Using MotorMix with Pro Tools
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Introduction
The MotorMix by CM Labs is a mixing and editing control surface designed to interface seamlessly with Pro Tools. Dedicated MotorMix controls allow easy navigation through Pro Tools functions, including mixing, editing, grouping, plug-in control, and automation. Communication between the MotorMix and Pro Tools is bidirectional, which means that control surface movements from the MotorMix are reflected on-screen in Pro Tools, and changes in Pro Tools are mirrored on the MotorMix. Key features of MotorMix include eight motorized faders, eight rotary pots, back lit LCD display, and LED illuminated switches. The MotorMix supports dedicated Pro Tools functions, including controls for window selection, groups, editing and transport control. Additionally, you can use multiple MotorMix units to customize your control surface needs.

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Installation and Configuration

To use the MotorMix with Pro Tools, you will first need to connect the MotorMix to your MIDI interface, and configure OMS (Macintosh only) and Pro Tools.

To connect the MotorMix to your MIDI interface:
 Connect MIDI IN and OUT of the MotorMix to the MIDI OUT and IN on one port of your MIDI interface. If you are using multiple MotorMix units, each unit must be connected to separate ports on the MIDI interface with two MIDI cables (IN and OUT).

To configure OMS (Macintosh only) for the MotorMix:
  1. Launch OMS Setup.
  2. Add the CM Labs MotorMix as a new device.
  3. Define MotorMix as a controller on MIDI channel 1. If you are using multiple MotorMix units, each unit must have a unique name (for example, MotorMix 1, MotorMix 2, and so on).
  4. Save your Studio Setup and Quit OMS Setup.
To configure Pro Tools for use with the MotorMix:
  1. Each time you use Pro Tools, you should have MotorMix powered up first to ensure that the MotorMix gets a complete update of your most recent session settings.
  2. Launch Pro Tools and open a session or create a new one.
  3. Choose Setups > Peripherals.
  4. Select the MIDI Controllers tab in the Peripherals dialog.
  5. Select MotorMix in the Type pop-up menu.
  6. Select the MotorMix defined OMS device in the Receive From pop-up menu (Macintosh only).
  7. Select the MotorMix defined OMS device in the Send To pop-up menu (Macintosh only).
  8. Make sure that the # Ch’s pop-up menu displays 8.
  9. If you are using multiple MotorMix units with Pro Tools, repeat steps 4 through 7 for each unit.
  10. Click OK or press the flashing ENTER button on the MotorMix.
  11. Choose MIDI > Input Devices. Enable each MotorMix listed. This will enable Pro Tools to receive MIDI input from each MotorMix.

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Controls and Displays

LCD Displays important text and graphic information regarding controls and controller values.

Eight Faders Moving a fader on the MotorMix will move the corresponding fader in the Mix window in Pro Tools. Similarly, when you move a fader in Pro Tools, using the mouse or automation, the corresponding fader on the MotorMix will move.

Eight Rotary Pots Send relative control data and are not motorized. The pots add or subtract to the current setting in Pro Tools. The bottom row of the LCD indicates graphic and numeric data for the current pot setting. These pots are control Pan, Send levels, and plug-in parameters depending on the setting of the Rotary Selector.

Rotary Selector Used in conjunction with the Rotary Selector display to select what the Rotary Pots are controlling. The Rotary Pots default to controlling panning. Rotating the Rotary Selector functions to assign the Rotary Pots to controlling Send levels. The Rotary Selector display will indicate what the rotary pots are controlling: P = Panning, SA = Send A, Sb = Send B, SC = Send C, Sd = Send D, SE = Send E.

View Controls Advance or decrement the channel display using the Left and Right VIEW arrows. Eight channels at a time will be displayed in the upper row of the LCD (limited to 5 characters per channel) with the Track Names you have assigned in Pro Tools. Enable the BANK switch to advance or decrement the channel display eight channels at a time. Disable the BANK and GROUP switches to advance or decrement the channel display one channel at a time.

Select Switches Use the SELECT switches to select one or more channels for grouping or plugin control, and provide access to many other Pro Tools features. They are also used to make selections that appear on the LCD. For example, press the AUTO ENBL switch and push the select switches to make enable Automation in Pro Tools.

Multi Switches and Controls Function to Bypass plug-ins, Mute Sends, and toggle between pre- and post-fader for Sends. The eight MULTI switches are just below the Rotary Pots. The four MULTI Control switches with green and yellow LEDs just below the Rotary Selector determine the function of the MULTI switches.

Burn Switches Function to record enable channels. The eight BURN switches are just below the eight MULTI switches. Below the View controls are three switches, three red LEDs, and three yellow LEDs used to assign the BURN switches. For example, if the red LED next to the REC/RDY label is lit, the BURN switches become channel record enable switches. When the red LED in the BURN switch is blinking or lit, that indicates the channel is record enabled or recording.

Solo Switches Solos corresponding channel in Pro Tools. When a Solo is engaged, the green LED lights.

Mute Switches Mutes the corresponding channel in Pro Tools. When a Mute is engaged, the red LED lights.

Function Switches Enable the MotorMix to control different functions in Pro Tools. The Function switches are on the left and right of the faders. All 16 of these switches have a green LED. The SHIFT switch at the lower left is used to shift the panel switches to make secondary selections.
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Communication with MotorMix

Here are some general guidelines for communication between MotorMix and Pro Tools:

Pro Tools On-Screen Dialog Warnings
When dialog messages appear on-screen in Pro Tools you will also be notified in the Motor- Mix LCD that Pro Tools has a dialog on-screen. You must close these dialogs before continuing work with the MotorMix. Use the ENTER switch on the MotorMix to OK the on-screen dialog or use the ESCAPE switch to cancel.

Pro Tools “Lost Communication” Message
If Pro Tools loses communication with the MotorMix, turn off power to the MotorMix, wait a few seconds, and then turn the MotorMix back on again. If communication problems persist, check connections to the MotorMix. If you are not using the MotorMix, deselect it under the MIDI Controllers tab in the Peripherals dialog.

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Faders and Rotary Pots

Faders
Moving a fader on the MotorMix moves the corresponding fader in Pro Tools. Similarly, when you move a fader in Pro Tools, using the mouse or automation, the corresponding fader on the MotorMix will move.

When Pro Tools automation is moving the faders on the MotorMix, you can still make level changes by simply touching the MotorMix fader and executing the move you desire. MotorMix disengages the fader motor so you can make level changes, but it reengages the motor the moment you stop touching the fader.

To keep the fader stationary with the motor disengaged, press and hold the SHIFT switch. The motor will remain disengaged as long as the SHIFT switch is held down. Holding the SHIFT switch down will also allow you to make very small fader movements quite slowly by keeping the fader motor disengaged during the small fader movements.

To set a channel fader to its default setting (unity for audio channels and 127 for MIDI channels):
    1.   Press and hold the DEFAULT switch.
    2.   Press the channel SELECT switch.

To set all channel faders to their default settings:
    1.   Press and hold the ALL switch.
    2.   Press and hold the DEFAULT switch.
    3.   Press any channel SELECT switch.

Fader Punch Mode
Another option that allows you to disengage the fader motor is to Punch In the individual faders. Punching In a fader will completely disengage the motor on that fader without having to hold the SHIFT button.

To enter Fader Punch Mode:
  1. Press the SHIFT switch twice in rapid succession and the switch’s LED starts flashing.
  2. Start playback.
  3. Press the BURN switch above the fader you want to Punch In. The yellow functB LED lights indicating that one or more faders are punched in.
To Punch Out an individual fader:
Press the BURN switch above the fader you want to Punch Out.

To Punch Out all faders:
Press either the SHIFT or write/functB switch.
– or –
Pressing any of the Transport switches (PLAY, STOP, F FWD, REWIND).

To exit Fader Punch Mode:
Press the flashing SHIFT button twice in rapid succession.
The LED will stop flashing. The SHIFT switch still performs its normal functions while in Fader Punch mode.

Rotary Pots
The eight Rotary Pots control panning, Send levels (see “Controlling Sends”), and Plug-In parameters (see “Controlling Plug-Ins”). The Rotary Selector is used in conjunction with the Rotary Selector display to select what the Rotary Pots are controlling.

Panning
The Rotary Pots default to controlling panning. When you open a session, the Rotary Selector display will read “P” for PAN. Panning is graphically represented in the lower row on the LCD. The dash in the center of the channel LCD indicates PAN center position.

If a channel is in stereo, the pot will be the left balance control. Push the Rotary Selector down, and the Rotary Selector display will read “Pr” for PAN right. The rotary pots will now be the right panning control on any stereo channels. Push a second time to return to PAN.

To set a channel pan to center:
    1.   Select PAN using the Rotary Selector.
    2.   Press and hold the DEFAULT switch.
    3.   Press the channel MULTI switch.

To set all channel pans to center:
    1.   Select PAN using the Rotary Selector.
    2.   Press and hold the ALL switch.
    3.   Press and hold the DEFAULT switch.
    4.   Press any channel MULTI switch.

Send Levels
Rotate the Rotary Selector clockwise and the Rotary Selector display will read “SA” for Send A. Send levels are graphically represented in the lower row of the LCD. The lower LCD row will be blank on a channel if no Send is assigned for that channel. Turn the rotary selector again to select Sends B through E. See “Controlling Sends” for more information.

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Transport Controls

PLAY Press this switch to activate playback in Pro Tools. The LED will be lit to indicate Pro Tools is playing.

STOP Press this switch to stop. The LED will be lit to indicate Pro Tools is stopped.

F FWD Press this switch to activate Fast Forward. The LED will be lit to indicate Pro Tools is in fast forword.

REWIND Press this switch to activate Rewind. The LED will be lit to indicate Pro Tools is rewinding.

Transport Mode
Press SHIFT+TRANSPORT to enter Transport mode. The bottom row of the LCD will show five transport controls and the current time. Press a SELECT switch to activate a transport function. The REW and FFWD controls are momentary in this mode.

The RECORD switch is the master record enable. Press the TRANSPORT switch again to exit Transport mode.

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Memory Locations
To create memory locations:
    1.   Press the ENTER switch. The New Memory Location dialog will open in Pro Tools.
    2.   Press the ENTER switch again or press ESCAPE to cancel.

To move to the next memory-locate position:
Press the NEXT switch.

To move to the previous memory-locate position:
Press the LAST switch.

Locate Mode
Locate mode provides control over certain transport and memory location functions in Pro Tools. When in Locate mode, the bottom row of the LCD displays the current time and five locate controls:

RTZ Pressing the SELECT switch under RTZ displayed in the LCD will locate the beginning of the session.

END Pressing the SELECT switch under END displayed in the LCD will locate the end of the session.

LOOP Pressing the SELECT switch under LOOP displayed in the LCD enables Loop Playback in Pro Tools.

PUNCH Pressing the SELECT switch under PUNCH displayed in the LCD enables Punch Record in Pro Tools.

LOCAT Pressing the SELECT switch under LOCAT displayed in the LCD opens the Memory Locations window in Pro Tools.

To use the Locate function on the MotorMix:
    1.   Choose Setups > Preferences.
    2.   Select the Operation tab.
    3.   Select Classic for the Numeric Keypad Mode preference.
    4.   Click Done.

To enter Locate mode:
Press SHIFT+LOCATE on the MotorMix.

To activate a transport function when in Locate mode:
Press a SELECT switch under the desired Transport function displayed in the LCD: RTZ, END, LOOP, PUNCH, LOCAT.

To use autolocate when in Locate mode:
    1.   Press the SELECT switch under LOCAT displayed in the LCD. The Memory Locations window will open.
    2.   Press one or two number switches (SELECT switches) on the MotorMix to indicate the desired Memory Location.
    3.   Press the “.” switch (the MUTE switch on channel 8) to locate the specified Memory Location.

To exit Locate mode:
Press the STOP switch.

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Monitor Mode

Monitor mode on provides controls for Audition functions in Pro Tools. When in Monitor mode, the bottom row of the LCD will display the current time and five Punch Monitor controls:

AUD Pressing the SELECT switch under AUD in the LCD will audition the punch pointer.

PRE Pressing the SELECT switch under PRE in the LCD will audition to the Punch In pointer with pre-roll.

IN Pressing the SELECT switch under IN in the LCD will audition from the Punch In pointer with post roll.

OUT Pressing the SELECT switch under OUT in the LCD will audition to the Punch Out pointer with pre-roll.

POST Pressing the SELECT switch under POST in the LCD will audition from the Punch Out pointer with post-roll.

To enable Monitor mode:
Press SHIFT+MONITOR.

To audition punch in and punch out points when in Monitor mode:
    1.   Press the SELECT switch under AUD in the LCD.
    2.   Press the SELECT switch under PRE, IN, OUT, or POST in the LCD.

The punch point will be auditioned using the pre-roll or post-roll specified in the Pro Tools Transport window.

To exit Monitor mode:
Press the F FWD switch.

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Controlling Plug-Ins

Press the PLUG-IN switch to assign the eight Rotary Pots to control plug-in parameters. When a plug-in has more than eight parameters, use the Rotary Selector to select other parameters. When plug-ins are being controlled by the MotorMix, the upper row of the LCD will display the parameter name, such as “Freq” or “Gain,” and the lower row of the LCD indicates the value of the current plug-in parameter setting.

Parameter Control Mode
Parameter Control mode allows you to control automation-enabled parameters of Pro Tools plug-ins with from the MotorMix. When in Parameter Control mode, the LCD will display plug-in parameter names and settings. The top LCD row and the SELECT switches will control switchable parameters. The lower LCD row and Rotary Pots control continuously variable parameters. The corresponding SELECT switch and the Rotary Pot will be just below the parameter values displayed on the LCD. Rotate the Rotary Selector to move between parameter pages. The upper left of the LCD displays plug-in page or label.

To control a plug-in:
      1.   Be sure that the plug-in parameters you want to control are automation-enabled.
      2.   On the MotorMix, select a channel with a plug-in assigned by pressing its SELECT switch.
      3.   Press the PLUG IN switch to enable Plug-In mode.

In Plug-In Mode: To compare the current plug-in settings with previous settings:
Press SHIFT+COMPARE switch.


This operation is available only if the Compare button is highlighted in the Plug-in window in Pro Tools.

Insert Control Mode
Insert Control mode allows you to assign Inserts from the MotorMix. When in Insert Control mode, there is an LCD page for Inserts 1–4 and one for Insert 5. Rotate the Rotary Selector to select either page. The top row of the LCD will display both the insert page and the current channel being controlled. The lower LCD row will display either “no insert” or a shorthand label for a specific plug-in. If no label is flashing, that plug-in is being controlled by the MotorMix. Pick an insert to control by pressing the corresponding SELECT switch, and Parameter Control mode will become active.

To assign Inserts:
  1. Enable the SELECT switch for the channel to which you want to assign a plug-in.
  2. Press the PLUG IN switch to enter Plug-In mode.
  3. Press SHIFT+ASSIGN and the LCD display inserts 1-4. Press the Rotary Selector to select insert 5 for assignment.
  4. Rotate an even numbered Rotary Pot to select a plug-in for the specific insert (Rotary Pot 2 for Insert 1, Rotary Pot 4 for Insert 2, Rotary Pot for Insert 3, and Rotary Pot 8 for Insert 4).
  5. Press the ASSIGN switch again to complete assignments for that insert.
Plug-In Bypass
Press the FX BYPS switch to assign the MULTI switches to function as Plug-In Bypass switches. The green LED in the MULTI switch indicates that all the Plug-Ins on that channel are bypassed.

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Controlling Sends

To control Sends:
    1.   Rotate the Rotary Selector clockwise and the Rotary Selector display will read “SA” for Send A.
    2.   Turn the rotary selector again to select Sends B through E.

Send levels are graphically represented in the lower row of the LCD. The lower LCD row will be blank on a channel if no Send is assigned for that channel.

To set a channel send to unity:
    1.   Select any send (A–E) using the Rotary Selector.
    2.   Press and hold the DEFAULT switch.
    3.   Press any channel MULTI switch.

To set a channel send to unity for all channels:
    1.   Select any send (A–E) using the Rotary Selector.
    2.   Press and hold the ALL switch.
    3.   Press and hold the DEFAULT switch.
    4.   Press any channel MULTI switch.



You can similarly use the DEFAULT and ALL switches in Flip Mode. See “Flip Mode for Sends”.

Send Pre and Post Assign

To assign the MULTI switches to function as Send pre- and post-fader toggle controls:
Press the PRE/PST switch.

For example, rotate the Rotary Selector to select Send A, “SA,” and press a channel’s MULTI switch to toggle between pre- and post-fader for Send A on that channel. The channel’s MULTI switch LED is lit when the Send is pre-fader, and the it is not lit when the Send is post-fader. The LCD will briefly display “Pre” or “Post” when toggling between these two settings. Use the Rotary Selector to select other sends to mute or unmute.



Pressing the Rotary Selector will also enable the PRE/PST MULTI Control mode.

Assign Mode

To enter Assign mode:
    1.   Press SHIFT+ASSIGN. The ASSIGN switch LED will start flashing.
    2.   Rotate the selector to select SEND A through SEND E, or any channel Inputs (IN) or Outputs (OUT).
    3.   Use a channel’s Rotary Pot to change the Send, Input, or Output assignments for that channel.
    4.   Press ASSIGN finalize assignments or ESCAPE to cancel.

Send Mute

To assign the MULTI switches to function as send mute controls:
Press the S MUTE switch. For example, rotate the Rotary Selector to select Send A, “SA,” and press a channel’s MULTI switch to mute Send A on that channel. The green LED in the channel’s MULTI switch indicates that Send A is muted. Use the Rotary Selector to select other sends to mute or unmute.

Flip Mode for Sends
In Flip mode, the channels faders and mutes then “flip” to become the send level and mute controls. The top row of the LCD displays the Send assignments and the MULTI switches control the send pre- and post-fader settings.

To enter Flip mode:
  1. Rotate the Rotary Selector so that the Rotary Pots are controlling sends.
  2. Press the Rotary Selector.
  3. Pressing a channel’s MULTI switch will toggle the Send between pre- and post-fader. The channel MULTI switch LED is lit when the Send is pre-fader, and the it is not lit when the Send is post-fader. The LCD will briefly display “Pre” or “Post” when toggling between these two settings.
  4. Move the channel faders to control pre or post levels for Sends.
  5. Use the channel MUTE switches to mute sends.
  6. Rotate the Rotary Selector to control any of the other sends in Flip mode.

Pan settings and channel plug-in bypasses cannot be accessed while in Flip mode.

To exit Flip mode:
Press the selector to return to Rotary Pot control.

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Automation

To enable Automation:
  1. Press the AUTO ENBL switch to display the automation enable choices in the LCD.
  2. The SELECT switch LEDs below the LCD show the current enable states. Press any of the SELECT switches below the LCD to make a selection.
  3. Press the AUTO ENBL switch to exit.
Automation Mode

To enter Automation mode:
  1. Press SHIFT+MODE to display the current Automation mode choices in the LCD. The SELECT switch LEDs below the LCD show the current mode.
  2. Rotate the Rotary Pots to make a selection.
  3. Press the ALL switch and rotate a Rotary Pot to change all channels to the same state.
If your are playing back Pro Tools automation tracks while in Punch or Latch automation mode, you can Punch In a fader by pressing the BURN switch above that fader. The BURN switch LED will light and remain lit as long as the fader motor is disengaged. To Punch Out the fader, press the BURN switch again. The LED will go out and the motor will engage.

Suspend Automation
To globally suspend playback and recording of automation:
Press SUSPEND. The SUSPEND switch LED will start flashing.

To globally reactivate playback and recording of automation:
Press the SUSPEND switch a second time.

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Groups

To create a group:
  1. Press and hold the SHIFT switch.
  2. Enable each SELECT switch for the channels you want to group.
  3. With SHIFT still depressed, press the CREATE switch. The Pro Tools Group dialog box will appear.
  4. Press the ENTER switch to complete the process or ESCAPE to exit without grouping.
  5. Use the GROUP switch under the VIEW section of the MotorMix to enable and disable groups. The GROUP switch LED is lit when the groups are enabled.
With groups enabled, press and hold the SHIFT switch then hold the GROUP switch down. The top row of the LCD will show the channel group assignments.

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Pro Tools Navigation and Tool Selection

Windows

To open or close a particular Pro Tools window:
  1. Press the WINDOW switch to display the Pro Tools window choices (Mixer, Memory Locations, Edit, Setup, Transport, and Insert Editor) in the LCD screen. The SELECT switches LEDs indicate open windows.
  2. Press any of the SELECT switches below the LCD to open or close a window.
  3. Press the WINDOW switch to close the window and exit.

To open the Pro Tools Session Status window:
Press SHIFT+STATUS.

To close the Pro Tools Session Status window:
Press SHIFT+STATUS again.

Edit Tools

To select an edit tool in the Edit window in Pro Tools:
Press SHIFT+Tools.
– or –
Press the ESCAPE switch.

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Additional Switches

ALL Applies the current action across all channels. For example, press ALL and then a MUTE switch, and all channels will be muted or unmuted.

ALT/FINE Displays attenuation settings for channels and sends, as well as pan values. For example, press and hold SHIFT+ALT/FINE and move a fader to display its attenuation settings in the top LCD row for that channel. Move a Rotary Pot, and the PAN setting or SEND attenuation will appear in the top LCD row on that channel.

DEFAULT Pressing the DEFAULT switch and another switch will revert the switches focused parameter in Pro Tools to its default value. For example, press the DEFAULT switch and then a channel’s Select switch and that channel’s fader will return to unity. Use the DEFAULT switch in conjunction with the ALL switch to revert to the default settings for all parameters of a specific type (for example, reverting all faders to unity).

UNDO Pressing the UNDO switch will undo the previous action. The UNDO switch’s LED will light when an undo-able function has been executed.

SAVE Pressing the SHIFT+SAVE (UNDO) switches will cause the SAVE switch’s LED to start flashing, indicating that a Save is pending. Pressing SAVE a second time will Save your Pro Tools session and the LED will stop flashing. To cancel a pending Save, press the ESCAPE switch.

SHIFT Functions just like the Shift modifier key on your computer keyboard. It also functions in conjunction with other switches on the MotorMix.

ENTER Duplicates the Enter key on the computer keyboard. It can also be used to OK dialogs in Pro Tools, when present, and create Memory Locations.

ESCAPE Used to exit or cancel processes before completion. It can also be used to dismiss dialogs, when present, and select Edit Tools in the Edit window.


The CONFIGURE and UTILITY switches currently have no functionality in conjunction with Pro Tools.

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Computer Keyboard Modifier Keys

Most of the computer keyboard modifier keys such as Control, Shift, Alt, and so on, also perform their usual Pro Tools functions in conjunction with MotorMix. For example, pressing the Option key on the keyboard and then one of the channel MUTE switches on the MotorMix will mute all channels.

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Troubleshooting

If MotorMix does not respond properly, run the built in self-test in MotorMix. Connect the MIDI output directly into the MIDI input on MotorMix and apply power. The MotorMix will move all 8 faders, blink the LEDs and the LCD display, and test the MIDI input and output. If the test passes, double-check the configuration of OMS and Pro Tools, and also double check that your MIDI interface is functioning correctly.

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