MC Pro

The MC Pro is a powerful computer control device with keyboard, trackballs, SmartSwitches, faders and knobs designed for Speed and Creativite Control.

As more and more professional applications move from hardware based solutions to workstation based solutions, the keyboard and mouse are rapidly becoming the only user interface available for the hundreds of controls and commands found in the average professional software package. Although the keyboard and mouse work well for some operations there are obvious limitiations.

We can all remember a couple of keystroke commands, but as workflow necessitates switching between applications it becomes more difficult to recall how to quickly access all the functions and parameters for every application we use. We sometimes need to access functions in applications that are buried in the background, such as transport controls for a media player. The MC Pro 's SmartSwitches solve this problem. There are also many parameters that are more easily adjusted using rotary controls, faders and joysticks instead of a mouse, trackball or keyboard.

With years of pioneering experience in control surface design, Euphonix now introduces the workstation world to the 'MC Pro', the ultimate controller to help free up the creative mind and speed up the operation and workflow of any project.

The System 5-MC is part of a larger end-to-end production workflow solution from Avid

When you put a world-class surface together with a world-class workstation and allow open connectivity and integration with third party plug-ins, virtual instruments, video solutions and I/O hardware you get a workflow solution that is modular, expandable, flexible, future proof, and highly cost-effective.

The System 5-MC is part of a larger end-to-end solution that includes Nuendo, Pyramix, the innovative MC Pro Media Application Controller and the integration of any EUCON aware applications with the current range of System 5 consoles found in top audio post, music, broadcast and live venues throughout the world.

By working closely with manufacturers who agree with an open architecture philosophy, a wide range of production products can be integrated in simple or complex end-to-end workflow solutions. As an example, you could start a project in Cubase, then move to Nuendo, then add an MC Pro controller, then move to a System 5-MC and finally move the project to one of the larger System 5-F multiple operator film consoles being used to mix top sound Oscar winning feature films such as ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’. And the System 5 can also control EUCON DAW stem recorders to finish off the process.

The SH612 switches monitor audio to each room. The DVI switch is connected to each controller for simultaneous screen switching.

Integration with the larger System 5 film consoles requires the EUCON Hybrid Option. Multiple EUCON enabled DAWs act as pre-mix systems, mixing down all original elements to manageable pre-mixes which then feed into the DSP SuperCore.

The MC Pro uses 4 powerful levels of control:

• Keyboard and Trackball
• Simple programmable keystroke commands and macros via the SmartSwitches
• HUI and Mackie Control protocols for control of DAWs that don't directly support EUCON
• High-speed networked control of EUCON aware applications such as Pro Tools, Nuendo, Sequoia and Logic Pro.

Level 1 - Keyboard and Trackball

Sit at the MC Pro and you can instantly access your favorite applications using the full sized keyboard and trackball. You can change the supplied keyboard for one of your own choice and fit a mouse if you prefer this to a trackball. We can include a keyboard frame to house the latest flat apple keyboard as shown opposite.

The large smooth trackball includes a scroll ring and has 4 switches. It is situated on the right side surrounded by programmable SmartSwitches for fast access to common functions.

Keyboard and trackball are sent in the EUCON control data via Ethernet so there is no need for extra keyboard and mouse cables. They work with both Mac and PC workstations.

The MC Pro uses LCD display SmartSwitches to intelligently display switch functions.

The MC's LCD display SmartSwitches can be programmed to send everything from complex macros and simple keystroke commands, such as Ctrl-X, to complex macro commands and named so their function is obvious. Users can lay out keys in any order and with any function to build a surface that matches their way of working. Key mappings are saved to 'Application Sets', which automatically change as each different application is activated. Avid supplies default Application Sets for a number of programs but these can be modified by the user and saved. This means that the MC Pro speeds up operation of ANY workstation application including professional video editing and audio workstation applications that have hundreds of keystroke commands.

Keys can also be locked to a particular EUCON application even if it is buried in the background - for example transport controls for a EUCON media player.

The displays can be set to show any character set including Japanese so that operators can see functions in their native language.

There are three groups of SmartSwitches - the two Edit Controller sections each with 16 switches next to the trackballs, and the Soft Keys which include 24 switches above the keyboard. Dedicated bank switches can be found next to the SmartSwitch sections.

The System 5-MC supports the HUI & Mackie command protocol allowing control of applications such as Pro Tools, Digital Performer, & Final Cut Pro. MC Pro supports the HUI & Mackie command protocols to allow control of applications such as Live, Record, Reason, and more. Commands are sent via Ethernet and appear from a virtual MIDI port in the DAW.

HUI & Mackie Control allows for fader level and touch sense, pan, aux send control, solo, plug-in selection and parameter control, record arm, and automation from the channel strips and from the faders and 8 soft knobs on the MC Pro.

Any DAW commands that are assigned to keystrokes can easily be programmed into the 56 LCD SmartSwitches, including transport controls, which extends MC Pro’s control even further. The edit wheel can be used for jog and shuttle as well as for zooming and selection in the editor. The MC Pro will also receive MTC and display it on the touchscreen.

The EUCON open control protocol enables MC Pro to communicate at high speed with Pro Tools 9, Nuendo, Pyramix, Logic Pro, and many other software applications.

EUCON provides you with high-speed network access to any function in a software application which has a EUCON driver. For example, every control on the MC Pro can be used for high-speed intelligent access to any function in Pro Tools 9. MIDI is fine for basic control but lacks the speed and complexity necessary to control applications such as workstations or video editors at a professional level.

EUCON is bi-directional enabling MC Pro to receive high-speed data such as metering and processing status graphics from the EUCON software running on the workstation for display on the MC Pro surface—the controller becomes an integrated part of the DAW user interface. The Jog/Shuttle wheel can also be used for trim head/tail, fade head/tail, position, zoom, slip, and move. EUCON allows the MC Pro to intelligently place tracks on the surface and to control plug-ins on the channel strips and eight assignable knobs.

In addition to all the application control features the MC Pro includes monitoring controls situated in the top left of the surface.

ASIO and Core Audio applications send their audio outputs through the Studio Monitor Express application, which acts as a monitoring system. The Studio Monitor Express outputs feed directly into any ASIO or Core Audio hardware I/O and is controlled from the MC Pro surface providing the workstation with a professional surround sound monitor matrix and supporting multiple speaker outputs each with formats up to 5.1. Studio Monitor Express can be setup from the MC Pro's touchscreen.

• Monitoring of Mono, Stereo or 5.1 with basic fold down
• 8 Internal, 8 External Inputs Mac ver.
  32 Internal or External Inputs PC ver.
• Control Room monitor & 2 Alternate with Dim, Cut, Fixed level
• 1 Talkback channel assignable to any Monitor O/P
• 1 Recorder O/P

Studio Monitor Pro Option
For film dubbing and large mixing applications Studio Monitor Express can be upgraded to Studio Monitor Pro which adds many features

Studio Monitor Pro Options adds complete film monitoring facilities to the MC Pro & System 5-MC

Main features that Studio Monitor Pro supports...

• Up to 7.1 surround monitoring with full fold down matrix
• 48 Internal or External Inputs
• Control Room monitor & 2 Alternate with Dim, Cut, Fixed level
• Individual speaker level and mute controls for setting up the studio
• 2 Studio/Headphone monitors with Dim and Cut
• 4 Talkback channel assignable to any Monitor O/P
• 2 Recorder O/P’s
• Each source has 2 inputs allowing for PEC/DIR monitor switching
• User configurable source layouts i.e. LCRLsRsB or LRLsRsCB
• Full control from MC Pro touch screen
• Monitor insert for Dolby decoders etc

A high-resolution (1024x768) touchscreen is situated just above the keyboard for file management and for programming the various functions of the MC Pro.

Areas of the screen are reserved for permanent display of filenames, transport state, Soft Knob designations, fader labels and the main menu. Each section of the MC Pro includes a 'setup' button which brings up a setup screen for that section of the surface.

The MC Pro screen has the following screens:

• File management
• Track selection and management
• Flip functions for swapping faders and knobs when used in the System 5-MC
• Pan - includes a touchscreen surround panner
• Automation setup for fader, knob and switch automation control
• Soft Key setup for assigning function to the SmartSwitches
• Lock menu for locking sections of the MC Pro to a particular function
• System setup and preferences
• Setup for Monitoring

Edit Control banks, Soft Key banks, Knob Sets and Application Sets can all be named, stored, recalled, renamed, and deleted.

High quality faders, joysticks and workstation select switches are situated in the upper right corner of the MC Pro.

Two options are available for the upper right hand area of the MC Pro. The stand-alone version is usually fitted with 4 faders. The MC Pro supplied in a System 5-MC includes a pair of joysticks.

The faders are the same high quality professional long-throMackie Control or high-resolution control of track levels in EUCON applications. The metering LEDS to the left of the faders can show audio levels from EUCON aware applications. On, solo and record keys operate on the selected tracks. Page keys, nudge keys and 'Layouts' are available via the touch screen for setting the faders to control different sections of a DAW console or for assigning any combination of tracks to the faders. 6 Strip Control buttons associated with the faders facilitie selecting tracks to faders.

The Joysticks can send out HUI or Mackie Control data as well as operate intelligently with EUCON aware applications for surround panning.

To the right are a set of keys that can be used when the MC Pro is controlling multiple workstations using an external switch which is available separately.

8 touch sensitive rotary knobs with LED display rings are available for control of EQ, Dynamics and any other plug-in that requires multiple knobs.

These can be programmed to send out HUI or Mackie Control data but are more effective when used with EUCON aware applications as they can be set to intelligently pick up functions such as EQ, dynamics, aux sends, or plug-ins.

Left and right keys are available to page within a single processor. Knobset assignments for plug-ins or other processors can be saved. 8 knobs can be set to operate on 1 channel/track or 4 each on 2 channels/tracks.

The SmartSwitch LCD displays can show knob function. Switches are available for automation and other knob related functions.

The 9th knob situated to the left is an assignable control that automatically picks up the current active control in the application. For example, if you move the pointer over a pan control in a EUCON aware software application, that knob will act as a pan control. The knob can be locked on a particular function.

One of the most exciting aspects of the MC Pro surface is its ability to switch automatically between applications - all controls on the surface switch to match whichever application is made active on the workstation.

And MC Pro automatically detects not only the application but also if it is a EUCON application, such as Pro Tools 9 or Nuendo, or a Mackie Control application such as Live, and sets the control mode accordingly. The setup of the MC Pro surface is saved to an Application Set.

The MC Pro ships with a number of built-in default Application Sets for popular applications. Users can copy default Application Sets and modify them to their way of working. When a user logs in, the MC Pro can access all the available Application Sets for that user.

Remember that the user can build Application Sets for any application, from Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, Entourage through to the most sophisticated applications such as Pro Tools, Media Composer, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, and so on.

EUCON aware applications also have Application Sets but these contain a higher level of control layouts and mapping to match the higher level of EUCON communication. With EUCON applications, lists of the application's functions are available for mapping to the SmartSwitches. With non-EUCON applications, functions are accessed by programming keyboard shortcuts.

MC Pro Hardware Features:

The MC Pro package is made up of the MC Pro controller, external power supply, and includes keyboard, PC and Mac OS X EUCON Client Application software. The MC Pro also comes with Application Sets which include SmartSwitch shortcuts for many DAW and video edit applications. Display and DAW software are not included.

Workstation Requirements

The MC Pro can connect to any high-speed workstation running with Mac OS X, Windows XP, or Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit). A multiple processor workstation is highly recommended to ensure the DAW or video editor has enough horsepower. With Mac OS X a multiple core Mac Pro is recommended.

3rd Party Products

ProTools , Logic, Digital Performer, SONAR, Final Cut Pro, and Soundtrack Pro all includes full EUCON support for total integration with the MC Pro. If the MC Pro is to be connected to Nuendo it can be supplied with the Nuendo EUCON Adaptor which is compatible with Nuendo version 3.1 or higher. To connect to Pyramix, Version 5 is required and an OASIS key must be purchased from a Pyramix reseller. To switch between multiple workstations a GPIO relay switch box is available for connection to a DVI switch such as the Gefen range of DVI matrix switchers for automatic screen selection. Any I/O that is compatible with the DAW can be used.