Alesis 7-51-0214-B User Manual
Reference Manual
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Table Of Contents
Introduction..........................................................5
About the IO|14 and IO|26 ..............................................6
How to Use This Manual ...................................................7
Chapter 1: Hardware Overview .......................9
Section Identification........................................................ 9
Top Panel .....................................................................................................9
Rear Panel .................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 2: Installation (Windows)...................15
Install the software/drivers first..................................... 15
Install Cubase LE (optional) ............................................16
Connect your IO|14/26 ...................................................... 16
Make IO|14/26 the default audio device .......................17
Disable Windows System Sounds....................................19
Chapter 3: Installation (Macintosh) ................21
Install the software/drivers first..................................... 21
Install Cubase LE (optional) ............................................21
Connect your IO|14/26 ...................................................... 21
Make IO|14/26 the active audio device .........................22
1
Chapter 4: Getting Started with
Cubase LE..............................................................23
Introducing Cubase LE .....................................................23
Windows only: selecting the IO|14/26 as
your audio and MIDI device. ...........................................23
Creating a new file ............................................................. 27
Chapter 5: Using the Control Panel ................31
Working with the IO14/26 control panel .......................31
Accessing the control panel.......................................................................31
1. Select the Alesis IO. ..............................................................................31
2. Create a nickname for your IO|14/26 (optional)............................31
3. Adjust latency by changing the buffer size........................................32
4. Choose a Buffer Mode .........................................................................32
5. Specify how sample rates can change................................................. 33
6. Enable or Disable WDM audio...........................................................33
(Windows only)........................................................................................... 33
7. Set the clock master ..............................................................................33
8 Specify the audio clock source .............................................................33
9. Set the sample rate ................................................................................34
Chapter 6: Hardware Direct
Monitoring.............................................................35
Table Of Contents
The Alesis Hardware Direct Monitoring and
Routing Application...........................................................35
Using the Hardware Direct Monitoring
(HDM) panel......................................................................... 35
1. Output Monitor Tabs........................................................................... 36
2. Pan/Mute/Solo .....................................................................................36
3. Volume....................................................................................................36
4. Stereo Channel Linking and Unlinking..............................................36
5. Channel Names......................................................................................36
6. Master HDM Mix Fader.......................................................................36
7. Narrow/Wide View Switch .................................................................37
8. Metering Options .................................................................................. 37
9. Bank Hide/Show buttons....................................................................37
10. ADAT-S/PDIF Toggle ......................................................................37
11. Main Level............................................................................................ 37
12. Save/Recall Settings............................................................................ 38
14. Headphones 2 Assignment................................................................38
15. S/PDIF output assignment ...............................................................38
Chapter 7: Getting In Deeper:
Hardware...............................................................39
Cabling 101........................................................................... 39
Common Hookup Scenarios.............................................40
Singer / Songwriter ....................................................................................40
Full Studio Setup......................................................................................... 41
Using the Insert Jacks.......................................................42
Additional Uses of Insert Jacks................................................................43
2
Chapter 8: Getting In Deeper:
Recording ..............................................................45
Watch Your Levels While Recording.............................. 45
Base Sample Rates: 44.1/88.2/ .......................................... 46
176.4kHz versus 48/96/192kHz..........................................46
High Resolution Recording.............................................. 46
The Upside of High Definition recording.............................................. 46
The Downsides of High Definition Recording .....................................47
Surround Sound (IO|26 only).......................................... 49
Using the IO14/26 with Sonar and other
WDM applications ..............................................................50
WDM or ASIO? Experiment with both protocols .............................. 50
Choosing the IO14/26 as your audio device..........................................50
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting ..............................53
Computer or audio application does not see
the IO|14 or IO|26 interface............................................ 56
Basic troubleshooting................................................................................. 56
Advanced troubleshooting under Windows ...........................................56
Table Of Contents
Audio playback or recording is at the wrong
speed...................................................................................... 58
Audio playback or recording stutters or
drops out...............................................................................59
Audio echoes during recording....................................... 59
Technical Specifications ....................................60
Technical Specifications...................................................60
Glossary .................................................................63
Warranty/Contact Alesis ....................................67
Alesis Limited Warranty............................................................................. 67
Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................68
Trademarks .................................................................................................. 68
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Table Of Contents
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4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Alesis IO FireWire audio interface!
You could say Alesis knows a thing or two about recording.
Countless artists, engineers, and producers have relied on our
digital recorders since the introduction of the original “Blackface”
ADAT in 1991. Some publications have even claimed that our
ADAT recorders started the “home studio revolution” back in the
1990s. We’re proud that our line of affordable tools has made
professional-quality recording possible for millions of people
around the world.
The IO series FireWire interfaces are the next step in Alesis
recording technology. Once you work with the IO|14/26, we’re
confident you’ll appreciate the outstanding sound quality, superior
construction, and attention to detail.
We’re continually delighted by the recordings that have been
captured with our products. We hope that your IO|14/26 will be
there to inspire and capture your finest performances.
Sincerely,
The People of Alesis
For more effective service
and product update notices,
please register your IO|14
or IO|26 FireWire interface
at http://www.alesis.com/.
5
Introduction
About the IO|14 and IO|26
Our IO|14 and IO|26 audio interfaces are professional-grade
tools with everything you need to turn your musical ideas to
polished recordings. The two units are virtually identical except
that the larger IO|26 has more inputs and outputs than its smaller
sibling, the IO|14. The IO|14 and IO|26 feature the following:
• High-speed FireWire (IEEE 1394a) interface for low
latency and tons of audio I/O from your computer.
The high bandwidth of the FireWire interface allows a
single IO|26 to handle 26 inputs and 8 outputs
simultaneously (the IO|14 handles 14 inputs and 6
outputs simultaneously).
• Premium 192k analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog
converters.
• True 24-bit operation for all digital and analog inputs
and outputs.
• High-Definition Microphone Preamplifiers. This new
design exhibits superb technical performance and
delivers pristine, unclouded sonics. +48v phantom
power—required for powering condenser studio
microphones—can be applied to any pair of inputs on
the unit.
• Switchable guitar inputs for direct recording of guitars
and basses.
• Dedicated stereo turntable inputs (IO|26 only).
• Alesis Hardware Direct Monitoring for hassle-free
headphone mixes in any recording situation. The
included software makes setting up mixes a snap.
• Two headphone outputs optimized for the recording
engineer and the artist.
• S/PDIF I/O and ADAT inputs to cover all of your
digital connectivity needs..
• Inserts on every analog input for patching additional
hardware into your signal path.
• Integrated MIDI I/O on standard 5-pin connectors.
• FireWire bus or AC adapter power.
• Solid construction that’s built for many years of heavy
use.
6
Introduction
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How to Use This Manual
We know this manual will be an integral part of the experience
with your IO 14 or IO|26 interface so we’ve done our best to
make it complete, accurate, and helpful for you.
The manual is divided into the following sections describing the
various functions and applications of the IO audio interface. While
it’s a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully,
those having general knowledge about audio interfaces may want
to use the table of contents to look up specific topics.
Chapter 1: Hardware Overview describes every section of the
IO|14/26’s in detail. If you’re not sure about the function of a
knob, button, connector, or status light, read this section for
clarification.
Chapter 2: Installation (Windows) walks you though the installation of
the drivers and included software that accompany the IO|14/26.
This section covers ASIO, WDM, and MIDI I/O drivers for the
PC.
Chapter 3: Installation (Macintosh) discusses installation of the
CoreAudio and CoreMIDI drivers for Macintosh computers.
Chapter 4: Getting Started with Cubase LE is designed to help you
start recording right away.
Chapter 5: Using the Control Panel shows you how to configure
the IO|14/26.
Chapter 6: Hardware Direct Monitoring provides detailed instructions
for using the IO1|14/26’s built-in digital mixer for low-latency
audio monitoring.
Chapter 7: Getting In Deeper: Hardware covers a variety hardware
issues such as cabling, using the IO|14/26’s insert jacks, and
wiring up a home studio.
Chapter 8: Getting In Deeper: Recording discusses various recording
methods and techniques and includes a special section for
Cakewalk SONAR users.
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting provides various troubleshooting
techniques in case of difficulty.
Technical Specifications covers a variety of technical information that
technical users will want to know.
And at the end of this manual you’ll see a glossary of common
terms and a page about the IO|14/26’s warranty.
elpful tips and advice are
highlighted in a shaded box
like this.
When something important
appears in the manual, an
exclamation mark (like the
one shown at left) will appear
with some explanatory text.
This symbol indicates that
this information is vital when
operating the IO|14 and
16 interfaces.
7
Introduction
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8
1 Hardware Overview
Section Identification
Top Panel
Here’s what you’ll find on the top of your IO|14/26:
MIC / LINE
1. Inputs – The IO|14/26 features “combo” connectors that
allow you to connect either XLR or ¼” cables to the inputs.
For the IO’s inputs, use one of three different cable types:
Use XLR cables to connect to standard microphones.
For ¼” connections to balanced gear (like most keyboards
and sound modules), use cables with “TRS” plugs. TRS
stands for “Tip, Ring, Sleeve.”
For ¼” connections to unbalanced gear (like most electric
guitars and basses), use cables with “TS” plugs. TS stands for
“Tip, Sleeve.” These cables do not have the third wire which
TRS cables use to balance the audio signal.
Choose the right cable for the job. “TRS” cables provide a
stronger signal and significantly better noise shielding when
used with balanced gear than “TS” cables.
The combo jack inputs
The XLR input “expects” to
see a microphone and
delivers between 6.8dB and
50dB of gain, depending on
the position of the gain knob.
The ¼” input “expects” to
see either a line input or an
electric guitar or bass,
depending on the setting of
the Mic/Line/Guitar switch.
In the Line position, the input
provides between -15.4dB
and 27.8dB of gain. This
allows plenty of gain for
weak line level sources and
also provides the ability to
pad down overly powerful
line sources.
In the Guitar position, the
input provides 6.8dB to 50dB
of gain—the same range as
the XLR input.
If you’re not sure whether an
instrument is balanced, your
safest bet is to use a balanced
¼” TRS cable.
9
1
Hardware Overview
2. Inserts – The IO|14/26 features “insert” jacks on every
analog input. These inserts allow you to place additional
equipment (like compressors, equalizers, etc.) into your signal
path using “insert” cables. Insert cables feature a ¼” TRS
connector on one end and two ¼” TS connectors on the
other end.. This jack is covered in detail on page 42.
3. Mic/Line or Guitar Switch (Channels 1-2 only) –
Channels 1 and 2 of your IO|14/26 allow you to switch in a
specially designed, high-impedance circuit optimized for
recording an electric guitar or bass. If you’re recording a
microphone or a line-level instrument (keyboard, sampler, DJ
mixer, etc.) then set this switch to “Mic/Line.” If you’re
recording a guitar or bass with passive (standard) pickups, set
this input to “Guitar.”
4. Gain Knobs – These knobs let you set the preamplifier gain
level. Set the gain with the aid of the meters on the front of
the IO14/26. Start with the gain knob turned all the way
down (counterclockwise); then slowly turn up the gain until
the green LEDs are often illuminated and the yellow LED
only illuminates when you play your loudest notes. At this
point.
If the red LED is lighting up (even occasionally), it means the
gain is set too high and that you’re distorting your signal.
Turn the gain knob back down as necessary in order to avoid
this distortion.
It’s OK to set your gain levels
conservatively with the IO|14
and IO|26. These interfaces
feature outstanding analogto-digital converters and
preamplifiers, allowing you
to capture excellent
recordings even if your
signals peak at -9dB (or even
lower).
Analog and digital distortion
are totally unrelated
phenomena.
Whereas certain kinds of
analog distortion (from
guitar amplifiers, stomp
boxes, etc.) can sound
pleasing, digital distortion
sounds awful. If your
IO|14/26’s meters are going
into the red (even every once
in a while), it means you’re
digitally distorting your
signal. Turn down the
channel gain in these cases.
10
Hardware Overview
5. Monitor Blend Knob – This knob controls the amount of
direct signal (from the analog and digital inputs) that gets
blended in to outputs 1/2. This direct signal monitoring
bypasses the computer for lag-free listening while tracking.
The levels and pan positions of each of the direct signals is
set using the “Hardware Direct Monitoring” program that
ships with the IO|14/26 (see page 35 for more about this
program).
When this knob is turned fully counterclockwise, the
Hardware Direct Monitor mix is muted, so you’ll only hear
the output being returned from your computer’s Digital
Audio Workstation. When the knob is turned fully clockwise,
you’ll hear the Hardware Direct Monitoring mix at full
volume as well as the signal coming back from your DAW.
6. Metering Section – 5-segment “ladder” meters show the
precise, digital input signal for each analog channel.
Status lights indicate Firewire connection to the computer,
current sample rate, and ADAT input, S/PDIF input, and
MIDI activity.
Stereo output meters show the levels for outputs 1/2.
7. Phones 1&2 Volume – The IO|14/26 has two separate
headphone outputs. These knobs let you set the volume for
each output.
8. Main Level – This knob sets the output level of channels
1/2.
9. Mic/Line or Phono Switch (IO|26 only) – Turntables
require special “phono” preamps that have higher gain and an
“RIAA equalization curve” in order to playback records
correctly. If you want to connect a turntable to your IO|26,
use the RCA “phono” inputs (on the rear of the unit) and
engage this switch.
Note that when you engage this switch, the top panel inputs
and gain controls for channels 7-8 are disabled.
10. Phantom Power – These switches let you supply +48v
“Phantom Power” to condenser microphones that require
power. Each button engages/disengages phantom power for
a pair of inputs (i.e., channels 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8).
1
Phantom power is only
necessary for con de ns e r
microphones. Dynamic
microphones do not need
power to work correctly.
Check your microphone’s
manual to find out if it needs
phantom power.
11
1
Hardware Overview
Rear Panel
You’ll find the following on the rear of your IO|14/26:
1. Headphone Outputs – Connect your headphones to these
outputs. The first headphone output always mirrors the
analog 1/2 output pair. The second headphone output is
assignable in software.
2. Main outputs (8 outputs on IO|26; 2 outputs on IO|14)
– Use ¼,” “TRS” cables to connect these outputs to the
balanced inputs of your powered speakers or power amplifier.
If your speakers or amplifier only provide unbalanced inputs,
use unbalanced (“TS”) cables.
The IO|26 (shown above) has 8 outputs. The IO|14 has 2
outputs.
If you are using the IO|26 and wish to connect additional
speakers, headphone amplifiers or hardware processors,
connect them to outputs 3 through 8.
3. Phono input (IO|26 only) – Connect your turntable to this
input.
If your turntable has a grounding cable, attach it to the
grounding screw to the upper right of the phono inputs.
This grounding will minimize humming and buzzing.
4. ADAT Lightpipe Inputs – These optical digital inputs
can accommodate a wide variety of ADAT-enabled gear.
The IO|14 has one ADAT input whereas the IO|26
(shown above) has two ADAT inputs.
Use ADAT-compatible optical cables to connect to these
inputs.
5. S/PDIF Connectors – Connect S/PDIF-enabled digital
devices (such as the Alesis Masterlink, CD players, DAT
machines, MiniDisc Recorders, etc.) to your IO|14/26 using
coaxial, RCA-terminated cables.
6. MIDI Connectors – Connect your keyboards, sound
modules, or other MIDI devices to your IO|14/26 using 5pin MIDI cables. Remember to chain the OUTs of each
device to the INs of other devices.
The IO14/26’s outputs are
“impedance balanced.” This
wiring method provides all of
the benefits of “fully
balanced” wiring when the
outputs are connected to
balanced gear. Furthermore,
impedance balancing, unlike
other balancing methods,
allows for trouble-free
connection to unbalanced
devices.
If you connect an ADAT or
S/PDIF input device (or
both), you will need to select
one of them as the “clock
master” in the IO’s control
panel.
The device you select as the
clock master will determi ne
the IO’s clock rate and will
be responsible for keeping all
of the digital signals
synchronized. Therefore, if
you turn this device off, you
will need to select another
clok master in the control
panel.
12
Hardware Overview
7. FireWire Connectors – Connect one of these plugs to your
computer’s FireWire port. You can use the other jack to
connect additional FireWire devices (such as hard drives) to
your computer. Up to 127 devices can be “daisy-chained” on
one FireWire bus.
8. Power Connector – Use the supplied AC adapter if your
computer does not provide sufficient Firewire bus power to
power the IO|14/26 or if you want to preserve battery
power.
Note that many notebook and small form factor computers,
like Mac Mini computers, do not provide sufficient power for
bus power. For these computers, the external adapter must
be used.
9. Kensington Security Slot – This locking mechanism allows
you to secure your IO|14/26 to a desk or some other heavy
object using an optional third-party locking device.
1
If an AC adapter is attached,
the IO|14/26 will use it.
FireWire bus power is only
used if no AC power is
available.
Computers with noisy
internal power supplies can
send periodic, audible
pulsing through the outputs of
your IO|14/26. If you hear a
low-level pulsing, plug in the
AC adapter to bypass the
computer’s power supply.
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1
Hardware Overview
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14
q
2 Installation (Windows)
Important: Download and install the drivers from http://www.alesis.com-or insert the software CD into your computer’s CD drive—BEFORE you
plug your IO|14/26 into your computer for the first time.
Install the software/drivers first
Important: Follow these steps BEFORE you plug your IO14/26 into your
computer for the first time.
Begin by running the Alesis installer(s). These programs (there
may be one or more than one) will install three very important
components onto your computer:
For each of the several installations that occur, click “Continue
Anyway” if Windows warns you that the drivers have not passed
Microsoft Logo Certification.
• Drivers. These are the system components
that allow Microsoft Windows to identify and
interact with your IO|14/26. You do not
interact with the drivers directly, but they must
be installed on your computer for the
IO|14/26 to work.
• Control Panel. The control panel allows you to
set sample rates, clock sources, buffer sizes,
and other settings.
• Hardware Direct Monitoring Panel. This
application lets you route the IO|14/26’s
inputs directly to its outputs for a minimum
of latency (delay) when recording.
The Hardware Direct Monitoring Panel also
allows you to change Headphone2 and
S/PDIF output assignments.
Windows Logo Certification warning.
Ignore this warning by clicking “Continue Anyway.”
If you have access to the
Internet, check
http://www.alesis.com for the
very latest software updates.
The updates posted there are
guaranteed to be the most
current, best software
versions available.
Windows XP, Service Pack 2
or later is re
The Windows drivers include
the two most popular
standards for audio
interfacing—WDM (the
“Windows Driver Model”
built by Microsoft) and ASIO
(the “Audio Stream
Input/Output” standard used
by many audio software
applications).
uired.
15
2
Installation (Windows)
Install Cubase LE (optional)
If you are interested in using Cubase LE as your multitrack Digital
Audio Workstation, install it from the CD now.
Connect your IO|14/26
Now, connect your IO|14/26 to your computer using a Firewire
cable. Watch for one of the lights on the unit to turn on within a
few seconds. If a light does not turn on—or if you are using a
notebook computer with a small four-pin Firewire connector—
plug in the external AC adapter.
Windows will recognize the IO|14/26 and start the Found New
Hardware wizard. The installation process will automatically install
these drivers one by one.
When you are prompted whether to install the drivers
automatically or search for a specific location, choose to install
them automatically.
If you are asked whether you want to connect to the Internet to
check for the latest driver, choose not to.
Let the installer continue installing the various sets of drivers until
you see a message stating, “Your new hardware is installed and
ready to use.” Do not cancel any of the installations, as they are all
required for proper operation.
16
Installation (Windows)
Make IO|14/26 the default audio device
To use your IO|14/26 interface as your default Windows sound
device, follow these steps:
1. From the Windows Start menu, choose “Control Panel.”
Depending on your Windows preferences, it will appear
similar to one of the two pictures below:
2. Choose “Sounds and Audio Devices”.
3. Click the “Audio” tab. Change the default devices for both
sound playback and sound recording to your IO interface.
2
17
2
Installation (Windows)
4. Click the “Voice” tab. Change the voice playback and voice
recording settings to the IO|14/26.
5. Click “Apply” to apply these changes.
18
Installation (Windows)
Disable Windows System Sounds
Windows System Sounds—the sounds that Windows plays to
signal starting up, shutting down, alerts and so forth—can interfere
with your audio recording. We strongly suggest that you disable
these sounds.
1. Click the “Sounds” tab of “Sounds and Audio Devices.”
2. Under “Sound Scheme,” choose “No sounds.”
3. Click “OK” to accept this entry and close the dialog box.
2
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