> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.holoplot.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.holoplot.com/holoplot-control/operating-the-system/managing-and-operating-macros.md).

# Managing and operating Macros

Use Macros to make safe, section-based tuning changes across groups of beams in HOLOPLOT Control. Macros let operators adjust groups of beams with a small set of controls. Use them to make fast, safe changes without editing beams one by one.

<figure><img src="/files/6gHncBoxWaxYb8mF7SwD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Tuning – Macros</p></figcaption></figure>

## What Macros are

From OS 2.6, Macros add a separate DSP layer in HOLOPLOT Control. Macro changes do not overwrite the original beam tuning. Resetting Macros returns the section to its baseline state. Beam tuning and system design values stay unchanged.

Each Macro section can include up to three controls:

* **Gain**
* **Low Shelf**
* **High Shelf**

A system designer first creates sections and defines the beam operating ranges. Operators can then adjust those sections during rehearsal, soundcheck, or show operation.

#### Key terms

* **Section:** a named group of beams inside a preset layer. Each beam can belong to one section only.
* **Beam Operating Ranges:** per-beam limits for Gain, Low Shelf, and High Shelf.
* **Effective Range** : the narrowest shared range across all beams in a section.
* **Macro Snapshots** : saved Macro states for a preset.

## When to use Macros

Use Macros when you need fast adjustments across an area or Function Group.

Typical use cases include:

* Raising or lowering gain in a venue area
* Applying small tonal changes to a beam group
* Switching between show states with saved snapshots

Do not use Macros for:

* Detailed beam tuning
* System design changes

***

## Set up Macros

Macro setup is done in **Settings**. This step is usually handled by a system designer or commissioner.

There are two setup tasks:

1. Define operating ranges
2. Create sections

### Define operating ranges

<figure><img src="/files/SCS2V6aj9Y0RemhXESF9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Operating ranges definition</p></figcaption></figure>

Operating ranges define how far each Macro control can adjust a beam.

1. Go to **Settings** › **Macros** › **Operating Ranges**
2. Choose a grouping view. **Preset Layers** is the default.
3. Select one or more beams if you want to edit in bulk.
4. Set the value range for each beam:
   * Gain: min / max
   * Low Shelf: min / max gain / frequency / Q
   * High Shelf: min / max gain / frequency / Q

Default values are:

* **Gain** `-12 dB` to `+3 dB`
* **Low Shelf**  `-6 dB` to `+3 dB` at `100 Hz`, `Q 0.7`
* **High Shelf**  `-6 dB` to `+3 dB` at `10 kHz`, `Q 0.7`

{% hint style="info" %}

* Changes are saved immediately. There is no save button.
* If a gain maximum exceeds the allowed total gain, HOLOPLOT Control flags the value and shows the permitted maximum.
  {% endhint %}

### Create sections

<figure><img src="/files/4gYwWGYKZGhlM1i05Rds" alt=""><figcaption><p>Section creation workflow</p></figcaption></figure>

Sections group beams into operator-facing controls.

1. Go to **Settings** › **Macros** › **Sections**.
2. Select the required **Preset Layer**.
3. Click **Add Section**.
4. Enter a section name.
5. Enable the controls you want to expose:
   * Gain
   * Low Shelf
   * High Shelf
6. Select the beams for the section. You can use:
   * Function Groups
   * Arrays
   * Module Groups
   * Target Zones
   * Manual
7. Click **Save**.

{% hint style="info" %}

* Each beam can belong to one section per preset layer. If a beam is already assigned, you must move it or skip it.
* If a preset layer is used in multiple presets, the section appears in each of them. Macro values still remain independent per preset.
  {% endhint %}

#### Delete or edit sections

* Use the section menu **(⋮)** to edit or delete a section.
* You cannot edit or delete a section if a snapshot uses it. Delete the snapshot first.

<figure><img src="/files/heO0IQbfKDWWzwShb85L" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Use Macros in tuning

Operators use Macros from the **Tuning** section.

<figure><img src="/files/eEXKWjbY5xLYMsaAsihJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Tuning – Macros</p></figcaption></figure>

### Adjust the knobs

<figure><img src="/files/cJP6hEuOrkJlr56fjnm0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Go to **Tuning** › **Macros**.
2. Select a section card for the active preset.
3. Adjust the available controls:
   * Gain
   * Low Shelf
   * High Shelf
4. Drag the knob, scroll on it, or enter a value directly.

To reset one control, double-click the knob. To reset the full section, click **Reset**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Each control stops at the section's effective range. The control cannot exceed that limit.
{% endhint %}

### View details

Open the section menu **(⋮)** and select **View detail**.

The detail drawer shows:

* The beams assigned to the section
* The effective range for each Macro control

## Save and restore Macro snapshots

Macro snapshots let you store and recall the section's knob positions for a preset.

### Save a snapshot

<figure><img src="/files/tXwVDS3uCB1EXs88Iem7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Macros – Saving Snapshots</p></figcaption></figure>

1. In the snapshot bar, click **Save** to overwrite the current snapshot.
2. Click **Save As** to create a new snapshot.
3. Enter a name and optional notes.
4. Lock the snapshot if you want to prevent accidental overwrite.

A trailing `*` next to the snapshot name means there are unsaved changes.

### Restore a snapshot

<figure><img src="/files/NvBDsa2QwwqUibrMyNZb" alt=""><figcaption><p>Macros – Restoring Snapshots</p></figcaption></figure>

1. Open the snapshot dropdown.
2. Select the snapshot you want to load.
3. Compare it with the current state if needed.
4. Load the snapshot.

Restoring a Macro snapshot applies:

* Section knob values
* Section bypass state

Restoring a Macro snapshot does not apply:

* Section membership
* Operating ranges
* Section names
* Mute or Solo states

{% hint style="warning" %}
If a snapshot includes a section, delete the snapshot before changing that section or its beams.
{% endhint %}


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