What is D8Bridge?
The D8Bridge software converts your old Mackie D8B digital mixer into a modern, full-fledged DAW control surface. D8Bridge has been developed over a period of two years by two Montreal based programmers named Marc Girard and François Vézina.
How does it work?
D8Bridge communicates directly with your D8B mixer using its "Console Data" port via a custom serial cable. When a user touches a knob, a fader or a button, the software converts the commands into a more modern universal control protocol. This protocol is the "Mackie Control Universal" and it's compatible with most DAW software available on the market.
The Mackie Control hardware units have 9 faders total, 8 channels plus one master fader. To be able to use all of the D8B's 25 faders, we are emulating 3 complete units. It's like having 3 MCUs in one big box.
Requirements
D8Bridge does not require a lot of system resources but still requires the following:
- Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 Operating System
- Mackie D8B Digital Mixer
- D8Bridge and its custom serial cable (included in the package)
- A Mackie Control Universal Compatible DAW Software
- Any Compatible MIDI Loopback software (Free)
Compatible DAW Software
Here's a short list of compatible DAWs with D8Bridge. If your favorite DAW is not listed here, don't fret! If it supports the MCU protocol, there's a good chance it will work fine with D8Bridge.
- Steinberg Nuendo/Cubase
- Cockos Reaper
- Propellerhead Reason
- Magix Samplitude
- Presonus Studio One
- Ableton Live
- Sony Vegas
- Sony ACID Pro
- Cakewalk Sonar
Want to know more?
Do you have unanswered questions? Would you like to know a little more about D8Bridge? Please consult our FAQ section in our Support page.