In this Avid S6 v2.0 tutorial, Gary Lux demonstrates assignable Spill Zones, one of the most talked about new features on Avid S6 v2.0 software.
HHB Releases Avid S6 v2.0 Software Overview Video
In this video from Partner brand HHB, Devin Workman highlights the key features introduced by the new version 2.0 software update for the S6 and points out the new features requested by Icon Power users.
Scrub Supplies Avid S6 And S3 To Empire Design
Our friends at Scrub have supplied Avid S6 and S3 control surfaces for Empire Design’s London post production studios.
Tutorial: How To Use VCA Auto-Spill On The Avid S6 Control Surface Using v1.3 Software
Watch as Gary Lux and Richard McKernan demonstrate VCA Auto-Spill, the most anticipated and talked about new feature on Avid S6 v1.3 software. Once VCA Auto-Spill is enabled, you simply have to focus (or attention) the VCA master and all of the slaves automatically spill out on the surface, making adjustments and edits quicker and easier. Check it out, and stay tuned for more video tutorials on using the Avid S6.
To learn more about the Pro Tools | S6, visit our dedicated Avid Pro Tools | S6 blog.
Avid Pro Tools | S6 Show & Tell: Layout Recall in S6 Software v1.3
In a previous video from RSPE, Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux and Avid’s own Richard McKernan showed how to create, edit and delete custom Layouts on the Avid Pro Tools | S6. This time they demonstrate the new and improved layout recall on the Avid Pro Tools | S6. The new feature, recently added on Pro Tools | S6 software v1.3, allows you to access your saved layouts quickly and without having to change what’s visible on the master module’s touch screen. Check it out, and stay tuned for more video tutorials.
To learn more about the Pro Tools | S6, visit our dedicated Avid Pro Tools | S6 blog.
Avid S6 Video Tutorial From RSPE Audio - Expand Mode
RSPE Audio once again enlisted the help of Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux and Avid’s own Richard McKernan for their next S6 video tutorial. The video shows how Expand Mode on the Avid S6 allows you to easily view and edit all of the parameters of an EQ, Dynamic, or Insert with simply one button. Check it out, and stay tuned for more video tutorials.
To learn more about the S6, visit our blog dedicated to Avid’s S6.
HHB-Scrub Supply An Avid S6 To LipSync Post
Our friends at HHB-Scrub has supplied London’s LipSync Post with a 24-fader Avid S6 M10 console and Pro Tools upgrades.
LipSync Post is spread across two buildings in the heart of the post community in London’s Soho. Whilst upgrading their Studio 6 LipSync chose to fit an Avid S6 M10 control surface as well as a Pro Tools 11 HDX system and Scrub’s technical team customised the console layout to fit the workflow of LipSync’s engineers.
LipSync will also benefit from the new features added to the S6 in version 1.2 software, which further enhances the flexibility of layouts, VCA groups and the Softkey Editor, in addition to functions that enable editing directly from the Channel Strip.
LipSync Senior Re-Recording Mixer and Music Composer Rob Hughes told us…
When we came to update our desk in Studio 6, we wanted ultimate flexibility and integration with our Pro Tools HDX system. It’s a busy room that needs to serve as a mix studio for drama, short form and documentaries, as well as feeding work into our larger theatres and handling re-versioning and deliverables. The Avid S6 was our first choice and we’re delighted to be working with Scrub again. Their expertise is always invaluable in making the set up as fast and painless as possible.
The team from HHB will be in their usual position at IBC if you would like to have a chat with them about your requirements.
Avid S6 Video Tutorial From RSPE Audio - VCA Spill
Our friends at RSPE Audio enlisted the help of Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux and Avid’s own Richard McKernan for a new S6 video tutorial. The video shows how VCA spill on the Avid S6 allows you to easily control a large number of channels with a smaller control surface. Check it out, and stay tuned for more video tutorials.
To learn more about the S6, visit our blog dedicated to Avid’s S6.
HHB Scrub Release Video Using The Softkeys On An Avid S6
Our friends at HHB Scrub have released another video in their series on how to get more out of the Avid S6 control surface. This video demonstrates how the Softkeys provide fast control over menu, editing and automation functions in Pro Tools and other EUCON-enabled DAWs.
Its hosted by HHB’s Devin Workman, who shows how the Softkeys can put virtually any Eucon function on the surface of the console for deep hands on control of a session. The 60 user-assignable Softkeys can be tailored to fit the user’s unique workflow by putting the keys that are used most within easy reach. Complex editing functions, automation of channels, plug-ins and volumes, and various other parameters can be controlled with the just the Softkeys and jog wheel. Workman also demonstrates that, like the S6, the Softkeys are application aware and update to the function specific to each DAW when switching between programs.
Other videos on Avid S6 Features from HHB
I have to say that having visited Galaxy Studios, the home of Auro Technologies, working in their gorgeous dubbing theatre I can see how the integration offered by Eucon 3 and the Avid S6 would be perfect for these kind of scenarios.
Tom Graham from Avid has recently interviewed Re-Recording Mixer Frank Morrone at Technicolor Toronto about how they are getting on with their new Avid S6 and in their interview Frank told Tom….
With LOST we had 7 computer monitors (for the 7 HD Systems) in front of us to get the visual feedback we needed. Now with the S6, I have the TFT (Meter) displays and all the information is streamlined right in front of me. I can get at it with a lot less clutter. And I really love the scrolling waveforms because when I’m doing my dialogue premixes I can see when a piece of dialogue is coming in on a track and if I need to raise my Fader because of the (relative) size of the incoming waveform. To be able to also see my metering, my compression and my EQ curves right next to the scrolling waveform are just great features and they really get you into a rhythm when you’re working. It’s a rhythm and efficiency that you could never get before.
You can read the full interviiew on the Avid Blog site.
HHB Launches Their Own Avid S6 Builder Web Based Interactive App
Our friends at HHB have announced the release of their interactive Avid S6 Builder web app that enables users to create their own custom configuration of Avid’s new modular mixing console.
Using Drag and drop you can place modules in the arrangement of your choice and build a bespoke console tailored to your workflow.
The S6 Builder’s sophisticated interface walks you through the process with module descriptions provided throughout. Configurations can then be shared with colleagues or sent to HHB or audio post specialists Scrub for a quotation.
Early adopters like Soho’s Envy Post are already experiencing the flexibility and powerful features offered by S6. It is a fully customisable system that can be scaled vertically or horizontally, with room to grow as needs increase. You can choose between 12 pre-configured M10 and M40 consoles, or custom configure an M40 with up to 64 faders, nine knobs per channel and a maximum of 41 modules.
HHB Video Demonstrates Avid S6 Master Touch & Automation Modules
In their series of videos looking at the functionality of the Avid S6 control surface our friends at HHB Communications Ltd. have released of the second video, which highlights the features of the Master Touch and Automation Modules.
See the Avid S6 Master Touch Module
Hosted by Devin Workman, HHB’s S6 videos provide an in-depth tutorial with the 24-fader M40 S6 control surface that is housed in HHB subsidiary Scrub’s demo facilities. Devin begins the second video by highlighting the S6’s Master Touch Module (MTM), a 12.1-inch multipoint touchscreen that forms the core of the console. The MTM provides control of an entire session view or each individual track. All functions of a selected track, including dynamics, EQ curves, sends, surround panning and more, can be adjusted from the touchscreen. This is in addition to rotary encoders and dedicated knobs for monitoring and global control.
See the Avid S6 Automation Module
Devin also shows how the S6’s Automation Module provides a complete transport section for writing automation and navigating projects, a multi-function shuttle/job wheel, user programmable soft keys, the attention fader, colour shortcut displays and switches, a numeric keypad and more.
The third video in the S6 series will show how the Soft Keys offer quick access to menu, editing and automation functions. If you missed the first video in this series then you can watch it here.
Video Introduction To The Avid S6 Control Surface
Our friends at HHB have made this video introduction to the Avid S6 control surface.
The first S6 video in the series can be viewed on the HHB’s YouTube Channel you can watch the Avid S6 video introduction here. HHB’s Devin Workman provides an in-depth tutorial with the 24-fader M40 S6 installed at HHB’s Soho demo facility Scrub.
The first video introduces the component parts of the S6 and how they can be combined to provide deep integrated control of Pro Tools and other DAWs.
There are more videos to follow going further in-depth on how the S6’s innovative Master Touch and Automation Modules provide unparalleled DAW control from the listening position, and the S6’s Soft key control of menu, editing and automation functions.
Avid Release v1.1.1 Critical Update For S6 Control Surfaces
We have been aware that Avid UK have been working with at least one S6 customer who has been having some issues with their new Avid S6 control surface.
It may be as a result, or not, but Avid have just released S6 Software version 1.1.1 for the S6 Master Module and associated workstations. They tell us that this software update delivers system improvements and critical updates for all S6 users.
Registered users will find the installers in their Avid Account > Your Products following S6 Software Activation.
S6 Software v1.1.1 includes the following improvements and fixes:
Workstations reconnect after Master Module reboot
Monitoring page has new controls for individual speaker cut, Main Monitor Source, Cues Source, Talkback and Dim levels, Foldown (not available on XMON)
Knob Top color and brightness has been improved for better low-light visibility
Knob response has been improved for better control
Plug-ins can now be bypassed from the Home page (using the new IN control)
Additional channel parameters (such as HEAT on Pro Tools and Quick Controls on Nuendo) can now be accessed from the Home screen
Soft Keys have been reorganized
Clear switch now allows channel strip reset on selected DAW’s (not available in Pro Tools)
EQ and DYN switches now automatically insert the default EQ/Dynamics plug-in (if already defined in Pro Tools Preferences)
For more information see the S6 Software v1.1.1 Read Me
Hollywood Mix Engineer Gary Lux Using VCA Groups On The Avid S6
Longtime Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux sat with RSPE Audio to show how using VCA groups on the Avid S6 Control Surface helps him stay organized and improve his workflow and efficiency.
Gary recently celebrated his 20th anniversary mixing and recording the music for the the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) Awards. Although he mixed it on his Avid ICON D-Control, he wanted to see what he would do differently (or the same) on the Avid S6.
Make sure to watch the end for an outtake!
Check out our exclusive Avid S6 microsite in association with our friends at RSPE Audio.
HHB and Scrub Host UK’s First 24 Fader Avid S6 in Soho Demo Facility
Our friends at HHB Scrub have installed the UK’s first 24-channel Avid S6 M40 control surface in its subsidiary Scrub’s demo room in Soho, London.
You can arrange to make an appointment to view the full features of the S6 with HHB’s knowledgeable Avid specialists in a 5.1 equipped facility. The 24-fader M40 offers a unique advantage by showcasing the full range of modules available in a large format console. Pro Tools, Nuendo and Logic are installed and available for S6 demonstrations.
HHB Group Sales Director Steve Angel told us….
“HHB is a leading reseller of Avid consoles and the most experienced Pro Tools partner in Europe, as highlighted by our recent award. Our Pro Tools specialists are highly-trained S6 experts with the knowledge to provide in-depth demonstrations of the full capabilities of this revolutionary new mixing system.”
HHB’s dedicated team of Pro Tools specialists are revered by the industry as a trusted source of support for the full range of Avid audio systems and recipients of its EMEA Pro Audio Partner of the Year 2013 Award. This status makes HHB the most qualified partner to host the UK’s first 24-fader S6 M40.
Build Your Own Custom Avid S6 Online
For those too old (or grumpy) to visit Build A Bear, then here’s something to give every audio geek some joy.
The team at RSPE Audio Solutions have created this awesome online Avid S6 configurator, that allows you to build you own Avid S6 online or just checkout the standard factory Avid S6 options.
Go over and check it out - you can have endless fun dreaming of your new Avid S6,
For more Avid S6 information and stories visit our Avid S6 micro site here.
Top Mix Engineer Gary Lux Talks About The Avid S6 Control Surface
Friend of the blog and mix master Gary Lux (Sting, Janet Jackson, Usher and more) sat down with RSPE to talk about why he like the new Avid S6.
Check out our exclusive Avid S6 microsite in association with our friends at RSPE Audio.
Time Lapse Video Installing An Avid S6 Into "This Is Sound Design"
Our friends at RSPE have produced this time lapse video showing the installation of an Avid S6 control surface into “This Is Sound Design” As soon as it was finished Nathan Ruyle started mixing two independent films.
This Is Sound Design Chooses Avid's S6 As Their New Control Surface
This is Sound Design have placed an order for a new
. This is Sound Design have been waiting for a control surface that offers the customization, programmable software integration and forward thinking modular design and feel that the Avid S6 is that console.
According to Nathan Ruyle, the choice of the
revolved around his style of working “Having developed a design-centered approach to feature film sound post, we needed a console that adapts to our custom workflows and the specific needs of each project, allowing a fluid relationship between our design concepts through the final mix. In the past we have often had to make the choice between limiting projects to working within our mix templates or holding off the mix phase as long as possible, spending hours reorganizing sessions to be mixable on the Icon control surface. We are excited that the S6 can evolve creatively with us and bring the design process into the mix stage. We are looking forward to finally putting down the mouse and getting into the mix!”
Nathan has been working with the Avid D-Control and D-Command over the last 5 years or so and the transition to the new surface was in many ways logical but more importantly, in Nathan’s words “the S6 feels like the first console made for me and the way that I want to work”.
This is Sound Design is a boutique sound design and post-production studio, with facilities in Los Angeles and New York, founded by Nathan Ruyle in 2008. TiSD has a reputation for unique technical and aesthetic approaches to sound, working with filmmakers, digital media creators, and artists. Past projects include the critically acclaimed Sundance feature films This is Martin Bonner and It Felt Like Love, online campaigns for ELLE Magazine, Banana Republic, and Benefit Cosmetics, and the multimedia spectacle ABACUS. Listen for sound by TiSD in 2014 at Sundance, the Bam Next Wave Festival and the Whitney Biennial.
For a short video with Nathan Ruyle of This is Sound Design, and more detailed information about the Avid S6, visit the
HHB Announces Availability Of Avid At S6 Preview Event In Soho, London
HHB Communications Ltd. and Scrub, its Soho-based subsidiary specialising in serving the post production industry, began taking orders for the new Avid S6 control surface at a special preview event held at the Union Club in Soho, London.
Avid’s new modular control surface has been extremely well received since its launch at IBC 2013 and now has a shipping date of mid-December. Customers of HHB and Scrub were given in-depth, private demos of the S6’s ground-breaking features by Avid Audio Solutions Specialists Dave Tyler and Simon Sherbourne.
Combining the best of Avid’s ICON and System 5 families in a revolutionary new modular design, S6 provides extensive visual feedback, deep Pro Tools control with superior ergonomics and allows up to eight DAWs to be connected simultaneously. An integrated central touchscreen offers quick access to tracks, plugins, panning and more.
The S6 system offers the option of choosing a pre-configured S6 M10 or S6 M40 control surface, or an S6 M40 custom configured with different channel control combinations based on the needs of the user.
HHB and Scrub’s customers were very impressed with the enhancements introduced by the S6. Goldcrest Post Production Technical Manager Campbell Pratt comments:
“It was great to get an advance preview of the Avid S6 console with the HHB and Scrub team. As you would expect from Avid, it looks great and there are a lot of excellent features that have passed from both their old ICON and System 5 MC consoles. It won’t be long before you see one of these installed in a Goldcrest theatre.”
Envy Post Sound Designer Arge adds:
“After recently viewing the S6 for the first time myself and my colleagues at Envy were extremely impressed at the advancements that have been made since the previous ICON desk. We are also particularly impressed by Scrub and the time and attention they take to make sure all your questions are fully answered. Based on this and their previous excellent service we would not hesitate to continue using them for any future purchases, in particular that of the S6.”
Scrub Head of Sales Ben Scully explains:
“The feedback from our customers about the S6 has been resoundingly positive. We were very pleased to be chosen as the first UK Avid Reseller to show our customers the enhanced power, speed and functionality of the S6 system first hand. The modularity of S6 means that these powerful features can be paired off into a system that is tailor made for each customer, with the option to expand as their needs develop.”
Scrub will soon have a demo console in its office on 80 Berwick Street in Soho, London, where Scrub and HHB Sales Team and Technical Engineers will provide hands-on demos of the revolutionary S6 control surface. It is expected that Avid will start shipping the S6 in Mid December.