Audient Sono User Manual
Guitar Recording Interface
User Manual V1.0
audient.com
ContentsWelcome and Thank You
Thank you for
choosing this
Audient Product
Sono was designed to be the ultimate audio
interface for guitarists.
Sono provides a valve Guitar channel
featuring a real high voltage 12AX7 and
classic 3-band tone controls, plus power amp
and cabinet simulation from Two Notes.
There is also two Audient console mic pre’s for
great sounding recordings and optical inputs
to expand your setup using ADAT or S/PDIF.
We’re sure Sono will become the centre of
your guitar rig, whether you’re recording at the
studio, practising at home or playing on the
road.
Features Include:
• Classic Valve Guitar Preamp
• Two Console Mic Preamps
• Two Notes Power Amp and Cab Simulation
• 3 Band Tone Control
• 3 Customisable Hardware Presets
• Re-amp Output
• Optical Inputs via ADAT or S/PDIF
• Integrated Low Latency DSP Mixer
• High Quality Monitor and Headphone
Outputs
• USB2.0 Connectivity
Welcome and Thank you 2
Sono Overview 4
Box Contents 6
Saftey Information 7
Declaration of Conformities 9
Device Setup: 11
Installation on Mac 12
Installation on Windows 14
Hardware Features: 16
Guitar Pre-amp Channel 17
Mic Pres 21
Monitor and Headphone 22
Monitor Mix 22
Optical Input 22
Speaker Outputs 22
Headphone Output 23
To-Amp Output 23
Signal Flow Diagrams 24
Two notes Remote Software 40
Initial Setup 42
Cabinets 43
Microphones 44
Rooms 45
Eects Rack 46
Saving Presets 47
Cabinet Manager 48
Overview 41
DAW Setup 49
Logic Pro X Setup 51
Cubase/Nuendo Setup 53
Other DAWs 55
Pro Tools Setup 50
Support & ARC 55
Sono Application 30
Getting Started 29
Sono Application Menu 30
Mixer Overview
Channel Strips 32
Master Section 34
System Panel 35
Clocking 36
Routing Matrix 36
Talkback Setup 37
Firmware Update 38
Saving/Opening Presets 38
Keyboard Shortcuts 39
31
Specifications 56
Warranty & Contact 57
Service 59
Glossary 60
2 3
‘Mic Input To
Valve’
Indicator
Mic Pre Gain
Speaker
Output
Level
Headphone
Output
Level
Monitor Mix
Control
Sono OverviewSono Overview
12V DC
Power
Input
USB C Input
Speaker
Outputs
Microphone To
Valve Switch
Phantom
Power
Indicator
Three
Band Tone
Control
Guitar
Preamp
Input Gain
Power
Amp Drive
Control
Guitar Preamp
Output Volume
Guitar Preamp
Output Meter
Status Light
Cab Simulation
Present Selector
Power Switch
Optical Input
Re-amp
Output
Phantom
Power Switch
Mic/Line
Input
Guitar Input Headphone
Output
4 5
Safety InformationBox Contents and Setup
In your Sono packaging you should find the
following items:
• Sono
• 12V DC Power Supply with Regional
Adaptors
• USB Type C cable
• USB Type C to Type A Cable
• Quick Start Guide
Please visit www.audient.com/products/
sono to download the latest Sono software
supporting documentation and brochures for
our product range.
The 12V DC power supply comes with
interchangeable UK, EU, US and Australian
Socket Adaptors and will work across a
broad range of Mains Voltages, making Sono
globally portable.
We hope that you enjoy using Sono!
Important Safety Instructions
Please read all of these instructions and save
them for later reference before connecting
the DC power adapter to the mains and
powering up Sono.
To prevent electrical shock and fire hazard
follow all instructions on the 12VDC power
supply. Sono itself does not operate with any
high voltage mains supply inside the unit but
appropriate safety measures should still be
adhered to regarding the AC/DC supply.
Please ensure you only use the included Sono
power supply. We cannot recommend the
usage of third party power supplies. In the
event of a power supply failure do not open
the 12VDC supply. If required, please contact
Audient support so that a suitable replacement
can be sourced.
audient.com/support
Sono utilises an external switch-mode power
supply that is very quiet and rated at 2A. This
switch-mode design will accept any A.C
line voltage from 100v to 240v @ 50/60Hz.
Therefore the unit will work anywhere in the
world but please ensure your A.C mains line
voltage is within this specification.
Consult a qualified technician if you suspect
diculties. Do not attempt to tamper with the
power supply or mains voltages - HAZARDOUS
TO HEALTH. Ensure that the appropriate
international pin adapter is fitted to the power
supply before insertion into the mains socket.
Valves must be replaced by a qualified
technician.
! WARNING !
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
PLEASE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
6 7
Declaration of ConformitiesSafety Information
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Do not use this equipment near water
6. Clean only with dry cloth
7. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other equipment (including amplifiers)
that produce heat
8. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, cosult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet
11. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when
the equipment has been damaged in any
way, such as power supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the equipment,
the equipment has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped
12. For products that are a mains powered
device: The equipment shall not be
exposed to dripping or splashing and no
objects filled with liquids (such as vases)
shall be placed on the equipment.
FCC Part 15B
This apparatus has been tested and found
to comply with the limits of a class-A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15B 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. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the
equipment o and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
1. Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna
2. Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a dierent circuit from that to which the
receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help
9. Protect power cords from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the equipment Only
use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer
10. Unplug this equipment during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods
of time
8 9
Declaration of Conformities
We, Audient Ltd, Aspect House, Herriard, Hampshire, RG25 2PN, UK,
01256 381944, declare under our sole responsibility that the product Sono
complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference,
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation
We, Audient Ltd, declare that the product, Sono, to which this declaration
relates, is in material conformity with the appropriate CE standards and directives
for an audio product designed for consumer use.
Device Setup
Audient Ltd has conformed where applicable, to the European Union’s Directive
2002/95/EC on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the
following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10,
25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources
Please note that Audient Sono is exempt from the EC 1275/2008 power
management requirement for the following reason:
Sono is designed with the musical instrument input being the primary functional
input of the device. When a musical instrument is connected, Sono must be
active to wait for a signal. During a recording session it can take a long time until
a musical instrument is actually played. If Sono would go into a standby mode or
similar, this will cause a disruption to a recording session as the user would expect
the unit to be operational even if the musical instrument input is not being actively
used.
10
MacOS Installation MacOS Installation
System Requirements
• MacOS: 10.7.5 (Lion) or later (64 Bit)
• Mac: Intel CPU, 1GB RAM Minimum
Download the Latest Sono Software
Head to our website for the latest version of
our Sono Software:
audient.com/products/downloads/sono
Open the downloaded .pkg file to start the
installer. Follow the installer process through,
heeding any instructions from the installer.
Connect Sono
Using the USB cable provided, connect
Sono to your computer’s USB port. Then
connect the included 12v DC power adaptor.
To USB Port
4. Double Checking Connectivity
To ensure Sono has been detected by your
computer, navigate to:
Macintosh HD > Applications > System
Preferences
Check that Sono is set as your audio device for
both the input device and the output device. It’s
also recommended to disable system sounds
so you don’t get annoying dings while you are
recording.
Menu/Task Bar Icons
On MacOS, the Sono icon appears in the
menu bar in the top right hand corner of the
screen. This gives you quick access to various
functions of the Sono.
Show Mixer
If the mixer window has been hidden, this will
bring it back to the forefront.
To Mains
Power
(100v - 240v)
Status Light
Once connected, the status light of the Sono
will illuminate.
Quit
Fully closes the Sono mixer application.
About Sono
Displays information regarding the current
version of the Sono mixer application.
Visit Sono Knowledge Base
Opens a browser windows for the Audient
Helpdesk with helpful articles and FAQ’s.
Check for Updates
The Sono app will check with the Audient
update server for any available firmware
updates for Sono.
If at any time the status LED turns o
during normal operation please check all
connections and if further problems develop
please contact Audient support.
12 13
Windows Installation Windows Installation
System Requirements
• Windows 7 or later (64 bit)
• Intel Core 2 @ 1.6 GHz, or AMD
equivalent
• 1 GB RAM Minimum
Connect Sono
Using the USB cable provided, connect
Sono to your computer’s USB port. Then
connect the included 12v DC power adaptor.
Status Light
Once connected, the status light of the Sono
will illuminate.
4. Double Checking Connectivity
To double check the connection, go to PC
sound settings by following:
PC Settings > Control Panel > Hardware and
Sound > Sound
Here you can see whether Sono is visible to
the PC and you can make it the computers
default sound device by pressing ‘Set Default’.
You would need to do this for both the
‘Playback’ and the ‘Recording’ Device to use
both the inputs and the outputs of Sono
Sono Icon
Once installed, the Sono icon can be found
in the Windows system tray (it may be in the
hidden icons area).
To USB Port
To Mains
Power
(100v - 240v)
Download the Latest Sono Software
Head to our website for the latest version of
our Sono software:
audient.com/products/downloads/sono
Open the downloaded .exe file to start the
installer. Follow the installer process through,
heeding any instructions from the installer.
Once the installer has completed, we would
recommend rebooting both the Computer
and the Sono before use.
Please note, on Windows, the Sono icon will
only appear when the Sono is connected and
powered on.
If at any time the status LED turns o
during normal operation please check all
connections and if further problems develop
please contact Audient support.
More details regarding the system tray menu
can be found on page 33.
14 15
Hardware Features
Guitar Preamp Channel
Hardware Features
Sono includes a dedicated guitar channel
utilising a High Voltage 12AX7 valve and can
be treated just like the input of a classic valve
amplifer. This section will explain the stages of
the Guitar Preamp channel and how they can
all be used to dial in your perfect tone.
The Signal Chain of the Guitar Channel can be
seen to the left.
Each part of this chain is then discussed in
more detail in the next few pages.
Guitar
Valve Stage 1
Input Volume
Control
Three Band Tone
Control
Valve Stage 2
Output Volume
Control
Analogue to Digital
Conversion
Two Notes Torpedo
Processing
17
Hardware Features
Hardware Features
Guitar Channel
Sono is designed to work with a wide variety of
Guitars, including bases. The high impedance
valve input means that regardless of whether
you’re using a Classic Single Coil Blues Guitar,
a humbucker equipped Rock Axe or a Modern
Active Pickup Metal Machine, you’ll still get the
same response and feel as you would get from
a valve amplifier.
Experimenting with the Volume and Tone
control of the Guitar itself can often give great
results. For example, changing the volume
during a solo can change the amount of
saturation you get from the Valve stages,
adding another dimension of dynamics to
your performance.
Valve Stages 1 & 2
The 12AX7 valve used in Sono is made up of
two separate amplification stages inside a
single glass envelope.
increasing the volume of your guitars output
as explained above or through the use of
pedals such as Boost’s or Overdrives.
The second stage can be distorted in the
same manner, however, you can further
control this saturation using the Input Gain
and Tone Controls. This is explained in more
detail in the sections below.
However, pristine clean tones can still easily
be achieved with Sono by simply keeping the
levels a little lower.
Input Control
The Input controls how volume is provided
after the first valve stage. This then aects
the amount of level being fed into the three
band tone control and the second valve stage
which will aect the tone achieved through
these stages.
As explained previously, cranking this up to full
can result in saturation whereas keeping it low
will give you sparkling clean tones.
Three Band Tone Control
The Three Band control allows you to boost
or attenuate your Bass, Mids and Treble by
roughly ±15 dB
How you set these depends massively on the
guitar you are using and the genre you are
playing.
If you are using a guitar with single coil pickups for example, rolling o a little treble can
remove some of the harshness, or even turn it
up to really cut through a dense mix.
Likewise, for a metal tone, adding Bass and
Mids can help thicken up a tone and give a
heavier sound.
Output Control
Two Notes Torpedo Processing
Finally, the guitar signal passes through Sono’s
on-board Two notes power amp and cabinet
simulation.
The drive control on Sono controls the amount
of saturation given by the power amplifier
simulation. This allows you to get the massive
tones from a guitar amp turned up to 11, but at
much more manageable levels.
Likewise, a small amount of Drive can give a
subtle crunch to spice up a blues or jazz tone.
The first of these two valve stages is found
directly after the guitar input of Sono. The
Second stage is located after the three band
Tone control, just before the output volume
control.
These valves stages can both be pushed into
harmonic saturation by increasing the level
that is fed into them, giving you break-up or
distortion.
The input valve stage can be pushed into
harmonic saturation by simply increasing the
level being fed into Sono. This can be done by
The Output control allows you to attenuate
the signal after the second valve stage before
the signal is fed into the A/D converter.
This means that if you’ve been really driving
the input with lots of gain to cause saturation.
You can then dial back the volume slightly so
that you don’t clip the A/D converter which will
cause unpleasant sounding hard clipping.
The meter to the right of the Output control
can be used to gauge how much volume is
being sent to the A/D converter. You would
want to adjust the Output volume until the
signal is peaking around the ‘Good’ light on
the meter.
18 19
The Torpedo processing also oers a wealth of
cabinets, microphones and tonal adjustments
to fine tune your tone which can be adjusted
using the Torpedo Remote application
More information about this can be found on
page 39 of this manual.
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