DIM (talk-over ducking)

DIM ducks the music audio to a lower level while keeping playback running. Timecode continues broadcasting without interruption, so all receiving devices stay in sync during the announcement.

Activating DIM

• Press D, or click the DIM button in the transport controls
• The DIM button glows when active
• The music audio drops immediately to the configured duck level; all protocol outputs continue at normal level

DIM modes

Configure the DIM behavior in Settings → Outputs → Talk-over DIM:

• Hold (momentary) — hold D to duck; release to restore the music to its previous level; best for quick announcements where you want the music to come back the moment you let go
• Toggle (latch) — press D once to duck; press D again to restore; best for longer announcements where holding a key is not practical

Duck level

The Duck level setting controls how far the music drops when DIM is active. It is expressed in decibels (dB) relative to the current fader position.

• A typical setting is -20 dB — the music becomes clearly audible under a voice but does not compete with it
• For a near-silent duck (music barely audible), use -40 dB or lower
• For a gentle duck where the music stays prominent, use -10 dB or -6 dB

The duck level is configured in Settings → Outputs → Duck level.

What is and is not affected by DIM

• Affected — music audio output level on the selected output device
• Not affected — LTC audio output level (LTC stays at full level so receiving devices hold lock)
• Not affected — MTC, MIDI Clock, Art-Net, OSC output — all continue at normal rate and timing
• Not affected — timecode position — playback continues advancing during DIM

Use cases

• Venue announcements between songs while leaving the system in a ready-to-play state
• Talking to the stage or technical crew over the intercom without stopping the show clock
• Brief holds during a show where stopping playback would cause receiving devices to lose their position