The idea behind the automation is “power without interference.” When you’re
mixing, you want to be thinking about your mix not trying to remember the 28
steps it takes to make the automation function. With the DM-24, as soon as the
basic mix settings are made, automation can be activated. When automation is
enabled, all automatible parameters go into static mode. As soon as the DM-24
receives time code and WRITE is pressed, the DM-24 is ready to write dynamic
automation. Move a fader and release it. The fader will revert back to the static
position within the default revert time. Only the fader that dynamic automation
has been written to is effected. All other parameters are still in static mode. The
touch sensitive faders make punching in on fader automation a breeze. The
rotary encoders and POD controls detect movement in order to begin writing
automation, but because these controls are not touch sensitive, there is a
“Control sense time out” parameter (adjustable between 0.5 seconds and 10
seconds) that will automatically punch those functions out of write mode after the
specified time has passed.
All of the other expected parameters are there as well, TRIM, Write to end, Safe,
Off, rehearse, etc. There is even a Multi Pass mode where WRITE will remain
active when Time Code stops. This way it is not necessary to press the WRITE
key every time the current loop restarts.
MACHINE CONTROL
The DM-24 can control a wide variety of external devices via RS-422 (A.K.A P2
or 9-pin), MIDI Machine Control or the DTRS remote jack. There is a list of
supported devices on the machine control page.
The DM-24 can control multiple devices simultaneously. A standard example
would be controlling the transports of a VTR, while arming tracks on a DTRS
machine.
The IF-AD/DM option card provides lightpipe I/O and an ADAT sync jack. ADAT
sync is not operational in the release version of firmware. This feature will be
implemented in a future version of firmware. When ADAT sync is implemented,
transports, track arming and jog/shuttle capabilities will available. ADAT ABS
code cannot be used to trigger the DM-24’s internal automation. A device that
converts ADAT ABS to MTC or SMPTE will be necessary. The Alesis BRC,
MOTU MTP-AV and JL Cooper dataSync2 are good examples of such a device.
These devices will also allow ADATs to recognize MMC commands, making
ADAT sync unnecessary.
MIDI
The DM-24 features MIDI In, Out and Thru. This allows you to:
•
Send
MMC
•
Lock to incoming MTC
•
Update the firmware of the DM-24 with Standard MIDI File
•
Offload and upload library and automation data
•
Send and receive MIDI program changes
•
Send and receive MIDI controller data
