MCU (MACKIE CONTROL) EMULATION
The AWS expands available DAW control options by emulating the Mackie Control MIDI protocol as an alternative to the
HUI protocol emulation. The AWS software includes dedicated front panel function key mappings for Logic, Nuendo, Sonar
and Digital Performer.
The Mackie Control Protocol originates from the Mackie Control Universal MIDI controller and the companion eight fader
extender unit. The main control unit is functionally very similar to a HUI unit supporting 8 channel faders and associated
controls, a master fader, transport controls and jog wheel, cursor keys together with dedicated function key groups for
workstation control. Fader resolution is 10bit (1024 steps), identical to the HUI implementation. The Mackie Control Unit
is supplied with overlay templates for different DAW packages, which label the various function key groups specifically for
each supported DAW. In addition the default Logic grouping is supported by a number of workstations, which do not have
dedicated overlays. These include among others Live, Sequoia, Final Cut Studio and Soundtrack Pro.
Mackie Control Emulation Advantages
• Supported by a large number of Workstation manufacturers including Apple, Sony and Steinberg.
• Plug-Ins and Virtual Instruments are controlled from the Channel V-pots and can be flipped onto the Faders, a feature
previously reserved for Pro Tools and Digidesign proprietary control surface solutions.
• Channel meters use far less MIDI bandwidth.
• 6 Character Labels for Track/Channel Names and parameter information.
• Master Fader control.
Implementation
In Mackie Control mode the AWS emulates a Mackie Control Master Console plus two Mackie Extender sections. For all
supported workstations, the AWS should be configured in the relevant Control Surface set up menu, as two extenders plus
a main Mackie Control unit. The set up layout should assign the extenders as channels 9-24 and a Mackie Control unit as
channels 1-8. Plug-Ins and Instruments will have their parameters assigned left justified on to the AWS channel V-pots.
The console Master section DAW control keys map to the workstation functions according to the active control template.
This is selected from SSL>MISC>SETUP menu.
Four dedicated DAW templates are supported, Logic, Nuendo (also used for Cubase), Sonar and Digital Performer. The
Logic template can also be used as a generic interface for Live, Final Cut Pro and other software that supports the standard
Mackie Control surface function key grouping. The AWS includes the additional key caps to support the four function
templates. The software also allows simultaneous control of two independent Digital Audio Workstations. They can be
assigned in the SSL>MISC>SETUP menu.
The active DAW is selected on the SSL>DAW menu (shown above). Note that DAW layer 1 uses ipMIDI ports
1–3 and DAW layer 2 uses ipMIDI ports 4–6.
DAW Control
AWS 924-948 Owner’s Manual Page 4-31
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