Behringer FCA202 User Manual

User Manual

F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202

Audiophile 2 In/2 Out 24-Bit/96 kHz
FireWire Audio Interface

2 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

Table of Contents

Thank you ......................................................2

Important Safety Instructions .....................3

Legal Disclaimer ............................................4

Limited Warranty ..........................................5

1. Introduction ..............................................9

2. Installation .............................................. 11

3. Operating Elements and

Connections .................................................14

4. Working with the FCA202 ......................18

5. Audio Connections ................................ 22

6. Specications ........................................ 25

Thank you

Thank you for ex pressing your condence in our produc ts
bypurchasing the F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202. With the FCA202,
you have purchase d a high-performance audio inter face
that includes a FireWire connec tion. With its unbalanced
¼"jackinputs and balanced outputs, this soun d card is ideal
for laptop computers. In addition, it prov ides an essential
playback / recording component for studio environments that
involve desktop computers.

3 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

Caution

personnel only. Toreduce the risk of electric

Important Safety Instructions

maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature.
Pleasereadthemanual.

Terminals marked with this
symbol carry electrical

magnitude to constitute risk of electric

current of su cient

shock. Use only high-quality professional
speaker cables with ¼" TS or twist-locking

top cover (ortherear section). No user
serviceable parts inside. Referservicing to
quali edpersonnel.

plugs pre-installed. Allother installation or
modi cation should be per formed only by
quali edpersonnel.

This symbol, wherever it
appears, alertsyou to the

presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure ­voltage that may be su cient to constitute

expose this appliance to rain and moisture.
Theapparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing liquids and no
objects  lled with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on theapparatus.

a risk ofshock.

This symbol, wherever it
appears, alertsyou to
important operating and

Caution

To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove the

Caution

To reduce the risk of  re
or electric shock, do not

These service instructions are
for use by quali ed service

shock do not perform any servicing other
than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairshave to be performed
by quali ed ser vicepersonnel.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus nearwater.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation

openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
orother apparatus (including ampli ers)
thatproduceheat.

4 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

MUSICGROUP ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY FOR

ANY PERSON WHO RELIES EITHER WHOLLY

PHOTOGRAPHOR STATEMENT CONTAINED

9. 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  t into your outlet,
consultan electrician for replacement of
the obsoleteoutlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from theapparatus.

11. Use only attachments/accessories
speci ed by themanufacturer.

12. Use only with
the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket,
ortable speci ed by

the manufacturer,
orsold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, usecaution when moving the

cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused for long
periods oftime.

14. Refer all servicing to quali ed ser vice
personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus 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 apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, orhas
beendropped.

15. The apparatus shall be connected to
a MAINS socket outlet with a protective
earthingconnection.

16. Where the MAINS plug or an
appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, thedisconnect device shall remain
readilyoperable.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND
APPEARANCES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE AND ACCURACY IS NOT
GUARANTEED. BEHRINGER IS PART OF
THE MUSICGROUP MUSICGROUP.COM.
ALLTRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY
OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

ANY LOSS WHICH MAY BE SUFFERED BY

OR IN PART UPON ANY DESCRIPTION,

HEREIN. COLORSAND SPECIFICATIONS
MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL PRODUCT.
MUSIC GROUP PRODUCTS ARE SOLD
THROUGH AUTHORIZED FULLFILLERS

5 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

AND RESELLERS ONLY. FULLFILLERS
AND RESELLERS ARE NOT AGENTS OF
MUSICGROUP AND HAVE ABSOLUTELY
NO AUTHORITY TO BIND MUSICGROUP BY
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED UNDERTAKING
OR REPRESENTATION. THISMANUAL
IS COPYRIGHTED. NO PART OF THIS
MANUAL MAY BE REPRODUCED OR
TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR
BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR
MECHANICAL, INCLUDINGPHOTOCOPYING
AND RECORDING OF ANY KIND,
FORANY PURPOSE, WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
MUSICGROUPIPLTD.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2012 MUSICGROUPIPLTD.
TRIDENT CHAMBERS, WICKHAMS CAY,
P.O. BOX 146, ROAD TOWN, TORTOL A,
BRITISHVIRGIN ISLANDS

LIMITED WARRANTY

§ 1 Warranty

(1) This limited warranty is valid only
if you purchased the product from a
MUSICGroup Authorized Reseller in the
country of purchase. A list of authorized
resellers can be found on BEHRINGER’s
website behringer. com under “Where to
Buy“, oryou can contact the MUSIC Group
o ce closest toyou.

(2) MUSICGroup* warrants the
mechanical and electronic components
of this product to be free of defects in
material and workmanship if used under
normal operating conditions for a period
of one (1) year from the original date of
purchase (seethe Limited Warranty terms
in §4below), unless a longer minimum
warranty period is mandated by applicable
local laws. If the product shows any defects
within the speci ed warranty period
and that defect is not excluded under

§4, MUSICGroup shall, at its discretion,
eitherreplace or repair the product using
suitable new or reconditioned product
or parts. Incase MUSICGroup decides to
replace the entire product, thislimited
warranty shall apply to the replacement
product for the remaining initial warranty
period, i.e., one (1) year(orotherwise
applicable minimum warranty period)
from the date of purchase of the
originalproduct.

(3) Upon validation of the warranty claim,
therepaired or replacement product will
be returned tothe user freight prepaid by
MUSICGroup.

(4) Warranty claims other than those
indicated above are expressly excluded.

PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT.
ITISYOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE COVERING
YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT SUCH PROOF
OFPURCHASE.

6 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

not cover any such modi cation/adaptation,

§ 2 Online registration

Please do remember to register your new
BEHRINGER equipment right after your
purchase at behringer. com under “Support”
and kindly read the terms and conditions
of our limited warranty carefully.
Registeringyour purchase and equipment
with us helps us process your repair claims
quicker and more e ciently. Thank you for
yourcooperation!

§ 3 Return materials
authorization

(1) To obtain warranty service,
pleasecontact the retailer from whom the
equipment was purchased. Shouldyour
MUSIC Group Authorized Reseller not be
located in your vicinity, youmay contact
the MUSICGroup Authorized Ful ller
for your country listed under “Support”
at behringer. com. Ifyour country is not
listed, please check if your problem can be
dealt with by our “Online Support” which

may also be found under “Support” at
behringer. com. Alternatively,pleasesubmit
an online warranty claim at behringer. com
BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries
must be accompanied by a description
of the problem and the serial number of
the product. Afterverifying the product’s
warranty eligibility with the original
sales receipt, MUSICGroup will then
issue a ReturnMaterials Authorization
(“RMA”)number.

(2) Subsequently, the product must be
returned in its original shipping carton,
together with the return authorization
number to the address indicated by
MUSICGroup.

(3) Shipments without freight prep aid
will not beaccepte d.

§ 4 Warranty Exclusions

(1) This limited warranty does not
cover consumable parts including,

but not limited to, fuses and batteries.
Whereapplicable, MUSICGroup warrants
the valves or meters contained in the
product to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of ninety
(90)days from date ofpurchase.

(2) This limited warranty does not cover
the product if it has been electronically
or mechanically modi ed in any way.
If the product needs to be modi ed or
adapted in order to comply with applicable
technical or safety standards on a national
or local level, inany country which is not
the country for which the product was
originally developed and manufactured,
thismodi cation/adaptation shall not
be considered a defect in materials or
workmanship. Thislimited warranty does

regardlessof whether it was carried out
properly or not. Underthe terms of this
limited warranty, MUSICGroup shall not be

7 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

repaired exclusively at the buyer’s expense.

basis. Onlineauction con rmations or sales

held responsible for any cost resulting from
such a modi cation/ adaptation.

(3) This limited warranty covers only
the product hardware. It does not cover
technical assistance for hardware or
software usage and it does not cover
any software products whether or not
contained in the product. Any such
software is provided “AS IS” unless
expressly provided for in any enclosed
software limitedwarranty.

(4) This limited warranty is invalid if the
factory-applied serial number has been
altered or removed from theproduct.

(5) Free inspections and maintenance/repair
work are expressly excluded from this limited
warranty, inparticular, ifcaused by improper
handling of the product by the user. This also
applies to defects caused by normal wear
and tear, in particular, offaders, crossfaders,
potentiometers, keys/ buttons, guitarstrings,

(6) Damage/defects caused by the
following conditions are not covered by
this limitedwarranty:

• improper handling, neglect or failure

to operate the unit in compliance with
the instructions given in BEHRINGER
user or servicemanuals;

• connection or operation of the unit in

any way that does not comply with
the technical or safety regulations
applicable in the country where the
product is used;

• damage/defects caused by acts of

God/Nature (accident,  re,  ood, etc)
or any other condition that is beyond
the control of MUSICGroup.

(7) Any repair or opening of the
unit carried out by unauthorized
personnel (userincluded) will void the
limitedwarranty.

illuminants and similarparts.

(8) If an inspection of the product by
MUSICGroup shows that the defect in
question is not covered by the limited
warranty, theinspection costs are payable
by thecustomer.

(9) Products which do not meet the
terms of this limited warranty will be

MUSICGroup or its authorized service
center will inform the buyer of any such
circumstance. If the buyer fails to submit a
written repair order within 6 weeks after
noti cation, MUSICGroup will return the
unit C.O.D. with a separate invoice for
freight and packing. Such costs will also
be invoiced separately when the buyer has
sent in a written repair order.

(10) MUSIC Group Authorized Resellers do
not sell new products directly in online
auctions. Purchases made through an
online auction are on a “buyer beware”

receipts are not accepted for warranty

8 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

MUSICGroup’s limited warranty, please see

veri cation and MUSICGroup will not
repair or replace any product purchased
through an onlineauction.

§ 5 Warranty transferability

This limited warranty is extended
exclusively to the original buyer
(customerof authorized reseller) andis
not transferable to anyone who may
subsequently purchase this product.
Noother person (reseller,etc.) shallbe
entitled to give any warranty promise on
behalf of MUSICGroup.

§ 6 Claim for damage

Subject only to the operation of mandatory
applicable local laws, MUSICGroup shall
have no liability to the buyer under this
warranty for any consequential or indirect
loss or damage of any kind. In no event
shall the liability of MUSICGroup under this
limited warranty exceed the invoiced value
of theproduct.

§ 7 Limitation of liability

This limited warranty is the complete and
exclusive warranty between you and
MUSICGroup. It supersedes all other
written or oral communications related
to this product. MUSICGroup provides no
other warranties for this product.

§ 8 Other warranty rights and
nationallaw

(1) This limited warranty does not exclude
or limit the buyer’s statutory rights as a
consumer in any way.

(2) The limited warranty regulations
mentioned herein are applicable unless
they constitute an infringement of
applicable mandatory local laws.

(3) This wa rranty does not det ract from
the seller ’s obligation s in regard to any
lack of confor mity of the produc t and any
hiddendefect.

§ 9 Amendment

Warranty service conditions are subject
to change without notice. For the latest
warranty terms and conditions and
additional information regarding

complete details online at behringer. com.

* MUSICGroup Macao Commercial Off shore
Limited of RuedePequim No. 202-A,
MacauFinance Centre 9/J, Macau,
including all MUSICGroup companies

9 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

1. Introduction

1.1 Before you get started

The high-re solution 24Bit-A/D and D/A converter can process
signals up to 96 kHz. Totally reliable drivers for Windows XP and
Mac OS X guarantee an extremely short latency. Thanks to its
ultra-stable metal construc tion and the small dimensions of the
housing, the FC A202 is also ideal for traveling. Thanksto the
separate headphone output, you can play back your recordings
at any time, even if you don’t happen to have any loudspeakers
available. The second, 6-pin FireWire socket means you can
connect additional FW devices such as hard drives. To provide
power to laptops wi th 4-pin sockets, simply use the mains
adapter provided. A POWER LED and a FW LED give you a quick
check that the FCA202 is properly connected to the mains
supply and to the computer. The security port plus a suitable
securit y lock from Kensington provide top protection against
theft when you’re on the road.

The FCA202 is the ideal ext ra for every computer musician.

1.1.1 Shipment

The FCA202 package includes:

• one FCA202 hardware unit

• one external mains adapter

• one FireWire 400 cab le, 6-pin to 6-pin

• one FireWire 400 cab le, 6-pin to 4-pin

• one handbook

• one installation CD, which includes drivers / sof tware

Your FCA202 was care fully packed at the assem bly plant to assure
secure tr ansport. Should the con dition of the cardboar d box
suggest tha t damage may have taken place, please inspe ct the
unit immediat ely and look for physical in dications of damage.

◊ Damaged equipment should NEVER be sent directly

to us. Please inform the dealer from whom you
acquired the unit immediately as well as the
transportatio n company from which you took delivery.
Otherwise, all claims for replacement / repair may be
rendered invalid.

10 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

◊ Please always use the original packaging to avoid

damage due to storage or shipping.

◊ Never let unsupervised child ren play with the FCA202

or with its packaging.

◊ Please disp ose of all packaging materials in an

environmentally friendly fashion.

1.1.2 Initial operation

Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling.
To avoid overheating, do not place the FCA202 on top of power
amps or near radiators, etc.

The connec tion to the mains can be made either using
the mains adapter provided or via the FireWire interface.
It complies with the required safety regulations.

1.1.3 Online registration

Please regis ter your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your
purchase by visiting http://behringer.com and read the terms
and conditions of our warranty care fully.

Should your BEHRINGER product malfunc tion, it is our intention
to have it repaired as quickly as p ossible. To arrange for
warranty service, please contac t the BEHRINGER retailer from
whom the equipment was purc hased. Should your BEHRINGER
dealer not be loc ated in your vicinity, you may directly cont act
one of our subsidiaries. Corresponding contact information is
included in the original equipment packaging (Global Contact
Information/European Contact Information). Should your
country not be listed, please contac t the distributor nearest
you. A list of distributor s can be found in the support area of our
website (http://behringer.com).

Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us
process your repair claims more quickly and eciently.

Thank you for your cooperation!

11 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

2. Installation

2.1 System requirements

Important Notes Concerning Installation
ona PC!

◊ To ensure that your FC A202 works properly, make sure

you install the driver s before connecting the hardware
to the computer. Otherwise, the hardware will not b e
correc tly identified and in some circumstances will not
work correctly.

◊ If you have already cable-connec ted your interface,

break the connecti on between the FCA202 and
your computer, and then restart your s ystem.
Then, install the drivers as desc ribed in Chapter 2.2.
Connect your audio interface only after you have
successfully completed the installation.

To work with the FCA 202, your computer must fulll the
following minimum requirements:

PC MAC

Intel or AMD CP U,
1 GHz or highe r

minimum 512 MB RAM minimum 512 MB RAM
6-pin or 4-pin FireWire

interface

Windows XP SP2

G4 / G5, 800 MHz o r higher

6-pin or 4-pin FireWire
interface

Mac OS X 10.3.9 (Panther)
or higher

2.2 Installation under Windows XP

• Close all unnecessary programs before beginning the
installation process

• Inser t the driver CD. Use Windows Explorer to select the
drive that cont ains the CD, and then start the setup le

• Follow the on-screen instructions and conrm that you
want to continue with the inst allation until this has
been completed

12 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

• When the installation has been successfully completed,
connect the hardware interface w ith the computer via an
unused FireWire socket. The hardware inputs and outputs
are now available to you in every audio application

◊ During the installation process, you may be gi ven a

Windows mes sage that the equipment drivers that
are to be installed have not p assed the Windows
Logo test. Confirm this message and proceed as usual
with the ins tallation. Your Windows ins tallation will
not be affected by this in any way

2.3 Installation under Mac OS X

With the Mac OS X, yo u can use the FCA202 immediately,
without having to install additional drivers. Conne ct the
hardware to your Mac via an unused FireWire socket.
OS X (fromversion 10.3.9) will automatically recognize the
equipment. The inputs and outputs on the inter face are now
available to you in every audio application.

2.4 Hardware connection

Connect the FCA202 to your computer using one of the two
FireWire cable s provided. Some computer s have 6-pin sockets
which allow the power supply for the FireWire hard ware to
be made direc tly via the bus, while other s oer reduced 4-pin
sockets. Depending on the arrangement, there are various ways
in which you can operate your FC A202.

• Operation without a mains adapter on a computer
with a 6-pin socket

This is a typical setup f or most computers, whic hcan
provide adequate power supply for the FCA202 via the
FireWire inter face. Use the appropriate c able with the
6-pin plug connectors. If your computer cannot ensure
an adequate power supply, use the mains adapter that
isprovided.

13 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

• Operation with a mains adapter on a computer with
a 6-pin soc ket

Use the approp riate cable that includes t wo 6-pin plug
connectors. In this case, the FCA202 will be provide d with
current via t he mains adapter. Thisoption is suggested
if you have a laptop with a 6-pin so cket but don’t want
to add another burden on the computer battery when
running the computer from the battery, or if your
computer cannot provide enough power to operate
the FCA202.

• Operation with a mains adapter on a computer with
a 4-pin soc ket

This is the ty pical setup for most laptop computer s.
Usethe approp riate cable that includes a 6 -pin and a 4-pin
plug connec tor. In this cas e, you will have to use the mains
adapter provided to supply the power to the FCA202.

14 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

3. Operating Elements and Connections

3.1 Front panel

(1)

(2)

Fig. 3.1: Front panel F CA202

(1) You can connect s tandard commercial headphones tted

with a ¼" TRS jack plug to the socket.

(2) Use the LEVEL control to adjust the headphone volume.

Turn the control fully to the lef t before you connect
the headphones. This helps you avoid the damage that is
caused by high volume settings.

(3)

(4)

(3) The POWER LED indicates that the equipment is ready to

operate. It light s up as soon as the FCA202 is prov ided with
power from the mains adapter or via the FireWire so cket.

(4) The FW LED lights up a s soon as the FCA202 is corre ctly

connecte d by a FireWire cable to a computer t hat is in
operation. I f the LED does not light up, check t he FireWire
connection to the computer. You can nd more information
on hardware an d driver installation in Cha pter 2.

15 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

3.2 Rear panel

(7) (8) (9)(5) (6)

Fig. 3.2 bac k of the FCA202

(5) Use the DC IN socket to connec t the mains adapter

provided. For further information, please carefully read
through Chapter 2.4.

(6) The LOCK por t in combination with a suitable secur ity lock

from Kensington oers you a very good way to protect
your equipment against theft. Forfurther information,
visit kensington.com.

(7) Make the connec tion to your computer using o ne of the two

6-pin FIREWIRE so ckets. You can run other FireWire de vices
such as hard dri ves, from the second so cket. Thismeans that
you always have a fre e FireWire port available, eve n if your
computer has only one FireWire socket.

(8) You can connect balanced or unbalanced audiocables with

¼" jack plugs to the BAL / UNBAL OUTsockets.

(9) You can connect unbalanced audio cables with

¼" TS jack plugs to the UNBAL IN sockets.

16 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

(11)

(10)

Fig. 3.3: CONTR OL PANEL window

(12)

(13)

17 F- CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

3.3 FCA202 control panel

In addition to the device drivers on the PC, a CONTROL PANEL
is installed during the ins tallation process. If you use an ASIO
driver, use this sof tware to congure the FCA202. You’ll nd
more information on the drivers in Chapter 4.1.

In Windows systems, the panel can be accessed from the
“Start Menu”. In the “Start Menu”, choose “Control Panel”,
andthen look for the entr y “FCA202”. Alternatively, you may
nd that the audio soft ware you use has a dialog for opening
up the panel. For more information, please refer to the manual
for your audio ap plication.

With Mac OS X, you r st have to select the FCA202 in
“System Settings” under the entry “sound”. You can then
directly congure the card from the audio application that
you use. For more information, please refer to the approp riate
software documentation.

(10) The ABOUT section gives information about the driver

versions that are used. Compare the version numbers
given here with the drivers available via Internet from
behringer.de. If you have any problems, you sho uld always
try to install the newes t driver softwar e.

(11) Use the LATENCY SELECT slider to set the desired latency.

Clickthe APPLY button to accept the selection made.

◊ You can only set the latency f rom the CONTROL PANEL

if you are using an ASIO driver. Very short latency
values can lead to audio dropouts. If this happens,
pull the slider further to the rig ht so that you set
up higher values. You’ll find further information in
Chapter 4.1.

(12) The SAMPLING FREQUENCY selec tion menu allows you to

set the sample rate for the digital conver ter. The available
frequenc ies are 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz and 96.0 kHz.

(13) The wiring diagram is provided as additional information.

It shows the signal ow in the FCA202.

◊ Dependin g on the audio software used, you may have

to restar t your application in order to ac tivate any
changes that you made in the CONTROL PANEL. If you
want to be sure that your set tings have been correc tly
accepted, configure your Windows system before you
start the audio application.

18 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

4. Working with the FCA202

4.1 Device drivers and latency

A device driver i s an interface that ensure s communication
between t he software (audio ap plication) and the hardware
(the FCA202). In recent year s, the PC platform has wi tnessed the
establish ment of several dierent dr iver models for sound ca rds.
Some of thes e drivers cannot be use d for simultaneous recor ding
and playback or f or working with sof tware plug-ins, sin ce they do
not suppor t the full range of func tions provided by prof essional
sound card s and cause a long time delay (laten cy).

The FCA202 sof tware provides a number of driver models
for Windows platforms and for professional recording.
With standard Windows-applications, you don’t need to worry
about which driver is currently being used by the oper ating
system. You only need to selec t the correct playbac k device via
the Windows “Cont rol Panel”.

However, as soon as you start to produce or record
computer-based music and work with special audio sof tware
such as Cubase, Live, Logic, Tracktion, or others, you should
make sure that you selected an ASIO driver. This driver model

supports the full range of func tions oered by your hardware
and gives you the b est performance.

You will normally nd the selection of a driver model for the
FCA202 hardware in an audio setup menu or in the s tandard
default settings of the software you are using. If necessary,
checkthe documentation for your software.

If you work with the program S onar from Cakewalk, you can
also use the WDM K S driver, since this achieves comparable
latencies to the ASIO driver. In case of doubt, check whether
the ASIO or the WDM K S driver gives better results with your
Sonarsystem.

Things are much simpler with the Mac platf orm.
With OS X, thereis only one driver model, the CoreAudio driver.
Thus there´s no need to worry about which driver to selec t.

◊ In PC sys tems, the latency ver y much depends on t he

driver used. For recording, always select an ASIO driver
and use the CONTRO L PANEL to set up a lower l atency
(less than 16 ms). The smaller the value, the better.
If audio dropouts occur, try increasing the latency
in stages.

19 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

4.2 The FCA202 in studio operation

F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202

HPS3000

Phones Out

Channel Input 1

XM8500

Channel Input 2

XM8500

Audio

Firewire

Electric Guitar

Fig. 4.2: St udio setup wi th the FCA202

Bal/Unbal Out 1/L

Channel Input 3

Tape In order

Channel Input

XENYX 1204FX

Bal/Unbal Out 2/R

Unbal In 1/L

Alt 3-4 Outputs

Control Room Out L

Control Room Out R

Channel Input 5/6

PC/Mac

Firewire 1

Unbal In 2/R

VOLUME

PHONES

Sound Module

MUTE DEMO FILTER LEVEL

PROG TYPE COMBI PLAY POWER

20 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

To provide a professional recording interface between mixing
console and computer, you can use the FCA202 in combination
with a suitable mixing console that includes subgroup output s.
This type of setup allows you to record several signals in the
computer at the s ame time, to simultaneously play back
several takes or playback s which have been recorded, and to
listen to the whole recording via loudspeakers or headphones.
Figure 4.1 shows one possible setup with an XENYX 1204FX
mixingconso le.

Connect t he outputs of the subgr oup (in this case ALT 3-4
OUT) with th e inputs of the FCA202 (9). You can choo se to
connect t he outputs (8) of th e interface either to th e TAPE
INPUT socket sor to a stereo channel outp ut (e.g. LINE 7/8).
Connectyo ur loudspeakers to the CONTROL RO OM outputs of the
mixing conso le. You can connec t control headphone s to the 
socket (1) of the FCA202 or to the headphones output of your
mixingconso le.

By routing each channel that yo u want to record through the
ALT 3-4 subgroup, you can now use the input channels of the
mixing conso le to record dierent signals (e.g. microphone,
guitar, sound module etc.) in the computer. If you connect
the OUT sockets of the FCA202 to channel inputs 7/8
(not via TAPE INPUT), make sure that the signal is not switched
to the subgroup but instead to t he main output of your mixer
(MUTEkey on the XENYX 1204F X in channel 7/8 not pressed).
Otherwise feedback can occur. Make sure that you use the
SOURCE sec tion on the mixing console to select the correc t
monitoring p aths (ALT 3-4 + MAIN MIX or ALT 3-4 + TAPE).

If you lead the FC A202 back via a channel input
(not TAPE INPUT), you can also use the Aux c hannel to set up
a monitor mix for live musicians. To do this, use the Aux Send
(e.g. Aux 1) in this channel input. If the musicians want to
hear themselves as well as the playback or previous recording
takes, use the Aux Sends in the re cording channels to mix in the
recording signals with the monitor mix.

21 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

4.3 The FCA202 as a portable laptop recording device

HPS3000

Phones Out

F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202

XM8500

XM8500

B2031A

Bal/Unbal

Out 1/L

MiniMIC MIC800

MiniMIC MIC800

Fig. 4.3: The F CA202 as a laptop a udio interf ace

B2031A

Bal/Unbal

Out 2/R

Unbal In 1/L

Laptop

Firewire 1

Unbal In 2/R

Audio

Firewire

22 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

Its small dimensions means that the FCA202, in combination
with a laptop computer, provides the ideal solution for a mobile
recording s tudio. All that you need is a small mixing console
or two microphone preampliers, so that you can connect
microphones. Given its size, the MINIMIC MIC800 is especially
suitable for this type of application. Figure 4.2 shows a setup
that includes a laptop computer, FCA202, and two MINIMIC
MIC800 microphone preampliers.

Connect the two MINIMIC MIC8 00 units to the inputs (9)
ofthe FCA202. With two active loudspeakers connec ted to the
outputs (8) of the FCA202, you c an control your recording and
via the -output (1) provide a musician with a playback
signal. If you don’t us e a pair of loudspeakers, you can use
headphones to listen to your mix in case you don´t have to
provide a music ian with a monitor signal.

A setup that includes a laptop computer, an FCA202,
headphones,and a sequencer, provides a compac t and mobile
music production environment.

5. Audio Connections

There are various ways to integrate the FCA 202 into your
setup. Depending on the application you will need dierent
connecting cables, and these will b e discussed in the
followingsection.

5.1 Cabling with jack cables

To operate the FCA202 in series with other equipment, you will
need standard commercial ¼" jack cables, of ten referred to as
instrument cables or patch cables.

These cables have a ¼" TS jack plug at each end. Connect the
inputs of the equipment with the corresponding outputs of
each of the other devices.

23 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

tip

signal

sleeve

ground/shield

tip

sleeve

strain relief clamp

strain relief clamp

sleeve

tip

sleeve

ground/shield

tip

signal

Fig. 5.1: Unbalance d jack cable wi th ¼" TS jack plugs

If your other equipment has balanced inputs, use a balanced
switched c able with two stereo jac k plugs at the balanced
outputs of the FCA202. These cables provide a high level of
security against interference signals such as noise interference
from power cables, and they should be used for all long
cableroute s.

24 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

tip

hot (+ve)

ring

cold (-ve)

sleeve

ground/shield

tip

ring

sleeve

strain relief clamp

strain relief clamp

sleeve

ring

tip

5.2 Headphones socket

The FCA202 is provided with a socket for headphones. You can
connect any s tandard commercial headphone with a ¼" TRS
jack plug to this. For Mini TRS jac k plugs, you will need a
suitable adapter. You can see the required pin allocation from
the following diagram.

¼" TRS headphones connector

strain relief clamp

sleeve

ring

tip

sleeve

ground/shield

sleeve

ground/shield

ring

cold (-ve)

tip

hot (+ve)

Fig. 5.2: Ba lanced jack ca ble with ¼" TRS jac k plugs

ring

right signal

tip

left signal

Fig. 5.3: Stere o jack plug for a s et of headphon es

25 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

6. Specications

Unbal In

Sockets ¼" TS jacks, unbalanced
Input impedance ca. 24 kΩ
Max. input level 2 dBV

Bal / Unba l Out

Sockets ¼" TRS jacks, balanced
Output impedance ca. 1 kΩ
Max. outpu t level 2 dBV

Phones Out

Socket ¼" TRS stereo jack
Output impedance ca. 50 Ω
Max. outpu t level 4.5 dBu, 2x15 mW @ 32 Ω

Firewir e 1 + 2

Socket 6-pin (IEEE1394)

Lock

Socket Kensington lock

Digital Processing

Converter 24-bit Multibit Delta-Sigma
Sample rate 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 96.0 kHz

Software

Drivers

Windows WDM KS, ASIO, MME
Mac OS X CoreAudio

(integrated into OS X)

26 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

System Data

Frequency response 10 Hz to 21 kHz,

±1 dB @ 44.1 kHz sample r ate
10 Hz to 45 kHz,

±1 dB @ 96.0 kHz sample rate
Harmonic dis tortion 0.01% typ. @ -10 dBV, 1 kHz
Crosstalk -100 dB @ 0 dBV, 1 kHz
Signal to noise 100 dB typ. @ 1 kHz,

A-weighted

Power Supply

FireWire connection 9-30 V𝌂, 200 mA max.
Mains connection External mains adapter,

12 V~, 200 mA

Mains Voltage

USA / Canada 120 V~, 60 Hz
U.K. / Australia 240 V~, 50 Hz
China 220 V~, 50 Hz
Europe 230 V~, 50 Hz
Japan 100 V~, 50 - 60 Hz

Power consumption < 10 W

Dimensions / Weight

Dimensions (H x W x D) ca. 1.10 x 4.53 x 6.10"

ca. 28 x 115 x 155 mm

Weight ca. 1.5 lbs / 0.7 kg

BEHRING ER always takes g reat care to ensu re the highes t standard of qu ality.
Any modif ications wh ich may be neces sary will be m ade without p rior notif ication.
Specif ications an d appearance of t he equipment c an therefor e differ f rom the detai ls or
illustrations shown.

27 F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202 User Manual

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION COMPLIANCE
INFORMATION

F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202

Respons ible Party Na me: MUSIC Grou p Services US I nc.

Address: 18912 North Cr eek Parkway,

Phone/Fax No.: Phone: [phone]

F-CONTROL AUDIO FCA202

complies with the FCC rules as mentioned in the followingparagraph:

This equi pment has been test ed and found to compl y with the limits
for a ClassB d igital device, pur suant to part 15 of the FCC Rul es.
Theselim its are designed t o provide reasonab le protection a gainst
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not

Suite 200 B othell, WA 98011,
USA

Fax: [phone]

install ed and used in accord ance with the instr uctions, may cau se
harmful interference to radio communications. However, thereis no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Ifthis equ ipment does caus e harmful inter ference to radio or te levision
recepti on, which can be dete rmined by turning t he equipment o and
on, the user i s encouraged to tr y to correct th e interference by o ne or
more of the f ollowingmeasure s:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the eq uipment into an outl et on a circuit die rent from

that to whic h the receiver is conne cted.

• Consult the dealer o r an experienced r adio/TV tech nician forhelp.

This devic e complies with Par t 15 of the FCC rules. Oper ation is subject
to the follo wing two conditi ons:

(1) this device may not c ause harmful inte rference, and
(2) this device mu st accept any inter ference receive d,
includinginterference that may cause undesired operation.

Important information:

Changes or m odications to t he equipment not ex pressly approve d by
MUSICGroup c an void the user’s auth ority to use the e quipment.

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