MachineControl — Pro Tools 5.x and HD Systems

MachineControl 2.0 with Pro Tools|HD Systems

With Pro Tools 5.3.1 for Mac OS 9 & 5.3.3 for Windows XP

For Pro Tools 6.1, see the following:

Digidesign's MachineControl option is officially supported with the Pro Tools|HD system and Pro Tools 5.3.1 for Mac OS 9 and Pro Tools 5.3.3 for Windows XP. MachineControl supports two machine communication modes, Serial Control mode and Remote Deck Emulation mode:

Remote Deck Emulation mode lets a 9-pin master machine control Pro Tools playback, cueing, and record-arming of tracks. Remote deck emulation mode is available for use with the following controllers:

  • Soundmaster ION/ATOM
  • Colin Broad SR4
  • Timeline Microlynx
  • Timeline KCU, Lynx, Lynx2

Serial Control mode lets Pro Tools not only control an external machine, but also receive time code position using only the serial cable. It can also be used to arm tracks of external machines from within Pro Tools.

MachineControl for Macintosh

In order to use the 9-pin remote deck emulation with Pro Tools|HD, you must connect the remote controller to your Pro Tools system with a modem-to-serial port or USB-to-serial port adapter.

Digidesign currently supports the GeeThree Stealth Port for G4 - AGP Video (Sawtooth), Stealth Port for Dual Processor G4s or Griffin g4Port installed in the modem port of the G4.

When using the GeeThree products, version 1.0.3 or higher of the Stealth Port extension is required, available here: www.geethree.com/download.html

For USB-to-serial conversion, Digidesign qualifies the Keyspan USA-28x USB-to-Serial adapter with driver v1.72 or higher, available at: www.keyspan.com/downloads

When using Serial Control mode, all of the above mentioned modem-to-serial and USB-to-serial port devices can be used, as well as the SYNC I/O's 9-pin ports. Note: Different ports have different response capabilities with Machine Control. In Digidesign's internal testing we have found the best response on the widest amount of decks when using the Keyspan USB adapter.

Download the MachineControl Update for Pro Tools 5.3.1 for Macintosh

New purchases of this software include an iLok License Card. iLok USB Hardware Key sold separately, available from your Authorized Digidesign Dealer or the DigiStore (an iLok USB Hardware Key is included with Pro Tools|HD systems)

MachineControl for Windows

In order to use the 9-pin remote deck emulation with Pro Tools|HD, you must connect the remote controller to your Pro Tools system via your computer's com port.

Download the MachineControl Updates for Pro Tools 5.3.1 or 5.3.3 for Windows XP Pro Tools|HD systems

New purchases of this software include an iLok License Card. iLok USB Hardware Key sold separately, available from your Authorized Digidesign Dealer or the DigiStore (an iLok USB Hardware Key is included with Pro Tools|HD systems)