The Automation Control Module (ACM) provides enough volatile memory for one “mix
pass” (also called “mix file”). The Vision Control Panel provides suite of automation
controls and a display. The fader modules and 1068L Input modules provide addition
automation controls. Used together, the console hardware components allow the creation
and modification of a single automated mix with the need for the PC and Vision software..
Note: A mix kept in the ACM is stored in volatile memory and is not stored on the PC for
later retrieval. The mix must be saved to the Mix Tree in an open project for long
term storage.
Only one mix pass can be stored in the ACM at a time.
A mix pass created and kept on the console is stored in volatile memory in the ACM until
it is saved to the Mix Tree.
In normal operation, a mix pass is first created on the console hardware and then “saved”
to the Vision software for storage and possible editing.
The mix pass in the ACM can be modified at any time using console hardware. When
changes are made, it is important to save the altered mix pass to the Mix Tree. An “Auto
Save” feature can be activated so whenever changes are made to the ACM mix pass, it is
saved to the Mix Tree.
26.2.2
Automation Software Concepts
A Project File must be open in order for the software to accept a mix pass from the ACM.
Once a mix pass generated on the console hardware is saved to the Vision software, it is
stored in the Mix Tree.
The Mix Tree is stored in a song, which is a virtual folder within the Vision Project File. On
a CD project, each composition would have its own song (and by default its own Mix
Tree). On a film or video, each scene or segment might be saved to its own song so each
will have its own unique Mix Tree.
The Project File (and therefore song and Mix Tree) is stored to the hard-drive on the
Vision PC and is considered to be non-volatile.
The Mix Tree Menu provides a suite of tools for editing and working with mix passes and
mix data.
Performing additional moves and/or edits to an existing mix pass will add a new mix pass
to the Mix Tree without deleting the original. Because of this method, the manipulation of
mixes can be performed in a nondestructive manner and numerous levels of “undo” are
provided among the mix passes stored in the Mix Tree.
26.2.3
Manual Mixing
When tracking, overdubbing, and/or rough mixing, the program mix is often created
without automation. When working in the manner, put all of the channels into Manual
mode.
Manual mode disables the automation on each channel, and allows you to experiment with
levels and build a basic, unchanging mix to use as a starting point for your automated
mix.
The Manual mode button on the Vision Control Panel (VCP) is a quick way to
put the entire console in Manual mode.
Manual mode can also applied to all channels by clicking the
“All” button followed by the “Manual” button in the Channel
Control window.
