MOTU PCI-424 ™ User’s Guide for Macintosh 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 Macintosh System Requirements 25 Installing the PCI-424 H
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 72. 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 PCI-424 interfaces must be carefully resolved with the clocks in the other digital audio devices connected to them.
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 Macintosh System Requirements PACKING LIST MACINTOSH 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 MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 3 Installing the PCI-424 Hardware OVERVIEW TRY THE SETUP WIZARD Try the Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The PCI-424 software installer provides an easyto-use Setup Wizard. This interactive software tutorial will help you figure out the best way to connect all your gear to the PCI-424 card and connected audio interfaces.
INSTALL THE PCI-424 AUDIO CARD 1 Switch off and unplug your computer. ☛ Failure to do so may result in serious shock or injury. 2 Open your computer. 3 Find an available PCI slot. 4 Remove the slot cover, if necessary. 5 Before removing the PCI-424 card from it’s antistatic bag, touch the power supply inside your computer to discharge any static electricity that may have built up on you. 8 Secure the bulkhead of the PCI-424 card to the computer chassis with the bolt from the slot cover.
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 3-1. 2 Plug the other end of the Audio Wire cable into the audio interface as shown below in Figure 3-1. 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 3-1: 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 3-4: 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 3-5: 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 3-14: Resolving the AES/EBU output to its own independent word clock. Figure 3-13: 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 3-18 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 3-20. 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 AudioDesk, Digital Performer or other sampleaccurate 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 38. 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 45.
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 41 and page 42 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 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. Since the digital mixer is not a recording device, it has no sense of sample location like an ADAT. An ADAT can cue to a specific sample number (e.g.
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 32.
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 4 Installing the PCI-424 Macintosh Software OVERVIEW The PCI-424 system ships with this software: Running the MOTU Audio/AudioDesk software installer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Software component Location Purpose MOTU Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RUNNING THE MOTU AUDIO/AUDIODESK SOFTWARE INSTALLER Insert the Macintosh and Windows compatible installer CD-ROM into your Macintosh and run the MOTU Audio/AudioDesk installer on the CD. It will guide you through the installation. If you are unsure about what components to install, refer to the rest of the sections in this chapter, which explain the purpose of each software item. SETUP WIZARD Check out the Setup Wizard.
AUDIODESK WORKSTATION SOFTWARE ASIO MOTU PCI DRIVER The PCI-424 installer places AudioDesk on the top level of your Macintosh’s startup volume. ASIO stands for Audio Streaming Input and Output. The ASIO MOTU PCI driver allows the PCI-424 audio card to do multi-channel input and output with Steinberg’s Cubase software, or any other audio application that supports ASIO drivers.
MOTU PCI SOUND MANAGER DRIVER The MOTU PCI Sound Manager driver is placed by the software installer in the Extensions Folder of the System Folder on your Mac’s startup disk. This system extension allows the Apple Sound Manager to use the PCI-424 hardware for stereo input and output. In turn, any Sound Manager compatible software can also use the PCI-424 hardware for stereo input and output. ☛ Sound Manager only supports stereo input and output.
CHAPTER 5 2408mk3 Front Panel Operation OVERVIEW PCI MODE The 2408mk3 interface has two modes of operation: PCI mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 ■ 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 you launch any program that uses the PCI-424 software driver. (The 2408mk3 must, of course, be connected to the PCI-424 card with an Audio Wire cable.
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).
■ Shut down the computer. ■ Quit AudioDesk, Digital Performer or any other software that uses a PCI-424 driver. ☛ If you have installed the MOTU PCI Sound Manager Driver Extension on your Macintosh, it will put the 2408mk3 I/O into PCI mode as soon as the computer starts up (as soon as the PCI Sound Manager Extension is loaded). So in this case, you’ll need to shut down the computer entirely. ■ Unplug the Audio Wire cable from the 2408mk3 (although this is not generally recommended).
For the Dig and Wrd settings, however, the SET button cycles through low and high sample rate settings only (44.1/48 and 88.2/96, respectively). Choose the pair that corresponds to the sample rate of the incoming clock source. ☛ At high sample rates (88.2 and 96 kHz), the 2408mk3 does not support stand-alone transfers to or from the SPDIF input or output. Use CueMix Console for digital transfers to and from SPDIF.
In most cases, when you make a digital audio transfer, you won’t need to bounce, as you’ll want the destination tracks to match their source tracks. There may be times, however, when you’d like to shift tracks. For example, lets say that you had a stereo guitar part on ADAT tracks 3-4, and you’d 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.
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 72).
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 . . . .65 Quick Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 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 35. 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 67. 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. 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. INTERFACE OPTIONS The Interface options button opens a dialog that provides several settings for the interface currently chosen in the Configure Interface menu. 2408mk3 interface options Each 2408mk3 interface has the following options: Input Reference Level These settings let you specific the input reference level for the four analog input pairs on the 2408mk3 interface.
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 (44.1 or 48 kHz), the word clock output can either match it or operate at twice the rate (88.2 or 96 kHz).
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’ BNC jack. If necessary, the AES/EBU output signal will be sample rate converted to match the AES Word In rate. 44.1 / 48 / 88.
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). settings are not included as part of the configuration, as they are usually system-wide settings that you won’t change very often. THE REFRESH BUTTON 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.
Some third-party host applications, however, lose their input and output settings if they are not available at the time you open the file. You can save yourself the time of reassigning them by saving a 424 configuration along with the file. For details, see “Saving and recalling routings” on page 75.
CHAPTER 7 Digital Performer OVERVIEW SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM Digital Performer Version 2.42 or higher is required for the PCI-424 system. Version 2.42 supports all of the advanced features of the PCI-424 system, including sample-accurate synchronization with ADATs and the Digital Timepiece. In addition to FreeMIDI and the other required System elements supplied by the Digital Performer installer, the PCI-424 software installer updates the drivers in the MOTU Folder (in the Extensions Folder).
The PCI Audio Console window is central to the operation of your PCI-424 hardware with Digital Performer. For complete details about the important settings in this window, see chapter 6, “MOTU PCI Audio Console” (page 65). BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PCI-424 SETTINGS Before you begin using your PCI-424 hardware with Digital Performer, review the settings in the PCI Audio Console window (shown on the previous page in Figure 7-1).
Monitor Outputs The Monitor Outputs option determines which outputs the MOTU PCI Sound Manager driver will use. Samples Per Buffer The Samples Per Buffer setting can be used to reduce the delay — or latency — that you hear when live audio is patched through plug-ins in Digital Performer. 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 Digital Performer.
INPUT MONITORING MODE SYNCHRONIZATION To determine how Digital Performer will monitor input from the PCI-424 system, go to the Basics menu and choose Configure Audio System>Input Monitoring Mode. For complete details, see your Digital Performer manual. Digital Performer can run under its own transport control or slave to an external sync source, such as SMPTE time code or ADAT sync (sample address). FINE-TUNING I/O TIMING The PCI-424 system has the ability to be sample accurate.
Choose Receive Sync from the Basics menu and choose the Sample accurate option. Then make sure that the Slave to External Sync command in the Basic menu is checked. Make sure the Clock Source setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window is set to PCI-424: SMPTE or PCI-424: Video. Also, make sure that you’ve specified the SMPTE time code input (if necessary) in the MOTU SMPTE Console applet, as shown in Figure 3-23 on page 41 or Figure 3-24 on page 42.
REDUCING DELAY WHEN PROCESSING LIVE INPUTS WITH PLUG-INS If you patch a live input (such as MIDI synthesizer) through a plug-in effect in Digital Performer, you might hear a slight delay. There are several ways to reduce this delay. For details, see chapter 12, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 105). Performance window open (from the Audio menu) to keep tabs on the load on your CPU and disk buffers.
CHAPTER 8 AudioDesk OVERVIEW SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM This chapter provides a brief overview of AudioDesk’s basic I/O and synchronization operation with the PCI-424 system. For complete information about all of AudioDesk’s powerful workstation features, see the AudioDesk manual included with your PCI-424 system.
Clock Source This setting is very important because it determines which audio clock the PCI-424 system will follow. If you do not have any digital audio connections to your audio interface (you are using the analog inputs and outputs only), and you will not be slaving AudioDesk to external SMPTE time code or video, choose Internal. If you are slaving the PCI-424 system to the ADAT sync Input connector on the PCI-424 card, choose PCI-424: ADAT.
in the Performance monitor when making this adjustment. Be sure to try playing some audio, too, as the processor meter can jump up significantly during playback at lower settings. Also, use CueMix Console; it’s message center feature helps you find the optimum Samples Per Buffer setting for your system. For further information about CueMix console and reducing latency, see chapter 12, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 105). you need to do.
If you don’t have any digital audio devices connected, digital audio phase-lock does not apply to you. Resolving AudioDesk and the PCI-424 to video and/or SMPTE time code If you need to slave AudioDesk and the PCI-424 system to video and/or SMPTE time code, you can do so with or without a dedicated synchronizer.
MIDI MACHINE CONTROL (MMC) MONITORING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE If you have ADATs and a MMC-compatible ADAT synchronizer like the MIDI Timepiece AV and Digital Timepiece, you can control everything from your computer screen with AudioDesk’s transport controls and cueing features (like Markers, the playback wiper, etc.) Because it has so many inputs and outputs, a PCI-424 system pushes the limits of your computer’s processing power.
AUDI O DE SK
CHAPTER 9 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 and Nuendo. Before you run Cubase with your PCI-424 system, launch AudioDesk and play back the demo project to make sure that the PCI-424 hardware software drivers are set up properly.
RUN MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE BEFORE CUBASE Before you run Cubase, launch the MOTU PCI Audio Console to configure your PCI-424 hardware. The MOTU PCI Audio Console lets you configure your audio interface, and it lets you enable the desired inputs and outputs. Only enabled inputs and outputs will be available to Cubase, so this is an important step. For complete details regarding the MOTU PCI Audio Console, see chapter 6, “MOTU PCI Audio Console” (page 65). device menu.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS AUDIO CLOCK SOURCE In Cubase VST, be sure to choose enough channels in the System dialog (as shown above in Figure 9-3) to cover the number of inputs and outputs provided by your PCI-424 system. This setting is the same as the Clock Source setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window. It determines which audio clock the PCI-424 system will slave to. Choose the setting that is most appropriate for your synchronization scenario. For complete details, see “Clock Source” on page 66.
ASSIGNING INPUTS Once you’ve activated the PCI-424 system inputs as shown in the previous section, you can then assign them to Cubase or Nuendo audio channels in the channel mixers in the usual fashion. Figure 9-4: Activating PCI-424 inputs in Cubase VST. Figure 9-6: To assign a PCI-424 input to a Cubase VST audio channel: command-click the input button at the top of the channel strip. For Nuendo or , consult your documentation. Figure 9-5: Activating PCI-424 inputs in Nuendo.
ASSIGNING OUTPUTS CHANGING PCI-424 SETTINGS As shown earlier in Figure 9-2 on page 90, 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 9-7.In Nuendo, they appear in the VST Outputs window. To change the PCI-424 settings at any time, run the MOTU PCI Audio Console.
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 3, “Installing the PCI-424 Hardware” (page 25) 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 3-25 on page 43, word clock is being used to resolve a 2408mk3 interface, so the Clock Source setting is 2408mk3: Word Clock In. 2 Go to Cubase or Nuendo’s Synchronization window, as shown below: Cubase VST ☛ If you have an ADAT sync or a Tascam sync compatible device, don’t use SMPTE time code.
Nuendo send the MMC control messages to the MTP AV (or other MMC device). In this scenario, transport control is handled by Cubase or Nuendo itself. enable 24-bit operation in Cubase or Nuendo, it simply uses all 24-bits supplied by the PCI-424 hardware. MONITORING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE 5 In Cubase VST’s Controls window, enable SYNC. In Nuendo, enable (check) the Sync Online command in the Transport menu. Figure 9-9: Enabling the SYNC button.
CHAPTER 10 Sound Manager OVERVIEW USING 3RD PARTY AUDIO SOFTWARE The Apple Sound Manager is a standard Mac OS 9 System Extension that provides stereo sound capabilities on your Power Macintosh. Just about every dedicated audio application for Macintosh supports Sound Manager, along with many other applications, like video editing software, that handle audio in one form or another.
To install the PCI-424 Sound Manager driver: 1 Insert the PCI-424 installer CD into your Macintosh. ■ As part of the standard PCI-424 software installation, a copy of the MOTU PCI Audio Console application is now on your hard drive. 2 Run the PCI-424 software installer. If all these things are true, you are ready to activate the PCI-424 hardware as your Sound Manager input source and output destination.
4 As shown in Figure 10-2, check the box next to the input pair you would like to use for Sound Manager. 5 Quit the MOTU PCI Audio Console. CONFIGURING THE SOUND CONTROL PANEL Once you’ve made the preparations discussed in the previous section in the MOTU PCI Audio Console, you are ready to make your final settings in the Sound Control Panel as follows: 1 Open the Sound Control Panel. 2 Choose Alert Sounds from the menu. Figure 10-4: Choosing the desired input for Sound Manager.
That’s it. You can now run any Sound Manager compatible audio software, and play back audio through the PCI-424 outputs you’ve chosen in the MOTU PCI Audio Console Monitor Outputs menu. Therefore, if you would like to use the 2408mk3 in stand-alone mode, either shut down your computer, or simply restart it with the MOTU PCI Sound Manager Driver extension disabled. See the next section for how to do so.
CHAPTER 11 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 11-2) and then configure the banks (or individual outputs) as usual. See “Interface settings” on page 70 and “Enable routing” on page 71 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 11-4.
EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM
CHAPTER 12 Reducing Monitoring Latency OVERVIEW Monitoring live input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 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 12-1 on page 106 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 12-3: 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 inAudioDesk (or similar feature 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.
Using CueMix with Sound Manager To enable CueMix DSP for a host application that is using the MOTU PCI Sound Manager driver: 1 Make all of the Sound Manager preparations described in chapter 10, “Sound Manager” (page 97). 2 Choose the desired output for Sound Manager in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window, as explained in “Monitor Outputs” on page 69. Figure 12-4: Enabling CueMix DSP in AudioDesk or Digital Performer.
Controlling CueMix DSP from within Cubase To turn on CueMix in Cubase VST, enable the ASIO Direct Monitor check box in the Monitoring section of the Audio System Setup window (Figure 9-3 on page 90). 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.
CHAPTER 13 CueMix Console OVERVIEW Advantages of CueMix monitoring. . . . . . . . . .112 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.
Choosing a mix To view mix, choose it from the Mix Selector menu above the master fader, as shown in Figure 13-1. The mix name appears in the tab at the bottom of the window. Naming a mix Choose the mix from the Mix Selector menu, and then double-click the name tab below the channel strip section (Figure 13-1) to type in a new name. Master mute The master mute button (Figure 13-1) temporarily disables (silences) the mix.
MESSAGE CENTER MANAGING CUEMIX DSP RESOURCES The Message Center displays fly-over help for items in the CueMix Console window, as well as information about the current PCI bus usage in your computer. It also displays messages regarding the overall operation of the PCI-424 system. CueMix DSP’s resources are not unlimited: every time you enable an input, it requires a small amount of the PCI-424 card’s DSP bandwidth. At the time of this writing, CueMix DSP is still being tested and optimized.
CUEMIX CONSOLE EXAMPLES Figure 13-2 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 14 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 66), 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).
SMPTE Source Choose the analog input that will be receiving the SMPTE time code from this menu. The 2408mk3:SMPTE setting refers to the RCA input jack on the rear of the 2408mk3 interface that doubles as both a dedicated (analog) SMPTE time code input and a SPDIF input. As soon as you 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.
Stripe Click this button to start or stop time code. To set the start time, click directly on the SMPTE time code display in the Generator section and type in the desired start time. Or drag vertically on the numbers. Click here to edit the start time, or drag vertically on the numbers. Figure 14-2: Setting the time code start time.
CHAPTER 15 Troubleshooting Using Pro Tools, Sound Manager and -50 error When using Sound Manager, Pro Tools software will only allow audio input via the Macintosh's Built-in hardware. Therefore, you cannot use the PCI-424 system as the input device to Pro Tools software. If the PCI-424 Driver is selected as the input device in the Sound Control Panel, Pro Tools will return a -50 error and not launch.
ADAT-compatible or Tascam tape decks converting 48kHz tracks to 44.1kHz If the audio on your ADAT or Tascam tape was recorded at 48kHz, then you must transfer that audio into your host software at 48kHz. If you plan to digitally mix this data and burn an audio CD, you must convert your audio to 44.1kHz with your host software. Once you sample rate convert your audio to 44.1kHz, you will have to set the sample rate in the console back to 44100 so you can play the file.
Tascam sync” on page 40. Another alternative is to slave everything to a Digital Timepiece. The Tascam LED on the 2408mk3 will blink if a connected Tascam device is not in sync. Clicks and pops under word clock sync Many problems result from incorrect word clocking. It is essential that all digital devices in the system be word locked. Consult chapter 3, “Installing the PCI-424 Hardware” (page 25) for detailed information on how to word clock your gear.
Digital Time Piece - erratic transport behavior If you experience erratic transport behavior when using Control Track sync from a Digital Timepiece, be sure that the ADAT sync connection to the PCI-424 is not plugged in. ADAT sync to the PCI-424 is not required when using control track sync and may interfere with DTP operation. Yamaha 02R/03D - Yamaha TDIF card and the 2408mk3 You must have Yamaha’s version 2.0 TDIF card which is identified by “CD8-TDII” indicator on the outside of the card.
to use the Cuemix Console application that is installed with the drivers. Please see “CueMix DSP hardware monitoring” on page 108. receive your card, you’ll be placed on our mailing list for free software updates and information about new products. Noise on shutdown with a 2408mk3 When you quit your audio software, or shut down your computer, your interface will switch to stand alone mode. In stand alone mode, the 2408mk3 is acting as a format converter.
■ A brief explanation of the problem, including the exact sequence of actions which cause it, and the contents of any error messages which appear on the screen. ■ The pages in the manual which refer to the parts of the PCI424 system or AudioDesk with which you are having trouble. ■ The version or creation date of the system software you are using to run the Macintosh. This can be found by choosing About this Computer from the Apple menu.
Index 02R mixer 46 2408 Setup Wizard 53 software installation 53 2408mk3 Analog LED 62 Analog metering 58 Bank A/B/C format setting 70 Bank A/B/C Optical In setting 68 Bank A/B/C sync setting 68 format conversion 7 Front panel 57 front panel 7 installing 2408mk3 interface 27 Interface options 72 rear panel 8 S/DIF setting 68 Sample Rate LEDs 58 Video sync setting 67 Word Clock In setting 67 24I/O front panel 9 Interface options 72 Overview of features 20 rear panel 10 24i/o installing 27 Word Clock In setti
2408mk3 8 24I/O 10 HD192 12 Refresh button 75 S Sample rate 66 Sound Manager 66 Sample-accurate sync 37, 38, 39, 40, 95 Samples Per Buffer 69, 79, 84, 106 Samples per buffer 69 Save Config button 75 Select button 7 Set button 7 Setup Wizard 25, 53 SMPTE synchronization 117 SMPTE sync 36 Software installation 53 Sound Control Panel 98 Sound control panel rate (bit resolution) 66 Sound Manager 97 bit resolution 66 input/output timing 80 sample rate 66 Sound Manager Driver 56 Source LED 7, 59 SPDIF 19 sync 4