RME OCTAMIC XTC [14/62] Front panel controls

User’s Guide OctaMic XTC © RME

8. Front Panel Controls

8.1 Select Keys

The four channel keys labeled SELECT offer quick selection and setting of the gain. After

pressing one of the four keys the page Mic Gain of the corresponding pair is shown in the dis-

play. The gain can now be adjusted immediately with encoder 1 and 2. This method guarantees

an immediate access to the most important parameters of the device, and makes 8 separate

encoders (pots) on the front panel obsolete.

For a similar reason and despite the informative display the front panel still has dedicated LEDs

for signal and overload (bi-color SIG LED). If overload/distortion is caused by too high gain one

simply hits the key SELECT where the overload is displayed, to then reduce the gain with en-

coder 1 or 2 – lightning quick and intuitive.

Apart from the group function the typical pairs of channels (1/2, 3/4…) can be adjusted simulta-

neously directly from the front panel. Press and hold the SELECT key so that the display shows

two lines between the encoder symbols 1 and 2. This so called Linked or Ganging mode oper-

ates in a relative way, different gains of either channel are retained when changing them both.

8.2 Encoders

The encoders can be turned endlessly, but also pressed, adding a key function. Their current

functionality is clearly shown in the display. In general turning them either changes the current

parameter, or moves the selection/cursor horizontally to the next page. Pressing the encoders

moves the selection/cursor vertically, up with 1 and down with 2, as indicated by the arrows in

the display.

On the gain pages brought up by the channel’s SELECT key pressing encoder 1 and 2 acti-

vates the AutoSet function. The label AS in the display changes from light gray to solid black

(see picture in chapter 4.1).

Example: Press the key SETUP. The menu Setups is now

shown the display. The number 1 within the circle on the

right side indicates that by turning encoder 1 more pages

are available. In this case only one, Options. Setups itself

has no further sub-pages. By pressing encoder 2 the

cursor moves down, by pressing encoder 1 it moves back

up. On a selected field or entry, the 2 to the right indicates

that the current parameter can be changed by turning

encoder 2.

On the Options page several sub-pages exist, therefore a 2 is shown on the right side of those

sub-pages. By turning encoder 2 the pages Clock, MIDI Sources, General Settings and Digital

Routing are shown. The arrow under the 2 indicates that pressing encoder 2 the corresponding

page is entered, and settings can be changed then.