Frequently Asked Questions

X3 Time Code and Jamming

X3 Media Record Types & Project Folders

X3 Raw Mid Side Settings

X3 QuickTips Headphone Safety Clamping

X3 Multiple Outmaps

X3 Outmap Configurations

X3 Headphone Outmaps

All X3 Quick Tips available here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6MBbU4zgeVR_LvVTR7xSgo4jRPKXa7sL

AatonMix automatically attenuates unused microphones in multiple microphones recording configuration.
Four independent AatonMix groups (blue numbers) can be chosen and applied to selected channels.

Click here to access AatonMix technical documentation

A new Sub Group routing grid allows you to create up to 24 subgroup channels which can be mixed to two independent Mix bus channels (Ax1, Ax2).
Both Auxiliary channels Ax1 and Ax2 can be sent to Digital or Analog Outputs or recorded to tracks.

Click here to read the corresponding technical documentation

Mandatory to configure your Dante network, the Audinate's Dante controller application is available for Windows and Mac Os X .
Please visit Audinate's web site to download it.
In the Dante Controller, tab “Clock Status”, the CantarX3 should be checked as “Prefered Master” and “Enable Sync to External” should also be checked.
In the tab “Device Info”, by double clicking on the Cantar X3, access the Device View where Sample Rate and Device Latency can be set up.

Click here to read Dante+ technical documentation

With firmware version 2.72 and above, the CantarX3 and CantarMini recorder/mixer offer full integration of up to 8 wireless receivers, monitoring and setting 16 audioand data channels from the recorders interface

This functionality requires the use of additional hardware acting as a multi-coupling interface between the recorders and the wireless receivers.
The interface can be Aaton Hydra hub and socketsystem but also modified Lectrosonics's Octopack or PSC 's RF Six Pack multi-couplers.

Click here to read more.

Reminder : On both CantarMini and CantarX3 recorders, a short cut reminder list is available as contextual help by pressing three times the shift button

Click here to access function keys technical documentation

Users can replace the standard 256GB internal drive. Early CantarX3s are equipped with SATA interface SSD drives. while CantarMini and later CantarX3s are equipped with M-2 drives. Please contact Aaton Digital or your resellers for more details. Instruction for replacing the drives can be found in the support section of our website.

Starting with firmware version 3.304.C8 CantarX3 and CantarMini can access frame.io cloud services

With frame.io, you can privately upload, review and share media with your entire team, anywhere in the world For more info about frame.io: https://support.frame.io/en/articles/8289-what-is-frame-io
With the CantarX3 or CantarMini, Aaton Digital offers in a smooth and powerful solution to capture and transmit original BWF audio files into frame.io. For more information https://www.aaton.com/store/cantarx3-v3-options and https://www.aaton.com/store/cantarmini-v3-options

Frame.io configuration leafleft for CantarX3/Mini is available here

When introducing the first Cantaress compatible firmware, we've decided to add the letter "C" in the firmware names. In addition, a suffix number has been added when a new Cantaress firmware is released. For each new Cantaress firmware, we create new CantarX3 and CantarMini firmwares with the same suffix. It is mandatory to install the same suffix firmwares on both Cantaress and recorders.

Yes. use a Lemo5/Lemo5 cable to connect both recorders Lemo5 TC ports

Cantar#1:
In the AUDIO & TIMECODE menu, set the « LTC out generator » ON, « Timecode source » Internal tcxoin STOP menu, press shift F3 to initialize Cantar#1 with the internal system time (the system time can be set in the TECHNICAL menu)

Cantar#2:
In the AUDIO & TIMECODE menu, set the « LTC out generator » ON, « Timecode source » External LTC
The Cantar #2 will automatically grab the incoming TC at each start in record

The Timecode being « free run » it is not necessary to record simultaneously on both recorders, but every audio sample recorded at the same time will carry the exact same timecode

Yes. You can import and merge the audio files from two different recorders.
To do so, it is mandatory that the files you wish to import and merge with existing files are contained in a project folder (.CA1) with the exact same name on both recorders (if needed, you can rename the folder on your PC or MAC).
Copy the files you wish to import on one of the removable medias. If needed create an identical project name on the target recorder. Install the media on the target recorder, From the " COPY/BACKUP" Menu, select the source media and desired files. Select the target media and use the "Copy mono files/clone" process. The source file will be copied in a same day folder (with or without day suffix) than the one they originated from. If the day folder name already exist on the target device, the copied files will be located next to the files recorded on the target machine. A single audio report can then be created with takes from both recorders.
- Note that the list will be sorted by file ID name. CantarX3 audio files with more than 16 tracks cannot be merged in CantarMini

Transfering files to a computer can be done through the Ethernet or wifi connection of the recorder
Access must be enabled from the technical menu, following the on screen instructionsitem File Network access: ON
If, for example, your Cantar serial number is 19AS0066 , on a Mac, connect to the address: smb://X3-19AS0066
On a PC, connect to the address:\\X3-19AS0066

The CantarX3 and CantarMini displays have a unique feature thanks to a small light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen according to the available external light. Darker in low light, brighter in brighter conditions. Located on the top side of CantarMini display housing and on the upper right corner of the CantarX3 screen, make sure you do not cover it with gaffer tape. This function can be disabled in the "TECHNICAL SETTINGS" menu, Backlight item

CantarX3 records AMBEO VR mic in Ambisonics A-format and/or B-format supporAng any mic orientaAon (Up, Down, Endfire).
CantarX3 support both Ambix and Fuma B-format standards and allows stereo headphone monitoring . (Binaural monitoring soon to be released)

Click here to see the technical documentation

The bag strap connects to the recorder expandable feet. The strap is holding the recorder, not the bag
When expanded, the feet are going through the holes in the bag
Pull on the feet to expand them, then turn the stainless steel tips 1/4 turn to lock them in place
Attached file shows mounting system of the CantarX3 bag with small embroidered letters, large front and side pouches

Click here to see the mounting system pictures

X3 Modular Bag System - Component Overview and X3 Integration

Reminder : On both CantarMini and CantarX3 recorders, a short cut reminder list is available as contextual help by pressing three times the shift button

Click here to access function keys technical documentation

Users can replace the standard 256GB internal drive. Early CantarX3s are equipped with SATA interface SSD drives. while CantarMini and later CantarX3s are equipped with M-2 drives. Please contact Aaton Digital or your resellers for more details. Instruction for replacing the drives can be found in the support section of our website.

Starting with firmware version 3.304.C8 CantarX3 and CantarMini can access frame.io cloud services

With frame.io, you can privately upload, review and share media with your entire team, anywhere in the world For more info about frame.io: https://support.frame.io/en/articles/8289-what-is-frame-io
With the CantarX3 or CantarMini, Aaton Digital offers in a smooth and powerful solution to capture and transmit original BWF audio files into frame.io. For more information https://www.aaton.com/store/cantarx3-v3-options and https://www.aaton.com/store/cantarmini-v3-options

Frame.io configuration leafleft for CantarX3/Mini is available here

When introducing the first Cantaress compatible firmware, we've decided to add the letter "C" in the firmware names. In addition, a suffix number has been added when a new Cantaress firmware is released. For each new Cantaress firmware, we create new CantarX3 and CantarMini firmwares with the same suffix. It is mandatory to install the same suffix firmwares on both Cantaress and recorders.

Yes. use a Lemo5/Lemo5 cable to connect both recorders Lemo5 TC ports

Cantar#1:
In the AUDIO & TIMECODE menu, set the « LTC out generator » ON, « Timecode source » Internal tcxoin STOP menu, press shift F3 to initialize Cantar#1 with the internal system time (the system time can be set in the TECHNICAL menu)

Cantar#2:
In the AUDIO & TIMECODE menu, set the « LTC out generator » ON, « Timecode source » External LTC
The Cantar #2 will automatically grab the incoming TC at each start in record

The Timecode being « free run » it is not necessary to record simultaneously on both recorders, but every audio sample recorded at the same time will carry the exact same timecode

Yes. You can import and merge the audio files from two different recorders.
To do so, it is mandatory that the files you wish to import and merge with existing files are contained in a project folder (.CA1) with the exact same name on both recorders (if needed, you can rename the folder on your PC or MAC).
Copy the files you wish to import on one of the removable medias. If needed create an identical project name on the target recorder. Install the media on the target recorder, From the " COPY/BACKUP" Menu, select the source media and desired files. Select the target media and use the "Copy mono files/clone" process. The source file will be copied in a same day folder (with or without day suffix) than the one they originated from. If the day folder name already exist on the target device, the copied files will be located next to the files recorded on the target machine. A single audio report can then be created with takes from both recorders.
- Note that the list will be sorted by file ID name. CantarX3 audio files with more than 16 tracks cannot be merged in CantarMini

Transfering files to a computer can be done through the Ethernet or wifi connection of the recorder
Access must be enabled from the technical menu, following the on screen instructionsitem File Network access: ON
If, for example, your Cantar serial number is 19AS0066 , on a Mac, connect to the address: smb://X3-19AS0066
On a PC, connect to the address:\\X3-19AS0066

The CantarX3 and CantarMini displays have a unique feature thanks to a small light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen according to the available external light. Darker in low light, brighter in brighter conditions. Located on the top side of CantarMini display housing and on the upper right corner of the CantarX3 screen, make sure you do not cover it with gaffer tape. This function can be disabled in the "TECHNICAL SETTINGS" menu, Backlight item

There is no need to connect the Cantaress to the CantarX3 when installing a new Cantaress firmware.
Simply connect the USB stick containing the new firmware to the Cantaress USB port.
Press on the Cantaress jog knob to open the GENERAL SETTINGS window, turn the knob to scroll downto the « Load Version » item, press OK.
The window should display the firmware file, press OK

On the Hydra RF Receiver Manager screen I can easily change individual boxes.
However when I toggle Crtl+F1 for controlling Power a pop up reads: Information not available for this device. I am not sure what this means.

On some RF receivers, you can disable only one channel out of the two.
Ctrl + F1 turns channel 1 off, and Ctrl + F2 turns channel 2 off.
The message popping up indicates that this functionality is not available on your receivers