mc²36 - File Import and Export

The file import and export functions can be used for a number of applications:

To transfer user data between systems.
To backup important files.
To archive unused files.
To copy user data elements - for example, to copy a snapshot to a different production.
To access logfiles for diagnostic purposes.

In each case, there are two possible ways to transfer the files: directly, to and from an mxGUI computer, OR indirectly, using a USB memory stick or networked file server.

This topic describes the second method. For more information about using mxGUI for file transfer, please see mxGUI - Operating Principles.

The File display

The File display can be used to import or export user data to and from a USB memory stick or networked file server.

1. Open the File display using one of the following methods:

Press the PROD FILE button on the SCREEN CONTROL panel.
Select Production → File from the GUI page menu.
Press CTRL + 8 on the console keyboard.

On the left are the Production Files (and folders) on the console's user data card.

On the right, the File Browser can show files (and folders) on the internal user data card, a USB memory stick (connected to an available USB port) or a network drive (that is pre-configured). In each case, select the corresponding icon to mount the device. The amount of free space (in MB) is shown at the bottom of the display. Note that the internal user data card is included so that you can copy files internally. For example, to copy a snapshot from one production to another.

2. Open or close directories by double-clicking on the directory name (or click on the arrow beside the directory name).

On the left, the internal user data is divided into the following parent folders:

Active Production – contains the snapshot folders, snapshots and mixes stored in the active production.
Productions – contains all zipped productions (as a complete file).
Presets – contains all module and channel presets.
System logfiles - contains system logfiles. These can be useful for diagnostic purposes and should be exported and emailed to Lawo support should you encounter a system problem.

Each file and folder is clearly marked with its Type – e.g. production, channel preset, EQ preset, etc. The Type is important as files can only be transferred to a valid destination. For example, you cannot transfer a snapshot into the Automation folder!

On the right, the visible files (and folders) in the File Browser are dependent on the directory level selected on the left (in the Production Files list). For example, if Productions is selected on the left, then you will see only zipped productions on the right. This prevents you from importing files to 'illegal' locations. To see all files, regardless of their compatibility, select the show all files option. The list updates to show all files on the selected device; the Type column shows whether they are compatible for import.

It is possible to resize the display areas (by clicking and dragging on the vertical separator bar) OR sort files by Name and Type by clicking on the column headers.

3. To transfer a file (or folder), right-click and select either Export or Import.

Export - transfers from left to right (internal to internal, USB or network drive).
Import - transfers from right to left (internal, USB or network drive to the internal data card).

If an operation is not permitted, then the Export or Import option is greyed out.

If a file with the same name already exists, then a copy is made and a suffix added to the file name. e.g. (0001).

The File Browser does not automatically update if you disconnect your USB memory stick or make changes to the network drive from another console or computer. So, to see the current status or file list, refresh the selected device. e.g. select Internal and then USB or Net.

Connecting a USB Device

To connect a USB memory stick, use one of the available ports either on the front buffer or front panel). Then select the USB icon:

If the interface is mounted, the icon turns green and the File Browser list updates.
If there is a problem with the mounting, then a question mark appears beside the icon. Try refreshing the selected device. e.g. select Internal and then USB.

The device should now show as ready. If not, check your connection or try a different USB device.

Once data has finished transferring, you can unplug the USB device. Note that there is no need to dismount the USB interface before you remove it. However, DO NOT unplug the USB interface while data is transferring as this may result in loss of data.

Lawo cannot guarantee compatibility with all available USB interfaces. Therefore, please check the compatibility of your USB interface on the system.

Connecting a Network Drive

To use this option, a networked file server must be pre-configured. Once this is in place, the drive can be mounted by selecting the Net icon.

Copying Files Internally within the System

The File display can be used to copy files internally within the system. For example to copy a snapshot or folder from one production to another.

As you cannot open up a zipped production to select individual elements, you will need to perform this operation in several stages.

First, load the production which contains the snapshot you wish to copy from the Production List display.
Open the File display.
On the right, select the Internal icon (as the destination). You will see the contents of a temporary directory within the internal drive as your destination. This directory may be empty, or it may contain previously copied files.
On the left, open up the Active Production and Snapshot Folder and select the Snapshot you wish to copy.
Right-click and select Export to export the snapshot to the temporary directory.
Next, return to the Production List display and load the production you wish to copy into - this now becomes the Active Production.
Return to the File display.
On the left, open up the Active Production and select the Snapshot Folder you wish to copy into.
On the right, select the snapshot you copied earlier (in step 5).
Right-click and select Import to complete the operation.
Open the Snapshots List display - the imported snapshot should be present in the Snapshot Folder.

If you are using this operation to copy a lot of files, then it is a good idea to delete files from the temporary directory (as described below).

File Management

To help manage your data on your external USB interface or networked drive, the File display enables you to create a new folder or delete a file or folder in the File Browser (on the right of the display). These functions are designed to give you the basic tools to manage your exported data or delete files/folders within the temporary folder on the internal drive.

Note that you cannot delete files or folders from the Production Files list (on the left). To perform these data management functions, go to the Snapshots, Mixes or Production List displays.

Start by selecting an option on the right of the display: Internal, USB or Net.
Right-click on the File Browser (top-level directory) to select New Folder - a new folder is created with a default name. The name can be edited in the usual manner.
Right-click on a file or folder (in the File Browser list) to select Delete - the selection is deleted.

File Types & Extensions

The import and export functions can be used to transfer any of the following file types.

Note that it is not possible to transfer the Active Production or Presets folders.

File Type	File Extension	Description
Production	.lpn	This is a zipped file that must be transferred to/from the Productions folder. The contents cannot be opened externally. To access individual elements, such as a snapshot or folder, you will need to load the production on the mc² system and then open the Active Production folder.
Snapshot Folder	.lsf	This is an individual snapshot folder (containing snapshots and cuelists). This is a zipped file that must be transferred to/from the Active Production folder. The contents cannot be opened externally. To access individual elements, such as a snapshot, you will need to load the production on the mc² system and then open the Active Production and the Snapshot Folder.
Snapshot	.lsn	This is an individual snapshot file. It must be transferred to/from a Snapshot Folder in the Active Production folder.
Mix	.lau	This is an individual mix (containing mix passes). It must be transferred to/from the Active Production folder.
Channel Preset	.pch	This is an individual channel preset. It must be transferred to/from the Presets folder.
EQ Preset	.peq	As above, but for the individual DSP modules. In each case, the module is described by the file type/extension.
Compressor Preset	.pco
etc.
Complete Configuration Set	.lcf	This is a zipped file that is created when you transfer the Configuration folder. It contains all of the system's custom functions. Note that the custom functions cannot be transferred individually and so this file is useful for global backup and restore purposes only.
User Thumbnail	.jpg	This is an individual user thumbnail image that complies with the permitted image requirements. For more information, please export and read the README.txt file contained in the User Thumbnails folder.
Log	.log	This is a system logfile (visible only on the console's File display). The logs can be useful for diagnostic purposes and should be exported and emailed to Lawo support should you encounter a system problem.