Automation and Remote Control

All the faders of the CINETRA mixing-console system are motorized, and the system features both snapshot automation and dynamic automation for all audio parameters. Even the joysticks used for surround mixing are motorized. (Motorized joysticks are not available on U.S. units.) The automation is largely controlled from the console.

Snapshot Automation

The snapshot automation captures all audio-parameter settings and the channel routing and stores them as a Status in an editable list. Up to 99 statuses can be stored and recalled at any time for each project. In addition, the snapshot automation includes functions such as copying channel configurations and parameter settings to other channels.

Dynamic Automation

The dynamic automation can be controlled using LTC or VITC timecode of various formats and captures all audio parameters in a 10-ms time grid. Reproducing automation data is even possible with the timecode being played in reverse. This is a feature that most film-sound engineers will never want to abandon once they have tried it out.

ProTouch Record

The latest generation of Stage Tec‘s dynamic automation provides a multitude of advanced functions. User input can be made in the Absolute Write and Trim Write modes, the latter one allowing for a relative change of existing data. Which channels or function groups are actually captured by the automation (»Enable On/Off«) and which ones can really be written to (»Write On/Off«) can be configured individually.

The Safe-Read mode provides quick and uncomplicated protection of automation data from being accidentally overwritten.

It is, of course, possible to subsequently change individual parts of existing mixes. Toggling between Write and Read modes can be made by merely touching the encoder or fader. Multiple functions are provided for establishing a seamless transition to previously written automation data. Take Over allows for manually moving the control back to the already stored data. There is not only optical but also sensitive feedback as the fader perceivably snaps when reaching the Read value. In the Auto Return mode, if the fader is released, it will automatically move back to the stored setting within a previously defined time. Immediate return to this setting when releasing the control can be set up, too.

Innovative solutions make the user‘s work much simpler. For example, The Stop Mode allows for writing the current parameter settings even with the timecode stopped; the Trim to End and Trim to Mark functions write the currently edited settings to the end of the mix or to a defined marker; and the Recall Previous function discards user actions (undo function). Further, the automation data are managed using an extensive tree structure, so older and even very early functions are still accessible when working on the project.

Machine Control

A standard feature of the CINETRA is the remote-control facility for external devices and recorders. Two independent Remote panels are provided at a central location of the console. These panels can be linked to two individual units via a software driver, so future control formats can simply be implemented by Stage Tec. The machine-control unit uses the same clear operating philosophy for all units – with no regard to the respective manufacturer.