Avid S6 Control Surface

► Avid S6 Microsite




Avid S6 Control Surface

Avid S6 Control Surface Microsite from RSPE Audio – Find all of the latest information on Avid’s groundbreaking S6 M10 and S6 M40 modular control surfaces, the world’s first control surface that lets you customize the surface to match your current and growing needs. The S6 Microsite is your source for information on:



► Avid S6 Overview


 RSPE Audio - Avid S6 AVID S6 M10 and S6 M40 Modular Control Surfaces

Avid redefines mixing with ergonomically designed, user-configurable consoles that can be expanded in both fader count and rotary encoders at any time.

Avid’s groundbreaking S6 M10 and S6 M40 modular control surfaces bring scalability and functionality to a new plateau. Another first from Avid, the S6 is the product of a collaboration that combines the experience and expertise of Avid and Euphonix engineers, equally renowned for the creation of world-class audio systems and industry firsts. But more important than the pedigree of its designers, the features and functionality of Avid’s S6 M10 and S6 M40 are driven by the needs and requests of audio professionals. From intelligent control via integrated touchscreen, to extensive visual feedback, including meters and waveform display of each channel, The Avid S6 is the world’s first control surface that lets you customize the surface to match your current and growing needs.

Avid S6 Unique Features:

  • World’s first modular system that can be easily user-configured on-site
  • Highly cost-effective design lets you add modules and functionality as needs or budget determine
  • Comes in two versions: preconfigured mid-size M10; custom-configurable mid-size to large-format M40
  • Ergonomic design provides ability to reach more controls without leaving the sweet spot and feels like a physical extension of Pro Tools
  • Customer-driven features include thoughtful conveniences such as computer keypad and script trays that slide along the entire length of the M40 frame
  • High-resolution OLED displays provide detailed channel information, such as 10-character track names, automation modes, record indicator, and more, with higher contrast in low ambient light conditions than LCD screens

Avid S6 M10 and S6 M40

Like its predecessors, the Avid D-Command and D-Control, The S6 comes in two flavors. Analogous to the D-Command, you have the smaller, more affordable M10, and the Avid S6 M40, which takes the place of D-Control and Euphonix System 5 MC.

With Avid’s S6 modular control surfaces, you can select from various pre-configured S6 M10 systems, while the S6 M40 can be custom-configured to your specific requirements in not only fader count, but also number of knobs per channel, plus the addition of visual displays. And upgrading your S6 M40 doesn’t mean buying a new console; you can add various control modules any time you desire without the need for on-site technicians. It’s as close to plug-and-play, or shall we say, plug-and-mix as you can get. In fact, just like the portability of Avid’s Pro Tools software from studio to studio, you can actually bring S6 modules to another S6-equipped facility, plug them in, and mix or track the way you’re accustomed to. Only the Avid S6 M40 allows this kind of scalability and flexibility.

Avid S6 M10 and S6 M40 key features:

  • Customize the surface with only the modules you need for great cost efficiency
  • Scale the system from mid- to large-format to match your workflow, with room to grow
  • Mix faster and easier with intelligently designed controls, touchscreen, and intuitive layout
  • Access and manipulate multiple aspects of your mix through the master touchscreen
  • See your mix in a whole new way with detailed visual feedback and professional metering
  • Get the deep, integrated Pro Tools® mixing control only Avid can provide
  • Extend your control to Logic Pro, Nuendo, and other EUCONTM-enabled DAWs
  • Experience highly responsive, precision control with high-speed EUCON connectivity
  • Control up to eight audio workstations simultaneously (e.g. Pro Tools, Nuendo and Logic—even from across the facility

Avid S6 features in depth

A collaborative effort of Avid and Euphonix engineers, driven by input from audio professionals, S6 offers total scalability from being able to configure number of faders and rotary encoders per channel to the addition of meter/waveform displays. Plus, there are user-requested features you won’t find in any other control surfaces, such as sliding computer keypad tray and script tray that move along the entire length of the desk.

Revolutionary modular design

The words “future proof” have been used in pro audio since N.E.D.’s Synclavier was introduced in 1981. So far, instead of the promised 10 years, future proofing has lasted six months to a year at the outside—that is, until the arrival of Avid’s S6 modular consoles. How does Avid do it? By creating an Ethernet-based power frame that allows you to add modules at any time as your needs or workflow changes.

And here’s where it gets interesting; these scalable modules are not just fader packs. There are six modules that comprise the S6 including: Fader Module, Process Module, Knob Module, Display Module (M40 only), Master Touch Module, and Master Automation Module.

On the S6 M40, you can add stunning visual display modules, as well as more control knobs per channel bank (or less should you desire). For example, you can have 8-channel banks with five knobs to control panning and 4-band EQ right alongside fader banks with nine knobs to add dynamics control to EQ and panning. Or, you could have channel banks with one encoder knob if, for example, you wanted to create dedicated aux or submaster channels. And of course, down the road, you could convert those single-knob and five-knob channels into full 9-knob channels depending on the depth of the S6 frame you’ve selected. (More on frames later.)

The horizontal and vertical scalability of the S6 offers you the greatest cost efficiency by letting you start out with only what you need and no more. You don’t invest in unnecessary bells and whistles or take designer’s potluck; hoping they thought of everything you need, or accept trade-offs if they didn’t. Avid didn’t design the S6 to try to be all things to all people—just all things to one person: you.

Mix intuitively with superior ergonomics

To create the perfect blend of knobs, faders, switches, and touchscreen, Avid engaged in extensive ergonomic research and tapped the expertise of Euphonix engineers who’ve excelled in this area with their System 5 designs.

That said, in long mixing sessions, you need to quickly access controls and see and reach what you need to without “wheel chair races” across the length of your console. S6 addresses these issues by bringing faders and encoders closer to the center section of the console. And for D-Command users who couldn’t reach the top row of controls without climbing over the console, S6’s narrower depth will come as a welcome relief. Quite simply, with an S6 you reach more and move less.

Carrying the idea of ergonomically intuitive access forward, the S6 acts and feels like a physical extension of your software, providing a truly intuitive and immersive experience. Turn around projects faster with high-precision editing and mixing control within easy reach. Quickly access and edit plug-ins, surround panning, and more with the multipoint touchscreen, and see every detail of your mix with unprecedented visual feedback. And along with the ability to stay in the sweet spot longer, the S6 frame comes with a comfortable elbow-supporting bolster and physical topology that doesn’t obstruct the sound field.

Networked connectivity with EUCON

To create the perfect blend of knobs, faders, switches, and touchscreen, Avid engaged in extensive ergonomic research and tapped the expertise of Euphonix engineers who’ve excelled in this area with their System 5 designs.

That said, in long mixing sessions, you need to quickly access controls and see and reach what you need to without “wheel chair races” across the length of your console. S6 addresses these issues by bringing faders and encoders closer to the center section of the console. And for D-Command users who couldn’t reach the top row of controls without climbing over the console, S6’s narrower depth will come as a welcome relief. Quite simply, with an S6 you reach more and move less.

Carrying the idea of ergonomically intuitive access forward, the S6 acts and feels like a physical extension of your software, providing a truly intuitive and immersive experience. Turn around projects faster with high-precision editing and mixing control within easy reach. Quickly access and edit plug-ins, surround panning, and more with the multipoint touchscreen, and see every detail of your mix with unprecedented visual feedback. And along with the ability to stay in the sweet spot longer, the S6 frame comes with a comfortable elbow-supporting bolster and physical topology that doesn’t obstruct the sound field.

Intelligent studio control of Pro Tools

Pair the S6 with Pro Tools and you gain the Avid advantage of faster workflows, extended visual feedback, and unique features to accelerate your efficiency every step of the way. And with S6 you can extend your control to Logic Pro, Nuendo, and other EUCONTM-enabled DAWs, enabling you to mix projects on multiple workstations simultaneously and switch out sessions in seconds—all from a single control surface.

Total Studio Control

In addition to Pro Tools, S6 provides the flexibility to extend your mixing control to Logic Pro, Nuendo, Cubase, and Pyramix EUCON-enabled DAWs. This enables you to “mix and match” channels from any or all of your DAWs*—side by side—on the S6 surface. Plus, you can save and recall up to 96 different surface layouts instantly, at any time from the touchscreen. S6 is the only professional mixing solution that enables multiple music and/or audio post projects created on different audio workstations to be controlled simultaneously—all from a single control surface.

* Control up to eight DAWs on an S6 M40-based system and up to two DAWs on an S6 M10-based system.

 Experience the deep DAW control that only Avid S6 can deliver. Call or chat with an RSPE representative for more in-depth information, or assistance configuring an Avid S6 control surface for your studio.

◀ Click the tabs in the left column to learn more about the S6!

►Avid S6 Tutorial Videos


S6 Tutorial Videos- RSPE Audio Solutions
Avid S6 Tutorial Videos

Here you'll find step-by-step Avid S6 video tutorials featuring renowned mixer Gary Lux and Avid's own console guru Richard McKernan showing you how to access some of the S6's greatest features.


VCA Groups On the S6 - Longtime Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux sat with RSPE Audio to show how he uses VCA groups on the Avid S6 Control Surface to stay organized and improve his workflow and efficiency.
VCA Groups Creation - Veteran Hollywood mixer, Gary Lux shows you how to create VCA groups on the Avid S6 Control Surface.

S6 VCA Spill - Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux and Avid's own Richard McKernan show how VCA spill on the Avid S6 allows you to control a large number of channels with a smaller surface.
S6 Expand Mode Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux and Avid's own Richard McKernan show how Expand Mode on the Avid S6 allows you quickly and easily view and edit all parameters of a process mode, with tons of visual feedback.

S6 Custom Layouts - Hollywood Mixer Gary Lux and Avid's Richard McKernan show how Layouts on the Avid S6 allow you to program and map channels onto the surface.
S6 Custom Layout Recall Layout recall on the Avid S6 allows you to access your saved layouts quickly and without having to change what's visible on the master module's touch screen.

S6 Soft Keys - Gary Lux demonstrates his use of the Soft Keys. The Soft Keys are a powerful tool of the S6 allowing you to put virtually any EUCON function you’d like on the top level of the edit window.
S6 VCA Auto-Spill Gary Lux and Richard McKernan demonstrate VCA Auto-Spill, which allows you to simply focus (or attention) the VCA master and all of the slaves automatically spill out on the surface.

S6 Assignable Spill Zones - Assignable spill zones for VCA’s, Track Types, Workstations and Layouts allow you to spill and independently bank through your selected parameters.
S6 Knob Expand Zones Tutorial - Knob Expand Zones allow you to automatically expand the parameter of your choice, such as EQ, Dynamics, Inserts, Sends and more across the knob modules by simply "attentioning" a track.

S6 Locking Strips Tutorial - Locking Strips allow you to lock any strip to its current location on the surface, leaving it unaffected by nudging, banking , or spilling.
S6 Locked Attention Trap Knobs Tutorial - Locked Attention Track Knobs remembered on Attention, or "Focus Lock" as Gary calls it, allows you to lock the parameters you want to edit on the S6 Master Module knobs.

User Switches 1 & 2 Tutorial - Users Switches 1 & 2 allow you to easily bank through tracks, left and right, without reaching across the console.


►Avid S6 Virtual Experience


Avid S6 - RSPE Virtual Experience



RSPE S6 Configurator
RSPE Audio Solutions’ exclusive Avid S6 Configurator lets you design and build a virtual Avid S6 M10 or Avid S6 M40 recording console/control surface with precisely the features and accessories your DAW or Pro Tools-based studio needs to optimize workflow.





RSPE S6 Virtual Channel Strip
RSPE Audio Solutions’ Virtual S6 Channel Strip gives you a virtual walkthrough of the next-generation control surface. Allowing you to experience firsthand how S6 can provide faster workflows, extended visual feedback, and unique features to accelerate your efficiency every step of the way.





For more information on using the S6, check out the S6 Operation Guide. (200 MB)

For more detailed information on the S6, such as installation and common tasks,
read the S6 Guide.

►Avid S6 Latest Updates


S6 News and Updates- RSPE Audio Solutions
Avid S6 Latest News & Updates

New in S6 Software v3.7

S6 Software Version 3.7 brings even more features and enhancements to the already feature-rich S6 Control Surface. Some New Fetures and Enhancements include:
  • New Master Meter Module (on either existing Display Modules or extra ones)
  • EQ and DYN cycling (Requires Pro Tools 12.8.2)
  • Show Workstation Number option next to track names
  • 500% improvement in Workstation switching
  • New Firmware update option for updating only out of date Modules
  • Many Issues Resolved in S6 v3.7.0 (see Readme)




New in S6 Software v2.1

S6 takes another large step forward in the evolution of the ultimate mixing solution with its 9th software release focusing on further enhancing customization, control and portability. Mixers have asked for further refinements in the ability to customize and build their ideal modular mixing desk with the settings, Soft Keys and Layouts that they need to construct and then to be able to easily take those settings with them to other S6 desks and rooms. It also adds support for professional KVM solutions to better integrate DAW switching. S6 Software v2.1 includes the following new and changed features:
  • Two separate assignable spill zones for VCA’s, Track Types, Workstations and Layouts
  • Master Joystick Module
  • New and Changed Preference Settings
  • Ethernet KVM and Redesigned KVM Settings
  • Bank and Nudge Switch LEDs
  • Monitoring Additions and Improvements
  • VCA Spill Improvements
  • Spill Tracks by Type
  • VCA Spill Improvements
  • Flip Mode Enhancements
  • Selecting Insert Slots for Expand Zone and Home Screen Function Views
  • Mic Pre Input Parameter Layout Improvements
  • Improved Knob Response for EQ and Other Parameters
  • Inserts Shown in Distinct Colors on Master Module
  • Soft Keys Additions and Enhancements
  • Link and Inverse Pan Control
  • New Surface Arrangement and Network Options




New in S6 Software v2.0

On July 13, 2015, Avid announced S6 version 2.0! This software update marks the biggest advancement yet in streamlining and simplifying pro mixing workflows by offering mixers flexible new ways to manage complex sessions. The new surface track management features genuinely offer the biggest improvements to date in quickly bringing the exact tracks you need onto the surface with advanced visual feedback, allowing you to get more done in each mix pass. These new features when combined make mixing large sessions nearly effortless. New features include:
  • Two separate assignable spill zones for VCA’s, Track Types, Workstations and Layouts
  • Banking within spill zones
  • Flip Rotary Knob rows to motorized Faders for more visual and tactile control
  • Up to two Dedicated definable Knob Expand Zones for full access to EQ, Dynamics, Pan, Sends and more following ‘attentioned’ track (one zone on M10)
  • Improved EQ mapping in Expand mode
  • EQ/Dynamics curves displayed in expand mode (M40 Display Modules)
  • View scrolling automation lanes over waveforms on Display Modules (M40 only)
  • Automatic saving of layouts into DAW Sessions
  • Ability to show and work with Hidden Tracks in Pro Tools
  • Ability to adjust Knob Speed and Sensitivity
  • A single assignable knob per connected EUCON DAWs (currently not Pro Tools)
  • Pro Tools Mix/Edit windows follow banking on surface
  • Default Soft Key streamlining and enhancements for Pro Tools
  • Default Soft Keys for Nuendo and Cubase
  • More customization preferences
  • XMON improvements




New in S6 Software v1.4

Avid announced the release of S6 Software v1.4 on February 9, 2015 for the S6 Master Module and associated workstations. This software release delivers a number of new updates, improvements and features for all S6 users. S6 Software v1.4 includes the following new and updated features:
  • Input and Output Assignment Improvements
  • Automation Trim Metering and Write Indication on Fader Modules
  • New Preference Settings for Banking, Navigation and Display
  • Home Screen Settings
  • Page Switches on the Master Module
  • Auto Talkback
  • Displaying Names in Asian Characters
  • Expand Mode Improvements for EQ and DYN Knob Sets
  • Progress Indicators for Session Load and Workstation Connect

For more detail on exactly what is in the v1.4 update see the following documents:

S6 Software v1.4 Read Me

What’s New in S6 v1.4





New in S6 Software v1.3

On November 20th, 2014 Avid announced a new update to Avid S6 Software. The new Software version for S6 consoles, v1.3, includes a number of new and updated features, but also improves on system overall stability and network connectivity robustness. Take a look at what's new:

Customize Momentary Control Value display times – You can customize the length of time these values are displayed before they revert back to track or parameter name.

Layouts Improvements – Improved Tracks page with Layouts is an integrated single page. The Tracks screen now includes a consolidated view of the Tracks and Assign screens, as well as new commands and menus that simplify the creating, storing, and editing of Layouts in your projects.
  • You can now Recall Layouts from the Soft Keys section
  • Specify strips to store in Layouts, Delete All Layouts from Edit popup, and Automatic storing of Layouts – a timesaver and simplification for building and naming layouts
  • You can now store Knobset views in Layouts… like the slaves on VCA’s for instance or EQ, Dynamics mode, Sends mode, Pan Mode, etc.

Auto-Spill VCA on Attention – You can configure VCAs to automatically spill to the left or to the right of the Attention Track Fader (on the Automation Module) when a VCA is ‘attentioned’.

Sends and Inserts Knobs Reversed – The Sends/Inserts Knobs Reversed preference lets you configure Knob Modules to display slots in either of two ways, “a–j” or“j–a.”
  • When enabled, slots (a–j) are displayed from the bottom knob, up (slot “a” appears on the knob closest to the operator, “b” above it, and so on). This is the default setting.
  • When disabled, slots are displayed from the top knob, down (slot “a” appears on the knob furthest from the operator, with “b” below it, and so on). This matches the Pro Tools Mix window.

Soft Keys improvements include being able to:
  • Recall layouts on the Soft Keys
  • Recall and focus workstations from the Soft Keys
  • New ICONs on the Soft Keys for Layouts and Workstations
  • Enabled Soft Keys for Automation Module Transport, Numeric Keypad, Locate, and Wheel
  • Custom re-map transport keys
  • Program Key Strokes to Soft Keys: Alpha, numeric, Function, arrow, and other keys from the computer keyboard (including OS modifier keys) can be included in a Soft Key definition

Support for GPI I/O Triggers – you can now add external triggers and switch control for Talkback, Stop, Play, Record, Dim & Cut. You need to wire a D-Sub snake to send these triggers from S6.

Display Module Enhancements
  • Added Waveform Link spec to EUCON so that 3rd party EUCON DAW’s can support scrolling waveforms in their apps.
  • Group ID and Group color indication from Pro Tools are now displayed on the display modules (only for enabled groups).

Expand Mode Enhancements – Expand mode now works with a Process Module only (if you don’t have a Knob module on that group of 8 channels). Expand Mode does not work on a Process module if you have a knob module attached.

Unified EUCONtrol version – you can now use one version of EUCONtrol software to run your Artist Series controllers, S3, 5MC-Pro and System 5 on the same workstation. This is particularly useful if you work in a facility that has multiple rooms and different surfaces you move your workstation between.

Version 1.3 also improves on system overall stability and network connectivity robustness.





New in S6 Software v1.2

On July 1st, Avid released S6 Software Version 1.2. And with it, came a slew of new features, and updates to give the S6 even more power and functionality. Here are some of the major points:



• VCA Spill Mode
The ability for a mixer to spill VCA slaves to the left or right of the VCA Master onto the surface to access




• Multi-Workstation Layouts
The ability to map channels onto the surface from any of the EUCONTM-connected DAWs – side by side and include blank channels where desired. There can be 96 layouts programmed and recalled from the master touch screen



• Plug-In Expand Mode
The ability to expand a plug-in and its parameters across a single or double knob module – providing either 32 or 64 knobs to access all of the controls at once



• Soft Key Editor
Allowing users to customize and program the 4 banks of soft keys

• Audio editing from a Channelstrip
A user can fade in or out a clip, trim the head or tail, slip or nudge it in time, adjust its clip gain and more

• Vary the Speed of the Scrolling Waveform
A new preference has been added to vary the speed from one second up to 60 seconds *


• Gain Reduction Enhancements
High-resolution gain reduction meters are now on both the channel display modules and the master module home page. There are also GR meters on the fader module between the two level meters and new dynamics graph with bouncing ball level indication *


• Integrated DVI Switcher Control
Ability to switch multiple workstation screens (with Keyboard and Mouse following) to one TFT has been added via the serial control of either a Gefen or Guntermann & Drunck switcher

• Automation LED indicators
On knob modules to display automation status of encoder

• Clear Mode
Quickly reset parameters on a plug-in or channel

• Display Module Enhancements
To show Function Knob Values (like sends) and Dual Graph Displays (like pan and EQ) *

• X-Mon monitoring improvements
X-Mon app can be in background to access controls on surface, monitors fold to mono and more…

* Some features currently require Pro Tools and or an S6 M40 system with Display Modules.

Current S6 owners can download the S6 software 1.2 update today from their Avid Master Account. Or contact RSPE to see how an S6 control surface can unlock your professional mixing workflows.



►Avid S6 Master Modules



Avid S6 — Build your own surface

Because S6 can be scaled both horizontally and vertically using an array of surface modules, you can configure it with the modules you need now to fit your budget, with room to expand as your needs grow. Choose one of the pre-configured systems or build your own. Here’s a look at the various modules and other hardware you can choose.

M40 vs. M10

The engine you choose dictates the total number of modules you can include in your S6 and impacts its overall size and customizability. Choose the high-performance M40 for large-scale productions that require maximum channels, high-resolution metering screens, and customizability, or the more affordable M10 for productions that need to fit into smaller rooms and budgets.

Both feature a tilting 12.1-inch multipoint touchscreen, eight adjacent rotary encoders, and dedicated knobs and keys for monitoring and global control, enabling you to view, access, and edit different aspects of your mix—such as tracks, processing, and metering—without mousing through menus.
Avid S6 Master Engines M40 vs. M10 Avid S6 M40 Avid S6 M10


The control surface engines—master modules

S6 Master Touch Module (MTM)

This is the real brains of the outfit and is required for all S6 control surfaces. The S6 MTM is a tilting, multi-touch display with eight assignable encoders. It has dedicated navigation buttons, two full-color soft key sections, and monitor section. There are two versions of the MTM: the S6 M10, which can control 10 modules, and its smarter brother S6 M40, which can control 41 modules. (Well, it’s not really smarter, just more powerful.)

The MTM features a 12.1", multi-touch screen that lets you view up to 72 tracks at once in the tracks matrix view, all with colors and meters. And with the swipe of a finger you can scroll vertically through the track matrix to access the rest of your session. You can record-arm, mute, or solo tracks easily via touch. There’s also an “attention” mode that takes you to an exploded view of a selected track. At the top of the exploded track view is a high-resolution meter bridge that you can horizontally scroll through via finger swipe, bringing any bank of eight channels right to you for processing directly via the screen. Touching a meter “attentions the track. Or you can similarly scroll an 8-channel-wide matrix at the bottom of the screen (similar to the track matrix view with just a single row).

With the ability to view, access, and edit various aspects of your mix, including tracks, panning, processing, and metering, without “mouse Olympics” or “sub-menu races,” the S6 Master Touch Module gives you absolute power (yes, you can be the swordmaster of your audio universe).

Speaking of universal domination, there’s a Universal Color Bar above the bottom-screen track matrix that allows you to navigate much larger sections to find the track you want and edit its parameters.

S6 Master Automation Module

While this module is optional (c’mon, you know you want one), the Master Automation Module provides two more soft key sections, bringing the number of soft key sections to four—another way S6 keeps you in the moment rather than searching through menus. It sports a jog/multi-function wheel, focus channel fader with OLED display, transport section, and numeric keypad. It also has a dedicated OLED time code display in the upper right hand corner.

When combined with the Master Touch Module, you have a very powerful master section that is only one foot wide, providing lots of accessible control via touch screen and combined 60 function buttons of the Master Touch and Automation modules.

►Avid S6 Channel Modules


S6 Faders - RSPE Audio Solutions
Avid S6—channel modules

As long as we’re talking modules, lets discuss the remaining four. The channel modules provide the control and feedback elements you need—from faders and knobs, to processing and metering. All channel modules feature reliable, high-speed Ethernet connectivity for easy set-up. With the exception of the TFT Display Module, they all have high-resolution OLED displays, which provide a deeper black background and brighter display than any type of LCD screen. OLED displays are perfect for environments with low ambient light, such as bat caves, man caves, and studio control rooms. Here are the modules you can choose:


S6 Fader Module

The Fader Modules have a bank of eight 100mm motorized faders featuring HQ brushless motors for smooth operation during subtle fader moves. These are the same faders as those used on System 5. To keep you apprised of current status, the OLED displays show full track names and current automation mode.

S6 Fader Module at a glance:
  • 8 HQ brushless motorized faders
  • 8 OLED displays for full track names and automation mode
  • Dual tri-color LED meters per channel (with gain reduction metering)
  • Mute, solo, and other switches with color LEDs
  • Control levels for eight simultaneous tracks
Alongside the faders are 32-segment meter displays that also show gain reduction, plus there’s an automation delta display (automation changes). There are 11 switches per channel, including mute, solo, and others, with color LEDs for easy identification. Beneath the faders, there is a row of full-color modifier keys and additional function keys that match the selected track color in Pro Tools.

S6 Process Module

The Process Module hosts assignable switches for knob-module processing and bus assignments, plus eight freely assignable, multi-color LED top-lit knobs. There are 22 function-select switches per channel with color LEDs for easy identification. This module lets you select process modes (EQ, dynamics, etc.) for the knob modules, allowing control of up to nine simultaneous encoder values. The Process Module also contains eight OLED displays for labels and other visual feedback.

S6 Process Module at a glance:
  • 8 multicolor LED top-lit knobs (one per channel)
  • 22 function-select switches per channel with color LEDs
  • 8 OLED displays for labels and visual feedback
  • Provides mode selectors for Knob Modules to control up to nine simultaneous encoder values


S6 Knob Module

As mentioned above, the Knob Module comprises 32 multi-color LED top-lit encoders (4 per channel) and works in conjunction with the Process Module. With control of 32 simultaneous encoder values, these knobs control EQ, dymanics, and other assignable parameters.

S6 Knob Module at a glance:
  • 32 multicolor LED top-lit knobs (four per channel)
  • 32 OLED displays for labels and visual feedback
  • 11 function-select switches per channel with color LEDs
  • Works in conjunction with the Process Module
  • Control up to 32 simultaneous encoder values; stack two Knob Modules (S6 M40-based surfaces only) to get up to nine knobs per channel
The Knob Module also features 32 easy-to-read OLED displays that clearly show encoder function, position, and values. There are also 11 additional function-select buttons per channel. Two knob modules can be stacked for up to nine knobs per channel (M40 only).

S6 Display Module

The Display Module tightly integrates the control surface with DAW. Not just a display, it’s a fully networked EUCON module with integrated processor that does all graphics rendering without taxing your DAW’s CPU. Long awaited by large-format control surface owners, it gives you an unprecedented level of visual feedback, including high-resolution metering (supports all Pro Tools metering modes); scrolling waveforms displayed in the track colors from the DAW; and clip names. The scrolling waveforms enhance your ability to manage large track counts in dense sessions.

S6 Display Module at a glance:
  • 8-channel high-resolution TFT display
  • Integrated single board computer
  • Provides deep visual feedback, including channel names, audio meters, routing, groups, DAW affiliation, scrolling Pro Tools waveforms, and more
Displays include:
  • Channel names
  • Audio meters
  • Routing
  • Groups
  • Automation modes
  • Clip names
  • DAW affiliation (and more)
There are also display presets you can select at any time during the mix when different visual feedback is required. For example, you can have full-screen meters with scrolling waveforms alongside them; meters across the top with waveforms below; or meter and pan position without waveforms.

►Avid S6 System Options


S6 System Options- RSPE Audio Solutions
Avid S6 System options

Frames, Ethernet, and power supply

What holds it all together is the S6 power frame, which comprises a number of 1-foot wide chassis that attach together to hold the S6 control surface modules. Each chassis has its own power supply and wiring harness to provide Ethernet and power to each module fitted in the chassis. The chassis comes in two depths: a 4-module version including display module, and 5-module version included the display module (M40 only).

The Ethernet switches (differently sized depending on number of modules) are also housed internally in the frame. Once you’ve selected the number of chassis you want (from 2 to 9), bolster, back-, and side-panels are added to the frame, which can then sit on a desktop. For frames that are five, six, seven, or nine chassis wide, a leg assembly option is available for a freestanding console.


System options

The Avid S6 frame also offers a number of system options—ergonomic extras to personalize your desk. These include:
  • Blank Panel: Cover empty module spaces with a smooth surface
  • Display VESA Arm: Mount your DAW monitor on the surface with an adjustable arm
  • Producer’s Desk (2' W): Integrate a keyboard and DAW display directly into your control surface
  • Sliding Keyboard Tray: Get hands-on with your computer keyboard wherever you’re sitting
  • Sliding Script Tray: Hold pen, paper, and your personal devices within easy reach
  • Speaker Bridge Mount: Place speakers in an optimal position with the S6 frame


►Avid S6 Compatibility



Avid S6 Compatibility

S6 works with the following EUCON-enabled applications (preliminary info, subject to change):

  • Avid Pro Tools HD 11
  • Avid Pro Tools HD 9/10
  • Avid Media Composer® 5.5 and higher
  • Avid NewsCutter® 9.5 and higher
  • Avid Studio Monitor Pro and Express
  • Avid XMONTM
  • Adobe Audition
  • Apogee Maestro 1.9
  • Apple Final Cut Pro 7
  • Apple Logic Pro 9 and Express 9 and higher
  • Apple SoundTrack Pro 3
  • Cakewalk Sonar X1 Producer
  • MAGIX Sequoia 11 or higher
  • Merging Pyramix 8
  • Metric Halo MIO Console
  • MOTU Digital Performer 7
  • Steinberg Cubase 6.5
  • Steinberg Nuendo 5.5