MOTU PCI-424 ™ User’s Guide for Windows Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. 1280 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 Business voice: (617) 576-2760 Business fax: (617) 576-3609 Tech support phone: (617) 576-3066 Tech support fax: (617) 354-3068 Tech support email: techsupport@motu.com Web site: http://www.motu.
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CHAPTER Contents 5 Quick Reference: PCI-424 Audio Card 7 Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Front Panel 8 Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Rear Panel 9 Quick Reference: 24I/O Front Panel 10 Quick Reference: 24I/O Rear Panel 11 Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Front Panel 12 Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Rear Panel 13 Quick Reference: Expansion Interfaces 15 Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window 17 About the PCI-424 System 23 Packing List and PC System Requirements 25 Installing the PCI-424 Windows
Quick Reference: PCI-424 Audio Card Connect additional MOTU PCI audio interfaces here. You can connect up to four I/Os to a PCI-424 card for a maximum of 96 possible active inputs and outputs. Connect the first (core system) interface to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable included with your core system. If you use a custom cable, it should not be longer than 50 feet.
44 / 48 / 88 / 96 - These four LEDs indicate the sample rate. If the 2408mk3 is set to slave from an external source, and no clock source is present, these lights blink to show that the 2408mk3 does not currently detect a clock signal. If the 2408mk3 is running under its internal clock, use the SET button to choose the desired sample rate. Int (Internal) - Means that the 2408mk3 is running under its own internal clock. PCI - This LED means that the 2408mk3 is slaved to the PCI-424 card.
Connect the 2408mk3 to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your 2408mk3 system. This is an extra SPDIF stereo output jack, which carries a digital copy of the same signal as the main outs and Analog 1-2. You can connect it to whatever you want. For example, you could connect it to a DAT machine to record stereo mixdowns of your 2408mk3 projects. The WORD IN connector can also serve as a video input, which allows the 2408mk3 to resolve to video or blackburst.
Five segment metering for the 24 analog inputs. Five segment metering for the 24 analog outputs. Indicates the current sample rate. If this LED flashes, it means that you have chosen (via software) an external clock source (such as word clock), but the 24I/O is not successfully receiving it. Check the 24I/O’s clock setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window, or check your external clock source and its cable connections to the 24I/O.
The 24I/O’s twenty four analog inputs are gold-plated, balanced TRS connectors. They have 24-bit, 128x oversampling A/D converters. From the factory, they are configured for a +4 dB input reference level. You can switch them to -10 dB inputs in banks of eight. For details, see “24I/O interface options” on page 70. The 24I/O’s twenty four analog outputs are goldplated, balanced +4 dB TRS connectors. They have 24-bit, 128x oversampling D/A converters.
44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz One of these four orange LEDs lights up to indicate the current AES OUT clock rate, even if it matches the current HD192 system clock rate (the large green sample rate above). AES/EBU Rate Convert OUT / with external clock The AES/EBU output can either 1) match the HD192 system clock (OUT is dark) or 2) run at different sample rate OUT lights up), either under its own clock (with external clock is dark) or slaved to the AES input or AES Word In (with external clock lights up).
The HD192 power supply is switchable between 115v and 240v operation. It should already be set to the proper voltage for your country, but you can check the setting and adjust it if necessary with the red switch just to the left of this power cord receptacle (on the side of the metal chassis). The HD192’s twelve analog outputs are balanced, +4dB XLR connectors. They have 24-bit, 128x enhanced multibit A/D converters capable of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 176.4 and 192 kHz playback.
Quick CHAPTER Reference: Expansion Interfaces EXPANSION I/O OR CORE SYSTEM? IMPORTANT NOTE Read this chapter if you have purchased a MOTU PCI audio interface as an Expansion I/O for a PCI-424 core system. If not, skip to the next chapter. Always power on your expansion interface when operating your core system. In fact, you should turn on all audio interfaces connected to the PCI-424 card.
Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window CHAPTER If you have two or more interfaces connected to the PCI-424 card in your computer, use this menu to choose which one you are controlling with the settings in the middle portion of this window. The ‘Clock Source’ menu determines the master clock source for your entire PCI-424 system. This is an important setting, as the 2408mk3 must be carefully resolved with the clocks in the other digital audio devices connected to it.
CHAPTER 1 About the PCI-424 System OVERVIEW THE PCI-424 CARD The PCI-424 core system is a computer-based hard disk recording system for Mac OS and Windows that offers 24 simultaneous inputs and outputs per Audio Wire cable, expandable to 96 inputs/outputs. A core system consists of a PCI card connected to a standard 19-inch, single-space, rack-mountable audio interface. A PCI-424 core system ships with a single PCI audio card called the PCI-424.
channels total) at samples rates up to 96 KHz. At 176.4 or 192 kHz, this chip can process 48 simultaneous channels of input and output. The custom chip handles all of the system’s I/O processing, freeing up the host computer’s processing bandwidth for real-time DSP effects and hard disk I/O. Video and SMPTE time code synchronization The entire PCI-424 system, including all connected interfaces, can resolve directly to SMPTE time being received on any analog input in the system.
kHz analog input and output. Therefore, the 2408mk3 interface offers a maximum of 16 channels of input and output at 96 kHz (2 banks of 4-channel digital I/O plus 8 channels of analog I/O). The maximum number of digital inputs and outputs at 96 kHz is 12 (3 banks of 4-channel I/O). Analog bank The analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit, 96 kHz 64x oversampling A/D converters. The analog outputs have 24-bit, 96 kHz 128x oversampling D/A converters.
Stand-alone Format Conversion Finally, several additional LEDs, along with accompanying set/select buttons, allow you to access the 2408mk3 I/O’s stand-alone format conversion features. With these controls, you can bounce any I/O format to any other format without a computer. Headphone output The 2408mk3 front panel includes a quarter-inch stereo headphone output jack and volume knob. The headphone output matches the main stereo outs, which have their own volume knob.
output each has its own independent sample rate converter for real-time conversion between any two sample rates between 40 and 100 kHz. recording at 176.4 or 192 kHz. On Windows, 24-bit audio files can be recorded with any compatible host application that supports 24-bit recording. System word clock in and out BNC ‘System’ Word clock connectors (in and out) are provided for synchronizing the HD192’s main system clock with other standard word clock devices.
drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time effects than a slower computer with less RAM and slower hard drives. Standard third-party system acceleration products can also help you achieve higher track counts.
CHAPTER 2 Packing List and PC System Requirements PACKING LIST PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS A MOTU PCI-424 core system ships with the items listed below. If any of these items are not present in your core system box when you first open it, please immediately contact your dealer.
PACKING LIST AND PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 3 Installing the PCI-424 Windows Software OVERVIEW INSTALL THE PCI-424 SOFTWARE FIRST! The 2408mk3 ships with the following software: We recommend that you install the PCI-424 software before installing the PCI-424 card itself. Software component Purpose MOTU PCI Audio Console Provides access to all of the settings in the PCI-424 card and the audio interfaces connected to it. Required for PCI-424 operation.
MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE ASIO MOTU PCI DRIVER The MOTU PCI Audio Console application is placed by the software installer in the folder you specify during the installation process. If you aren’t sure where it is on your hard drive, use the Find command in the Windows Start menu. ASIO stands for Audio Streaming Input and Output.
CHAPTER 4 Installing the PCI-424 Hardware OVERVIEW INSTALL THE 2408MK3 SOFTWARE FIRST! Install the 2408mk3 software first! . . . . . . . . . . .27 We recommend that you install the 2408mk3 software before installing the PCI-424 card itself. Try the Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Install the PCI-424 audio card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Connect the audio interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 2408mk3 input & output connections . . . . . . . .
INSTALL THE PCI-424 AUDIO CARD 1 Switch off and unplug your computer. 7 Gently but firmly insert the card into any available PCI slot. ☛ Failure to do so may result in serious shock or injury. 2 Open your computer. 8 Secure the bulkhead of the PCI-424 card to the computer chassis with the bolt from the slot cover. ☛ 3 Find an available PCI slot. 4 Remove the slot cover, if necessary. We strongly recommend securing the PCI-424 card in this manner.
CONNECT THE AUDIO INTERFACE 1 Plug one end of the Audio Wire cable (included) into the Audio Wire socket next to the 9-Pin ADAT Sync connector on the PCI-424 card as shown below in Figure 4-1. 2 Plug the other end of the Audio Wire cable into the audio interface as shown below in Figure 4-1. Step 1 Connect the Audio Wire to the socket closest to the ADAT SYNC port. Step 2 2408mk3 interface 24I/O interface HD192 interface Figure 4-1: Connecting the audio interface to the PCI-424 audio card.
2408MK3 INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTIONS The 2408mk3 audio interface has the following input and output connectors: ■ 8 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch analog in/out ■ 2 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch TRS main out ■ 1 pair of RCA SPDIF stereo in and out ■ 1 extra RCA SPDIF stereo out ■ 3 banks of Alesis ADAT optical digital in and out ■ 3 banks of Tascam TDIF digital in and out Here are a few things you should keep in mind as you are making these connections to other devices.
2408mk3 interface Bank A Bank B Bank C Mixer (ADAT optical) TDIF SPDIF Analog Figure 4-4: A recommended setup for a digital mixer with ADAT optical I/O, one TDIF device, a DAT deck and analog devices. 2408mk3 interface Bank A Bank B Bank C ADAT TDIF Analog ADAT TDIF ADAT TDIF SPDIF Figure 4-5: A recommended setup for a full blown setup of three ADAT optical devices, three TDIF devices, analog and SPDIF.
24I/O INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS Here are a few things to keep in mind when making connections to the 24I/O inputs and outputs. Connect them all, if you like All of the 24i’s inputs and outputs can be active simultaneously. Avoid adaptors If you don’t have the right cable, you’ll avoid headaches later on — and ensure the best possible audio quality — by taking the time to obtain the correct cable.
HD192 INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS Here are a few things to keep in mind when making connections to the HD192 inputs and outputs. Connect them all, if you like All of the HD192’s inputs and outputs can be active simultaneously. +4 dB analog inputs/outputs The HD192’s analog connectors are calibrated at +4 dB, so if you are plugging in a microphone, you’ll need a mic preamp of some kind (or a connection to a mixer with a mic pre).
■ Transfer digital audio into or out of the HD192 at a sample rate that is completely different than the HD192 system clock rate. sample-rate-converted output from the HD192 for a clean digital audio transfer (unless it has its own rate converter on its AES/EBU input). ■ Transfer digital audio into the HD192 without the need for any external synchronization arrangements.
3. Use word clock to resolve the HD192 system clock and the other AES/EBU device with each other. AES/EBU input with rate conversion Master AES/EBU OUT These three AES/EBU input scenarios are summarized below.
This BNC connector lets you resolve the HD192 AES/EBU output to a word clock source that is different than the system word clock input. Figure 4-14: Resolving the AES/EBU output to its own independent word clock. Figure 4-13: Click the ‘Interface Options’ button in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window to access the AES/EBU output clock options. System To make the AES/EBU output sample rate match the System sample rate, choose System. No additional connections are necessary.
MAKE SYNC CONNECTIONS Synchronization between the PCI-424 system and the devices connected to it is critical, even if you don’t plan to synchronize your PCI-424 system with an outside time reference such as SMPTE time code. While there are dozens of ways to synchronize the system, the next few pages discuss common recommended setups.
DO YOU NEED A SYNCHRONIZER? Whether or not you’ll need a synchronizer depends on your gear and what you will be doing with your PCI-424 system. The following pages give you specific information about common sync scenarios. At least one of them will likely apply to you. Here are some general considerations to help you figure out if you need (or want) a synchronizer for you PCI-424 system. You don’t need a synchronizer if...
SAMPLE-ACCURATE SYNC Your PCI-424 system provides you with the most advanced, accurate synchronization possible with Alesis and Tascam modular digital tape decks and hard disk recorders—or any device that supports the sample-accurate ADAT and Tascam sync formats. Figure 4-18 below shows a few best-case scenarios. Below is a brief explanation of the benefits you achieve with these setups.
SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNC Use this setup if you have: This page shows an ideal setup for using the PCI-424 and a 2408mk3 interface with one or more ADATs, Alesis hard disk recorders or any ADAT SYNC-compatible devices. Connect the PCI-424 card to the end of the ADAT chain and make the software settings as shown below in Figure 4-20. This setup is also ideal if you have both Alesis and Tascam decks. If so, connect your Tascam equipment to the Digital Timepiece as directed in the Digital Timepiece manual.
SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNC WITH NO SYNCHRONIZER Even if you don’t have an ADAT synchronizer, you can achieve sample-accurate sync between ADAT SYNC-compatible devices, a 2408mk3, and sample-accurate software. Just connect the PCI-424 card to the end of the ADAT sync chain as shown below. But without the synchronizer, you don’t get transport control from your computer, nor can you slave the system to external SMPTE time code.
SAMPLE-ACCURATE TASCAM SYNC Use this setup if you have: This page shows how to set up sample-accurate locating (the most accurate synchronization possible) between a 2408mk3 interface and Tascam digital recorders. This setup requires a Digital Timepiece (or other MMC-compatible Tascam synchronizer). If you also have Alesis recorders, see page 40. If you have a DA-88/SY-88 or DA-98 and you want to operate in offset mode from the time code track, see “Syncing to a DA-88/98 time code track” on page 47.
SYNCING TO SMPTE TIME CODE Use this setup if you have: The PCI-424 system can resolve directly to SMPTE time code from any analog input on any audio interface. It can also generate time code and word clock, under its own clock or while slaving to time code. Therefore, the system can act both as an audio interface and digital audio synchronizer, to which you can slave other digital audio devices.
SYNCING TO VIDEO Use this setup if you have: The 2408mk3 interface can continuously resolve directly to video, while at the same time referencing SMPTE time code, with no additional synchronization device required. When you choose video as the clock source (as shown below), the Word Clock BNC connector switches to a video input. Both NTSC and PAL/SECAM rates are supported. The MOTU SMPTE Console software provides options for freewheeling both time code and video time base.
SYNCING TO VIDEO AND/OR SMPTE TIME CODE USING A SYNCHRONIZER If your host audio software does not support the PCI-424’s on-board SMPTE sync features (because your software does not support sample-accurate sync), you need a universal synchronizer, such as a MOTU MIDI Timepiece AV or Digital Timepiece. These dedicated sync boxes can read video and SMPTE time code and then convert it into word clock and MIDI Time Code (MTC).
SYNCING TO ADAT OR TASCAM DEVICES USING SMPTE TIME CODE Use this setup if you have: ✓ ADATs, Alesis hard disk recorders or any ADAT SYNC The 2408mk3’s built-in SMPTE time code sync features described on page 43 and page 44 are ideal for small PCI-424 systems.
SYNCING TO A DA-88/98 TIME CODE TRACK Use this setup if you have: If you have a Tascam DA-88 equipped with an SY-88 card, or a DA-98, and you would like to slave your entire system to its time code track, the DA-88/98 serves as the SMPTE time code master, while the PCI-424 system serves as the word clock master over the DA-88/98. In this setup, you feed MIDI Time Code (MTC) to the computer from the DA-88/98.
SYNCING ADAT ‘LIGHTPIPE’ DEVICES For Alesis recorders or other devices that support ADAT sync, sync them with a 2408mk3 as described in the previous sections of this chapter. The word lightpipe is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to a 2408mk3 interface via an ADAT optical cable. But we make a further distinction: a lightpipe device is also one that doesn’t care about sample location. An example is a digital mixer.
SYNCING TASCAM ‘TDIF’ DEVICES The acronym TDIF is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to a 2408mk3 via a Tascam TDIF digital I/O cable. But we make a further distinction: a TDIF device is also one that doesn’t care about sample location. An example is the Tascam DM-24 digital mixer. Since the DM-24 is not a recording device, it has no sense of sample location like a Tascam recorder does. A Tascam recorder can cue to a specific sample number (e.g.
SYNCING SPDIF DEVICES DAT decks and other SPDIF devices will sync to a 2408mk3 interface in one of two ways: ■ Via the SPDIF connection itself ■ Via word clock SPDIF devices with no word clock If your DAT deck or other SPDIF device has no word clock sync connectors, just connect it to the 2408mk3 via the SPDIF connectors. When the SPDIF device is programmed to receive digital audio on its input (from the 2408mk3), it will simply synchronize to the clock provided by the audio input.
SYNCING WORD CLOCK DEVICES All MOTU PCI audio interfaces provide a word clock input and/or output that allows you to synchronize the PCI-424 system clock with other word clock devices. The HD192 interface has two word clock inputs: System Word and AES Word In. Use the System Word Input for general purpose word clock sync. For details about the AES Word In, see “Clocking scenarios for AES/EBU input” on page 34.
SYNC FOR 2408MK3 STAND-ALONE OPERATION The 2408mk3 interface goes into stand-alone mode whenever it is not under control of the PCI-424 software driver. In other words, whenever there isn’t any 2408mk3-related software running on the computer, the 2408mk3 I/O will operate as a standalone format converter. In most cases, when the 2408mk3 is performing stand-alone format conversion, the source of the transfer should serve as the clock source.
SYNCING LARGE SYSTEMS If you are connecting the PCI-424 to a lot of other digital audio gear, get a Digital Timepiece. It can synchronize a wide variety of devices, and it offers sample accurate synchronization for devices that support it. You will also be able to control everything from the transport controls of your audio software. If you have even more devices than a single Digital Timepiece can support, consider a word clock distribution device. Products like this offer multiple word clock outputs.
INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE
CHAPTER 5 2408mk3 Front Panel Operation OVERVIEW PCI MODE The 2408mk3 interface has two modes of operation: PCI mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 ■ PCI mode ■ Stand-alone mode In PCI mode, the 2408mk3 is under complete control of the PCI-424 card and any 424-related software running on your computer. The front panel LEDs serve entirely as status indicators.
PCI MODE The 2408mk3 goes into PCI mode as soon as Windows loads the 2408mk3’s PCI WDM Driver while starting up. If the PCI WDM Driver is not installed, and you are using the MOTU PCI ASIO driver with Cubase instead, the 2408mk3 goes into PCI mode as soon as you launch Cubase and the ASIO driver establishes communication with the PCI-424 card and 2408mk3 hardware.
PCI Mode, Analog metering display PCI Mode, Clock display Use the SELECT button to toggle the ANALOG OUT bank of LEDs between the analog metering display (above) and the clock status display (below). If the 2408mk3 has no clock, it won’t switch out of the clock display (into metering). In PCI mode, these two rows display the current clock settings in the 2408mk3 (as set in the PCI Audio Console software on the computer).
■ If the MOTU PCI WDM Audio Driver is installed in Windows, you have to shut down the computer to put the 2408mk3 I/O into stand-alone operation. ■ Unplug the Audio Wire cable from the 2408mk3 (although this is not generally recommended). Stand-alone format conversion In stand-alone mode, the 2408mk3 I/O acts as a digital audio format converter. It lets you transfer audio from ADAT optical to Tascam TDIF, or vice versa, up to 24 channels at a time.
☛ ☛ Int (Internal) Use the 2408mk3’s own Internal clock when you are using Analog as the source of the transfer. Press the SET button repeatedly to choose the desired sample rate. The Wrd setting has two possible sample rates: low (44.1/48) or high (88.2/96). Press the SET button repeatedly to choose the setting that matches the sample rate of the word clock source. PCI The PCI setting does not apply to stand-alone operation, so it is not available as a clock source in stand-alone mode.
like to transfer them to Tascam tracks 1-2. To accomplish this, you would use the Bounce setting shown below. Source The SOURCE setting determines the audio source for the transfer. Press the SELECT button repeatedly until the SOURCE LED is illuminated. Then press the SET button repeatedly to make your choice. Figure 5-4: Shifting tracks 3-4 to tracks 1-2. All other tracks are shifted in a similar fashion.
There are three variations for the analog source setting. Press the SET button repeatedly to choose the desired variation as explained below: Analog source setting Explanation All in +4 All analog inputs are set to a +4 dB input level. All in -10 All analog inputs are set to a -10 dB input level. Mixed +4 /-10 Analog input levels match the settings specified in the MOTU PCI Audio Console (as explained in “Input Reference Level” on page 70).
Figure 5-11: The 2408mk3’s ADAT/TDIF activity LEDs are triggered by a signal of -40dB or greater.
CHAPTER 6 MOTU PCI Audio Console OVERVIEW The MOTU PCI Audio Console Window gives you complete control over the settings in your PCI-424 hard disk recording system. Accessing the PCI Audio Console window . . . .63 Quick Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 ACCESSING THE PCI AUDIO CONSOLE WINDOW There are several ways to access the PCI Audio Console window: From Windows, run MOTU PCI Audio Console (the stand-alone applet for the PCI-424 system) ■ PCI-424 Settings . . . . . .
QUICK REFERENCE For a one-page overview of the MOTU PCI Audio Console, see “Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window” on page 15. (such as a 2408, 2408mkII, 1224 or 308) will be taken off line, with the exception of the 1296, which supports PCI-424 operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz. Below is a table that summarizes MOTU PCI audio interface supported sample rates: PCI-424 SETTINGS The top of the MOTU PCI Audio Console window, as shown in Figure 6-1, has several settings for the PCI-424 card itself.
The clock source determines the digital audio clock that the PCI-424 system will use as its time base. For a complete explanation of synchronization issues, see “Make sync connections” on page 37. The following sections briefly discuss each clock source setting. PCI-424: Internal Use the PCI-424: Internal setting when you want the PCI-424 system to operate under its own digital audio clock.
The 24I/O: Word Clock In setting is unique because it switches the operation of the single BNC word clock connector on the 24I/O interface. When you choose the 24I/O: Word Clock In setting, the 24I/O’s word clock jack becomes a word clock input. When you choose any other clock source setting, it operates as a word clock output. 2408mk3: Bank A/B/C Optical In These settings refer to the clock provided by the ADAT optical inputs on the 2408mk3 interface.
For all practical purposes, this clock source setting produces the same results as the PCI-424: Internal setting explained on page 65. Samples Per Buffer The Samples Per Buffer setting lets you reduce the delay you hear when patching live audio through your audio software. For example, you might have a live microphone input that you would like to run through a reverb plug-in that you are running in your host audio software.
INTERFACE SETTINGS The middle portion of the MOTU PCI Audio Console Window displays settings for the audio interface(s) connected to your PCI-424 card. Bank B, and SPDIF I/O on bank C. Or you could work with the ADAT optical format on all three banks. You can freely switch between formats at any time.
Disabling banks does not affect CueMix DSP When you disable a bank as shown in Figure 6-4 above, it only affects PCI bus routing to the computer and your host software. Disabling a bank here has no effect on CueMix DSP mixing. Therefore, feel free to disable banks that you don’t need for your software, even if you are using them for CueMix DSP live mixing and monitoring. ENABLE ROUTING The Enable Routing check box expands the window to display each individual input and output pair.
computers seem to have approximately 30-50 MB per second of PCI bandwidth for the 2408mk3 and other PCI cards in the computer. WAVE SUPPORT FOR LEGACY (MME) SOFTWARE For complete Wave support while using applications which do not support WDM technology, check the Enable Full Wave Support for Legacy (MME) Software option. This option produces slightly less efficient operation, so only use it if your software is not WDM compatible.
inputs at a time. The factory default setting is +4 dB. If an input signal sounds weak, try the -10 dB setting. Word Out Rate The Word Out Rate menu lets you either double or halve the current PCI-424 system word clock rate. If the current system word rate is a high sample rate (88.2 or 96 kHz), then the word clock output can either match it or operate at half the rate (44.1 or 48 kHz). If the current system word rate is a low sample rate (44.
As shown above in Figure 6-10, notice that the AES/EBU output can also directly mirror a pair of HD192 analog inputs. In effect, this lets you route any analog input pair directly to the AES/EBU output. AES Output Clock The AES Output Clock menu provides several clock sources and sample rate options for the AES/ EBU output. AES Word In Choose AES Word In when you would like the AES/ EBU output to match — and continuously resolve to — word clock being received from the HD192’s ‘AES Word In’ BNC jack.
Clip Time-Out The Clip Time-Out option controls how long the top red LED remains illuminated after clipping occurs (see Figure 6-13 below). The ‘Clip Time-Out’ option controls how long this LED remains illuminated. This LED lights up momentarily. Figure 6-13: The Clip Time-Out option. If you want the ability to clear the LED manually from your host audio software or CueMix Console, Choose Infinite from the Clip Time-Out menu.
MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE
CHAPTER 7 Cubase, Nuendo and other ASIO Software OVERVIEW PREPARATION The PCI-424 system includes an ASIO driver that provides multi-channel I/O and sample-accurate synchronization with Steinberg’s Cubase family of digital audio sequencers, including Cubase VST, Cubase SX and Nuendo. The 2408mk3 requires Cubase for Windows Version 3.553 or higher.
☛ Changing input and output settings in the MOTU PCI Audio Console causes Cubase to lose the input and bussing assignments in any files that don’t match the new settings. To avoid this, you can save a PCI-424 setup on disk with your Cubase file. Then, the next time you open the Cubase file, you can load the 424 configuration first so that no settings are lost. For details, see “Saving and recalling routings” on page 73.
OTHER SYSTEM DIALOG SETTINGS Consult your Cubase or Nuendo documentation for details about the rest of the settings in this dialog. ACTIVATING PCI-424 INPUTS Once you’ve chosen the MOTU PCI-424 ASIO driver in the Audio System dialog, choose VST Inputs from the Panels menu (or the Devices menu in Cubase SX) to see the PCI-424 inputs. To activate them, click the Active light next to each input.
ASSIGNING OUTPUTS CHANGING PCI-424 SETTINGS As shown earlier in Figure 7-1 on page 75, any banks that you have enabled in the MOTU PCI Audio Console will be available in Cubase or Nuendo as outputs. In Cubase VST, these outputs appear in the VST Master Mixer window as output assignments for the master fader and busses, as shown below in Figure 7-6. In NuendoCubase SX, they appear in the VST Outputs window.
SYNCHRONIZATION Cubase or Nuendo can run under its own transport control or slave to SMPTE time code. It can also perform sample-accurate digital audio transfers with Alesis digital recorders and Tascam family digital recorders. As you read through the following sections to decide what form of synchronization you might need with other devices in your studio, be sure to consult chapter 4, “Installing the PCI-424 Hardware” (page 27) for the proper hardware connections.
setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window has the appropriate setting for locking the PCI-424 system to the synchronizer. For example, in Figure 4-25 on page 45, word clock is being used to resolve a 2408mk3 interface, so the Clock Source setting is 2408mk3: Word Clock In. Cubase VST ☛ If you have an ADAT sync or a Tascam sync compatible device, don’t use SMPTE time code. Instead, use sample-accurate sync as described in the next section.
5 In Cubase VST’s Controls window, enable SYNC. In Nuendo or Cubase SX, enable (check) the Sync Online command in the Transport menu. Figure 7-8: Enabling the SYNC button. 6 Begin playback from the sample-accurate sync source (ADAT, DA-88, etc.) Transport control is handled by the sample-accurate sync source.
CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE
CHAPTER 8 Sonar and other WDM software OVERVIEW The MOTU PCI WDM Audio Driver provides standard multi-channel input and output for any Windows audio program that support multichannel WDM and Wave drivers. Installing the MOTU PCI WDM Audio Driver.83 Choosing inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Reducing delay when monitoring live inputs . .83 Using Sonar with the PCI-424 system. . . . . . . . .83 Sonar Audio settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 8-2: The PCI-424 system’s inputs and outputs appear in the Audio Options window under the Drivers tab. If you highlight them, they appear in the track input and port menus for each track. SONAR AUDIO SETTINGS Only a few of Sonar’s audio settings require specific settings for the PCI-424 system. Playback/Record Timing Master In the Audio Options window, under the General tab, be sure to choose a PCI-424 output and input for playback and recording timing.
OTHER WDM AUDIO COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE The PCI-424 system can be used with any WDM audio-compatible audio software. Use the MOTU PCI Audio Console application to configure PCI-424 hardware as described earlier in this chapter in “Choosing inputs and outputs” on page 83. Then consult the documentation for your audio software. WAVE SUPPORT FOR LEGACY (MME) SOFTWARE The MOTU PCI WDM driver provides legacy Wave driver support for MME-compatible audio software.
SONAR AND OTHER WDM SOFTWARE
CHAPTER 9 Expanding Your PCI-424 System OVERVIEW CONNECTING EXPANSION INTERFACES Up to four MOTU PCI audio interfaces can be connected to a single PCI-424 card for up to 96 simultaneously active inputs and outputs. For example, if you connect four 2408mk3 interfaces, you get a total of 232 and 248 physical input and output connections (respectively) and up to 96 input and output channels.
Enabling banks, or individual ins and outs Bank enabling, or enabling individual inputs and outputs, works the same for each interface in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window. Choose an interface from the Configure Interface menu (Figure 9-2) and then configure the banks (or individual outputs) as usual. See “Interface settings” on page 68 and “Enable routing” on page 69 for details.
SYNCHRONIZING MULTIPLE INTERFACES The entire PCI-424 system gets its clock from whatever you choose from the Clock Source menu in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window. Synchronization across all connected interfaces is sample-accurate. All available sync sources on all connected interfaces are displayed in the menu as demonstrated below in Figure 9-4.
EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM
CHAPTER 10 Reducing Monitoring Latency OVERVIEW Monitoring live input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Monitoring latency is that slight delay you hear when you run an input signal through your host audio software. For example, you might hear it when you drive a live mic input signal through a reverb plug-in running in your audio sequencer. The samples Per Buffer setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MONITORING LIVE INPUT There are two ways to monitor live audio input with a MOTU PCI-424 system: 1) through the computer or 2) via CueMix™ DSP hardware monitoring. Figure 10-1 on page 92 below shows method 1, which allows you to add effects processing such as reverb and guitar amp effects via plug-ins in your audio software. See the next section, “Samples Per Buffer” for details about how to reduce — and possibly eliminate — the audible monitoring delay that the computer introduces.
■ Possible distortion at the smallest settings ■ How responsive the transport controls are in AudioDesk, Digital Performer or other audio software Figure 10-3: Lowering the ‘Samples Per Buffer’ setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console Window reduces patch thru latency. But doing so increases the processing load on your computer, so keep an eye on the Performance Monitor window in your host audio software.
choose a higher Samples Per Buffer setting. Depending on your computer’s CPU speed, you might find that settings in the middle work best (256 to 2048). Transport responsiveness The Samples Per Buffer setting also impacts how quickly your audio software will respond when you begin playback, although not by amounts that are very noticeable. Lowering the Samples Per Buffer will make your software respond faster; raising the Samples Per Buffer will make it a little bit slower, but barely enough to notice.
☛ Note to PCI-324 users who have upgraded to a PCI-424 system: CueMix DSP monitoring in Cubase no longer affects the settings in CueMix Console. Instead, you now enjoy the benefits of CueMix DSP monitoring in Cubase, plus separate, independent mixing under CueMix Console, thanks to the much more powerful CueMix DSP engine.
REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY
CHAPTER 11 CueMix Console OVERVIEW Advantages of CueMix monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . 98 CueMix Console provides access to the flexible on-board mixing features of the PCI-424 system. CueMix lets you route any combination of inputs to any stereo output pair. These mixes can be set up entirely independently of your host audio software. CueMix allows you to set up as many separate mixes as there are stereo outputs in your system. You can also save and load mix configurations.
ADVANTAGES OF CUEMIX MONITORING CueMix Console provides several major advantages over monitoring live inputs through your host audio software: ■ CueMix has no buffer latency. Thanks to the PCI-424 card’s DSP chip, CueMix provides the same throughput performance as a digital mixer. CueMix imposes absolutely no processor drain on the computer’s CPU. ■ ■ CueMix routing can be maintained independently of individual software applications or projects. CueMix Console does not provide effects processing.
Master mute The master mute button (Figure 11-1) temporarily disables (silences) the mix. area belong to the mix currently being viewed. Note that an input can have different settings in different mixes. Master fader The master fader (Figure 11-1) controls the overall level of the mix (its volume on its stereo output). Use the individual input faders to the left to control individual input levels.
globally mute an input, it is temporarily muted in all mixes, and your host software will not receive any audio from that input, either. Up to 12 dB of boost with the global trim The global trim knob for each input (Figure 11-1) provides up to 12 dB of boost. This setting is applied globally for the input. For zero boost, turn the knob all the way down until the green boost LED becomes dark.
CUEMIX CONSOLE EXAMPLES Figure 11-2 below shows some examples of how you can use CueMix DSP: All of these live inputs can be bussed to a pair of powered monitors connected directly to a PCI-424 interface. For example, if the monitors were connected to the main analog outs of a 2408mk3 interface, you could name it “Main Outs” and enable the inputs any/all of the sources shown here.
C UE M I X C O NSO L E
CHAPTER 12 MOTU SMPTE Console OVERVIEW The PCI-424 system can resolve to SMPTE time code, without a dedicated synchronizer. It can also serve as a SMPTE time code generator. If you have a 2408mk3 interface connected, you can also resolve the entire system to video, without a dedicated synchronizer. The MOTU SMPTE Console software provides a complete set of tools to resolve to video and SMPTE, and to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer.
CLOCK/ADDRESS The Clock/Address menu provides the same global Clock Source setting as in the MOTU PCI Audio Console (“Clock Source” on page 64), but it includes additional information: each setting shows both the clock and the address (time code or sample location), separated by a forward slash ( / ). For example, the word clock setting (2408mk3:Word Clock In / Internal) shows the clock source (Word Clock In) followed by the address (Internal).
choose the 2408mk3:SMPTE setting, the jack automatically switches internally to an analog time code circuit. Freewheel Address Freewheeling occurs when there is a glitch or drop-out in the incoming time code for some reason. The PCI-424 system can freewheel past the drop-out and then resume lockup again as soon as it receives readable time code. Choose the amount of time you would like the PCI-424 system to freewheel before it gives up and stops altogether.
Click here to edit the start time, or drag vertically on the numbers. Figure 12-2: Setting the time code start time. Regenerate This option, when enabled, causes the generator to generate time code whenever the PCI-424 system is receiving either SMPTE time code or ADAT Sync (via its ADAT Sync In port). Generate from sequencer This option is only supported by AudioDesk and Digital Performer on the Macintosh.
CHAPTER 13 Performance Tips & Troubleshooting My host software doesn’t receive any audio from an input; other inputs are working fine, but this one input isn’t. Open CueMix Console and make sure that the input isn’t globally muted (the mute button at the very top of the channel strip, below the message center). The computer freezes when it starts up If the computer is unable to boot up, it may be a conflict with the WDM Driver.
Inputs and outputs are enabled in the MOTU PCI Audio Console, but are not available in Cakewalk This would indicate that you do not have these inputs/outputs enabled in Cakewalk. Select Audio Options from the Tools menu and select the Drivers Tab. Make sure that the inputs and/or outputs that you want to use are enabled. Inputs and outputs are enabled in the MOTU PCI Audio Console, but are not available in Cubase This would indicate that you do not have these inputs enabled in Cubase.
external sync (shown as “diG”) and internal sync (“int”). Note that the ADAT will return to the “diG” setting each time it is powered off. Alesis ADAT track offset If you find that sample accurate transfers from an ADAT are displaced by a small amount, try to reset the ADAT to its factory default state. This is accomplished by powering on the ADAT while holding down the RECORD and PLAY keys simultaneously.
on the 2408mk3 must match the sample rate of the DAT. There are many possible configurations. There must only be one master! Clicks and pops due to hard drive problems If you have checked your clock settings and PCI bandwidth and you are still getting clicks and pops in your audio, you may have a drive related problem. Set your Clock Source to PCI-424 Internal and try recording just using the analog inputs and outputs of your audio interface.
Now all inputs coming into Bank A will be routed to all outputs on every Bank. No inputs available in host application Check to make sure you have the desired inputs and/or outputs enabled in the MOTU PCI Audio Console. The inputs will be check boxes, and outputs will have pop-up menus. Selecting From Computer will enable an output to be used by your audio application.
can request a replacement disc by calling our business office at (617) 576-2760 and asking for the customer service department. TECHNICAL SUPPORT If you are unable, with your dealer’s help, to solve problems you encounter with the PCI-424 system, you may contact our technical support department in one of the following ways: ■ Tech support hotline: (617) 576-3066 (Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST) ■ Tech support 24-hour fax line: (617) 354-3068 ■ Tech support email: techsupport@motu.
Index 02R mixer 48 2408mk3 Analog LED 60 Analog metering 56 Bank A/B/C format setting 68 Bank A/B/C Optical In setting 66 Bank A/B/C sync setting 66 format conversion 7 Front panel 55 front panel 7 installing 2408mk3 interface 29 Interface options 70 rear panel 8 S/DIF setting 66 Sample Rate LEDs 56 Video sync setting 65 Word Clock In setting 65 24I/O front panel 9 Interface options 70 Overview of features 20 rear panel 10 24i/o installing 29 Word Clock In setting 65 A ADAT sample-accurate sync 39, 40, 41
HD192 12 Refresh button 73 S Sample rate 64 Sound Manager 64 Sample-accurate sync 39, 40, 41, 42, 80 Samples Per Buffer 67, 92 Samples per buffer 67 Save Config button 73 Select button 7 Set button 7 Setup Wizard 27 SMPTE synchronization 103 SMPTE sync 38 Software installation 25 Sonar 83 Sound control panel rate (bit resolution) 64 Sound Forge 85 Sound Manager bit resolution 64 sample rate 64 Source LED 7, 57 SPDIF 19 sync 50 sync setting 66 SPDIF LED 61 Stand-alone format conversion 7, 52 Stand-alone mo
