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USER MANUAL
_AUDIOFUSE X8 OUT
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Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Frédéric Brun Kévin Molcard Jean-Gabriel Schoenhenz
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Loïc Baum Thierry Chatelain
HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT
Laurent Baret
Valentin Depoisier
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Jérôme Blanc Yi-chun Hung
QUALITY
Emilie Jacuszin
DESIGN
Martin Dutasta Axel Hartmann Farès Mezdour
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Nicolas Naudin Félix Roux
Lionel Ferragut
Nadine Lantheaume
Matthieu Ode
PRODUCTION TESTS
Anton Faugier Yoann Lubiato
MANUAL
Mike Metlay
Jimmy Michon
Charlotte Métais (French)
Holger Steinbrink (German)
BETA TESTING
Laurent Ballot
Jérôme Blanc
Sebastien Camhi
© ARTURIA SA – 2024 – All rights reserved.
26 avenue Jean Kuntzmann
38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin
FRANCE
arturia.com
Perceval Carré
Daniel Cayotte
Olivier Collier
Minoru Koike (Japanese)
Ana Artalejo (Spanish)
Sébastien Gros
Olivier Hudry
Godfrey Kirke
Yoan Lubiato
Aurélien Mortha
Vincent Travaglini
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Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.
All other products, logos, or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Product version: 1.0.0
Revision date: 10 September 2024
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Thank you for purchasing AudioFuse X8 OUT!
AudioFuse X8 OUT allows for easy expansion of your studio's output count, while retaining
the same superior sound quality found in the entire Arturia Fuse lineup.
This manual covers the features and operation of the AudioFuse X8 OUT.
Important Safety Instructions
PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
1. Read and understand all the instructions.
2. Always follow the instructions on the device.
3. Before cleaning the device, always remove the USB and DC cable. When
cleaning, use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone,
turpentine or any other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or
cloth that's too wet.
4. Do not use the device near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink, swimming
pool or similar place.
5. Do not place the device in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall
over.
6. Do not place heavy objects on the device. Do not block openings or vents of the
device; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the device from
overheating. Do not place the device near a heat vent at any location with poor
air circulation.
7. When rackmounting the device, allow air circulation space above and below it
for heat dissipation, and use caution when installing in the rack to avoid damage
to the rack ears and mounting screws.
8. Do not open or insert anything into the device that may cause a fire or electrical
shock.
9. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the device.
10. Always take the device to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your
warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause
electrical shock or other malfunctions.
11. Do not use the device with thunder and lightning present; it may cause electrical
shock.
12. Do not expose the device to hot sunlight.
13. Do not use the device when there is a gas leak nearby.
14. Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper
operation of the device.
Specifications subject to change:
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without
notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.
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IMPORTANT:
The product, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may be
able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for
long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you encounter any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
NOTICE:
Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature
works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully
and consult your dealer before requesting service.
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Introduction
Dear musician,
We’d like to thank you for purchasing the AudioFuse X8 OUT, a simple and affordable input
expansion solution for your studio. Because the AudioFuse X8 OUT can be configured for
tabletop or rackmount operation, it will serve you well whether you're just getting started
or expanding your existing setup with the very best equipment. This manual will help you
make the most of the AudioFuse X8 OUT.
As with the other interfaces in our Fuse lineup, the AudioFuse X8 OUT has been constructed
using components of the utmost quality so as to achieve recordings of the utmost quality.
It offers high-quality analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion and up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio
transmission, with internal or external clock sync.
Be sure to visit arturia.com website for information about all of our other great hardware
and software instruments. They have proven time and again to be the go-to solutions for
musicians around the world.
Wishing you all the best in your musical endeavors,
The Arturia team
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Table Of Contents
1. Welcome to the AudioFuse X8 OUT!................................................................................................................ 2
1.1. Features of AudioFuse X8 OUT:..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. Diving in (suggestions on using this manual) .................................................................................................... 3
2. Hardware Setup and Registration ................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. What’s in the box? ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Rackmounting the AudioFuse X8 OUT ................................................................................................................... 4
2.3. Registration .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Getting to Know the AudioFuse X8 OUT ...................................................................................................... 6
3.1. The Front Panel....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.1. Power button.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2. The Rear Panel....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1. Power Input..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.2. ADAT Outputs................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.3. Word Clock Input........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.4. Outputs............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Using the AudioFuse X8 OUT ............................................................................................................................... 8
4.1. Device connections .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
5. Synchronization ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.1. Why synchronize? ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.2. ADAT Sync ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.3. Word Clock Sync............................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.3.1. Switching between ADAT and Word Clock .............................................................................................................................................. 10
5.4. What the SMUX? ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.5. A final note............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................... 12
7. Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................................................... 13
7.1. FCC ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
7.2. CANADA..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.3. CE .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
7.4. ROHS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.5. WEEE........................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
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1. WELCOME TO THE AUDIOFUSE X8 OUT!
The AudioFuse X8 OUT
When Arturia released the AudioFuse USB audio interface in 2017, its features and design
were a revelation to the pro audio world. Every part of its analog and digital signal paths
provided world-class quality, from high-performance preamps to premium A/D and D/A
converters. Even with all these features, it fit into a compact, beautifully-engineered design
that set a new price/performance standard.
Since then, Arturia has expanded its Fuse lineup with other rackmount and desktop
interfaces – from specialized AudioFuse products to smaller MiniFuse interfaces perfect for
smaller studios. All of these products continue our commitment to maximum features for
the money, all with uncompromising sound quality.
The AudioFuse line is designed to grow with you as your interface needs change. Our
newest Fuse units, the AudioFuse X8 IN and X8 OUT, have been created to help with
one of the most common growing pains that electronic musicians face: running out of
analog inputs and outputs. What do you do if you love your current interface (and if it's an
AudioFuse, who
The AudioFuse X8 OUT is a half-rackspace unit with 8 balanced line-level outputs on 1/4"
TRS, each with a world-class digital-to-analog (D/A) converter. Input is provided on a pair
of Toslink optical ports using the ADAT digital audio standard, which run at 24-bit resolution
and can operate at sample rates up to 96 kHz. These will accept audio data from any audio
interface with ADAT outputs.
In addition to these features, the AudioFuse X8 OUT can use clock signals over the ADAT
connectors or via a BNC Word Clock input with switchable termination. This lets you
synchronize the AudioFuse X8 OUT to your interface with no added cables, or integrate it
with a larger digital audio system using a common Word Clock.
The AudioFuse X8 OUT comes in a convenient half-rackspace chassis, complete with one
rack ear and one connector plate. These stay out of the way when using the AudioFuse
X8 OUT as a tabletop unit, and can be removed and put into use when attaching it to a
second AudioFuse X8 OUT or an AudioFuse X8 IN 8-channel line-to-ADAT analog-to-digital
(A/D) converter unit. The result is a conventional single-rackspace processor that can be
added to any standard rackmount system.
Simple to set up and seamless to use, the AudioFuse X8 OUT is the easiest way to add more
outputs to your audio interface setup – so you can set up multiple check monitors, or enjoy
surround mixes with multiple output speakers!
wouldn't
?) but you wish it had more ins or outs?
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1.1. Features of AudioFuse X8 OUT:
• 8 balanced line-level analog output channels on TRS
• Dual ADAT input ports for 8 channels of input at 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz
• BNC Word Clock input with impedance switching
• Robust metal chassis in a single-space rack form factor
• built-in feet for tabletop use plus attached hardware for rackmount configuration
• Operates standalone with no computer needed
1.2. Diving in (suggestions on using this manual)
In this manual, you'll be introduced to all of the AudioFuse X8 OUT's functions, step by step.
The Table of Contents is laid out by section, with some general information at the beginning
and end. Inside each section, you can click on topic and page references to quickly find
what you need.
This isn't a complex machine, but knowing its features ahead of time will help you set it up
quickly and use it without headaches. Take some time to read through this manual so you
know how to get what you need.
And above all: have fun! That's what music is all about.
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2. HARDWARE SETUP AND REGISTRATION
Setting up the AudioFuse X8 OUT isn't difficult, but there are a few instructions to follow,
especially if you plan to rackmount it with another X8 OUT or with an X8 IN.
2.1. What’s in the box?
• The AudioFuse X8 OUT
• Rack ear and connecting plate with screws (attached to the bottom of the unit)
• Power supply with adapters for worldwide use
• Registration card with serial number
• Quick Start Guide
2.2. Rackmounting the AudioFuse X8 OUT
Rackmounting components stored under
The bottom of the unit has a pair of recessed storage positions, one for a single orange
rack ear and one for a square connecting plate. Each has two mounting screws of the
appropriate size.
Note that the connecting plate has four screw holes but only two screws. The extra holes are used
to connect to a second unit using its supplied screws.
The unit comes with mounting screws especially chosen for this purpose. Don't use other screws,
and carefully follow the directions in this manual. You don't want your new converter to fall out of your
rack, do you?
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the AudioFuse X8 OUT
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An AudioFuse X8 OUT and an AudioFuse X8 IN configured for rackmounting
Attach the rack ears and connection plates in the configuration shown above, and the
AudioFuse X8 OUT and its companion X8 OUT or X8 IN are ready to slot into your rack.
We recommend rackmounting the AudioFuse X8 units with an open rackspace above or below them,
to assist with keeping them cool during operation.
2.3. Registration
Once you've set u p your hardware, the next part of the process is to register it with Arturia.
Registration will help you if you should need technical support; it's always a good idea to
take a moment and do this before you get started.
Follow the instructions you'll find in the box with your unit to log onto the Arturia website and
register it. You will need a serial number and unlock code, which you will find on the bottom
of the unit.
Registering your AudioFuse X8 OUT gives you access to current documentation (including
this User Manual).
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3. GETTING TO KNOW THE AUDIOFUSE X8 OUT
Before we get started using it, let's take a tour around the AudioFuse X8 OUT.
3.1. The Front Panel
The AudioFuse X8 OUT front panel
The front panel has the following features:
• SYNC: selects whether the AudioFuse X8 will accept BNC Word Clock on the rear
panel (WORD) or use incoming ADAT sync, either in conventional mode (ADAT)
for 44.1 or 48 kHz input or in SMUX mode (ADAT SMUX) for 88.2 or 96 kHz input.
When neither an ADAT nor Word Clock sync signal is detected, the ADAT LED blinks, indicating that
the AudioFuse X8 OUT is not properly synchronized.
3.1.1. Power button
The round button with the Arturia logo at the far right powers the unit on or off when held
for two seconds. It glows white when the unit is on.
When you power the unit on, all of the front panel LEDs will cycle in a to p-down manner. This is the
unit's bootup sequence, and should only take one or two seconds.
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3.2. The Rear Panel
The AudioFuse X8 OUT rear panel
The AudioFuse X8 OUT's rear panel has the following sets of connections.
3.2.1. Power Input
The AudioFuse X8 OUT has a locking power connector for the provided 15V / 2A DC power
supply.
Use only the provided supply! Other supplies might damage or destroy the unit, and will void your
warranty.
3.2.2. ADAT Outputs
The two Toslink ADAT optical inputs are used to accept 8 channels of digital audio from your
interface.
• When running at 44.1 or 48 kHz, the left port carries data for all 8 channels as
well as sync data.
• When running at 88.2 or 96 kHz, each port carries data for four channels, 1–4 and
5–8, as well as SMUX sync data.
3.2.3. Word Clock Input
This is a standard BNC connector for Word Clock data provided by an external clock source.
The HiZ switch determines the termination of the connection.
3.2.4. Outputs
These eight 1/4" TRS jacks carry balanced line-level signals from the AudioFuse X8 OUT.
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4. USING THE AUDIOFUSE X8 OUT
Hooking up your AudioFuse X8 OUT and configuring its inputs is a simple process.
4.1. Device connections
Hooking up the AudioFuse X8 OUT to your system
1. Connect your analog devices to the rear-panel outputs.
2. Connect your ADAT optical cables to the ADAT outputs on your audio interface.
3. If you're using external Word Clock, attach the BNC cable from your master
clock source. Set the HiZ switch accordingly, as explained in the chapter on
synchronization [p.9].
4. Make sure your interface recognizes the presence of the ADAT outputs and their
chosen clock/sync settings. Consult your device's user manual if things don't
seem to be connecting properly, and don't forget to verify the type of sync [p.9]
you're using.
5. Use your interface to determine which signals from your DAW are routed to
which outputs. This is where you'll set u p alternate sets of check monitors, a
surround mix, a subwoofer output, or whatever other application you might have
in mind.
You're now ready to go! That wasn't so hard, was it?
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5. SYNCHRONIZATION
The SYNC button is used to determine how the AudioFuse X8 OUT is synchronized with other
digital audio devices in your studio.
5.1. Why synchronize?
If you've never used two or more devices with digital in puts or outputs before, you might
not understand why sync is such an important issue. Actually, good sync is of critical
importance to good sound.
Every digital audio device has an internal clock that determines where certain audio events
occur in time. The clock runs much faster than the sample rate of the audio you're recording
or playing back, and its precision is vital to the quality of the audio signal. If a clock isn't very
precise, an audible artifact called
clock network strives to have the lowest jitter.
When multiple clocked devices are connected, only one can be the master clock generator,
and the other devices must tightly follow its clock signals. It is vital to make sure that
all digital audio devices in a studio are clocked from the same source, so you don't
introduce clicks, pops, and other audio artifacts that can arise from slightly mismatched
and competing clocks. Generally you'll choose whichever device has the most stable clock
signals to control the others.
When connecting only two devices (e.g. the AudioFuse X8 OUT and your interface), the clock
signals can be sent over the ADAT cable connecting them. If more than two devices are in
a network, they must share a high-precision Word Clock signal that is transmitted between
them on a BNC cable with a locking connector.
BNC cables can be chained from unit to unit in various ways, but they are very sensitive to
pulses that reflect back down the cable from its far end. To prevent this, clock cables must
be
terminated
with a proper resistance value.
jitter
will become part of the signal. Every digital audio
5.2. ADAT Sync
When there is no Word Clock cable connected, the AudioFuse X8 OUT will synchronize to
the incoming ADAT signal. In this case, the SYNC button will be set to either ADAT or ADAT
SMUX (indicated with a white LED).
When neither an ADAT nor Word Clock sync signal is detected, the ADAT LED blinks, indicating that
the AudioFuse X8 OUT is not properly synchronized.
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5.3. Word Clock Sync
The rear panel BNC WCLOCK port is used to connect the AudioFuse X8 OUT to multiple
devices in a digital audio network.
If no BNC cable is connected to the rear panel WCLOCK in put, the SYNC button will only select
between ADAT and ADAT SMUX. And again, if no ADAT sync signal is detected, the ADAT LED will blink,
indicating that the AudioFuse X8 OUT is not properly synchronized.
The HiZ switch determines how the connection is "seen" by other devices that are cabled
together.
• When the HiZ switch is in the down position, the connection's in put impedance
is 75 Ohms. This is used when the AudioFuse X8 OUT is at the end of a chain of
word clock cables.
• When the HiZ switch is in the u p position, the connection has a very high
impedance, which prevents reflections in all other hookup configurations.
5.3.1. Switching between ADAT and Word Clock
If the AudioFuse X8 OUT is receiving Word Clock over a BNC cable connection, you can
switch between it and the ADAT clock with the SYNC button.
5.4. What the SMUX?
SMUX (
Sample Multiplexing
specification that allows for an ADAT connection to carry data at higher sample rates by
sacrificing channel count.
An ADAT connection can carry 8 channels of 24-bit data at either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. Using
SMUX, that same connection can carry 4 channels of data at up to 96 kHz, or 2 channels of
data at up to 192 kHz.
The highest sample rate provided by the AudioFuse X8 OUT (or the X8 IN) is 96 kHz. If it's fed a
sample rate higher than that, the ADAT LED will blink to indicate that the clock isn't usable.
The two ADAT inputs on the AudioFuse X8 OUT allow for 8 channels of conventional ADAT
over one port or 8 channels of ADAT SMUX over two ports. When using SMUX, channels 1–4
are available at the first port and channels 5–8 are available at the second port, as indicated
on the rear panel labels.
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, often written S/MUX) is a subset of the ADAT optical audio
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Either the ADAT or ADAT SMUX LED will light, depending upon the type of sync signal
received. It will automatically be recognized by the AudioFuse X8 OUT.
Some third-party digital devices don't send the proper information to set SMUX automatically when
connected. In that case, the AudioFuse X8 OUT lets you force it to recognize SMUX clocking by long-
pressing the SYNC button. In Force SMUX mode, both the ADAT and ADAT SMUX LEDs will be lit.
5.5. A final note
If all this seems a bit overwhelming, just remember that using multiple Word Clock devices
is a scenario you won't run into very often... at least until your studio has grown to the
point where you'll have experience with these issues. For most small studios, a simple ADAT
connection between the AudioFuse X8 OUT and your audio interface, using ADAT or ADAT
SMUX sync, will do the job just fine. Consult your interface's user manual to determine how
to sync it to the AudioFuse X8 OUT.
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6. SPECIFICATIONS
Line Outputs (DC Coupled)
Type Balanced TRS, unbalanced TS
Maximum Output Level +24 dBU
Frequency Response (D/A) 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.04 dB
Dynamic Range 120.5 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N –105 dB (A-weighted)
Output Impedance 240 1 (balanced), 120 1 (unbalanced)
Clock
Supported Frequency Rates 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
Power Supply
Connector Type IEC 60320 C14
Power Input 100 V to 240 V AC, 50 or 60 Hz
Power Output 15 V DC, 2.0 A, 30 W
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7. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
7.1. FCC
WARNING: DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT!
Any modifications or other changes to this unit not approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must acce pt any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Responsible Party in USA: Zedra, 185 Alewife Brook Parkway, #210, Cambridge, MA 02138,
United States T: +1 857 285 5953
Trade Name: ARTURIA, Model Number: AudioFuse X8 OUT
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
7.2. CANADA
This class B digital apparatus meets complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada
7.3. CE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council
Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to Electromagnetic
Compatibility according to 2014/30/EU.
7.4. ROHS
This device has been produced with lead free solder and fulfills the requirements of the
ROHS directive 2011/65/EU.
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7.5. WEEE
This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic equipment should not be disposed of
as general household waste at its end-of-life. Instead, the products should be handed over
to the applicable collection points for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment for
proper treatment, recovery, and recycling in accordance with your national legislation and
the Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE – Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
For more information about collection points and recycling of these products, please contact
your local municipal office, your household waste disposal service, or the shop where you
purchased the product.
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