rack using the screws that secured the expansion slot cover to the rack. 9 From the front of the rack, reach inside and secure the card to the chassis of the rack by tightening the captive thumbscrews. Cutting the power cable zip tie 11 Connect the power cable to the power socket on each HDx card. When the power cable plug is correctly connected, the power cable s yellow wire should be the first wire on the left. Make sure they are securely connected. Tightening the captive thumbscrews Connecting an internal power cable plug 6 HDx TDM Card
12 Connect the included ribbon cable from the port on the first (top) HDx card to the socket labeled FireWire on the first Mix Engine card (the innermost card when viewed from the open front panel). Make sure that the notches on the ribbon cable line up correctly with the notch on the ports, and that each connector is securely connected. The HDx card connected to this first Mix Engine card will appear as HDx1 in the VENUE Patchbay. Installing the Clock Source Jumper Cable If you installed a second card in your Mix Rack for the redundant output configuration, you must install the clock source jumper cable to ensure proper clocking. The clock source jumper cable is included with your Mix Rack. You must install VENUE software 2.9 before installing the clock source jumper cable. Visit our website, www.avid.com, for more information, or see the What s New in VENUE 2.9 guide. To install the clock source jumper cable: 1 Shut down your sound system. 2 Power down your Mix Rack. 3 Remove the front panel faceplate by unscrewing its mounting screws (#1 Phillips). Keep the screws nearby for remounting the front panel later. Connecting the ribbon cable to the HDx card 4 If necessary, install the second card. See Mix Rack HDx Card Installation on page 5. 5 If you have an existing HDx card installed in your rack, do the following to remove an existing cable from the rack: Locate the first, innermost Mix Engine card. Disconnect the existing ribbon cable (noted in the figure below) from the port labeled Snake by moving the latches on the port outwards to release the connector. Locate the other end of the cable (connected to the port labelled Snake on the Hub48 card), disconnect the cable, and remove it from the Mix Rack. Existing cable (remove) Connecting the ribbon cable connector to the first Mix Engine card 13 If you are installing a second HDx card, do the following: Slide the card into the open slot beneath the first card. Connect the included ribbon cable from the port on the second HDx card to the socket labeled FireWire on second Mix Engine card, the card immediately adjacent to the first Mix Engine card. The HDx card connected to this second Mix Engine card will appear as HDx2 in the VENUE Patchbay. Proceed to Installing the Clock Source Jumper Cable on page 7 14 : Reattach the Mix Rack faceplate using its screws. 15 Reconnect power, audio, FOH Link, and any other cables to the FOH Rack. 16 Proceed to Confirming HDx Card Installation on page 8. First Mix Engine card Second Mix Engine card Removing the existing ribbon cable Hub48 card Chapter 2: Installing HDx 7
6 Connect the clock source jumper cable s first connector to the port labeled Snake on the first Mix Engine card. Make sure that the notches on the ribbon cable line up correctly with the notch on the ports, and that the connector is securely connected. 9 Reattach the Mix Rack faceplate using its screws. 10 Proceed to Confirming HDx Card Installation on page 8. Confirming HDx Card Installation After you have installed HDx cards in your Mix Rack, confirm that you have installed it properly. To confirm HDx card installation: 1 Power up your VENUE system, making sure that all amps or speakers connected to your system are muted or turned off. 2 In VENUE, go to the Options > Devices page. Connecting the clock source jumper cable to the first Mix Engine card 7 Connect the cable s second blue connector to the to the port labeled Snake on the second Mix Engine card (the card immediately adjacent to the first Mix Engine card). 3 When successfully installed, HDx is auto-detected and shown on the Options > Devices page in the following ways, depending on your system configuration: In systems that include an FOH Rack, the HDx card connected to the first Mix Engine card appears as HDx 1, and the card connected to the second Mix Engine card HDx 2. HDx card indicated in the FOH Rack icon in the Devices page Connecting the clock source jumper cable to the second Mix Engine card 8 Connect the cable s last blue connector to the port labeled P1 To Mix Engine on the Hub48 card (the card closest to the front of the rack). Two HDx cards indicated in the FOH Rack icon in the Devices page In systems that include a Mix Rack, the HDx card connected to the first Mix Engine card appears as HDx 1, and the card connected to the second Mix Engine card appears as HDx 2. Connecting to the Hub48 card If your Mix Rack has a third Mix Engine card installed, do not connect the jumper cable to it. The jumper cable only connects to the first two Mix Engine cards and the Hub48 card. HDx 1 HDx 2 Detail of Devices tab indicating presence of an HDx card in the expansion card slot 8 HDx TDM Card
Connecting Pro Tools HD to HDx Pro Tools with HDx supports up to two HDx cards, each with two 32-channel DigiLink connectors, for a total of 128 channels of input or output to your VENUE system. Each HDx port is connected with a DigiLink cable (available separately from Avid) to an HD Core, Process, or Accel card in the Pro Tools computer or Expansion Chassis. All DigiLink cables connecting the HDx cards to the Pro Tools HD cards must be the same length. Connecting Pro Tools HD Cards to HDx The HDx card ports can be connected to the Pro Tools HD cards in any sequence, but if you are connecting an HD-series audio interface to the system, it must be connected to the last Pro Tools HD card in the sequence (the HD card farthest away from the HD Core card). Basic System The following is an example connection scheme for a single HDx card and Pro Tools system with an HD Core card and one additional card. See Figure 1 on page 10 for an example system diagram. 1 Pro Tools HD Core card: HDx1 card port A 2 Pro Tools HD Process or Accel card #1: HDx1 card port B Expanded System The following is an example connection scheme for two HDx cards and a Pro Tools system with an HD Core and 4 additional cards. See Figure 2 on page 11 for an example system diagram. 1 Pro Tools HD Core card: HDx1 card port A. 2 Pro Tools HD Process or Accel card #1: HDx1 card port B. 3 Pro Tools HD Process or Accel card #2: HDx2 card port A. 4 Pro Tools HD Process or Accel card #3: HDx2 card port B. 5 Pro Tools HD Process or Accel card #4: HD audio interface. Using an HD Audio Interface with HDx (Optional) You can connect one HD audio interface (192 I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 96 I/O, or 96i I/O) to the Pro Tools system to allow remote monitoring of audio by the recording engineer, or remote audio input to the Pro Tool system, such as with audience microphones in live performance. Word Clock Connections If a Pro Tools HD audio interface (192 I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 96 I/O, or 96i I/O) is connected to the system, a Word Clock connection between the VENUE system and the audio interface is required. If no Pro Tools HD audio interface is used, a Word Clock connection is not needed. To connect Word Clock between the VENUE system and a Pro Tools HD peripheral: 1 Connect one end of a BNC cable to the Word Clock Out port on the FOH Rack. (If a second FOH Snake card is present in the FOH Rack, connect the cable to the Word Clock Out port on the second FOH Snake card.) 2 Connect the other end of the BNC cable to the Loop Sync in port on the HD audio interface. Power Sequence Whenever you are using a Pro Tools system with HDx, always power up the system in the following sequence. Power up the VENUE system and the Pro Tools system in the following order: 1 Power up VENUE system components in the following order: Main Unit and Sidecars, or Profile Mix Rack, or Stage Racks and FOH Rack. 2 Start up the Pro Tools computer. 3 Launch Pro Tools. Power down the VENUE system and the Pro Tools system in the following order: 1 Quit Pro Tools. 2 Shut down the Pro Tools computer. 3 Shut down the VENUE system in the following order: Mix Rack, or FOH Rack and Stage Rack Main Unit and Sidecars, or Profile Chapter 2: Installing HDx 9
Stage Rack DigiLink cables Computer Digital Snake cables Primary Snake Redundant Snake FOH Link cable (to VENUE console) FOH Rack Figure 1. Basic VENUE system with one HDx card and 2-card Pro Tools system 10 HDx TDM Card
Expansion Chassis cable (to Pro Tools computer) USB cable (to Pro Tools computer) MIDI Interface (optional) Stage Rack 1 MIDI cables DigiLink cables Digital Snake cables Expansion Chassis DigiLink cables FOH Link cable (to VENUE console) DigiLink cable FOH Rack Digital Snake cables HD Audio Interface (optional) Word Clock cable Output to remote Pro Tools monitoring system Mic Preamp Stage Rack 2 Audience mics Primary Snake Redundant Snake Figure 2. Expanded VENUE system with 2 HDx cards, 5-card Pro Tools system and optional HD audio interface Chapter 2: Installing HDx 11
12 HDx TDM Card
Chapter 3: Using HDx Overview Each HDx card allows up to 64 channels of audio to be recorded into Pro Tools. You can also playback your recorded tracks through your VENUE system so you can, for example, perform a Virtual Soundcheck. Two HDx cards can be installed into an FOH Rack, allowing up to 128 record or playback channels. You can also operate the cards in a redundant output configuration, allowing you to record to two discrete Pro Tools systems. Signal routing for recording or playback is configured in both VENUE and Pro Tools. VENUE System Settings Recording Send direct digital splits of Mix Rack or Stage Rack inputs 1 48 (or 49 96 if using a second Stage Rack and a second HDx card) to Pro Tools. See Enabling Digital Splits on page 17 and Recording Digital Splits on page 21. Using assignable outputs, record the Main L/R mix using Direct Outs, or record submixes (or stems) using VENUE system bus outputs. See Recording the Main L/R Mix on page 19 and Recording Submixes on page 20. Record all 48 Stage inputs, plus any assignable outputs, to two independent, 64-channel Pro Tools HD systems (or to Pro Tools HD system and an external MADI device if you have an HDx card and a VENUE MADI card installed) in a redundant output configuration. See Enabling Redundant Outputs on page 19. Playback Virtually Soundcheck the band using Virtual Soundcheck mode. Pre-recorded Pro Tools tracks are the main source of audio for VENUE. Stage inputs on your VENUE system are replaced with inputs from Pro Tools. You can then make changes in Virtual Soundcheck mode, including creating and modifying Snapshots. These changes carry over when switching back to Stage mode. See Enabling Virtual Soundcheck Mode on page 17. Replace your Stage inputs with audio from Pro Tools using Input mode. In this mode, audio from Pro Tools is the main audio source for your VENUE system. Stage inputs on your VENUE system are replaced with inputs from Pro Tools. Unlike Virtual Soundcheck mode, input channel gain, HPF, and other PRE parameters are ignored (sources from Pro Tools are reset to default, i.e, taken direct into VENUE). See Enabling Input Mode on page 18. Playback Pro Tools tracks using assignable inputs. Mix pre-recorded tracks from Pro Tools in with your live mix, monitor your live recording, or mix-down tracks using your VENUE system. See Playing Back and Monitoring Pro Tools Tracks on page 21. For detailed live recording and playback workflows using HDx and Pro Tools, as well as information on configuring and troubleshooting your systems for live recording, see the Live Recording Guide. Chapter 3: Using HDx 13
Pro Tools System Settings When connected to Pro Tools, the HDx cards installed in your VENUE system appear in the Pro Tools Hardware Setup and IO Setup dialogs. How the HDx card s ports appear in Pro Tools depends on which version of Pro Tools HD you are running. Pro Tools HD 8.x and lower Each port of an HDx card appears in groups of 16 channels as follows: HDx1 card Port A appears as HDx1 A1 and HDx1 A2. HDx1 card Port B appears as HDx1 B1 and HDx1 B2. HDx2 card Port A appears as HDx2 A1 and HDx2 A2. HDx2 card Port B appears as HDx2 B1 and HDx2 B2. Pro Tools HD 8.1, Each port of an HDx card appears in groups of 32 channels as follows: HDx card 1 Port A appears in Pro Tools as HD1 Port A. HDx card 1 Port B appears in Pro Tools as HD1 Port B. HDx card 2 Port A appears in Pro Tools as HD2 Port A. HDx card 2 Port B appears in Pro Tools as HD2 Port B. HDx inputs in the Outputs page of the Pro Tools I/O Setup window (Pro Tools HD 8.x and lower) For more information on configuring your VENUE and Pro Tools systems for live recording, see the Live Recording Guide for VENUE and Pro Tools. HDx inputs in the Outputs page of the Pro Tools I/O Setup window (Pro Tools HD 8.1 shown) 14 HDx TDM Card
Signal Routing for Recording Direct Digital Splits in Stage Mode In Stage Mode, each HDx card provides a direct digital split of all 48 Stage input channels outputs. The input signal is split immediately after the input stage, and these input signals are sent directly to Pro Tools. The direct digital split channels do not appear separately in the Patchbay. In this mode, 16 assignable outputs for recording and 16 assignable inputs for playback are freely available. Mix Rack inputs are referred to as Stage inputs, while Stage Rack inputs are referred to as Stage 1 and Stage 2 inputs. Analog Stage Inputs 1 48 Stage Rack 1 (or Mix Rack) Options > System tab Inputs set to Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack) To Pro Tools Channels 1 32 Channels 33 48 HD1 Port A HD1 Port B Digital split of Stage input channels 1 48 Patchbay Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack) From Pro Tools HD2 Port A HD2 Port B Inputs 1 48 from Pro Tools To and From Assignable inputs 1 16 and assignable outputs 1 16 Pro Tools HD1 Port B Patchbay Pro Tools Figure 3. HDx signal flow for recording into Pro Tools Chapter 3: Using HDx 15
Signal Routing for Playback in Virtual Soundcheck Mode and HDx Input Mode In Virtual Soundcheck mode or HDx Input mode, Stage input channels 1 48 are replaced one-for-one with inputs from Pro Tools, and appear in place of those Stage Inputs in the Patchbay. In this mode, 16 assignable outputs for recording and 16 assignable inputs for playback are freely available. Mix Rack inputs are referred to as Stage inputs, while Stage Rack inputs are referred to as Stage 1 and Stage 2 inputs. Analog Stage Inputs 1 48 Stage Rack 1 (or Mix Rack) Options > System tab Inputs set to HDx (Virtual Soundcheck or Input Mode) Patchbay HDx 1 To Pro Tools HD1 Port A HD1 Port B Digital split of Stage input channels 1 48 Channels 1 32 From Pro Tools Channels 33 48 HD1 Port A HD1 Port B HDx inputs 1 48 To and from Pro Tools HD1 Port B HDx assignable inputs and outputs Patchbay Pro Tools Figure 4. HDx signal flow for playing back from Pro Tools 16 HDx TDM Card
Enabling Digital Splits To send digital splits of your VENUE system Stage input channels, you must enable your VENUE system s Stage inputs. To enable digital splits of VENUE Stage input channels: 1 Do one of the following to put your system into Config Mode: Press the Console Config switch on the console. or Double-click the Mode box in the bottom-right corner of the screen. 2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access the System Configuration page. 3 Click Edit. 4 For Stage 1 inputs, in the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 1 48, select Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack). Enabling Virtual Soundcheck Mode In Virtual Soundcheck mode, audio from Pro Tools replaces the corresponding Stage inputs one-for-one, and appear in place of those Stage Inputs in the VENUE Patchbay. The digital portion of the gain for each channel is preserved and applied to the incoming signal from Pro Tools. This results in the same apparent levels for Pro Tools inputs and Stage inputs. All changes to your live mix (such as channel assignments, and input and output processing) carry over when you switch to Virtual Soundcheck mode. When exiting Virtual Soundcheck mode and returning to Stage mode, you can choose whether or not to apply input channel gain changes to Stage input channels made while in Virtual Soundcheck mode. In VENUE software 2.8.1 and lower, the mode called HDx Input was the only mode available for replacing Stage inputs with Pro Tools audio inputs. It provided all Virtual Soundcheck features. Beginning in VENUE software 2.9, these features are provided in two separate operating modes. To enable Virtual Soundcheck mode: 1 Put your system into Config mode. Selecting Stage 1 inputs 5 For systems with a second Stage Rack, do the following: Select Enable Stage 2. Select Enable HDX 2. 2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access the System Configuration page. 3 Click Edit. 4 For the first HDx card, in the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 1 48 select HDx1, then select Virtual Soundcheck from the Input format pop-up menu. Enabling Stage 2 In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 49 96, select Stage 2. Enabling Virtual Soundcheck HDx 1 inputs 5 For systems with a second HDx card, do the following: Select Enable Stage 2. Select Enable HDx2. In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 49 96, select HDx2, then select Virtual Soundcheck from the Input format pop-up menu. Selecting Stage 2 6 Click Apply. The system restarts with all selected Stage inputs active. Any audio present on VENUE system Stage input channels is sent to all HDx card ports. Selecting Virtual Soundcheck for HDx2 inputs 6 Click Apply. Chapter 3: Using HDx 17
The Stage tabs in the Patchbay are replaced by HDx tabs, and all Stage routing is preserved. Audio from Pro Tools is sent to connected HDx card ports. A history Show file of the previous configuration is also created and stored in Filing > History. If you change input routing when in Virtual Soundcheck mode, those changes remain when you switch back to Stage input mode. Exiting Virtual Soundcheck Mode To exit Virtual Soundcheck mode and return to Stage mode: 1 Put your system into Config mode. 2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access the System Configuration page. 3 In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 1 48, select Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack). 4 For systems with a second Stage Rack, In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 49 96, select Stage 2. 5 When the Apply/Discard dialog appears, click either of the following as desired: Enabling Input Mode In Input mode, Pro Tools is the main source of audio signals for your VENUE system. Audio channels from Pro Tools appear one-for-one in place of Stage inputs in the VENUE Patchbay. When switching back to Stage mode, previous input channel gain and PRE settings are restored. Any adjustments made in Input mode are dropped. Use Snapshots to store PRE parameters before entering Input mode, then recall those Snapshots after switching back to Stage mode. To replace Stage inputs with inputs from Pro Tools: 1 Put your system into Config mode 2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access the System Configuration page. 3 Click Edit. 4 In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 1 48, select HDx1, then select Input Mode from the pop-up menu. Apply Any gain changes made in Virtual Soundcheck mode are added to the total Stage input gain on each channel. Discard Any gain changes made in Virtual Soundcheck mode are lost and the Stage input gain is returned to its previous value on each channel. For example, if you set the Stage Rack gain for a channel to +30 db, then switch to MADI Virtual Soundcheck inputs, a digital gain of +2.2 db is preserved in Virtual Soundcheck mode to yield the same overall gain on that channel (because 2.2 db of the 30 db setting was digital gain as compared to analog gain). While in Virtual Soundcheck mode, if you increase the digital gain on a channel by 6 db (to a displayed setting of +8.2 db), and then switch back to Stage mode, you can do one of the following: Apply the gain change, yielding a Stage Rack gain increase of 6 db, or a final setting of +36 db (30+6). or Discard the gain change, leaving the original Stage input gain unchanged at +30 db. Enabling Input mode for inputs 1-48 5 For systems with a second HDx or MADI card, do the following: Select Enable HDx2. Enable Stage 2 and HDx2 and In the Inputs section of the System Configuration page, beneath Inputs 49 96, select MADI 2, then select MADI Input from MADI Format the pop-up menu. Enabling Input mode for Stage 2 inputs 18 HDx TDM Card
It is possible to use HDx2 inputs even if a second Stage Rack (Stage 2) is not present in the system. A second Snake card must be installed in your FOH Rack. Click Apply. In the dialog box that appears, click OK. The Stage tabs in the Patchbay are replaced by HDx tabs, and all Stage routing is preserved. Audio from Pro Tools is sent to any HDx card ports. A history Show file of the previous configuration is also created and stored in Filing > History. If you want to revert to the previous configuration, in the Show Folder column select the most recent Show file from the Most Recent Changes folder, and click Load. Adjusting Input Gain in Input Mode In Input mode, input channel gain is adjusted using the input gain encoders. Digital gain ( 20 db to +18 db) is available for all MADI inputs. Exiting Input Mode When switching from Stage mode to Input mode, all gains for MADI input channels are set to 0 db. When switching from Input mode to Stage mode, all digital gain settings are replaced by pre-existing Stage gain settings. Enabling Redundant Outputs You can install two HDx cards, or a combination of HDx and VENUE MADI cards, in an FOH Rack or a Mix Rack and operate the cards in a redundant output configuration. With two HDx cards, you can record all 48 Stage inputs, plus any assignable outputs, to two independent 64-channel Pro Tools HD systems. If you have an HDx card and a VENUE MADI card installed, you can record all 48 Stage inputs, plus any assignable outputs, to a Pro Tools HD system, and transmit the same channels to an external MADI device. VENUE software 2.9 is required to enable redundant outputs. Visit our website, www.avid.com, or see the What s New in VENUE 2.9 guide for more information If you have an HDx card installed in slot 1 (HDx1) and a MADI card installed in slot 2 (MADI 2), and you want to copy HDx, click Enable MADI 2 and click Copy Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack) Outputs to MADI 2. If you have a MADI card installed in slot 1 (MADI 1) and a HDx card installed in slot 2 (HDx2), and you want to copy the MADI 1 outputs to HDx 2 outputs, click Enable HDx2 and click Copy Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack) Outputs to HDx 1. 5 Click Apply. Stage 1 inputs are copied to the second card s outputs, and all assignable inputs and outputs are available for each option card. Example Recording and Playback Configurations The following sections provides some example recording and playback configurations using HDx. For more detailed workflows, see the Live Recording Guide. For Pro Tools operational instructions, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide. Recording the Main L/R Mix You can record the Main L/R mix using the VENUE system Direct Outs. Direct Outs give you discrete output level controls for the Pro Tools recording. VENUE In the VENUE Patchbay, do the following: 1 Click the Directs tab. 2 Click the Outputs tab to the left of the channel grid. 3 Click the Pro Tools tab at the top right of the channel grid to show the available Pro Tools channels. 4 Click in the channel grid to patch the Main Left and Right Direct Outs (listed on the left) to available assignable Pro Tools channels (listed across the top). To enable redundant outputs: 1 Put your system into Config mode. 2 Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access the System Configuration page. 3 Click Edit. Routing the Main Left and Right Direct Outs to Pro Tools 4 Do one of the following depending on your configuration: If you have two HDx cards installed, click Enable HDx 2, an click Copy Stage 1 (or Stage for Mix Rack) Outputs to HDx 2. Chapter 3: Using HDx 19
5 Click the Pickoff column in the Patchbay to specify one of the following pickoff sources for each Direct Output: Top of Mains (indicated by a T ) Pre-Fader (indicated by a lowercase p ) Post-Fader (indicated by an uppercase P ) 3 To the left of the channel grid, click the tab for the type of bus output you want to route to Pro Tools. To send the Main L/R mix pre-eq, use the Top of Mains Direct Out pickoff point. This lets you capture the mix without hearing the effect of any inserted plug-ins or graphic EQs. 6 Activate the Direct Outs by clicking either channel s In button. 7 Set the level for the Direct Outs by adjusting either channel s Direct Out level control on-screen (or use the Direct Out channel encoder on the console if available). Direct Out level control On-screen Direct Out level control and In/Out button Selecting the type of bus output to route to Pro Tools 4 Click the Pro Tools tab at the top right of the channel grid to show the available outputs to Pro Tools. 5 Click in the channel grid to patch bus outputs (listed on the left) to available assignable Pro Tools channels (listed across the top). On-screen, the Direct Out level encoder is only available when the channel has been selected on the Patchbay page. Pro Tools In the Inputs tab of the I/O Setup dialog: Assign the corresponding HDx assignable output channels or channel pairs to HDx Assignable input paths in Pro Tools. Recording Submixes You can record submixes (also called stems) by sending VENUE system bus outputs directly to Pro Tools. Bus outputs such as Auxes, Groups, Matrixes, and PQs (if available) give you discrete level controls for the Pro Tools recording. VENUE On your VENUE system, do the following: 1 Assign Stage inputs and any FX Returns to the output busses you want to record in Pro Tools. 2 Go to the Patchbay page and click the Outputs tab at the top of the page. Routing Group bus outputs to Pro Tools 6 Set the levels for the recording by adjusting the faders for the channels you are sending to Pro Tools. If you are using bus outputs for your live mix and also want to record them, you can use the Direct Outs of the bus outputs. You can capture any inserted plug-ins and have discrete level control by selecting the Pre-Fader pickoff point for the Direct Out. Select the Top of Channel pickoff point if you do not want to capture any inserted plug-ins. Pro Tools In the Inputs tab of the I/O Setup dialog: Assign the corresponding HDx assignable output channels or channel pairs to HDx Assignable input paths in Pro Tools. If you are using bus outputs for your live mix and also want to record them, you can use the Direct Outs of the bus outputs. You can capture any inserted plug-ins and have discrete level control by selecting the Pre-Fader pickoff point for the Direct Out. Select the Top of Channel pickoff point if you do not want to capture any inserted plug-ins. 20 HDx TDM Card
Recording Digital Splits When recording digital splits of Stage input channels, assignable inputs and outputs are freely available and independently routable. 3 Click the Pro Tools tab at the top right of the grid to show the available FWx channels. 4 Click in the grid to route FWx channels to Input or FX Return channels. VENUE Go to the Options page and click the System tab to access the System Configuration page to confirm that your Stage inputs are active. See Enabling Digital Splits on page 17 for more information. Pro Tools In the Inputs tab of the I/O Setup dialog: 1 Click the Inputs tab. 2 Assign VENUE Stage1 or Stage2 input channels to HDx input paths in Pro Tools. For more information on configuring your VENUE and Pro Tools systems for live recording, see the Live Recording Guide for VENUE and Pro Tools. Signal Levels in Pro Tools When Recording Digital Splits 0 db on VENUE system input meters equal 20 dbfs. This 20 db of mixer headroom helps prevent digital clipping and distortion in live program material. HDx does not provide independent gain control for digital splits of Stage input channel, so program material coming into VENUE at 0 db will be recorded into Pro Tools at 20 dbfs. For gain control of HDx outputs to Pro Tools, use Direct Outputs to route audio channels to HDx assignable outputs, and adjust the gain on the Direct Output control for each channel. Playing Back and Monitoring Pro Tools Tracks You can route channels from Pro Tools to VENUE system Input Channels and FX Returns to use click tracks or other prerecorded material in a performance, mix down a Pro Tools session using your VENUE system, or monitor your live recording through your VENUE system. Patching FWx channels to D-Show FX Returns for playback 5 From the ACS or channel Input screens, assign routing for each HDx assignable input channel as needed: Assign to the main L/R bus to include Pro Tools audio in the main mix of a performance. Assign to a Group, Aux, Matrix, or PQ bus for submixing and monitoring. You can leave HDx assignable input channels unassigned and still monitor them in the Solo bus and headphones. To avoid potential feedback loops, make sure no channels are simultaneously sending to and receiving from any record-enabled Pro Tools tracks. Pro Tools In the Inputs tab of the I/O Setup dialog: 1 Click the Outputs tab. 2 Assign Pro Tools tracks to HDx Assignable output paths in Pro Tools. Use the Patchbay > Inputs page to route assignable input channels 1 16 to any available Input Channels or FX Returns. VENUE To route assignable input channels to Input Channels and FX Returns: 1 Go to the Patchbay and click Inputs tab. 2 Click the Channels or FX Returns tab to the left of the grid to display the type of channels you want to use. Chapter 3: Using HDx 21
Monitoring Recording with an HD Audio Interface If your HDx installation includes a Pro Tools HD audio interface, you can use the I/O Setup dialog in Pro Tools to monitor the HDx recording independently of HDx inputs and outputs. To configure the Pro Tools system to monitor the recording, send the outputs of the Pro Tools session to the signal path that corresponds to the audio interface outputs connected to your monitoring system. HD audio interface outputs in the Pro Tools I/O Setup dialog Auditioning Files in Pro Tools with HDx The audition function in Pro Tools, used for previewing audio files in the Import Audio dialog, the Audio Regions list, the Create Fades dialog, and for previewing AudioSuite processes, is limited to the first 8 channels of the primary audio interface. In an HDx-equipped VENUE system, the primary interface is always the first HDx card, so audition output goes to this default output path. When you have set Inputs 1 48 to HDx1, audition output will be sent to the first 8 channels of your console. It is not possible to send Pro Tools audition output to an audio interface that is connected at the end of the HDx card chain. 22 HDx TDM Card
Appendix A: Compliance Information Environmental Compliance Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance) This model HDX TDM Card complies with the following standards regulating interference and EMC: FCC Part 15 Class B EN 55103-1 E3 EN 55103-2 E3 AS/NZS CISPR 22 Class B CISPR 22 Class B FCC Compliance for United States Radio and Television Interference This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you purchased the product. Proposition 65 Warning This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Perchlorate Notice This product may contain a lithium coin battery. The State of California requires the following disclosure statement: Perchlorate Material special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Recycling Notice 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, Avid, 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard Daly City, CA 94014-3886, USA 650-731-6300 declare under our sole responsibility that the product HDx TDM Card 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. Communication Statement 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 relocate 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 Avid, could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Appendix A: Compliance Information 23
Australian Compliance Important Safety Instructions 1) Read these instructions. Avid Canadian Compliance This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. CE Compliance (EMC and Safety) Avid is authorized to apply the CE (Conformité Europénne) mark on this compliant equipment thereby declaring conformity to EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 4) Follow all instructions. 5) Do not use this equipment 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 equipment (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 power cords from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the equipment. 11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 24 HDx TDM Card