ART USBMIX User manual

USB Mix

Three Channel Mic-Inst-Line Mixer - Computer Interface

User's Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - READ FIRST

This symbol, wherever it appears, This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you
alerts you to the presence of uninsulated to important operating and maintenance
dangerous voltages inside the enclosure that instructions in the accompanying literature.
may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. Please read the manual.

Read instructions

Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the
equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide.

Do not open

There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical personnel only.

Power sources

Only connect the unit to mains power of the type described in this user guide or marked on the rear panel. The
power source must provide a good ground connection.

Power cord

Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local main supply as provided with the
equipment. If the provided plug does not fit into you outlet consult your service agent. Route the power cord so
that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against.

Grounding

Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or tamper with the
ground connection on the power cord.

Moisture

To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or use in damp or wet
conditions. Do not place container of liquid on it, which may spill into any openings

Heat

Do not locate the unit in a place close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could be a fire hazard.
Locate the unit away from any equipment, which produces heat such as: power supplies, power amplifiers and
heaters.

Environment

Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, drink
spillage and smoke especially that associated with smoke machines.

Handling

Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid
injury to yourself or damage to the equipment take care when lifting, moving or carrying the unit.

Servicing

Switch off the equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is exposed to moisture, spilled liquid or
the power cord or plug becomes damaged during a lightning storm or if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer
servicing to qualified technical personnel only.

Installation

Install the unit in accordance with the instruction printed in the user guide.

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OVERVIEW

The ART USB Mix Three Channel Microphone, Instrument, and Line Mixer / Computer Interface is a
compact versatile audio interface for your computer that converts analog signals from a variety of
audio sources to a digital signal that your computer understands. It can also be used as a standalone
mixer through the main mix outputs. The USB Mix provides a great starting point for personal home
studio recording or for anyone wanting to do mobile location recording. Use the USB Mix to record
podcasts, capture your latest idea for a song, make voiceovers for your home movies, or record a jam
with a friend - whenever and wherever your creativity takes you!

Features

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USB powered, no external power supply needed when used with a computer

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Microphone (balanced XLR) input or instrument (unbalanced 1/4" TS) input with switchable
impedance

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Switchable low noise +48V phantom power for microphone

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Balanced 1/4" TRS inputs for stereo or mon o li ne- l evel sources

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1/4" TRS output jacks work with balanced or unbalanced lines

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Stereo 1/4" TRS headphone jack with independent level control for output monitoring

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Independent controls for both sets of inputs, main output, and headphone monitor

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Green/Red LED signal/clip indicator

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Switchable assignment of USB playback to channels 2 and 3

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USB 2.0 compliant

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No special drivers needed with most modern versions of Windows, Mac OS, and Linux

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USB cable, AC adapter, and Audacity recording software included

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Rugged steel case

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INSTALLATION

1) Connect your audio device cables to the XLR or 1/4" TS CH1 INPUT or 1/4" TRS CH2-CH3
INPUT connectors. If you're using the CH1 INPUT with a 1/4" TS plug, next select the INST-Hi-Z
or LINE setting.

2) Connect the USB Mix USB TO COMPUTER connection on the back panel to the appropriate USB
input on your computer, using the supplied USB cable. You can also connect cables between the
MAIN MIX OUTPUT 1/4" TRS jacks and an analog audio input such as an amplifier.

3) Connect a pair of headphones to the MONITOR OUTPUT 1/4" TRS jacks if you want to monitor
the signal locally.

4) USB BUS POWER: No external power connection is needed. Power is supplied over the USB
connection. The front panel POWER LED will indicate that USB power is present when the USB
cable is connected to a live USB jack or to the included AC power adapter. If connecting to a
computer USB input, it is best to connect directly to the computer or, if using a USB hub, make
sure it is a powered hub, to ensure ample power for the USB Mix.

MONITORING WHAT YOU RECORD

The USB PLAYBACK TO CH2-CH3 pushbutton switch, when pushed in, provides a mix of the
preamp and computer signals. During typical operation either a local audio source is playing back, or
the computer is playing back, but not both at the same time. You can listen to either the preamp, or
the computer, without changing any settings. You will also be able to hear any computer alert signals
while you are listening to the record or tape if the alerts are also routed to the USB CODEC in your
computer’s sound setting control panel.

Some recording programs and computer systems provide what is called a “Play-Through” function.
This can be performed through software or hardware. When play-through is enabled, the computer
will output the audio that is being recorded, at the same time that it is actually being recorded. There
is a short delay, or latency, with this audio signal. There is also a potential for the computer’s audio
inputs and outputs to be inadvertently connected together thereby forming a feedback loop. This can
accidentally create very loud and disturbing sounds. Therefore, play-through is usually disabled by
default in both software and hardware.

If software/hardware play-through is enabled and the USB PLAYBACK TO CH2-CH3 pushbutton
switch is pushed in, then you will probably hear the original signal together with the computer audio
signal slightly delayed, thereby creating an echo effect. This is normal behavior, so while using the
USB PLAYBACK TO CH2-CH3 function, it may be preferable to leave play-through disabled.

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