Submasters and Channel Faders

 

Submaster faders let you manually fade in a lighting state, called a submaster, which can have both intensity and attribute levels with an associated fade time.
Note: Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a submaster is different from a submaster fader. A submaster fader is the physical device on which you play a submaster. Since there are 6 submaster pages for 500 Series consoles and 5 pages for 300 Series consoles, there are actually 6 and 5 submasters for each fader, respectively.
The following topics are covered in this section:

Channel Faders

A channel fader is a fader that controls the level of one channel only and is used extensively in One and Two-Scene Preset mode. On 500 series consoles, all faders are submaster faders with all the features described in this section of the manual.. You can also use the submasters as channel faders as described in One and Two Scene Preset mode.

300 series consoles are designed on a modular basis. The basic 300 series building block comprises an external 'processor' unit, a command module and a 24-way fader module configured as submasters. Additional fader panels can be physically and electronically coupled to the basic unit to provide additional channel faders for use with one and two-scene preset.

Note: If you add or subtract fader panels from a 300 Series console, you must reconfigure the numbering of the fader panels , as described in the Introduction section of this manual

All faders on 500 series consoles are configured as submaster faders, but can be used as channel faders (refer to One and Two-Scene Preset)

Submaster Pages

There are either five or six submaster pages (depending on the model), each with its own separate set of recorded submasters. The Live display and Submaster display keep track of the current submaster page separately, and the submaster faders take their data from the Live display. By changing to a different page when you go to the Submaster display, you can edit submasters without changing the data loaded on the faders.

Note: The 120 Submaster version of the 300 Series console has only one page of submaster page.

Changing the current Live display submaster page reloads the submaster faders with new levels and fade times, and changes the Submaster display submaster page to match.

Note: Changing the current Live display submaster page does not change the submaster output until it is reloaded by moving the fader to 0 (or 10 for inhibitive submasters).

When you record to or from a submaster while in the Submaster display you are recording to or from the current page of the Submaster display. When you record to or from a submaster while in any other display you are recording to or from the current page of the Live display. The current page number is shown at the top of the Submasters window on the State screen.

[SUB] [+]
Changes the current page to the next page. For example, if at page 3, this will change to page 4. At the end page, this changes to the first page.
[SUB] [-]
Changes the current page to the previous page. For example, if at page 3, this will change to page 2. At the first page, this changes to the end page.
[SUB PAGE] [2] - (500 series consoles only)
Changes the current page directly to page 2.

The Current Submaster

The last referenced submaster is known as the current submaster. It can be used in submaster selection.

All submaster recording commands act on a single submaster which is shown by # in the command description. If you do not enter a submaster number, the current submaster is used. You can also use [NEXT] and [LAST] to select a submaster relative to the current submaster.

[SUB] Specifies the current submaster.
[SUB] [1] Specifies submaster 1.
[SUB] [NEXT] If the current submaster is submaster 3, then this specifies submaster 4. If the current submaster is the highest submaster number, this specifies submaster 1.
[SUB] [LAST] If the current submaster is submaster 3, then this specifies submaster 2. If the current submaster is submaster 1, this specifies the highest submaster number.

Recording Submaster Levels

[SUB] # [RECORD] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] # [*] (Command Line)
Records the levels on the current display (the Live, Cue/Preview, Group, Effect, or Submaster display) into the currently specified submaster page. For information on setting intensity and attribute levels, refer to Working with Channel Levels, and Basic Recording for examples of recording.
You can record just the intensities or just the attributes to a submaster by adding {INTS ONLY} or {ATTS ONLY} to the command line .
Before recording a submaster, make sure that you are in the correct submaster page. Recording is always done to the current page.

Recording a submaster immediately reloads it, so if the submaster fader is up, the levels appear at the console output immediately.
Recording Submaster Properties

The only properties that can be specified for submasters separately on each submaster page are the text, the up and down fade times, and the attribute fade time. All other properties are common to all submaster pages.

The following topics are covered in this section
Setting Submaster Properties
Submaster properties can be set from the command line using the console keypad. Alternatively, the properties can be set by holding down the [SHIFT] key and moving the trackball, to change the edit fields from yellow (non-editable) to green (editable), then positioning the highlight over the field to be set and using the level wheel or [+] or [-] keys to change the value. Values for the Up/Down and ATT fields can be entered directly from the keyboard. Press [*] to cancel edit mode.

Fade Times

Each submaster has intensity up and down fade times and a single attribute fade time which is used for attribute changes. When you move the fader from 0 to 10, the levels fade in over a period given by the up fade time. Conversely, moving the fader from 10 to 0 will fade the levels out over a period given by the down fade time. If the up and/or fade time is set to 0 the fade up and/or fade down time is dependent on the speed of mechanical movement of the submaster fader.

If the fader is only partly moved, the fade period depends on the amount the fader is moved. For example, with a fade time of 8 seconds, moving the fader from 2 to 7 (half of its travel) will give a fade period of 4 seconds and then moving it to 9 (quarter of its travel) will give a fade period of 2 seconds.

 

You can enter fade values from one hundredth of a second to 59 minutes and 59 seconds , as shown in the table.

 Key Entry
 Shown as
 Value
0.01
 0.01
 One hundredth of a second
0.1
 0.1
 0ne tenth of a second
 1
1
1 second
10
 10
10 seconds
59
 59
 59 seconds
100
 1:00
 1 minute
 125
 1:25
 1 minute 25 seconds
 5959
 59:59
59 minutes, 59 seconds

These times are also used by the bump buttons.

The fade times can be different for each submaster page. Changing the page changes the submaster fader times.

[SUB] # [TIME] # [RECORD] [*] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] # [TIME] # [*] (Command Line Mode)
records levels on the current display and a fade time into the specified submaster.
[SUB] # [TIME] # [*] All Modes
changes the submaster fade time without changing recorded levels.

[SUB] # [@ATT] [TIME] # [RECORD] [*] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] # [@ATT] [TIME] # [*] (Command Line Mode)
records levels on the current display and an attribute fade time into the specified submaster.

[SUB] # [@ATT] [TIME] # [*] (All Modes)
changes the submaster attribute fade time without changing recorded levels.

For specific examples, please see Recording Levels and Properties in Basic Recording.

Fader Properties

Submaster faders have the following properties that can be specified when recording, or edited later:

These properties are associated with the fader and not the submaster, so they are common across all submaster pages.

Submaster Function

When a submaster number is set to a function, that function applies to the submaster on all submaster pages. The same submaster cannot have different functions on different submaster pages.

Each submaster fader can have one of several functions. The submaster function is initially set to Normal for all submasters. You can eliminate or move any supermaster, and change submaster functions for other submaster faders as needed.

Submaster functions are one of the following values:

NORMAL (Pileon submaster) - Default
Submaster intensities are combined with effects, playbacks, and other submasters on a highest takes precedence basis. Attributes are combined on a latest takes precedence basis. Selecting a channel with the Channel Control steals it from the submaster.
INDEP (Independent submaster)
Submaster intensities are combined with effects, playbacks, and other submasters on a highest takes precedence basis. Attributes are combined on a latest takes precedence basis. Submaster channels can not be stolen by the Channel Control, but the Channel Control can increase the channel intensity over the submaster level. Once you decrease the channel level to below the submaster level, the submaster level will take over again.
EXCLUSIVE (Exclusive submaster)
Submaster intensities are as recorded in the submaster and modified by the submaster fader, the Submaster Supermaster, and the grand master. They are not changed when cues or effects run, when other submasters are changed, or when channel control is used on the same channels. If the same channel is used in two exclusive submasters, the last submaster to move off zero steals that channel.
INHIBIT (Inhibitive submaster)
Acting like a grandmaster fader, the submaster fader masters all output channels that have any intensity recorded in the submaster. Channels with only attributes recorded in the submaster are ignored. Channels under control of an inhibitive submaster appear on the Levels screen with yellow text on a red background if they have a level, or as a red block with no text when they are at zero. You can use the Channel Control to bring channel levels up to the current level of the submaster. Multiple inhibitive submasters which control the same output channels are combined on a lowest takes precedence basis.
S/LIGHT (Sound To Light Submaster) - 500 Series Consoles only
Submaster intensities are combined with effects, playbacks, and other submasters on a highest takes precedence basis. Attributes are combined on a latest takes precedence basis. The local submaster controls the maximum level of sound to light, and the external Audio Input controls the level of the submaster up to that maximum. Submaster channels can be stolen by the Channel Control. This facility is only available with the CommuniquéPro software. For more information see CommuniquéPro Software. Only one submaster can be a Sound To Light Submaster.
DMX CHAN (DMX Channel Submaster)
The DMX input signals become levels for channels 1-512 in the submaster, and are combined with effects, playbacks, and other submasters on a highest takes precedence basis. The local submaster controls the level of the DMX input. Recorded submaster levels are ignored. Submaster channels can be stolen by the Channel Control. This facility is only available with the CommuniquéPro software. For more information see CommuniquéPro Software. Only one submaster can be a DMX Channel Submaster.
DMX DIMR (DMX Dimmer Submaster)
The local submaster controls the level of the DMX input, and thus the levels of any dimmers patched to DMX inputs. Recorded submaster levels are ignored. Only one submaster can be a DMX Dimmer Submaster. This facility is only available with the CommuniquéPro software. For more information see CommuniquéPro Software. Only one submaster can be a DMX Dimmer Submaster.
SUB SUPER (Submaster Supermaster)
The submaster fader controls the level of all submasters. Channels are controlled by individual submasters, which are in turn controlled by the Submaster Supermaster. Only one submaster can be the Submaster Supermaster. If no submasters are assigned as the Submaster Supermaster, all submasters can be controlled between 0 and 10.
FX SUPER (Effect Supermaster)
The submaster fader controls the overall level of all effects. Channels are controlled by the effects, which are in turn mastered by the Effect Supermaster. Recorded submaster levels are ignored. Only one submaster can be the Effect Supermaster. If no submasters are assigned as the Effect Supermaster, all effects run at their recorded levels.
FLASH SPR (Flash Supermaster)
The submaster fader controls the level for bumps and flashes. Only one submaster can be the Flash Supermaster. If no submaster is assigned as the Flash Supermaster, channels and submasters always flash to Full.
GM1, GM2 (Grandmaster 1 and 2)
530 and 550 consoles are supplied with two grandmaster faders, while, 520 consoles and consoles in the 300 series have no dedicated grandmaster faders. You can, however, select one submaster fader (GM1) to perform the function of a grandmaster fader (300 series consoles), or two submaster faders (500 series consoles) to perform the function of grandmaster fader GM1 and GM2.
AUDIO THR (Audio Threshold Supermaster) - 500 Series Consoles only
The submaster fader controls the sensitivity of the Audio Input. The Audio Input can be used to control the stepping of an effect. Recorded submaster levels are ignored. This facility is only available with the CommuniquéPro Software. For more information see CommuniquéPro Software. Only one submaster can be the Audio Threshold Supermaster.
MIDI RATI (Midi Ratio Supermaster)
The submaster fader sets the number of MIDI sync pulses which the effect must count before it will move to the next step. Recorded submaster levels are ignored. This facility is only available with the CommuniquéPro software. For more information see CommuniquéPro Software. Only one submaster can be the Midi Ratio Supermaster.

To set the submaster function in the Submaster display, press <SUB> to see the Submaster display and then change the Function field for the appropriate submaster.

[SUB] # function [RECORD] records levels on the current display into the specified submaster and changes the submaster function.
[SUB] # function [*] changes the function of the specified submaster without changing recorded levels.

The key sequences represented by function are:

Pileon submaster {SUB FUNC} {NORMAL}
Independent submaster {SUB FUNC} {INDEP}
Exclusive submaster {SUB FUNC} { EXCLUS}
Inhibitive submaster {SUB FUNC} {INHIB}
Sound To Light Submaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER I/P} {SOUND LIGHT}
DMX Channel Submaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER I/P} {DMX IN CHAN}
DMX Dimmer Submaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER I/P} {DMX IN DIMMER}
Submaster Supermaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER} {SUB SUPER}
Effect Supermaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER} {FX SUPER}
Flash Supermaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER} {FLASH SUPER}
Audio Threshold Supermaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER I/P} {AUDIO THRESH}
Midi Ratio Supermaster {SUB FUNC} {SUPER I/P} {MIDI RATIO}
Grandmaster 1 {SUB FUNC} {GM 1}
Grandmaster 2 {SUB FUNC} {GM 2} (500 Series consoles only)


Assigning Effects and Macros

Both a macro and an effect can be associated with a submaster fader, so that when the fader is reloaded it automatically runs the macro and/or effect. The macro and effect are the same for all submaster pages. When an effect or macro is assigned to a submaster fader, the fader controls the levels of the channels running in the effect or macro, together with channels recorded in the submaster.

[SUB] # [FX] # [RECORD] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] # [FX] # [*] (Command Line)
Records levels on the current display into the specified submaster and assigns an effect to it. If the submaster has already been recorded, an overrecord message gives you the chance to cancel the recording. To rerecord the submaster, press [RECORD] again. To cancel the recording, press [CLR] or [UNDO]. When the submaster is moved up from zero the effect is automatically started. To delete an assigned effect, rerecord omitting the effect number.
[SUB] [1] [FX] [2] [RECORD] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] [1] [FX] [2] [*] (Command Line)
Records levels into submaster 1 and assigns effect 2 to it.
[SUB] [1] [FX] [RECORD] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] [1] [FX] [*] (Command Line)
Records levels into submaster 1 and deletes any assigned effect

[SUB] # [FX] # [*] changes the effect assigned to the specified submaster without changing recorded levels. You do not get an overrecord warning with this command if the submaster exists.

[SUB] [1] [FX] [*] (All Modes)
Deletes the effect assigned to submaster 1 without changing any levels.
[SUB] [1] [FX] [2] [*] (All Modes)
Changes the effect assigned to submaster 1 to effect 2 without changing any levels.

[SUB] # [MACRO] # records levels on the current display into the specified submaster and assigns a macro to it. If the submaster has already been recorded, an overrecord message gives you the chance to cancel the recording. To rerecord the submaster, press [RECORD] [*] again. To cancel the recording, press [CLR] or [UNDO]. When the submaster is moved up from zero the macro is automatically started. To delete an assigned macro, omit the macro number.
[SUB] [1] [MACRO] [3] [RECORD] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] [1] [MACRO] [3] [*] (Command Line)
Records levels into submaster 1 and assigns Macro 3 to it.
[SUB] [1] [MACRO] [RECORD] (Direct 1 Digit and Direct 2 Digit)
[RECORD] [SUB] [1] [MACRO] [*] (Command Line)
Records levels into submaster 1 and deletes any assigned macro.
 
[SUB] # [MACRO] # [*] changes the macro assigned to the specified submaster without changing recorded levels. You do not get an overrecord warning with this command if the submaster exists.

[SUB] [1] [MACRO] [*] (All Modes)
Deletes the macro assigned to submaster 1 without changing any levels.
[SUB] [1] [MACRO] [2] [*] (All Modes)
Changes the macro assigned to submaster 1 to macro 2 without changing any levels.


External Faders

The numbered submaster fader normally controls the submaster or supermaster directly. However, each submaster can be set to use one of the 12 analog inputs from the REMOTE connector, in which case the fader level is combined with the analog input level on a highest takes precedence basis. Each analog input can only be used once.

Submaster Bump Modes

You can record a bump mode for each individual submaster. To record a bump mode you must be in the Submaster display. To change the bump mode, press [SUB] to see the submaster display, and hold down the [SHIFT] key and move the trackball to change to edit mode. Select the Bump field for the appropriate submaster and use the [+] or [-] keys or the level wheel to change the bump mode. All submasters are initially set to Flash mode.

 

Off Pressing the bump button does nothing.
Flsh (Flash) Pressing the bump button is same as moving the submaster fader to 10. The output is set to the level of the Flash Supermaster.
Solo (Solo) Pressing the bump button leaves the output of the submaster the same. All other (non-bumped) submasters, as well as effects, cues, and the Channel Control, are set to zero. The Flash Supermaster is ignored.
F+S (Flash plus Solo) Pressing the bump button is same as moving the submaster fader to 10. The output is set to the level of the Flash Supermaster. All other (non-bumped) submasters, as well as effects, cues, and the Channel Control, are set to zero.
Mac Disables the bump button's flash and solo operation and instead allows it to trigger the macro with the same number as the bump button (not the macro assigned to the bump button)
The submaster bump buttons are also controlled by the {KEYS LATCH} soft key accessed using the [BUMP MODE] key. This softkey appears in the centre LCD (consoles with 3 LCD displays) or right LCD (consoles with 2 LCD displays) as labels above the soft keys. The setting of the this softkey determines the operation of the submaster bump keys and the operation of the {BUMP} softkey on the channel control display. The other softkeys, {FLASH}, {SOLO} and {FLASH + SOLO}, control the action of the {BUMP} softkey on the channel control display and have no effect on the submaster bump keys. For information on setting the action of the channel control {BUMP} softkey, refer to Bumping Channel Levels
Press this key to view the current setting. A bar above the label shows the current mode. Press [BUMP MODE] again to return to normal operation.
For consoles without a [BUMP MODE] key, refer to Console Differences

The {KEYS LATCH} softkey can only be selected when the {FLASH} softkey is also selected. In {SOLO} or {FLASH + SOLO} modes, the {KEYS LATCH} is automatically disabled. The {KEYS ON} and {KEYS OFF} soft keys have effect on the Submaster bump keys. When {KEYS LATCH} is selected, pressing and releasing the submaster bump keys bumps the levels until the bump button is pressed again.

{KEYS LATCH} When selected, pressing and releasing a submaster bump key bump the levels until the bump button is pressed again.

{KEYS ON} While the bump button is pressed, the channel levels are bumped. Releasing the bump button releases the bump.

{KEYS OFF} The bump buttons are disabled.

Text Labels

You can record a text label (caption) with each submaster to help identify the submaster. The submaster text label is entered using the external keypad.
[SUB] # [TEXT] text [RECORD] records levels on the current display into the specified submaster and assigns a text label (caption) to it.
[SUB] # [TEXT] text [*] changes the text label (caption) assigned to a submaster without changing recorded levels.
For examples, refer to Recording Levels and Properties in Basic Recording.

 Updating and Adding to Submasters

[UPDATE] [SUB] # [*] changes levels in the specified submaster as necessary based on channels that have been modified live (red or purple channels on the Live display). This command excludes channels that are not already in the submaster, and channels that have been removed from the modified list by using [SHIFT] [CLR].

Note: When using submasters the [UPDATE] key is set to default to update only channels already in the submaster. Pressing the [UPDATE] key as part of a submaster command syntax, e.g., [UPDATE] [SUB] # [*] is the same as entering [UPDATE] {CHANS IN} [SUB] # [*]. So when updating a submaster to include only changes in channels already inthe submaster, there is no need to use the {CHANS IN} softkey. The {CHANS IN} softkey is used, as necessary, when updating cues.


Channels that are off in the selection will be removed from the submaster.

[UPDATE] [SUB] [1] [*] (All Modes)
Updates levels that have been modified in submaster 1, excluding levels of channels that were not already in the submaster.
[SUB] [7] [*] [UPDATE] [SUB] [1] [*] (All Modes)
First selects all of the channels in submaster 7, then updates their levels in submaster 1, excluding levels of channels that were not already in the submaster.
Including the {ADD ALL} softkey in the update command includes level changes in channels that are not already in the submaster.
[UPDATE]{ADD ALL} [SUB] # [*] (All Modes)
Updates levels in the specified submaster for channels that have been modified. Includes modified channels that are not already in the submaster, and channels that have been removed from the modified list by using [SHIFT] [CLR]. Channels that are off in the selection will be removed from the submaster.
[UPDATE]{ADD ALL} [SUB] [1] [*] (All Modes)
Updates all channels that have been modified in submaster 1, including channels that are not already in submaster 1.
[SUB] [7] [*] [UPDATE] {ADD ALL} [SUB] [1] [*] (All Modes)
First selects all of the channels in submaster 7, then records their levels in submaster 1, including channels that are not already in the submaster 7.
 
chan [UPDATE] [SUB] # [*] updates levels of the specified channels in the specified submasters to match the current Levels screen for the selected channels, regardless of whether or not they have been modified. Excludes channels that are not already in the submaster, regardless of whether or not they have been modified. Channels that are off in the selection will be removed from the submaster.

[1] [THRU] [5] [UPDATE] [SUB] [*] (All Modes)
Changes channel 1 through 5 levels in submaster 1, excluding channels that are not already in the submaster. If the submaster fader is not at 0 then the updated levels are adjusted to avoid output bumps. For example, if the submaster fader is at 50% and a channel level of 10% (from the output) is updated, the level recorded into the submaster is actually 20% so that the submaster output is 10%. The maximum level that can be recorded into the submaster is 100% so output bumps can still occur with a low fader and high levels.

Note: To clear the changed indicator and set red channel levels back to cyan, press [SHIFT] [CLR].

Updating Submasters from the Live Screen

When in the Submaster Screen, you can update the current submaster in accordance with levels in the Live Screen using the syntax chans [@] [LIVE]

[1] [THRU] [5] [@] [LIVE] Direct Action Modes

[1] [THRU] [5] [@] [LIVE] [*] Command Line Mode

Updates channels 1 to 5 inthe currently selected submaster in the Submaster Screen according to the levels in the Live Screen. If any of the channels are not already in the submaster, they are added tothe submaster

Alternatively, you can update the value of only the channels already in the submaster screen in accordance with the levels in the Live Screen using the syntax [SUB] [@] [LIVE}

[SUB] [1] [@] [LIVE] Direct Action Modes

[SUB] [1] [@] [LIVE] [*] Command Line Mode

Selects the channels in submaster 1 and updates them to the values in the Live Screen.

Quick Recording

Pressing the bump button for a submaster (this is below the submaster fader) is a quick way of recording a submaster. This does not actually bump the submaster.

[SUB] Sub 1 button Records submaster 1. This is the same as [SUB] [1] [RECORD]

chan, [SUB] Sub 1 button Adds the specified channels to the submaster and sets their levels to match the current Levels screen.

[1] [THRU] [5] Sub 1 button (All Modes)
Adds channels 1 through 5 to submaster 1 and sets their levels to the levels on the current Levels screen. If the channels are already in the submaster the levels are changed to match the current Levels screen.

chan [SUB] [-] Sub 1 button Deletes the specified channels from the submaster (sets their levels off).

[4] [+] [5] [SUB] [-] Sub button 1 (All Modes)
Deletes channels 4 and 5 from submaster 1 and returns the current Levels screen to it’s levels without the submaster

Using Submaster Faders

Each submaster is controlled by a submaster fader and the bump button below the fader. Refer to the Product Specification for number of submasters

Each submaster fader has two lights to show submaster status. A Submaster Supermaster controls the levels of all submasters. The submaster faders and bump buttons can be used from any display. They have no effect on the output if the submaster has no recorded levels (intensities or attributes). The Submasters window at the bottom of the Live display State screen shows the current state of the submasters.

Note: If you experience occasional flicker on the output from submaster channels, this is dueto a hardware problem to do with submaster scanning. Contact Strand Service for console fix.

Gang Loading of Subs

A sequence of cues, effects or groups to be loaded simultaneously to a sequence of subs, e.g.,
Enter the range of cues, effects or groups using the [THRU] key, then press the bump key for the first sub in the range. The number of subs required is assigned automatically.


[CUE] [1] [THRU] [1] [2] Sub Bump Button 1 (All Modes)
loads cues 1 through 12 in Subs 1 through 12

[FX] [1] [THRU] [3] Sub Bump Button 13 (All Modes)
loads effects 1 through 3 in Subs 13 through 16

[GROUP] [1] [THRU] [6] Sub Bump Button 19 (All Modes)
loads groups 1 through 6 in Subs 19 through 24

Re-assigning cues, subs or Groups to Subs already assigned will automatically overwrite the original assignment.

The Submasters Window

The Submasters window in the Live display shows the current state of the submasters and is used to show submaster fader status. If the State screen does not show the Submasters window, go to the User Setup Screen and change the Live Screen Layout value to PB+SUBS or SUBS. Then press [LIVE] to show the Live display.

Current Page The current submaster page is shown on the title bar of the Submasters window

Submaster Number Each submaster is identified by its number (1 to 24, 1 to 30, 1 to 54, or 1 to 120 depending on the console). The colour of this number shows the state of the submaster:

blue The submaster has no recorded channels and so has no effect on the console output.
white The submaster has recorded channels but is not contributing to the output.
yellow The submaster has recorded channels and is contributing to the output.
green background The submaster fader is adding channels from a submaster on a different page than the current page. This happens if the fader is set higher than 0 when the current page is changed (or less than 10 for an inhibitive submaster). The green background disappears when the submaster reloads.


Submaster Function The submaster function is shown beside each submaster number. This reflects the Function field in the Submaster display.

(blank) Pileon mode.
i Independent mode.
e Exclusive mode.
I Inhibitive mode.
S Sound To Light mode.
C DMX Channel Supermaster.
M Submaster Supermaster.
L Flash Supermaster.
G Grandmaster
F Effect Supermaster.
D DMX Dimmer Supermaster.
A Audio Threshold Supermaster.
R MIDI Ratio Supermaster.

Submaster Fader Level The current fader level of each submaster is shown beside the submaster number after the mode. This ranges from 0 to 99 or FL for 100%, and shows the level as it fades, not just the fader position.

Viewing and Editing Submasters

You can view and edit submasters and supermasters in the Submaster display.

Note: Changing levels while in this display changes the recorded levels in the current submaster without a record command and without warning you.

The following topics are covered in this section:


The Submaster Screen

To show the Submaster screen press [SUB] in the Display keypad (not [SUB] in the Levels keypad).
The Submaster display State screen shows a page of submasters and their associated fields. The current submaster number is highlighted with a red background. The current page is shown at the top of this window.

The title bar shows the date and time, display name, show name, and grandmaster status. The date and time format can be set in the Console Time Window of the Show Setup Screen. The show name is preceded by an asterisk (*) when changes have been made to the show since you last saved it.

The Wheel window at the right shows the position within the submasters, with the current submaster number next to it.

Before viewing or editing submasters, make sure that you are in the correct page. When you first open the Submaster display, you get the current Live display Submaster page.

The page number is shown at the top of the Submasters window, and can be changed while you are in the Submaster display without changing the current page in the Live display. Once you go back to the Live display the current page in the Submaster display is set to match.

To change the current submaster page, use [SUB] [+], [SUB] [-], or [SUB PAGE] #. The highlight must be on the submaster number (the SUB field).

To go directly to a submaster, press [SUB] # [*] where # is the submaster number.

Note: On consoles without a [SUB PAGE] key, refer to Console Differences

To move between submasters, move the Trackball to any field in the submaster. Levels for the highlighted submaster will be displayed on the Levels screen. To edit these levels you will need to highlight the submaster number.

You can also use [NEXT] and [LAST] to change submasters if the highlight is on the submaster number.

State Screen

Fields on the Submaster display State screen show the current values for submaster properties. To learn more about these properties refer to Recording Submaster Properties and Fader Properties

The fields are shown below.

SUB
The number of the submaster These are fixed and cannot be changed.(Refer to the Product Specification for number of submasters). See also, One and Two-Scene Preset

TEXT
The text label (caption) attached to this submaster.

Up/Down
The intensity up and down fade times. Can be from one hundredth of a second to 59 minutes and 59 seconds

Att
Attribute fade times. The same time is used for both up and down fades. Can be from one hundredth of a second to 59 minutes and 59 seconds

Fx
OFF if no effect is associated with this submaster. Otherwise the effect number to start when the submaster is moved off zero.

Ext
OFF if no external fader is used. Otherwise the analog input number which is combined with this fader on a highest takes precedence basis.

Mac
OFF if no macro is associated with this submaster. Otherwise the macro number of the macro to run when the submaster is moved off zero.

Function
Controls how the submaster is used. For further information about supermasters and other submaster functions refer to Submaster Functions

Bump
Controls the submaster bump mode. Refer to Submaster Bump Mode


 
Viewing Submaster Channel Levels

To view the recorded levels in a submaster, select the required submaster. The levels are then shown on the Levels screen. Only submasters set to Normal, Independent, Exclusive, Inhibitive, or Sound To Light functions use the channel levels. Channel levels are ignored in other submaster modes.

Channels which are off are shown with a blank level. Channels which are on at 0 are shown with a level of 0. For Inhibitive mode, intensity channels with levels (including on At 0) are inhibited and attribute channels or channels which are off are ignored. For Normal, Independent, and Exclusive modes, on At 0 and off are treated as a level of 0.

Editing Submaster Channel Levels

Once you have selected the required submaster and put the highlight on the submaster number (the SUB field), you can select channels and modify them using the same commands as for channel control, for example [1] [@] [1], [CUE] [1] [@] [5] and so on. The Level Wheel cannot be used to change levels.

If a submaster is referenced in a channel command (for example [SUB] [1] [@]) then the submaster from the current page in the Submaster display is used. This lets you copy submaster levels on the same page.

Clearing Submasters

To clear a submaster, set all intensity levels and attribute levels for the submaster off, or highlight the submaster number (the SUB field) in the State screen and use {CLEAR}. For information about clearing all submasters or a range of submasters from the Archive display refer to Clear Operations in the Archive Screen.

{CLEAR}
This soft key appears on the right LCD Submaster menu. Press {CLEAR} twice, a message appears to let you cancel. To clear the submaster, press {CLEAR} again. To cancel, press [CLR] or [UNDO].

Using {CLEAR} sets all intensity levels and attribute levels in the selected submaster to 0, clears any macro or external fader, and sets the submaster mode to Normal. {CLEAR} can be used with a single submaster or with a [THRU] range.

{CLEAR} [*] [*] (All Modes)
Clears the current submaster.
[SUB] [1] {CLEAR} [*] (All Modes)
Clears submaster 1.
[SUB] [1] [THRU] [3] {CLEAR} [*] (All Modes)
Clears submasters 1, 2, and 3.

Copying Levels from a Submaster

You can record submasters, cues, groups, and effect steps while you are in the Submaster display. The highlight must be on the submaster number (the SUB field).

Using record commands while you are in the Submaster display copies the Submaster display levels to the target submaster, cue, group, or effect step. For example, if the current submaster is 1, then [RECORD] [CUE] [2] [*] (Command Line), or [CUE] [2] [RECORD] (Direct Entry) will copy the levels from submaster 1 into cue 2.

Submasters are recorded into the current submaster page of the Submaster display. You cannot copy submasters between pages. Since submasters are recorded into the current submaster page of the Submaster display, this copies the submaster to a different submaster in the same submaster page. There is no direct way to copy a submaster to another page. You can copy submasters to another page indirectly by following the steps below, which use the Live display to record the contents of page1 submaster 1 into page 3 submaster 4.

Go to the Live display and make sure all channels are off.

Press [SUB PAGE] [1] [*] to set the initial submaster page.
Press [SUB] [1] [@] {FULL} [*] to set the submaster levels in the current display.
Press [SUB PAGE] [3] [*] to change the submaster page. (for 300 series consoles, the [SUB PAGE] key can be simulated using the 'V' key on an ASCII keyboard)
Press [SUB] [4] [RECORD] (Direct Entry Mode), or [RECORD] [SUB] [4] [*] (Command Line Mode) to record the new submaster.
Note: On consoles without a [SUB PAGE] key, refer to Console Differences
One and Two-Scene Preset
All 300 and 500 series control desks can be set up to operate as a conventional single, or two scene preset lighting desk, with or without a submaster bank.
300 series control desks are provided with two [PB MODE] keys, which are used to set the functions of the two X Playback faders. 500 series consoles have no PB Mode key. The keyboard equivalents are Ctrl A and Ctrl B. The options are as follows:
Pressing the appropriate [PB MODE] key (300 Series Consoles) or Ctrl A/Ctrl B (500 Series Consoles) will display the following LCD softkey menu for the playback.
Note: You must press the appropriate [PB MODE] key, or Ctrl A/Ctrl B to return to Live mode after you have selected the playback mode.
X2 Playback
{AUTO FADE} GeniusPro/Lightpalette normal operating mode (refer to X Playbacks section).
{MAN FADE} GeniusPro/Lightpalette manual operating mode (refer to X Playbacks section)
X1 Playback
{1 SCENE 24 SUB} where the maximum faders is the number of faders less 24
{2 SCENE 24 SUB} where the maximum faders per scene is the number of faders less 24 divided by 2
{1 SCENE 0 SUB} where the maximum faders is the total number of faders.
{2 SCENE 0 SUB} where the maximum faders per scene is the number of faders divided by 2.
{AUTO FADE} GeniusPro/Lightpalette normal operating mode (refer to X Playbacks section).
{MAN FADE} GeniusPro/Lightpalette manual operating mode (refer to X Playbacks section)
The selected preset mode for X1 Playback is shown in the submaster window of the Live Screen. Submaster faders dedicated to channel faders are shown in black.
Note: For 530 and 550 series consoles, the six supersubmaster faders are not included in the faders available for single scene or two-scene preset.
The single-scene presets offer a larger channel capacity using the Auto Hold feature to set up a blind scene as in a normal 2-scene preset desk. Channel faders always correspond numerically to the lowest numbered faders.
Single-Scene Preset
Single Scene Preset uses the Auto Hold feature of the X Playback faders, as shown in the following example:

  1. Ensure that the 1 and 2 Preset master faders are completely in the home position (as shown) and that all channel faders are at zero.
  2. For the purposes of the example, ensure that the time faders are set to zero in order to see the instantaneous response when cross fading.
  3. Set faders 1 through 4 to 8 (80%)
  4. Move the Preset 1 and Preset 2 faders together to the top. Scene 1 fades in on stage.
  5. Move Preset 2 down to zero to hold the scene in memory (on stage)
  6. Move Preset 1 down to start to set the next scene.
  7. Set faders 1 through 2 to zero, fader 3 to full, fader 4 to 5 (50%) and faders 5 through 6 to 8 (80%)
  8. Move the 1 and 2 Preset faders back up to the top position. This crossfades between scene 2 and the live scene on the preset faders.
Note: The Preset Faders will only ‘pick up’ and gain control of the channel faders after they have been moved to the zero (fully down) position. When a scene is on stage, you can modify the scene by moving the channel faders (including adding/removing channels). When the scene is held, by moving Preset 2 to zero, you can add channels to the scene, and increase the levels of existing channels, but you cannot decrease the levels of existing channels, or remove existing channels.
Two-Scene Preset

When set to Two Scene Preset Mode, half of the channel faders are controlled by the Preset 1 fader and the other half by Preset 2 fader. Similarly, the fade times for each scene are controlled by the time faders. A dipless cross fade between scene 1 and scene 2 is achieved by moving both Preset Faders together. Scene 1 is indicated on 300 Series consoles by a red LED. Scene two is indicated by a green LED. Both scenes are indicated by green LEDs on 500 Series consoles.

You can set the fade time between 0 and 59min, 59 secs for Preset 1 and Preset 2 using the X2 faders on 500 Series consoles or the separate time faders on 300 Series consoles. When set to zero, the fade time is governed by the rate at which the Preset 1 and Preset 2 faders are moved manually. When set to a value greater than zero, the fade time for each Preset Fader is the individual fade times set by the time faders.



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