MOTU HD Express User's Guide

™ Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. 1280 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge, MA 02138Business voice: (617) 576-2760Business fax: (617) 576-3609Tech support phone:

ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM9AES word clock inA BNC Word clock input connector is provided for independently synchronizing the AES/EBU output of the HD1

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE71inputs at a time. The factory default setting is +4 dB. If an input signal sounds weak, try the -10 dB setting.Wor d O ut R

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE72As shown above in Figure 6-10, notice that the AES/EBU output can also directly mirror a pair of HD192 analog inputs. In effec

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE73Clip Time-OutThe Clip Time-Out option controls how long the top red LED remains illuminated after clipping occurs (see Figure

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE74

CHAPTER757 Cubase, Nuendo and other ASIO SoftwareOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 system includes an ASIO driver that provides multi-channel I/O and sample-accurat

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE76☛ Changing input and output settings in the MOTU PCI Audio Console causes Cubase to lose the input and bussing

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE77OTHER SYSTEM DIALOG SETTINGSConsult your Cubase or Nuendo documentation for details about the rest of the set

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE78ASSIGNING OUTPUTSAs shown earlier in Figure 7-1 on page 75, any banks that you have enabled in the MOTU PCI Au

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE79SYNCHRONIZATIONCubase or Nuendo can run under its own transport control or slave to SMPTE time code. It can a

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE80setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window has the appropriate setting for locking the PCI-424 system to the

CHAPTER PACKING LIST AND PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS102 Packing List and PC System RequirementsPACKING LISTA MOTU PCIe-424 core system ships with the items

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE815 In Cubase VST’s Controls window, enable SYNC. In Nuendo or Cubase SX, enable (check) the Sync Online comma

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE82

CHAPTER838 Sonar and other WDM softwareOVERVIEWThe MOTU PCI WDM Audio Driver provides standard multi-channel input and output for any Windows audio pr

SONAR AND OTHER WDM SOFTWARE84Figure 8-2: The PCI-424 system’s inputs and outputs appear in theAudio Options window under the Drivers tab. If you high

SONAR AND OTHER WDM SOFTWARE85OTHER WDM AUDIO COMPATIBLE SOFTWAREThe PCI-424 system can be used with any WDM audio-compatible audio software. Use the

SONAR AND OTHER WDM SOFTWARE86

CHAPTER879 Expanding Your PCI-424 SystemOVERVIEWUp to four MOTU PCI audio interfaces can be connected to a single PCI-424 card for up to 96 simultaneo

EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM88Enabling banks, or individual ins and outsBank enabling, or enabling individual inputs and outputs, works the same for

EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM89SYNCHRONIZING MULTIPLE INTERFACESThe entire PCI-424 system gets its clock from whatever you choose from the Clock Sour

EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM90

CHAPTER INSTALLING THE PCIE-424 HARDWARE113 Installing the PCIe-424 HardwareOVERVIEWInstall the PCIe-424 software first! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER9110 Reducing Monitoring LatencyOVERVIEWMonitoring latency is that slight delay you hear when you run an input signal through your host audio s

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY92MONITORING LIVE INPUTThere are two ways to monitor live audio input with a MOTU PCI-424 system: 1) through the computer o

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY93Figure 10-3: Lowering the ‘Samples Per Buffer’ setting in the MOTUPCI Audio Console Window reduces patch thru latency. B

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY94choose a higher Samples Per Buffer setting. Depending on your computer’s CPU speed, you might find that settings in the mi

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY95☛ Note to PCI-324 users who have upgraded to a PCI-424 system: CueMix DSP monitoring in Cubase no longer affects the set

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY96

CHAPTER9711 CueMix ConsoleOVERVIEWCueMix Console provides access to the flexible on-board mixing features of the PCI-424 system. CueMix lets you route

CUEMIX CONSOLE98ADVANTAGES OF CUEMIX MONITORINGCueMix Console provides several major advantages over monitoring live inputs through your host audio so

CUEMIX CONSOLE99Master muteThe master mute button (Figure 11-1) temporarily disables (silences) the mix.Master faderThe master fader (Figure 11-1) co

CUEMIX CONSOLE100globally mute an input, it is temporarily muted in all mixes, and your host software will not receive any audio from that input, eith

INSTALLING THE PCIE-424 HARDWARE12CONNECT THE AUDIO INTERFACE1 Plug one end of the Audio Wire cable (included) into the Audio Wire socket next to the

CUEMIX CONSOLE101CUEMIX CONSOLE EXAMPLESFigure 11-2 below shows some examples of how you can use CueMix DSP: All of these live inputs can be bussed

CUEMIX CONSOLE102

CHAPTER10312 MOTU SMPTE ConsoleOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 system can resolve to SMPTE time code, without a dedicated synchronizer. It can also serve as a SMP

MOTU SMPTE CONSOLE104CLOCK/ADDRESSThe Clock/Address menu provides the same global Clock Source setting as in the MOTU PCI Audio Console (“Clock Source

MOTU SMPTE CONSOLE105choose the 2408mk3:SMPTE setting, the jack automatically switches internally to an analog time code circuit.Freewheel AddressFre

MOTU SMPTE CONSOLE106Figure 12-2: Setting the time code start time.RegenerateThis option, when enabled, causes the generator to generate time code whe

CHAPTER10713 Performance Tips & TroubleshootingMy host software doesn’t receive any audio from an input; other inputs are working fine, but this on

PERFORMANCE TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING108Inputs and outputs are enabled in the MOTU PCI Audio Console, but are not available in CakewalkThis would ind

PERFORMANCE TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING109external sync (shown as “diG”) and internal sync (“int”). Note that the ADAT will return to the “diG” settin

PERFORMANCE TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING110on the 2408mk3 must match the sample rate of the DAT. There are many possible configurations. There must only

CHAPTER EXPANDING YOUR PCIE-424 SYSTEM134 Expanding Your PCIe-424 SystemOVERVIEWUp to four MOTU PCI audio interfaces can be connected to a single PCIe

PERFORMANCE TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING111Now all inputs coming into Bank A will be routed to all outputs on every Bank.No inputs available in host ap

PERFORMANCE TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING112can request a replacement disc by calling our business office at (617) 576-2760 and asking for the customer se

INDEX11302R mixer 482408mk3Analog LED 60Analog metering 56Bank A/B/C format setting 68Bank A/B/C Optical In setting 66Bank A/B/C sync setting 66forma

INDEX114HD192 12Refresh button 73SSample rate 64Sound Manager 64Sample-accurate sync 39, 40, 41, 42, 80Samples Per Buffer 67, 92Samples per buffer 67S

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Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and Limited Warranty on Software TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the terms and

CHAPTER 4 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

5Quick Reference: PCI-424 Audio CardConnect the first (core system) interface to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable included with your co

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When the METERS light is illuminated (on the right), this section of LEDs provides metering for 2408mk3’s analog input and output activity. Each chann

EXPANDING YOUR PCIE-424 SYSTEM14Working with input and output menusWith multiple interfaces connected, input and output menus show all available port

Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Rear PanelConnect the 2408mk3 to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your 2408mk3 system.Conne

Quick Reference: 24I/O Front PanelIndicates the current sample rate. If this LED flashes, it means that you have chosen (via software) an external cloc

Quick Reference: 24I/O Rear PanelConnect the 24I/O to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your 24I/O system.The 24I/O’s twe

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Front PanelThese LEDs indicate the current clock and sample rate conversion settings for the AES/EBU section of the HD192.

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Rear PanelConnect the HD192 to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your HD192 system.These jacks

CHAPTER13EXPANSION I/O OR CORE SYSTEM?Read this chapter if you have purchased a MOTU PCI audio interface as an Expansion I/O for a PCI-424 core system

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CHAPTER15The ‘Enable Input’ and ‘Enable out-put’ check boxes refer to input and output to and from the computer. If checked, inputs and outputs will b

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CHAPTER171 About the PCI-424 SystemOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 core system is a computer-based hard disk recording system for Mac OS and Windows that offers 2

™ MOTU PCIe- 424 User’s Guide for Macintosh 1280 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge, MA 02138Business voice: (617) 576-2760Business fax: (617) 576-3609Tec

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM18channels total) at samples rates up to 96 KHz. At 176.4 or 192 kHz, this chip can process 48 simultaneous channels of input

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM19kHz analog input and output. Therefore, the 2408mk3 interface offers a maximum of 16 channels of input and output at 96 kHz

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM20Stand-alone Format Conversion Finally, several additional LEDs, along with accompanying set/select buttons, allow you to acc

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM21output each has its own independent sample rate converter for real-time conversion between any two sample rates between 40

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM22drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time effects than a slower computer with less RAM and slower hard drives

CHAPTER232 Packing List and Macintosh System RequirementsPACKING LISTA MOTU PCI-424 core system ships with the items listed below. If any of these ite

PACKING LIST AND MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS24

CHAPTER253 Installing the PCI-424 HardwareOVERVIEWTry the Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Install the PCI-424 audio card .

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE26INSTALL THE PCI-424 AUDIO CARD1 Switch off and unplug your computer.☛ Failure to do so may result in serious shock or

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE27CONNECT THE AUDIO INTERFACE1 Plug one end of the Audio Wire cable (included) into the Audio Wire socket next to the

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INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE282408MK3 INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTIONSThe 2408mk3 audio interface has the following input and output connectors: 8 b

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE29Figure 3-4: A recommended setup for a digital mixer with ADAToptical I/O, one TDIF device, a DAT deck and analog dev

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE3024I/O INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONSHere are a few things to keep in mind when making connections to the 24I/O inputs a

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE31HD192 INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONSHere are a few things to keep in mind when making connections to the HD192 inputs

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE32 Transfer digital audio into or out of the HD192 at a sample rate that is completely different than the HD192 system

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE333. Use word clock to resolve the HD192 system clock and the other AES/EBU device with each other.These three AES/EBU

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE34Figure 3-13: Click the ‘Interface Options’ button in the MOTU PCIAudio Console window to access the AES/EBU output cl

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE35MAKE SYNC CONNECTIONSSynchronization between the PCI-424 system and the devices connected to it is critical, even if

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE36DO YOU NEED A SYNCHRONIZER?Whether or not you’ll need a synchronizer depends on your gear and what you will be doing

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE37SAMPLE-ACCURATE SYNCYour PCI-424 system provides you with the most advanced, accurate synchronization possible with

3 Contents 5 Quick Reference: PCIe-424 Audio Card 6 About the PCIe-424 System 10 Packing List and Macintosh System Requirements 11 Installing the PCI

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE38SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNCThis page shows an ideal setup for using the PCI-424 and a 2408mk3 interface with one or mor

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE39SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNC WITH NO SYNCHRONIZEREven if you don’t have an ADAT synchronizer, you can achieve sample-ac

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE40SAMPLE-ACCURATE TASCAM SYNCThis page shows how to set up sample-accurate locating (the most accurate synchronization

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE41SYNCING TO SMPTE TIME CODEThe PCI-424 system can resolve directly to SMPTE time code from any analog input on any au

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE42SYNCING TO VIDEOThe 2408mk3 interface can continuously resolve directly to video, while at the same time referencing

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE43SYNCING TO VIDEO AND/OR SMPTE TIME CODE USING A SYNCHRONIZERIf your host audio software does not support the PCI-424

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE44SYNCING TO ADAT OR TASCAM DEVICES USING SMPTE TIME CODEThe 2408mk3’s built-in SMPTE time code sync features described

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE45SYNCING TO A DA-88/98 TIME CODE TRACKIf you have a Tascam DA-88 equipped with an SY-88 card, or a DA-98, and you wou

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE46SYNCING ADAT ‘LIGHTPIPE’ DEVICESThe word lightpipe is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE47SYNCING TASCAM ‘TDIF’ DEVICESThe acronym TDIF is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to a 24

Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and Limited Warranty on Software TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the terms and

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE48SYNCING SPDIF DEVICESDAT decks and other SPDIF devices will sync to a 2408mk3 interface in one of two ways: Via the

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE49SYNCING WORD CLOCK DEVICESAll MOTU PCI audio interfaces provide a word clock input and/or output that allows you to

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE50SYNC FOR 2408MK3 STAND-ALONE OPERATIONThe 2408mk3 interface goes into stand-alone mode whenever it is not under contr

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE51SYNCING LARGE SYSTEMSIf you are connecting the PCI-424 to a lot of other digital audio gear, get a Digital Timepiece

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE52

CHAPTER534 Installing the PCI-424 Macintosh SoftwareOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 system ships with this software:Running the MOTU Audio/AudioDesk software inst

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 MACINTOSH SOFTWARE54RUNNING THE MOTU AUDIO/AUDIODESK SOFTWARE INSTALLERInsert the Macintosh and Windows compatible installer CD

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 MACINTOSH SOFTWARE55AUDIODESK WORKSTATION SOFTWAREThe PCI-424 installer places AudioDesk on the top level of your Macintosh’s

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 MACINTOSH SOFTWARE56MOTU PCI SOUND MANAGER DRIVERThe MOTU PCI Sound Manager driver is placed by the software installer in the E

CHAPTER575 2408mk3 Front Panel OperationOVERVIEWThe 2408mk3 interface has two modes of operation: PCI mode Stand-alone modeIn PCI mode, the 2408mk3

™ MOTU PCIe- 424 User’s Guide for Windows 1280 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge, MA 02138Business voice: (617) 576-2760Business fax: (617) 576-3609Techn

5 Quick Reference: PCIe-424 Audio Card Connect the first (core system) interface to the PCIe-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable included with

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION58PCI MODEThe 2408mk3 goes into PCI mode as soon as you launch any program that uses the PCI-424 software driver. (The 24

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION59Use the SELECT button to toggle the ANALOG OUT bank of LEDs between the analog metering display (above) and the clock

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION60 Shut down the computer. Quit AudioDesk, Digital Performer or any other software that uses a PCI-424 driver.☛ If you

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION61For the Dig and Wrd settings, however, the SET button cycles through low and high sample rate settings only (44.1/48

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION62In most cases, when you make a digital audio transfer, you won’t need to bounce, as you’ll want the destination tracks

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION63There are three variations for the analog source setting. Press the SET button repeatedly to choose the desired variat

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION64Figure 5-11: The 2408mk3’s ADAT/TDIF activity LEDs are triggered bya signal of -40dB or greater.

CHAPTER656 MOTU PCI Audio ConsoleOVERVIEWThe MOTU PCI Audio Console Window gives you complete control over the settings in your PCI-424 hard disk reco

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE66QUICK REFERENCEFor a one-page overview of the MOTU PCI Audio Console, see “Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window” on page

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE67The clock source determines the digital audio clock that the PCI-424 system will use as its time base. For a complete explana

CHAPTER ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM 6 1 About the PCIe-424 System OVERVIEW The PCIe-424 core system is a computer-based hard disk recording system for

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE68The 24I/O: Word Clock In setting is unique because it switches the operation of the single BNC word clock connector on the 24I

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE69For all practical purposes, this clock source setting produces the same results as the PCI-424: Internal setting explained on

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE70INTERFACE SETTINGSThe middle portion of the MOTU PCI Audio Console Window displays settings for the audio interface(s) connect

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE71Disabling banks does not affect CueMix DSPWhen you disable a bank as shown in Figure 6-4 above, it only affects PCI bus routi

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE72computers seem to have approximately 30-50 MB per second of PCI bandwidth for the 2408mk3 and other PCI cards in the computer.

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE73Wor d O ut R ateThe Word Out Rate menu lets you either double or halve the current PCI-424 system word clock rate.If the

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE74As shown above in Figure 6-10, notice that the AES/EBU output can also directly mirror a pair of HD192 analog inputs. In effec

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE75Clip Time-OutThe Clip Time-Out option controls how long the top red LED remains illuminated after clipping occurs (see Figure

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE76Some third-party host applications, however, lose their input and output settings if they are not available at the time you op

CHAPTER777 Digital PerformerOVERVIEWDigital Performer Version 2.42 or higher is required for the PCI-424 system. Version 2.42 supports all of the adva

ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM7transfer a single track of material from the ADAT via light pipe into the 2408mk3’s Macintosh workstation software, and the

DIGITAL PERFORMER78The PCI Audio Console window is central to the operation of your PCI-424 hardware with Digital Performer. For complete details abou

DIGITAL PERFORMER79Monitor OutputsThe Monitor Outputs option determines which outputs the MOTU PCI Sound Manager driver will use.Samples Per BufferTh

DIGITAL PERFORMER80INPUT MONITORING MODETo determine how Digital Performer will monitor input from the PCI-424 system, go to the Basics menu and choos

DIGITAL PERFORMER81Choose Receive Sync from the Basics menu and choose the Sample accurate option. Then make sure that the Slave to External Sync com

DIGITAL PERFORMER82REDUCING DELAY WHEN PROCESSING LIVE INPUTS WITH PLUG-INSIf you patch a live input (such as MIDI synthesizer) through a plug-in effe

CHAPTER838 AudioDeskOVERVIEWThis chapter provides a brief overview of AudioDesk’s basic I/O and synchronization operation with the PCI-424 system. For

AUDIODESK84Figure 8-1: The ‘Configure Hardware Driver’ menu items opens thePCI Audio Console window shown above. This window provides all ofthe setting

AUDIODESK85in the Performance monitor when making this adjustment. Be sure to try playing some audio, too, as the processor meter can jump up signific

AUDIODESK86If you don’t have any digital audio devices connected, digital audio phase-lock does not apply to you.Resolving AudioDesk and the PCI-424 t

AUDIODESK87MIDI MACHINE CONTROL (MMC)If you have ADATs and a MMC-compatible ADAT synchronizer like the MIDI Timepiece AV and Digital Timepiece, you c

ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM8input to receive SMPTE time code. Any active channel, digital or analog, can be chosen as a SMPTE time code output.Level Me

AUDIODESK88

CHAPTER899 Cubase, Nuendo and other ASIO SoftwareOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 system includes an ASIO driver that provides multi-channel I/O and sample-accurat

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE90RUN MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE BEFORE CUBASEBefore you run Cubase, launch the MOTU PCI Audio Console to configure y

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE91NUMBER OF CHANNELSIn Cubase VST, be sure to choose enough channels in the System dialog (as shown above in Fi

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE92Figure 9-4: Activating PCI-424 inputs in Cubase VST.Figure 9-5: Activating PCI-424 inputs in Nuendo.ASSIGNING

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE93ASSIGNING OUTPUTSAs shown earlier in Figure 9-2 on page 90, any banks that you have enabled in the MOTU PCI A

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE94SYNCHRONIZATIONCubase or Nuendo can run under its own transport control or slave to SMPTE time code. It can al

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE95setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window has the appropriate setting for locking the PCI-424 system to th

CUBASE, NUENDO AND OTHER ASIO SOFTWARE96Nuendo send the MMC control messages to the MTP AV (or other MMC device). In this scenario, transport control

CHAPTER9710 Sound ManagerOVERVIEWThe Apple Sound Manager is a standard Mac OS 9 System Extension that provides stereo sound capabilities on your Power

ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM9AES word clock inA BNC Word clock input connector is provided for independently synchronizing the AES/EBU output of the HD1

SOUND MANAGER98To install the PCI-424 Sound Manager driver:1 Insert the PCI-424 installer CD into your Macintosh.2 Run the PCI-424 software installer.

SOUND MANAGER994 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 Cons

SOUND MANAGER100That’s it. You can now run any Sound Manager compatible audio software, and play back audio through the PCI-424 outputs you’ve chosen

CHAPTER10111 Expanding Your PCI-424 SystemOVERVIEWUp to four MOTU PCI audio interfaces can be connected to a single PCI-424 card for up to 96 simultan

EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM102Enabling banks, or individual ins and outsBank enabling, or enabling individual inputs and outputs, works the same for

EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM103SYNCHRONIZING MULTIPLE INTERFACESThe entire PCI-424 system gets its clock from whatever you choose from the Clock Sou

EXPANDING YOUR PCI-424 SYSTEM104

CHAPTER10512 Reducing Monitoring LatencyOVERVIEWMonitoring latency is that slight delay you hear when you run an input signal through your host audio

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY106MONITORING LIVE INPUTThere are two ways to monitor live audio input with a MOTU PCI-424 system: 1) through the computer

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY107Figure 12-3: Lowering the ‘Samples Per Buffer’ setting in the MOTUPCI Audio Console Window reduces patch thru latency.

CHAPTER PACKING LIST AND MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS102 Packing List and Macintosh System RequirementsPACKING LISTA MOTU PCIe-424 core system ships

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY108choose a higher Samples Per Buffer setting. Depending on your computer’s CPU speed, you might find that settings in the m

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY109Figure 12-4: Enabling CueMix DSP in AudioDesk or Digital Performer.Once enabled, CueMix DSP monitoring is tied with Dig

REDUCING MONITORING LATENCY110Controlling CueMix DSP from within CubaseTo turn on CueMix in Cubase VST, enable the ASIO Direct Monitor check box in th

CHAPTER11113 CueMix ConsoleOVERVIEWCueMix Console provides access to the flexible on-board mixing features of the PCI-424 system. CueMix lets you route

CUEMIX CONSOLE112ADVANTAGES OF CUEMIX MONITORINGCueMix Console provides several major advantages over monitoring live inputs through your host audio s

CUEMIX CONSOLE113Choosing a mixTo view mix, choose it from the Mix Selector menu above the master fader, as shown in Figure 13-1. The mix name appear

CUEMIX CONSOLE114MESSAGE CENTERThe Message Center displays fly-over help for items in the CueMix Console window, as well as information about the curre

CUEMIX CONSOLE115CUEMIX CONSOLE EXAMPLESFigure 13-2 below shows some examples of how you can use CueMix DSP: All of these live inputs can be bussed

CUEMIX CONSOLE116

CHAPTER11714 MOTU SMPTE ConsoleOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 system can resolve to SMPTE time code, without a dedicated synchronizer. It can also serve as a SMP

CHAPTER INSTALLING THE PCIE-424 HARDWARE113 Installing the PCIe-424 HardwareOVERVIEWInstall the PCIe-424 audio card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MOTU SMPTE CONSOLE118CLOCK/ADDRESSThe Clock/Address menu provides the same global Clock Source setting as in the MOTU PCI Audio Console (“Clock Source

MOTU SMPTE CONSOLE119SMPTE SourceChoose the analog input that will be receiving the SMPTE time code from this menu. The 2408mk3:SMPTE setting refers

MOTU SMPTE CONSOLE120StripeClick this button to start or stop time code. To set the start time, click directly on the SMPTE time code display in the G

CHAPTER12115 TroubleshootingUsing Pro Tools, Sound Manager and -50 errorWhen using Sound Manager, Pro Tools software will only allow audio input via t

TROUBLESHOOTING122ADAT-compatible or Tascam tape decks - converting 48kHz tracks to 44.1kHzIf the audio on your ADAT or Tascam tape was recorded at 48

TROUBLESHOOTING123Tascam sync” on page 40. Another alternative is to slave everything to a Digital Timepiece. The Tascam LED on the 2408mk3 will blin

TROUBLESHOOTING124Digital Time Piece - erratic transport behaviorIf you experience erratic transport behavior when using Control Track sync from a Dig

TROUBLESHOOTING125to use the Cuemix Console application that is installed with the drivers. Please see “CueMix DSP hardware monitoring” on page 108.N

TROUBLESHOOTING126 A brief explanation of the problem, including the exact sequence of actions which cause it, and the contents of any error messages

INDEX12702R mixer 462408Setup Wizard 53software installation 532408mk3Analog LED 62Analog metering 58Bank A/B/C format setting 70Bank A/B/C Optical I

INSTALLING THE PCIE-424 HARDWARE12Figure 3-1: Connecting the audio interface to the PCIe-424 audio card.Step 1Connect the Audio Wire to the socket cl

INDEX1282408mk3 824I/O 10HD192 12Refresh button 75SSample rate 66Sound Manager 66Sample-accurate sync 37, 38, 39, 40, 95Samples Per Buffer 69, 79, 84,

CHAPTER EXPANDING YOUR PCIE-424 SYSTEM134 Expanding Your PCIe-424 SystemOVERVIEWUp to four MOTU PCI audio interfaces can be connected to a single PCIe

EXPANDING YOUR PCIE-424 SYSTEM14Working with input and output menusWith multiple interfaces connected, input and output menus show all available port

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER

™ Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. 1280 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge, MA 02138Business voice: (617) 576-2760Business fax: (617) 576-3609Tech support phone:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER

Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and Limited Warranty on Software TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the terms and

CHAPTER 4 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

5Quick Reference: PCI-424 Audio CardConnect the first (core system) interface to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable included with your co

6

When the METERS light is illuminated (on the right), this section of LEDs provides metering for 2408mk3’s analog input and output activity. Each chann

Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Rear PanelConnect the 2408mk3 to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your 2408mk3 system.Conne

Quick Reference: 24I/O Front PanelIndicates the current sample rate. If this LED flashes, it means that you have chosen (via software) an external cloc

Quick Reference: 24I/O Rear PanelConnect the 24I/O to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your 24I/O system.The 24I/O’s twe

3 Contents 5 Quick Reference: PCIe-424 Audio Card 6 About the PCIe-424 System 10 Packing List and PC System Requirements 11 Installing the PCIe-424 H

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Front PanelThese LEDs indicate the current clock and sample rate conversion settings for the AES/EBU section of the HD192.

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Rear PanelConnect the HD192 to the PCI-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable provided with your HD192 system.These jacks

CHAPTER13EXPANSION I/O OR CORE SYSTEM?Read this chapter if you have purchased a MOTU PCI audio interface as an Expansion I/O for a PCI-424 core system

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CHAPTER15The stand-alone Console window, above, is the same as the “ASIO Control Panel” dialog found in Cubase.This section of the window shows the I/

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CHAPTER171 About the PCI-424 SystemOVERVIEWThe PCI-424 core system is a computer-based hard disk recording system for Mac OS and Windows that offers 2

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM18channels total) at samples rates up to 96 KHz. At 176.4 or 192 kHz, this chip can process 48 simultaneous channels of input

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM19kHz analog input and output. Therefore, the 2408mk3 interface offers a maximum of 16 channels of input and output at 96 kHz

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM20Stand-alone Format Conversion Finally, several additional LEDs, along with accompanying set/select buttons, allow you to acc

Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and Limited Warranty on Software TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the terms and

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM21output each has its own independent sample rate converter for real-time conversion between any two sample rates between 40

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM22drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time effects than a slower computer with less RAM and slower hard drives

CHAPTER232 Packing List and PC System RequirementsPACKING LISTA MOTU PCI-424 core system ships with the items listed below. If any of these items are

PACKING LIST AND PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS24

CHAPTER253 Installing the PCI-424 Windows SoftwareOVERVIEWThe 2408mk3 ships with the following software:INSTALL THE PCI-424 SOFTWARE FIRST!We recommen

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 WINDOWS SOFTWARE26MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLEThe MOTU PCI Audio Console application is placed by the software installer in the folde

CHAPTER274 Installing the PCI-424 HardwareOVERVIEWInstall the 2408mk3 software first! . . . . . . . . . . .27Try the Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . .

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE28INSTALL THE PCI-424 AUDIO CARD1 Switch off and unplug your computer.☛ Failure to do so may result in serious shock or

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE29CONNECT THE AUDIO INTERFACE1 Plug one end of the Audio Wire cable (included) into the Audio Wire socket next to the

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE302408MK3 INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTIONSThe 2408mk3 audio interface has the following input and output connectors: 8 b

5 Quick Reference: PCIe-424 Audio Card Connect the first (core system) interface to the PCIe-424 card here using the Audio Wire cable included with

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE31Figure 4-4: A recommended setup for a digital mixer with ADAToptical I/O, one TDIF device, a DAT deck and analog dev

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE3224I/O INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONSHere are a few things to keep in mind when making connections to the 24I/O inputs a

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE33HD192 INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONSHere are a few things to keep in mind when making connections to the HD192 inputs

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE34 Transfer digital audio into or out of the HD192 at a sample rate that is completely different than the HD192 system

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE353. Use word clock to resolve the HD192 system clock and the other AES/EBU device with each other.These three AES/EBU

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE36Figure 4-13: Click the ‘Interface Options’ button in the MOTU PCIAudio Console window to access the AES/EBU output cl

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE37MAKE SYNC CONNECTIONSSynchronization between the PCI-424 system and the devices connected to it is critical, even if

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE38DO YOU NEED A SYNCHRONIZER?Whether or not you’ll need a synchronizer depends on your gear and what you will be doing

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE39SAMPLE-ACCURATE SYNCYour PCI-424 system provides you with the most advanced, accurate synchronization possible with

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE40SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNCThis page shows an ideal setup for using the PCI-424 and a 2408mk3 interface with one or mor

CHAPTER ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM 6 1 About the PCIe-424 System OVERVIEW The PCIe-424 core system is a computer-based hard disk recording system for

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE41SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNC WITH NO SYNCHRONIZEREven if you don’t have an ADAT synchronizer, you can achieve sample-ac

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE42SAMPLE-ACCURATE TASCAM SYNCThis page shows how to set up sample-accurate locating (the most accurate synchronization

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE43SYNCING TO SMPTE TIME CODEThe PCI-424 system can resolve directly to SMPTE time code from any analog input on any au

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE44SYNCING TO VIDEOThe 2408mk3 interface can continuously resolve directly to video, while at the same time referencing

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE45SYNCING TO VIDEO AND/OR SMPTE TIME CODE USING A SYNCHRONIZERIf your host audio software does not support the PCI-424

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE46SYNCING TO ADAT OR TASCAM DEVICES USING SMPTE TIME CODEThe 2408mk3’s built-in SMPTE time code sync features described

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE47SYNCING TO A DA-88/98 TIME CODE TRACKIf you have a Tascam DA-88 equipped with an SY-88 card, or a DA-98, and you wou

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE48SYNCING ADAT ‘LIGHTPIPE’ DEVICESThe word lightpipe is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE49SYNCING TASCAM ‘TDIF’ DEVICESThe acronym TDIF is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to a 24

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE50SYNCING SPDIF DEVICESDAT decks and other SPDIF devices will sync to a 2408mk3 interface in one of two ways: Via the

ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM7transfer a single track of material from the ADAT via light pipe into the 2408mk3’s Macintosh workstation software, and the

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE51SYNCING WORD CLOCK DEVICESAll MOTU PCI audio interfaces provide a word clock input and/or output that allows you to

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE52SYNC FOR 2408MK3 STAND-ALONE OPERATIONThe 2408mk3 interface goes into stand-alone mode whenever it is not under contr

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE53SYNCING LARGE SYSTEMSIf you are connecting the PCI-424 to a lot of other digital audio gear, get a Digital Timepiece

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE54

CHAPTER555 2408mk3 Front Panel OperationOVERVIEWThe 2408mk3 interface has two modes of operation: PCI mode Stand-alone modeIn PCI mode, the 2408mk3

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION56PCI MODEThe 2408mk3 goes into PCI mode as soon as Windows loads the 2408mk3’s PCI WDM Driver while starting up. If the

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION57Use the SELECT button to toggle the ANALOG OUT bank of LEDs between the analog metering display (above) and the clock

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION58 If the MOTU PCI WDM Audio Driver is installed in Windows, you have to shut down the computer to put the 2408mk3 I/O i

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION59☛ At high sample rates (88.2 and 96 kHz), the 2408mk3 does not support stand-alone transfers to or from the SPDIF inpu

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION60like to transfer them to Tascam tracks 1-2. To accomplish this, you would use the Bounce setting shown below.Figure 5-4

ABOUT THE PCIE-424 SYSTEM8input to receive SMPTE time code. Any active channel, digital or analog, can be chosen as a SMPTE time code output.Level Me

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION61There are three variations for the analog source setting. Press the SET button repeatedly to choose the desired variat

2408MK3 FRONT PANEL OPERATION62Figure 5-11: The 2408mk3’s ADAT/TDIF activity LEDs are triggered bya signal of -40dB or greater.

CHAPTER636 MOTU PCI Audio ConsoleOVERVIEWThe MOTU PCI Audio Console Window gives you complete control over the settings in your PCI-424 hard disk reco

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE64QUICK REFERENCEFor a one-page overview of the MOTU PCI Audio Console, see “Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window” on page

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE65The clock source determines the digital audio clock that the PCI-424 system will use as its time base. For a complete explana

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE66The 24I/O: Word Clock In setting is unique because it switches the operation of the single BNC word clock connector on the 24I

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE67For all practical purposes, this clock source setting produces the same results as the PCI-424: Internal setting explained on

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE68INTERFACE SETTINGSThe middle portion of the MOTU PCI Audio Console Window displays settings for the audio interface(s) connect

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE69Disabling banks does not affect CueMix DSPWhen you disable a bank as shown in Figure 6-4 above, it only affects PCI bus routi

MOTU PCI AUDIO CONSOLE70computers seem to have approximately 30-50 MB per second of PCI bandwidth for the 2408mk3 and other PCI cards in the computer.