Customize and Control your PlayAUDIO1U without Software | Front Panel Walkthrough

You've probably noticed the impressive screen on your PlayAUDIO1U, but there's more to it than meets the eye. In this article we will dive into the lesser-known features of the touchscreen, starting with the basics—it's a touchscreen!

The Basics

Did I mention it’s a touchscreen? With eight capacitive touch buttons, the front-panel simplifies your workflow, allowing you to customize settings on your interface, easily transition from Scene A to Scene B and access to helpful functions like the audio and MIDI monitors-without ever opening software! Let’s dive into what we can control and do from the front panel of the interface!

Switching Scenes

At the heart of the PlayAUDIO1U is the ability to create a redundant Playback rig (a playback rig that’s redundant). While redundancy in a text-based article isn’t that helpful, redundancy in a Playback rig is essential! It means the show can go on-no matter what. (Here’s how to setup redundancy with the PlayAUDIO1U). Tapping on the “scene” button on the front panel, allows you to switch between Scene A and Scene B on the PlayAUDIO1U, without needing an external footswitch.

Real-Time Monitoring

The front-panel also gives you real-time info on your audio and MIDI. For example, it indicates which audio channels are active and displays MIDI activity, providing a real-time snapshot of your inputs, outputs, and MIDI communication. This is especially useful when monitoring devices connected through various ports such as RTP and USB.

Audio Monitoring and Control

Taping into the Audio tab of the front screen, gives you an overview of your output levels from your DAW.

You can use the main encoder to scroll through All outputs, or individual outputs on the PlayAUDIO1U. Once you have the outputs you want to control selected, you can tap once on the main encoder. You can turn your encoder to the left to decrease the volume of your output, or turn to the right to increase your output level. Once your output levels are set properly, you can click the main encoder once, to return to the audio page.

You can adjust the output level of all outputs at once, or use the encoder to choose specific outputs to adjust.

One of the best “top secret” functions happens when you double tap the headphone encoder. This mutes all outputs, while keeping headphone monitoring active—a critical function for live performance setups. This is the perfect feature for those last minute edits at the venue, and allows you to continue to hear your setup, while making sure playback doesn’t suddenly start blaring at Front of House.

Double-tap the headphone encoder again to exit this “monitoring” mode.

MIDI Monitoring

In complex MIDI scenarios, the ability to monitor inputs and outputs is a must-have. While, I often rely on the incredibly useful MIDI monitor app on my computer, I can also get insanely valuable MIDI monitoring directly on the front panel of the PlayAUDIO1U.

To enter the MIDI monitor mode, I can tap on the MIDI button on the front panel. Similar to the audio page, I can turn the main encoder to change which inputs/outputs I’m monitoring.

You can turn the main encoder to view all the possible MIDI ports on your device, and view the input and outputs at the same time. You’ll see a different icon based on what type of MIDI data is flowing through the input or output. For example, a note when MIDI note data is passing, and a fader when Control Change data is passing.

The MIDI monitor section is invaluable for troubleshooting and ensuring seamless MIDI connectivity. It even allows you to send a MIDI panic signal to reset all connections by double tapping the MIDI button on the front panel. This can be a lifesaver during live performances if sustain data in your DAW gets “stuck”, leading to an endlessly sustaining MIDI note.

Saving your Settings

Another time saving front panel feature is the ability to save your settings without needing to open Auracle for X-Series. Double tap the main encoder to save the current settings of your PlayAUDIO1U.

Diving Deeper

Want to dive deeper into the PlayAUDIO1U? Dive into our vast collection of articles on our blog. For additional support, visit our help center.