Console - Configuring the Mixing Console

For each 52/MX, 52/RX, 52/SX and RM4200D device there is in the project tree a Console subsection under the <Mixer> node. To configure the user interface of the console, select this subsection. There exist three tabs:

On the Keys tab, you can assign logic functions and labels to the keys of the console.
On the Console tab, you can select the needed modules and insert them into the mounting frame.
On the Authorisation tab, you can define for every key, which user group is allowed to use these keys.

To configure the user interface of the console, you first have to select the modules for the console and then assign the desired functions and labels to the keys.

In the Console subsection in the project tree, select the Console tab to configure the layout of the console.

Follow these steps to configure the layout of a Series 52 device or a RM4200D console:

1. Select the desired module from the Available Modules area.
2. Drag the module and drop it in an empty slot (grey rectangle) of the mounting frame in the Console Layout area.

only 52/XC or 52/XS Core: You can change the type of the installation frame in the Type of Console list. You can also change the automatically suggested size of the installation frame in the Size list.

To remove modules from the mounting frame, right-click on the module, select Delete from the contextual menu.

To add a console, in the Console Layout area, right-click on any of the console tabs in the Console View area. Select Add Console from the contextual menu. You can create up to 14 different consoles per DSP frame.

To remove a console, in the Console Layout area, right-click on the console tab you want to remove. Select Remove Console from the contextual menu.

To rename a console, in the Console Layout area, right-click on the console tab you want to rename. Select Rename Console from the contextual menu. A Rename Console window opens. Enter the new console name in New Label box. Click OK.

Keep in mind that splitting the modules to different consoles does not mean splitting of the mixer functions. Independent from the number of consoles, all have access to the same busses and fader signals. The splitting of the mixer into separate consoles is for organisational reasons only. If you want to operate another independent console in a DSP frame, find further information in Virtual Mixers.

Configuring the console.

To insert a Q-Panel module to the console layout, it is necessary to insert them into a blank console layout. Drag a Q-Panel module to the console layout, the background of the view changes to a Q-Panel mounting frame automatically. It is also not possible to add console modules to a Q-Panel.

Configuring Q-Panels.

If there are already modules in the rack, you can open a contextual menu by right-clicking on the mounting slots.

Contextual menu of the console layout section.

To reorganise the modules in your console layout, use drag & drop, cut and paste or copy and paste. If the modules already have functions and labeled keys, this configuration is transferred to the copy of a module.

In the contextual menu of a module, you find the commands Print module layout and Print key labels. Use them to either print the complete module view including the assigned labels or just the key labels.

In the contextual menu of a module, you find the function Assign physical Module. Use this function to match your console layout to the physical console. This assignment defines which hardware module corresponds to which configured software module. You have to do this assignment for each console module (52/RX, 52/SX, RM4200D) or each module group (52/MX) as well as each TFT display.

After clicking Assign physical Module, the selected module or a group of modules start flashing in the console layout. At the same time, at least one key flashes on each available module of the physical console and ASSIGN buttons are shown on the TFT displays. Now press a key on the module or the ASSIGN button on the TFT display that you want to match to the software module from where you called the Assign physical Module command. This way, the function is automatically terminated and you have assigned the selected graphical module to the corresponding hardware.

To cancel the Assignment procedure right-click on an module in the console layout and select Cancel physical Module Assignment.

In the contextual menu of a module you can find a Calibrate command.

Use the Calibrate command to adjust the 0 dB fader positions and to appoint the touch sensitive area of TFT displays.

Calibrating faders: Set all faders of a fader module to 0 dB (as accurately as possible). Right-click the respective module in the console layout and select Calibrate from the contextual menu. Now, all faders of this module are set to the new value. Repeat this procedure for all other fader modules.

Calibrating TFT displays: Right-click the desired TFT display in the console layout and choose Calibrate in the contextual menu. Now, you can see a cross in one of the physical TFT displays corners. Press this cross as accurately as possible and do the same for the crosses that will appear in the other corners of the display. Repeat this procedure for all other TFT displays.

When inserting the modules in the console view, you have to mind the following:

• RM4200D Fader overbridge modules can only be used with a fader module. You can only configure one overbridge module for each fader module. To configure the overbridge modules RM420-023 and RM420-028, you first have to insert the corresponding fader module RM420-029 or RM420-020 below.
• If you set up the blank modules RM420-022, RM420-022-O or the blind stripes 52-4490, 52-4590 and 52-4592 in the console, this only affects the printout and the monitor view of the console.
• Toolbox5 assigns automatically DSP resources for every inserted fader module. These DSP resources are necessary for the input processing. One stereo processing is needed per fader. In this case, only empty DSP processings and the necessary routing channels are assigned to the bus system. If you assign specific DSP functions to the fader channel, the DSP load increases again.

In the Module Options area of the Console and the Keys tab, you can adjust the following features for the modules currently selected in the console layout. Keep in mind that Module Options are only shown if no key of the module is selected.

• Module: Shows the name of the module. This value can not be changed.
• Access Group: Select to which access group the module should belong. All modules of the same access group cooperate for certain functions, for example when you create parameters for a fader channel on the central console. There are four access groups.
• Module ID: Shows the unique identification number of the module in the system. This value can not be changed.
• Description (control modules and 52/MX overbridge modules only): This description is shown in the displays of the control modules. The description should simplify the identification during the further configuration. The description overwrites the module ID. Type a space character in the Description box to set the display to off by default.
• Overbridge mode (52/MX overbridge modules only): The overbridge modules which are situated above control modules are always assigned as control modules automatically. You can choose for the overbridge modules above faders whether it should be a fader overbridge module or a control module (master overbridge).
• Display Setup (52/MX, 52/RX and 52/SX fader modules only, at XC/XS devices it is required to select the display in the module preview): The displays of the Series 52 fader modules are able to show four lines. In the table you can define which content is shown in the several lines. Click on the content of a line to open a list and select the desired content for each line. You can create different setups for single channels by activating the function Independent Display for these channels.

Changing the display content of the fader modules.

• Invert fader scale (fader modules only): Invert the faders of the whole mixer. To close a fader, you have to move it to the upper position. To open, you have to move it to the lower position. DHD offers an appropriate front plate for the fader module RM420-020.
• 0 dB at fader max position (fader modules only): Shift the scale of all fader modules in a mixer by 10 dB, so the fader has an amplification of 0 dB on the top position. Please note that the labelling of the front plate can not reflect this shift, it remains unchanged.
• Fader Speed (52/MX, 52/RX fader modules only): Set the speed of motorised faders during automatic movements like Channel Start ON/OFF or layer switching.
• Default Display Text (RM4200D control modules only): Select one of the preset display options from the drop-down list (RM4200D <Firmware-Version>, <Device Name>, Timer 1…6 or Module <Description>). * Display follows menu (control modules only, at XC/XS devices it is required to select the display in the module preview): If the Display follows menu check box is disabled, the text in the displays of the control modules is static. If the check box is enabled, information on the current process is shown. The check box is activated by default.
• Selector (RM4200D control modules only): A selector for modules with hardware selector access (selector display and corresponding rotary encoder) can be defined here.
• Allow Selector Shift (RM4200D control modules only): If this check box is enabled, the selector is shifted if a Monitor Bus Shift key is pressed.
• Unassigned Talkback Connections: In this area, you can see the available talkback sources and destinations which are not assigned. Drag an unassigned talkback connection from the list and drop it to a desired key in the Module area. (Drag & drop only on the Keys tab available) Now, the talkback connection is directly assigned to that key.

The displays of the 52/MX / 52/RX control modules are operated in a split mode. Therefore, the displays can show the values of two functions simultaneously.

The Module-ID of each module is unique in a DHD system and allows the correct communication of the modules among each others. The configurable operating modules of the 52/MX and the RM4200D can be separated into the following functional groups:

You can insert in an RM4200D console, up to 12 fader modules. In an 52/MX you can insert, up to 48 fader modules. These fader have automatically assigned module IDs. For the RM4200D the IDs are: from left to right #F1 to #F12. For the 52/MX the IDs are: from left to right #F1 to #F48. The fader overbridge modules are an extension of the corresponding fader module, and have the same ID as their fader module.

The control modules have also automatically assigned module IDs after inserting in the console layout. The control overbridge modules are an extension of the corresponding control module and have the same ID as their control module.

You can see the automatically assigned address of a module in the Module ID box.

The selection of the access group for a module defines with which other modules it cooperates for operation and display. All modules of the same access group cooperate, modules with different groups do not. You can choose between four access groups.

On the Keys tab, you can assign the desired functions and labels to the fader and control modules.

To configure keys of fader and control modules, follow these steps:

Key label with forced line break.

1. Select the desired module in the console layout. The selected module is now surrounded by a blue border. In the Module area, you see a large view of this module.
2. In the Module area, click on the key, which you want to configure. Now you can see on the Keys tab, a new Key Options area.
3. In the Key Options area, enter a label for the key in the Label box. This label is later used as printout for the label key caps. To get a forced line break in the key label, enter a backslash (\).
4. On the View menu, select Key Functions. The Key Functions window opens.
5. Select the desired key function and drag it to the key preview in the Key Options area, or to the (No Function) text, or to the desired key in the Module area. According to the selected key function, additional parameters for the configuration of the key may appear in the Key Options area.

The keys on the fader modules can be configured with the key functions for fader modules, independent from the position and layout of the keys. (See Fader Modules)

The keys on the control modules can be configured with the key functions for control modules, independent from the position and layout of the keys. (See Control Modules)

If you have assigned a key function to a key, always a Colors area appears in the Key Options area. Set the logic sources which lead to the lighting conditions of the key.

Depending on the selected key function, you can define here, with which color the key shall light up according to the lamp source. On is the color if the function is enabled, Off if the function is in inactive condition. For the last case, mostly the Off option is used, for example the key does not light up. Depending on the selected key function, you find also different names in the Lamp Source column, for example Standby, Available, Busy, Owned, Layer A, Layer B or the name of the selected lamp source.

For the small keys of the modules, you can define the colors red and yellow. The large keys can light up in red, yellow and green. You can define flashing colors for the keys. Select the check box, in the Colors area.

There are differences in the coloring of the keys - depending on the kind of used components. Certain keys can change the color display by software controlling, others can only be configured using colored key caps. Depending on the key, you can define during configuration, which color the key should have in certain conditions.

For the 52/MX and 52/RX, at present three different types of keys are used:

For the RM4200D, at present three different types of keys are used:

In addition to the lighting conditions listed in the table, all keys can also be Off.

Please note that the LED color of the standard keys is defined in the Config and can change according to the logic state during operation. Therefore, the key caps have to be clear. As far as the configuration of the standard keys is concerned, the colors refer to LEDs and not to color transparencies.

There is a difference with the keys below the faders of an RM420-020 module. If you select a color for these keys, this is for information only which LED color and color of the key cap is to be inserted during manufacturing the module. These keys can only have the color ordered from DHD. During configuration, the colors refer to the color of the key cap, DHD uses the illuminant according to the table. Further options can not be ordered.

On the Authorisation tab, you can assign authorisation groups to certain keys. Use these authorisation groups to deny a user group access to certain keys. You have to create the appropriate authorisation groups previously. (See Administration)

On the Authorisation tab, you see the modules of the console in a minimized view. Keys that have been assigned to an authorisation group are shown red, not assigned keys grey. All grey keys can be used by all console users without entering a PIN.

Console, Authorisation. Assigning keys to authorisation groups.

To assign a key to authorisation groups, follow these steps:

1. In the Console Layout area, select a module. In the Module area you can see an enlarged view of that module.
2. In the Module area, select the key you want to limit access for. A Key Options area appears.
3. In the Key Options area, you can see a Restrict key access to authorisation groups list with authorisation group check boxes. Select the authorisation groups, which have access to that key. The selected key becomes red and (only on this tab) shows the restricted access.

All functions that you can configure for fader modules and fader overbridge modules are described in this subsection.

To configure a key, see Configuring keys of fader and control modules.

If you define a function for a key on a fader module, this function is assigned for the same key on all neighbour fader modules of the same type. If you change the function of a key, the appropriate keys of the other fader modules change as well. You can stop this coupled behavior for each key. To do this, select the Independent Key check box in the Key Options area.

You can use the Independent Key option for example for a fader with statically assigned sources or if you want to physically offset a fader module, for example for an independent operator.

Depending on the function you chose for a key, in the Key Options area, additional options are shown.

In the following tables, you find all available Key Functions plus their options or sub-functions.

The functions that can be assigned directly to the encoders of fader modules are identical to the options of the Encoder Function Set function.

To configure a TFT display, in the project tree, select the subsection <device>/<Mixer>/Console. On the Keys tab, in the Console Layout window click on the desired TFT display. Now you can edit the characteristics of the selected TFT display in the Other Options area.

• Module: Shows the name of the module. This value is preset by the selected TFT display (52-4015 or 52-4017), it can not be changed.
• Access Group: Select or enter an access group number to which the screen should belong. All modules of an access group cooperate for certain functions, for example when creating parameters for a fader channel on the central module.
• Module ID: In this box the unique identification number of the module in the system is shown.
• Description: You can type a description of the TFT display in this box. This description is automatically used as Module ID.
• TFT operation mode: To show the configured fader views on this TFT display, select the Fader Display option. You can also define the display as one of the 16 available central displays. Select Central Display 1…16 to show Main TFT views on it. (See also TFT Views)
• Default View: If you configured the selected TFT display as a central display, you can define a Master View as default. This view is always shown if no other TFT view is selected.
• Access View: If you configured the selected TFT display as a central display, you can select a master TFT view that is shown, if an Access key is pressed.

In general, each key of a control module can be configured with any control module function, independent from its location and built.

The flexible construction of the 52/MX and the RM4200D enables you to configure a great variety of functions. Therefore, only a few functions are described here in detail. As a supplement, you can obtain files with example configurations from DHD that you can look at in Toolbox5.

To configure a key, see Configuring keys of fader and control modules.

Some functions are ACCESS and DISPLAY functions. In addition, some have more layers that you have access to by pressing a function key again or by pressing OK on the same module. In the table, these are numbered 1. (main level), 2. (2nd level), etc.

The option ON/OFF in a function can also be operated inversely. This means that you either select the desired channel first (ACCESS) and then press the ON/OFF key of a function or press the ON/OFF key of a function first. In the last case, the channels linked to the function indicate this assignment by lighting up the corresponding keys. This is especially useful for dynamic and routing functions.

Examples:

• First press the Access key in a fader strip. Now you can switch the corresponding key for the channel busses on and off in the control module.
• If instead no Access function is active in the fader strip, you can press and hold a key for assigning a bus in the control module. Now, the Access keys of all channels are lighting up that are assigned to this bus. So you can check quite quickly, which signals are routed to a certain bus. Functions like this are marked INVERSE in the following table.

has no function.

The following functions can be assigned to the encoders of control modules directly:

The layout of the universal module 52-4505 can be adapted within the scope of a defined pattern. The module can feature up to 5 pushbuttons or up to 3 potentiometers. A specific and thus clear arrangement of the pushbuttons on the module surface contributes to improved ergonomics and operation. Omitting particular pushbuttons from a fully equipped module with 5 pushbuttons results in 31 different combinations.

The following layouts are already produced:

52-4505A basis module	52-4505B	52-4505C	52-4505D	52-4505E

The same applies to the modules with potentiometers. Based on a maximum of 3 potentiometers, there are 7 different combinations. Furthermore, the circuit board of the module can also be fitted into the mixing console without front panel, then being controlled by external potentiometers.

The following layouts are already produced:

52-4303A basis module	52-6509A for up to 3 external potentiometers	52-4301A	52-4305A

The foil on the modules 52-4301A, 52-4303A and 52-4305A is imprinted with a default labelling in German. For other markings you can apply adhesive labels. Change requests concerning the original labelling can only be realised in connection with a minimum order and a delivery time of 12 weeks. For labelling changes or different module layouts it is necessary to contact DHD before ordering.

The overbridge module RM420-013 has additional display elements and a chip card reader. The configuration of these additional functions is described in this subsection.

In the project tree, select <Device>/<Mixer>/Console. On the Console tab, drag the RM420-013 module from the Available Modules area to an empty slot in the Console Layout area. Select this module in your console layout. In the Other Options area, you can assign logic sources to the LEDs of the display elements MIC ON, ON AIR, PHONE 1 and PHONE 2.

RM420-013 overbridge modules that have been manufactured until May 2003 have an electromagnetic eject function for the chip card. For all modules produced later (from June 2003) the chip card has to be removed manually.

Two versions of card readers: Left: with electromagnetic eject (card with chip upwards); Right: removing card manually (chip downwards).

For card readers with electromagnetic eject, assign any logic source to the Card release source box which ejects the chip card. Often, the Eject Card key is used.