Digidesign ProControl
Digidesign's first large-format Pro Tools control surface
List price at launch 11,995 USD as of 1998
Description
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Computer interface | Single 10BaseT Ethernet link (RJ45) to the Pro Tools system, daisy-chained to the Fader Packs |
|---|
Processing
| DSP engine | No native processing: DSP handled by the host Pro Tools TDM system |
|---|---|
| Modularity and expansion | Expandable with 8-channel Fader Packs (up to 3 added, for 32 channels); optional Edit Pack (motorised surround joysticks, built-in Pro Tools keyboard, high-resolution metering) |
| Architecture | Control surface for Pro Tools TDM; it processes no audio, all mixing stays in the host system |
| Surround and immersive | Surround mixing with the optional Edit Pack (two touch-sensitive motorised joysticks) |
Surface
| Physical faders | 8 |
|---|---|
| Motorized faders | Yes |
| Screens | 0 |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Control surface | Main unit: 8 touch-sensitive motorised DigiFaders, 8 rotary encoders, 25 eight-character scribble strips, assignable switch matrix |
| DAW control | Dedicated Pro Tools control: faders, mutes, solos, panning, automation, editing, transport, jog/shuttle wheel, bank management |
| Monitoring and talkback | Control-room monitoring and talkback section built into the main unit |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|
Networking
| Networking & protocols | Network |
|---|
Other
| Software | Drives Pro Tools over Digidesign's proprietary DigiNet protocol on 10BaseT Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Price | US launch pricing: main unit $11,995, Fader Pack $6,495, Edit Pack $7,495 |
Strip & details
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Software
- Pro ToolsDigidesign/Avid digital audio workstation that the ProControl drives (TDM version at the time).Download
Accessories
Fader extension
- Fader Pack
Expansion module of 8 motorised faders and assignable strips; up to three for a 32-channel surface.
Indicative price 6,495 USD
Surface / module
- Edit Pack
Surround editing module: two touch-sensitive motorised joysticks, built-in Pro Tools keyboard, high-resolution metering.
Indicative price 7,495 USD
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The ProControl is the first large-format control surface Digidesign built for Pro Tools TDM, launched in 1998. The main unit carries eight touch-sensitive motorised DigiFaders, eight rotary encoders, twenty-five eight-character alphanumeric displays (scribble strips) and a control-room monitoring section with talkback. The surface processes no signal: it drives Pro Tools over a proprietary protocol, DigiNet, carried on a 10BaseT Ethernet network.
The architecture is modular: you add eight-channel Fader Packs (up to three, for thirty-two strips) and an optional Edit Pack that brings two motorised surround joysticks, a built-in Pro Tools keyboard and high-resolution metering. The ProControl opens the line of Digidesign surfaces that led, after Avid bought Euphonix and adopted the EUCON protocol, to the ICON D-Control and D-Command systems.
Links
Related consoles
Some merchant links are affiliate links. Purchases may support Digital Mixing at no extra cost.
Documents are archived locally for preservation. Source credited. Takedown requests: [email protected]