Integrated Workstation Audio Mixing System

Euphonix is the leading digital-control large-format audio console manufacturer in the world with hundreds of systems in use for music, live, audio post and broadcast mixing applications. With clients including CNN, NASA, Sydney Opera House, Hans Zimmer, Grand Ole Opry, NBC Tonight Show, Todd AO, Pinewood-Shepperton, and Soundtracks f/t, Euphonix has been providing innovative mixing solutions since the introduction of the CS Series in 1991.

The award-winning System 5 all-digital mixing console was introduced in December 1999 and set new standards for control surface design. The System 5 is a complete modular mixing solution including console surface, DSP core, converters and router.

The System 5-MC is targeted at workstation centric music and audio post-production clients who want a cost-effective, professional workstation surface with the tactile control and visual feedback of a high-end mixing console.

The ‘hand and glove’ fit between the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and surface is accomplished using Euphonix’s high-speed EuCon protocol and the HUI command protocol.

EuCon High-Speed Connectivity

EuCon is a high-speed protocol originally developed by Euphonix to allow communication between the System 5 control surface and System 5 software applications.

For example, in the Euphonix System 5 audio mixing console, EuCon enables the console surface to control the Euphonix DSP processing core.

EuCon has been standardized to allow the System 5 to control EuCon third party aware applications such as Steinberg’s Nuendo 3.1 with a Nuendo EuCon adaptor. Merging’s Pyramix is EuCon aware with a communications bridge between the Merging OASIS protocol and EuCon.

The new System 5-MC includes an innovative control surface based on the popular System 5 channel strips and the MC Pro Media Application Controller that connects via Ethernet to a high performance workstation running the EuCon DAW applications. The DAW handles all recording, editing, mixing and plug-in processing, controlled from the System 5-MC surface. Any ASIO or Core Audio compatible I/O hardware can be used with the system. With Nuendo EuCon, any VST plug-ins and Virtual Instruments running on the workstation may also be controlled from the surface.

The System 5-MC also includes an innovative Euphonix developed monitoring solution that runs on the workstation called Studio Monitor Pro controlled from the System 5-MC surface.

End-to-End Workflow Solutions for Audio Post and Music

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

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.

Single System 5-MC controlling multiple workstations at the push of a button

Multiple System 5-MC and MC Pros working with Multiple Workstations

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

Workflow example in an audio post-production facility

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.

System 5-MC Control Surface

Main Features

• System 5-MC channel strips are operationally compatible with standard System 5 consoles including moving fader, 8 touch sensitive knobs and TFT displays.
• The 8 touch sensitive knobs may easily be switched to control EQ, dynamics, pan, routing or any plug-ins.
• High-resolution metering at the top of each channel on the TFT
• Long-throw 100mm touch sensitive moving faders
• High-resolution LCD metering next to each fader
• Additional channel modules may be added.
• Any track may be brought up to any channel strip on the surface and saved as ‘Layouts’ for easy recall - for example drums, vocals, sound effects.
• Surround sound sources such as a 5.1 track may be controlled from a single strip.
• Aux to Faders lets you control sends from the faders
• Full MC Pro center section with twin joysticks. (For details description of the powerful MC Pro see the MC Pro guided tour).
• Modular frame - two models available including the standard System 5 console frame.
• Studio Monitor Express ASIO & Core Audio based monitoring software for surround sound monitor matrix, control room speakers, SLS and foldback outputs (all up to 5.1) with talkback.
• Steinberg's Nuendo EuCon featuring latest Neundo software with EuCon communications protocol.
• Support for Merging's Pyramix version with EuCon connectivity via OASIS protocol.
• Apple's Logic Pro now includes full EuCon control protocol support for total integration with System 5-MC
• Any audio and video hardware supported by the EuCon DAW application may be used.
• Supports HUI command protocol over Ethernet for control of HUI DAWs including Pro Tools, Digital Performer and Logic Pro
• Connectivity to the Euphonix range of converters and Euphonix high-end consoles via PCI MADI cards (RME website).
• Project workflow from any Nuendo or Pyramix system to the MC Pro , to the System 5-MC, to the large Euphonix System 5 console base.
• Future support of any EuCon aware application including video applications.
• Proven Euphonix hardware and user interface used by hundreds of professionals worldwide
• Professional personal support

System 5-MC Channel Strip Features

The System 5-MC channel strips can control any Logic Pro, Nuendo, SONAR or Pyramix track via EuCon, or Pro Tools, Digital Performer and Final Cut Pro via HUI & Mackie Control protocol.

• 100mm long-throw touch-sensitive moving faders.
• Dual high-resolution LED meters, for levels and automation, next to each fader.
• 4-character dual designation displays showing track names above fader (12-14 character on the TFT channel screen).
• On, solo, automation mode, input monitoring, attention and Swap switches.
• 8 touch-sensitive rotary controls per channel with LED display rings and 4 character designation displays. Each knobset has select, on and automation switches and automation status LEDs. Knobs can control any channel processing including plug-ins.
• High-resolution TFT displays at the top of each channel showing metering, processor graphs (for EQ, dynamics and pan), routing, 12-14 character channel name designations and status.

MC Pro Center Section

At the center of the System 5-MC is the MC Pro Media Application Controller. The MC has the following main features:

• Trackball with scroll ring next to programmable transport keys
• Standard full-sized qwerty keyboard with numeric keypad (which can be changed for a user preferable keyboard).
• 56 programmable SmartSwitches each with an integral LCD display to show their function.
• 9 touch sensitive Soft Knobs for processor and plug-in control
• Twin programmable motorized joystick panners.
• 4 buttons for selecting different workations
• High-resolution touch-screen for setup and control.
• Surround monitoring section including monitor matrix, speaker controls, solo and talkback microphone.
• Extensive connectivity including 1/4” footswitch jack, headphone thru jack, touchscreen VGA out, standard keyboard and mouse ports, USB port, serial service port and Ethernet.

For full detailed guided tour of the MC Pro see the separate MC Pro Guided Tour. The MC Pro is available as a stand-alone controller.

The MC Pro is capable of controlling any software application running on the System 5-MC host workstation. The MC Pro intelligently switches all its surface controls to match the active application making it easy to move from one application to another.

Above the MC Pro is a VESA compatible adjustable arm for fitting LCD displays (LCD Display available separately).

Controlling DAW Tracks from the Channel Strips

DAW tracks may be brought up onto the System 5-MC for fader and knob control of parameters.

The MC Pro's touchscreen is used to select DAW Tracks to the channel strips. This can also be done from the channel strips by scrolling through a list of available tracks using the fader.

The way tracks are laid out on the surface can be saved as ‘Layouts’. A Layout does not save parameters just the way tracks are brought up on the surface. Layouts can be easily recalled to bring up different sets of tracks to the surface for easy access to hundreds of tracks, grouped logically together for simple and straightforward operation. For example, one layout could be all the percussion tracks, another all the vocal tracks, another could be a combination of drum, keyboard and guitar masters together with the main vocal tracks. Tracks can be locked to particular faders if necessary. The System 5-MC can also access tracks in banks with page and nudge up/down.

A single strip can also be set to control the master for a set of 6 surround tracks in a 5.1 source, for example.

The 8 knobs can be selected to control the tracks eq, dynamics, or the plug-ins, selecting between these from the channel or from the touchscreen. Anyone familiar with the System 5 will instantly be able to recognize how to operate the System 5-MC channel strips as they have the same control set.

Processor Knobsets & Plug-Ins

Each channel strip has 8 touch-sensitive knobs with switches to select the knobset between EQ, dynamics, pan, input controls and plug-ins used in the track. The controls can be paged through parameters or from one plug-in to another. At the top of the strip the TFT display shows graphs for Pan, EQ and dynamics.

The MC Pro in the center of the console also has 8 touch sensitive knobs that can be used for processor adjustments - the LCD displays on the adjacent SmartSwitches display the parameter name. A 9th rotary control is available to pick up the current active control parameter or can be locked to a particular parameter.

Control sets can be stored so that the most appropriate knob settings for a particular plug-in can be saved.

The twin joysticks in the MC Pro can be assigned to any individual track parameter such a surround panning or plug-in control.

The System 5-MC's channel knobs are shown opposite - functions, such as EQ, are each color coded for easy recognition.

Automation

The System 5-MC touch-sensitive faders and knobs can be used to write automation moves to any applications that supports EuCon, HUI or Mackie Control protocol.

The fader and knob move data is sent directly from the surface to the DAW automation so it can be stored and edited from within the DAW project file. When the DAW plays back moves the faders will move to follow the automation and the display LED rings around the knobs will show current position of the control.

The operator can choose to edit automation using the knobs and faders with touch sensitive drop-in capability or by using the DAWs on-screen editing functions. A swap (or flip) function allows any parameter to be swapped onto the fader so an aux send, for example, could be controlled from the faders during the setup of a foldback output and automated using the faders if necessary.

Nuendo 4 includes automation modes found on System 5 as a result of a close working relationship between Steinberg and Euphonix making this app suitable for serious audio post and music mixing applications controlled from the MC Pro or System 5-MC.

Transport & Machine Control

The MC controller can access the extensive machine control facilities of the DAW. SMPTE or MIDI timecode and locate registers can be permanently displayed on the MC’s touch screen.

An optional external synchronizer, compatible with the DAW may be used for multiple machine control. The System 5-MC controls this through the DAW via EuCon if the DAW supports this control.

The MC’s SmartSwitches can be set to act as machine control and transport switches, plus custom locate switches can easily be programmed and added to the surface.

the 10 SmartSwitches above the trackball are usually selected to act as transport controls with dual color displays for showing green when in play and red when recording.

The great thing about the MC is that the user can program these switches to manage any transport or sync function in any order, to exactly match the transport layout that they feel is most appropriate for their way of working.

Studio Monitor Express

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

The System 5-MC is packaged with the Studio Monitor Express software, which resides on the application workstation and controls the way audio is routed between applications that support ASIO or Apple's Core Audio hardware and the ASIO or Core Audio hardware itself.

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
• Basic control from System 5-MC

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....[more]

Studio Monitor Pro Option

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

Studio Monitor Pro should be considered when full film monitoring is required and can be purchased as an option - it uses an iLok key for security. As with Studio Monitor Express, monitors can be accessed with the controls at the top left of the MC Pro (shown opposite) and Setup is carried out from the MC Pro 's touchscreen and on the host computer using the Studio Monitor client application.

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

The System 5-MC Package - Modular, Expandable

Hardware and System Specs

Power Consumption

System 5-MC Control Surface:
CM408T

• Integral 300 WATT PSU
• Input: 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• DC Outputs: +5V @ 40 Amps, +12V @ 8 Amps
• AC Input Connector: Chassis mounted IEC with On/OfF Switch
• Typical Power Consumption 150 Watts

MC - See MC Guided Tour Specs

Environmental
Ambient Temperature Operating:
    +5°C to +35°C
Non-operating temperature:
   -40°C to +70°C
Operating Altitude:
   -100 to 10,000 ft.(-30 to 3,048 m)
Relative Humidity:
   20% to 85%, non-condensing

Availability

System 5-MC are now installed in music and post studios throughout the world. The System 5-MC is sold through a group of carefully selected Value Added Resellers, fully backed by the Euphonix sales and support teams, and in territories without VARs, direct from Euphonix. Contact Euphonix for more details.

LOGIC PRO
Logic Pro now fully supports the EuCon protocol for total integration with Euphonix controllers on OSX.

NUENDO
Nuendo EuCon Adaptor software must be purchased for enabling Nuendo 3.1 or above Mac or PC version to integrate fully with the MC or System 5-MC. This can be purchased from Euphonix VARS that handle Nuendo or from Euphonix direct.

PYRAMIX
Pyramix version 5 or above is required for connectivity to the Euphonix controllers. Customers must purchase an OASIS key from their Pyramix reseller to enable the connection. Pyramix is sold through the normal Merging sales channels.

SONAR
Cakewalk's SONAR version 7.0.2 and above fully supports EuCon.

Other DAWs & Applications
Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Sony Vegas, and Final Cut Studio all work with the System 5-MC using high speed HUI or Mackie Control protocols over Ethernet. The MC can also control any application on both Mac and PC workstations using keyboard, trackball and the SmartSwitches.