{"id":25705,"date":"2017-05-11T11:00:08","date_gmt":"2017-05-11T15:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/noelborthwick.com\/cakewalk\/?p=25705"},"modified":"2017-05-11T11:00:08","modified_gmt":"2017-05-11T15:00:08","slug":"using-avid-artist-series-controllers-with-sonar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/noelborthwick.com\/cakewalk\/2017\/05\/11\/using-avid-artist-series-controllers-with-sonar\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Avid Artist Series Controllers with SONAR"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Craig Anderton<\/em><\/p>\n

The Avid Artist Series Mix controller is compatible with SONAR. However, remember that this is a Pro Tools-centric controller, so not everything is implemented in SONAR (or in any other program for that matter). Regardless, the basics (and more) are there, but there are also some unique aspects you need to know.<\/p>\n

There are horror stories all over the web of not getting the Artist Series Mix to work, even with Pro Tools, and many refer to it as a \u201cdoorstop.\u201d Others have found ways to get it to work, which often involve strange rituals of turning things on in an esoteric and specified order\u2014but it doesn\u2019t have to be that weird. It seems the only real issue occurs when the Artists Series Mix initializes before other elements are ready to work with it, so all you need to do is take control over when it initializes\u2014here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n

PREP WORK (IN THIS ORDER<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

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  1. Install the latest EuCon software from Avid\u2019s Artist Series web site. This is essential, because the Artist Series Mix talks to your computer over Ethernet (or to your router\/switcher if you already have a wired internet connection appropriating your computer’s Ethernet port).<\/li>\n
  2. You may be instructed to do a firmware update.<\/li>\n
  3. If needed, install the SONAR Eucon plug-in from https:\/\/www.cakewalk.com\/Support\/Knowledge-Base\/20080104\/EUCON-Control-Surface-Plug-in<\/u>. The SONAR EuCon plug-in is needed to have it show up as a control surface in SONAR.<\/li>\n
  4. Next time you boot up SONAR, select EuCon as a new control surface in SONAR (in\u00a0Edit > Preferences > MIDI > Control Surfaces<\/em>). Do\u00a0not<\/em>select MIDI in or out for the Control Surface, that’s not what EuCon uses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    CONSUMMATING THE SONAR\/AVID MARRIAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Using the following method, it doesn\u2019t seem to make any difference when you turn on the Artist Series Mix. I usually wait until SONAR has booted, but I\u2019ve also turned it on before anything else, after everything else, etc. The key is to keep the EuCon application from running before you want it to start.<\/p>\n

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    1. In Task Manager, Startup Tab, right-click on anything that says EuCon and disable startup. I left anything that says MC Client enabled because it didn’t cause problems. After doing so, reboot. You only need to do this once, not every time you want to use the Artist Series Mix.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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      1. Boot SONAR and open a project.<\/li>\n
      2. Turn on power to the Artist Series Mix.<\/li>\n
      3. Wait until the Avid logos turn off in the display, then open the EuControl application that shows up with\u00a0your apps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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        1. After it’s loaded, locate the EuControl button in the System Tray (or in the Hidden Icons if needed). It may take a while for this button to show up.<\/li>\n
        2. Right-click on it and choose Restart EUCON Applications.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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          1. When a dialog box says\u00a0Restart all EUCON applications?<\/em>, click Yes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            It will take a little while (although well under a minute), but eventually everything will recognize everything else, the faders will mirror what’s in SONAR\u2019s console view if you’d previously selected EuCon as the control surface, and you’ll be ready to go. Note that you\u2019ll also want to use the EuCon system tray icon to access the various settings, but that\u2019s all pretty straightforward if you read the documentation for Avid\u2019s EUCON software.<\/p>\n

            IS IT WORTH IT?<\/strong><\/p>\n

            The Artist Series Mix is a pretty slick controller, even with somewhat of a “Made in China” (which it is) vibe. It has bright yellow OLEDs, and a small form factor that fits in crowded workspaces.<\/p>\n

            So…here’s what works.<\/p>\n