PRODUCT MANUAL
Version 1.0
Firmware Build 2136
December 2014
TABLE OF CONTENT
15. SETTINGS BAR ................................................................................................................20
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................................................4
1.1. AC adapter operation ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2. Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3. Handling ............................................................................................................................................ 4
1.4. Connecting cables and input and output jacks ................................................................................. 4
1.5. Alterations ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.6. Volume .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2. USAGE PRECAUTIONS .....................................................................................................5
2.1. Electrical interference ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3. LIMITED WARRANTY .........................................................................................................5
4. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................6
5. UTRACK 24 FEATURE LIST ...............................................................................................6
6. WHAT’S IN THE BOX ..........................................................................................................7
7. HOW TO USE THIS USER’S MANUAL ..............................................................................7
8. UTRACK 24 FRONT PANEL ...............................................................................................8
9. UTRACK 24 REAR PANEL ...............................................................................................10
10. USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A MIXER TO RECORD A LIVE CONCERT ...................12
11. USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A RECORDING SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS ... 13
12. GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK ...........................................14
12.1. Preparing the attached USB drive for recording ............................................................................. 14
12.2. USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives .......................................................................................... 14
2.12 .1. USB Hard Drive .................................................................................................................................................14
2.12.2. USB Flash Drive ................................................................................................................................................15
2.12.3. Auto-Detection of USB Drive Type ...................................................................................................................15
12.3. Starting a Recording ....................................................................................................................... 16
12.4. 24-Channel Input Metering ............................................................................................................. 16
12.5. Adding Markers ............................................................................................................................... 16
12.6. Gapless Recording ......................................................................................................................... 16
12 .7. Playing Back Audio ........................................................................................................................ 16
12.8. Autoplay on Startup .........................................................................................................................17
12.9. Looping Playback between In and Out Points .................................................................................17
16. RECORD PAGE ................................................................................................................21
17. MIX PAG E .........................................................................................................................22
18. LOADING AUDIO FILES FOR PLAYBACK .......................................................................23
19. P LAY PAGE .......................................................................................................................24
20. PLAYLIST SCREEN ..........................................................................................................25
21. UTRACK 24 SYSTEM MENUS .........................................................................................26
21.1. Clock Source Menu ......................................................................................................................... 26
21.2. Footswitch Menu ............................................................................................................................. 27
21.3. Recording Menu .............................................................................................................................. 27
21.4. Playback Menu ................................................................................................................................ 28
21.5. Utilities Menu .................................................................................................................................. 29
21.6. Load Settings .................................................................................................................................. 29
21. 7. Save Settings .................................................................................................................................. 29
22. USING THE UTRACK 24 AS A COMPUTER AUDIO INTERFACE ..................................30
22 .1. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with Microsoft Windows .............................................. 30
1.2 2.1. Minimum System Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 30
1.22.2. WDM and ASIO driver installation ................................................................................................................... 30
1.2 2.3. uTrack 24 / Control Panel for PC ...................................................................................................................... 30
22.2. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with an OS X ............................................................... 37
2.22.1. Minimum System Requirements .......................................................................................................................37
2.22.2. Driver Installation ..............................................................................................................................................37
22.3. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with an Apple® iPad® ................................................. 38
3. 2 2 .1. Minimum System requirements ....................................................................................................................... 38
3.22.2. Driver Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 38
22.4. Control Room Features ................................................................................................................... 38
23. UPDATING THE FIRMWARE OF YOUR UTRACK 24 .....................................................39
23.1. Firmware update using the USB connection (PC only) ................................................................... 39
23.2. Firmware update using a Network Connection (PC & Mac) ........................................................... 39
24. LEGAL DISCLAIMER ........................................................................................................42
13. UTRACK 24 FILE FORMATS ............................................................................................18
14. UTRACK 24 FILE PLAYBACK MODES ............................................................................19
14 .1. Multitrack Mode ............................................................................................................................... 19
14.2. Stereo Mode.................................................................................................................................... 19
14.3. Default Mode ................................................................................................................................... 19
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1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
2. USAGE PRECAUTIONS
1.1. AC adapter operation
Be sure to use only an AC adapter which supplies 15 V DC, 1500 mA and is equipped with a
“center plus” plug. The use of an adapter other than the specied type may damage the unit and
pose a safety hazard. Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage
required by the adapter. When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, always grasp
plug itself and do not pull at the cable. During lightning or when not using the unit for an extended
period, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.
1.2. Environment
To prevent the risk of re, electric shock or malfunction, avoid using your uTrack 24 in environments
where it will be exposed to:
• Extreme temperatures
• Heat sources such as radiators or stoves
• High humidity or moisture
• Excessive dust or sand
• Excessive vibration or shock
1.3. Handling
Never place objects lled with liquids, such as vases, on the uTrack 24 since this can cause
electric shock. Do not place naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, on the uTrack 24
since this can cause re. The uTrack 24 is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue pressure
on the keys and other controls. Also take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock
or excessive pressure. Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids can enter
the unit.
2.1. Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the uTrack 24 has been designed to provide maximum protection
against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from
external interference. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits
powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the uTrack 24, as the possibility of
interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the uTrack 24
included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy
data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.
2.2. Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the Live Recorder uTrack 24. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth.
Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since
these may dull the nish or damage the surface. Please keep this manual in a convenient place
for future reference.
3. LIMITED WARRANTY
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information on Cymatic Audio’s
Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at www.cymaticaudio.com
1.4. Connecting cables and input and output jacks
You should always turn off the power to the uTrack 24 and all other equipment before connecting
or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all connection cables and the power
cord before moving the uTrack 24.
1.5. Alterations
Never open the case of the uTrack 24 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can
result in damage to the unit.
1.6. Volume
Do not use the uTrack 24 at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment.
CERTIFICATIONS
This product complies with the European Union Council Directives and
Standards relating to Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic c ompatibility
(EMC) and Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
This product is compliant with the EU Directive 2011/65/EU for the Restriction
of the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment. No lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium
(Cr+6), PBB or PBDE is intentionally added to this device. Any traces of
impurities of these substances contained in the parts are below the RoHS
specied threshold levels.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements
of 47 CFR of PART 15 limit for radiation and conduction emission relating to
FCC rules Part 15B: 2010.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS USAGE PRECAUTIONS
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54
4. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Cymatic Audio uTrack 24! The uTrack 24 is three powerful
products in one:
• A 24-track solid-state recorder
• A 24-track digital audio le player
• A 24-input, 24-output computer audio interface
Never before has such a powerful combination of features been available at such an affordable
price, and in such a compact footprint. The uTrack 24 records to and plays back from standard,
off-the-shelf USB drives, while offering a large complement of professional features.
With its large detailed display and generous complement of dedicated front-panel hardware
controls, operation is extremely intuitive and straightforward. Recording is never further away
than a single push of the dedicated front panel “Record” button.
The uTrack 24 is also ready for the future; a dedicated expansion slot allows for alternate audio
I/O to be added, while a network port allows for alternate control mechanisms.* The uTrack 24
also offers user-installable rmware upgrades, so that new features and capabilities may be
added in the future.
5. UTRACK 24 FEATURE LIST
24-Channel Multitrack Recorder
• Allows connection of 24 channels of balanced input/output through 25-pin D-Sub connectors
• Alternate format 24x24 audio I/O using future optional digital expansion modules
• Up to 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate
• Records directly to standard USB drives, attached to convenient front-panel USB port
• 3-segment hardware input metering per input channel, also works as 24-segment full scale
meter
• Large, easy to use illuminated front panel transport buttons
• Internal DSP mixer offers stereo monitor mix of all 24 inputs through front-panel headphone
output and rear panel monitor outputs, with dedicated level controls. Adjust level, panning,
mute, and solo for all 24-inputs while enjoying detailed 24-segment hardware input/output
metering, all with no external mixer required!
• Synchronize two uTrack 24 recorders for a total track count of 48 tracks *
• RJ-45 Network connection for future remote control from external software *
• BNC Word Clock Input/Output allows integration into larger digital systems
• Large, detailed LCD screen, dedicated menu buttons, and rotary push control allow for fast
and intuitive adjustment of various settings
24-input, 24-output Computer Audio Interface
• Dedicated control room and headphone outputs with individual hardware level controls
• 24-bit/96kHz support
• Compatible with OSX, Windows, and iOS
6. WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Your uTrack 24 comes with the following materials:
• uTrac k 2 4
• AC/DC Power Adapter and power cable
• Removable Rack Ears
• USB Cable
• Printed Quick Start Guide
7. HOW TO USE THIS USER’S MANUAL
This user’s manual is one of several documents available to you that detail different aspects of
the uTrack 24 and its accessory software:
• This document is the full user’s manual. Refer to it for the most comprehensive information
about the uTrack 24 and all of its operations.
• An 8-page printed “Quick Start Guide” is included in the box. Refer to the quick start guide
for a concise how-to lesson on getting started with the product.
• The uTrack 24 works with free downloadable software named “WavTool”, that allows you to
convert the uTrack 24’s multi-channel broadcast wave les into standard mono wave les.
Download the WaveTool and its user’s manual at www.cymaticaudio.com
• The uTrack 24 also works with the free downloadable playlist editor software which allows
you to create custom playlist that can be played back on the uTrack 24. Download the
Playlist Editor and its user’s manual at www.cymaticaudio.com
24-Channel Multi-Track Player
• Play back 24 tracks of audio, perfect for virtual sound checks or expanding live
performances with individual pre-recorded tracks
• Synchronized Play back of Standard MIDI Files *
• Edit song order on the y, during playback, directly from the front panel
• Playback start and stop via optional footswitch
• On the y loop playback and mark-in/mark-out points allows for easy looping
• Free downloadable playlist editor allows you to easily create custom audio playlists, with
customization capabilities such as:
○ Assigning an audio le’s output channel
○ Creating set lists
○ Set pause times between songs
○ Assigning continuous play between songs
* Available in future rmware update
INTRODUCTION WHAT’S IN THE BOX
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76
8. UTRACK 24 FRONT PANEL
1
2
3 4 7 8 9 10 12 13 14
11 156
5
1. USB Port
This port allows connection of a standard, off-the-shelf USB drive. The uTrack 24 records and
plays back up to 24 tracks of audio to/from the connected USB drive. The uTrack supports USB
drives from sizes ranging from 2GB to 16TB.
2. Front Panel Display
This monochrome LCD screen displays assorted useful information while recording and playing
back audio, as well as when working with the settings menus.
3. Encoder Wheel
Rotate the encoder wheel to adjust various settings; it also contains a “push” function, allowing
it to work as button.
4. MENU/LOOP Button
Press the MENU/LOOP button to bring up the uTrack 24 settings menus, allowing various
adjustments to the products’ settings. When playing back audio, this button helps to setup the
playback loop.
5. BACK Button
Press the BACK button to navigate backwards through the menu trees. Pushing it multiple times
will return you to the home screen.
6. BROWSE Button
Press the BROWSE button to switch the BROWSER screen on/off. In the BROWSER screen you
can navigate the les on the attached USB drive and select them for playback.
In short; the uTrack24 allows you to capture the whole performance, even if you pressed the
RECORD button a few seconds too late!
11. Meter s
The 24 separate LED meters display the signal strength for incoming signals during recording
and display outgoing signals during playback. The meter LEDs work in two different ways:
• When recording or playing back audio, the 24 separate LEDs represent the input/output
levels of channels 1-24. Each channel’s LED illuminates in three separate colors, acting as a
3-segment meter:
○ Green: -30dB
○ Yellow: -6dB
○ Red: Overload
• When working with the onboard monitor mixer for recording or playback, the meter bridge
operates as a single, 24-segment input/output meter for the currently selected channel
(“channel focus mode”).
12. Main Output Volume Control
Rotate to adjust the listening level of the rear panel’s main outputs, which carry the stereo signal
of the onboard monitor mixer (standalone recorder/player mode) or outputs 1-2 of your DAW
software (Computer Audio Interface).
13. Headphone Volume Control
Rotate this control to adjust the listening volume level of the front panel headphone output, which
offers the same signal path as the main outputs.
14. Headphone Connector
Connect a pair of headphones to listen to the onboard monitor mix or channels 1-2 of your DAW
software. The uTrack 24’s onboard headphone amplier outputs a strong, clean signal to the
connected headphones.
15. Footswitch Connector
Connect a standard two-position footswitch to this connector for hands-free operation of various
functions. For specics, see “footswitch” in the menus section of this document.
7. Skip Back/Forward Buttons
During playback, press the skip back/skip forward buttons to navigate among saved markers in
an audio take (recording). When playing back a playlist, press the buttons to navigate among the
different songs in the playlist.
8. STOP Button
Press the STOP button to stop a current recording, or to stop the unit from playing back audio.
9. PLAY Button
Press the PLAY button to begin playback of the currently loaded audio project. When recording,
each press of the PLAY button will add a new marker at the current timeline location.
10. RECORD Button
Press the RECORD button to begin a new recording. The uTrack 24 is always ready to start a new
recording as soon as the RECORD button is pressed.
! NOTE: when the uTrack 24 is neither playing back nor in playlist-mode, it will automatically switch
to “pre-recording” mode. This means that it will constantly buffer a minimum of 2.7 seconds
(depending on the number of recorded channels, sample rate and resolution) of the incoming
audio signal and write this audio data to the recorded le once you have pressed the record
button.
This means that if you do not remember to press RECORD until the band actually starts playing,
you will still have all of the rst song’s audio recorded as long as you press RECORD within a few
moments of the downbeat of the rst song.
UTRACK 24 FRONT PANEL UTRACK 24 FRONT PANEL
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9. UTRACK 24 REAR PANEL
main out
wordclock
sync
1
out
in
2
out
in
OUTPUT
17 - 24
INPUT
17 - 24
OUTPUT
9-16
INPUT
9-16
OUTPUT
1-8
INPUT
1-8
usb
network
12vdc
uTrack
24
midi out
1
5. Word Clock Input
The uTrack 24 can be “slaved” to an external word clock signal by connecting it to the BNC word
clock input. This allows the uTrack 24 to be properly integrated into a larger complement of digital
7
2
5
9
11
audio equipment, where the clock signals of all connected equipment need to be synchronized.
Adjust the uTrack 24’s “Wordclock” menu to congure it to slave to an incoming external clock, as
4
opposed to running on its own internal clock. The settings bar at the top of the LCD screen will
indicate whether the uTrack 24 is using an internal or external clock signal.
3
6
8
10
1. Option Card Slot (Not Yet Functional in version 1.0 Firmware)
The uTrack 24 can be tted with an optional 24-input, 24-output option card that provides an
alternate audio I/O path from the onboard analog I/O.
This option brings a powerful level of exibility to the uTrack 24, allowing you to:
• Expand the unit with 24 channels of digital I/O, and then use that I/O with your own A/D and
D/A converters of choice.
• Add a digital I/O format to the uTrack 24 that allows 24x24 channels of networked audio,
allowing the unit to conveniently integrate into large setups with a single cable.
For details of which specic Digital I/O Option cards will be available, please visit
www.cymaticaudio.com
2. Analog Inputs 1-24
Connect the 24 separate audio signals that you wish to record to these inputs; the 24 separate
audio signals can then be recorded to either:
• A USB drive connected to the front panel USB port
• DAW software running on a computer connected to the rear panel USB port
3. Analog Outputs 1-24
These 24 outputs carry 24 channels of audio either from:
• A multi-track audio project from a USB drive connected to the front panel USB port
• A multitrack DAW session running on a computer connected to the rear panel USB port
Both the analog inputs and outputs operate at balanced line level, +20dB, and are congured as
three separate, 8-channel, 25-pin D-subminiature connectors. The D-sub connectors are wired
to the “Tascam Standard” as shown below.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H
6. Word Clock Output
This connector outputs a standard digital word clock signal, running at the sample rate that the
uTrack 24 is currently set to. The word clock output is useful when you want to use the uTrack 24
as a “clock master” and wish to slave other digital equipment to its internal clock signal.
7. Synchronization Input/Output Connectors (Not Yet Functional in version 1.0 Firmware)
These are used to synchronize multiple uTrack 24 units into a larger, 48-track recording system.
The synchronization function is not yet activated in the uTrack 24 1.0 rmware.
8. MIDI Output Connector: (Available in future rmware update)
The MIDI output connector outputs MIDI data from a SMF (Standard MIDI File) that resides in the
same folder as a project’s audio les.
This allows the uTrack 24 to output MIDI data to a software synthesizer, MIDI controlled lighting
system, effects switching system, etc., synchronized and in time with audio data that is played out
of the uTrack 24’s audio outputs.
9. USB Connector
The rear panel USB computer connects to the USB port of a Windows or OS X computer, as well
as to the USB port of an iPad camera connection accessory. Upon doing so, the uTrack 24 acts
as a 24-input, 24-output computer audio interface.
The ability to record 24 separate audio inputs to your favorite DAW allows you to record a large
musical ensemble while still keeping each player and instrument separated, for maximum
exibility.
The 24 separate outputs allow for great exibility in routing outputs from a DAW session, such
as sending many separate headphone mixes to an external headphone amplier, or sending 24
separate channels of audio to an external analog mixer, for “mixing out of the box”.
10. Network Connector
This RJ-45 connector allows connection of the uTrack 24 to a standard Ethernet network. In the
current rmware version the network connection can be used to update the uTrack 24’s rmware.
H = HOT • C = COLD • G = GROUND
4. Main Outputs
The main outputs carry a two-channel signal that can be sourced from either:
• The stereo output of the onboard 24-channel monitor mixer. In this scenario, the main
outputs allow you to monitor a stereo mix of the 24 input or output channels, on a pair of
connected monitor speakers.
• Output channels 1-2 of your favorite DAW software. In this scenario, the main outputs allow
you to monitor a stereo mix of your DAW session, when using the uTrack 24 as a computer
audio interface in a recording studio.
The main outputs are balanced ¼” tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connectors, operating at +4dB.
UTRACK 24 REAR PANEL UTRACK 24 REAR PANEL
Future rmware updates will allow for the uTrack’s recording, playback, and mastering functions
to be controlled by computer and/or tablet software, running on a device connected to the same
network.
11. Power Connector
Connect the included external power supply to this connector. Do not connect any other power
supply except the one that was supplied with your uTrack 24.
Note that the uTrack 24 does not contain an “on/off” power switch; this is by design, as it reduces
the possibility of accidentally shutting down the unit during a critical recording from pressing a
power switch. As long as the power supply connector is attached and connected to a wall-power
source, the uTrack 24 will always be powered on.
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10. USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A MIXER TO RECORD A LIVE CONCERT
24-Channel
11. USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A RECORDING SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS
Mixer Line
Inputs
Analog Mixer
Mixer Direct
Outputs
uTrack 24
24 Channel
Splitter Snake
(3) 8-Channel
Microphone
Préamplifiers
In some instances, you may wish to use the uTrack 24 in a higher end remote recording setup,
with a dedicated recording split of the stage snake (as opposed to the mixer’s direct outputs).
In this case, the connections would work as follows:
• The stage microphone signals are connected to a microphone splitter containing a
dedicated split of recorder outputs
• Connect the recorder outputs (mic level signals) to the inputs of the microphone
preampliers
• Connect the line level outputs of the microphone preamps to the analog inputs of the uTrack
24
• Connect a pair of headphones to the front panel phones jack, to monitor a stereo mix of the
uTrack 24’s multi-track recording
• If you are working in an acoustically separated space from the musicians themselves, you
can also connect a pair of powered monitors to the uTrack’s rear panel main outputs. This
will allow you to monitor the onboard stereo mix on a pair of powered monitors speakers and
also adjust the monitoring volume using the front panel volume control
Stereo
Headphones
Stereo
Powered
Monitors
uTrack 24
uTrack 24
Outputs
Stereo Headphones
The uTrack 24 is the perfect tool for capturing 24 individual tracks of a live concert, which can
then be imported into your DAW software of choice. The physical connections work as follows:
• Connect 24 balanced, direct outs of an analog mixer to the analog inputs of the uTrack 24
• Connect a pair of headphones to the uTrack 24’s front panel phones jack, or a set of
monitors to the rear panel main output; You can monitor and adjust an onboard stereo mix of
the 24-track recording, without the hassle, expense, and cabling of connecting an outboard
monitor mixer.
• At the same time, the uTrack 24 allows you to play back 24 channels of multi-track audio
back into the live sound console, perfect for performing a “virtual sound check” using
recordings of previous performances, or for expanding live performers with individual prerecorded tracks.
• Connect the analog outputs of the uTrack 24 to the line inputs of the mixer. The FOH
operator can switch to the mixer channel’s line inputs to monitor the uTrack 24’s 24 channels
of playback.
USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A MIXER TO RECORD A LIVE CONCERT U SIN G THE U TR ACK 24 W ITH A REC ORD ING S PLIT/OUT BOAR D MIC P RE AM PS
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12. GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
12.1. Preparing the attached USB drive for recording
The uTrack 24 records 24 separate tracks of 24-bit audio, directly to any off-the-shelf USB drive;
No computer required! The attached USB drive must be formatted in the “Fat32” format.
! In order to ensure that the USB drive is optimally formatted for audio recording, it highly advised
that you format the attached USB drive using the uTrack 24’s “Format USB Drive” menu function.
To do so, press MENU, scroll to “UTILITIES”, then press the encoder to select “Format USB
Drive”. After verifying you want to do so, you will see the following screen:
• Smaller capacity 2.5” hard drives, that are “bus-powered” and receive their power from
the same USB data cable that connects it to the uTrack 24. This solution tends to be more
convenient since there is one less cable to connect and the drives are smaller and lighter.
12.2.2. USB Flash Drive
A USB Flash drive is a USB drive that uses ash memory and contains no moving parts. Examples
of a USB ash drive would be:
• USB “thumb drives” or “keychain drives”, small in size and available in capacities of 4GB
through 128 GB.
• USB “Solid State Drives” (aka SSD), commonly houses in a 2.5” drive enclosure and
commanding a price premium. Common sizes include 120 Gigabytes through 1 Terabyte.
It is NOT recommended to use the uTrack 24 with either of the above two types of USB ash
drives; the nature of these drives results in them offering unreliable read/write speeds. Although
they can offer very fast AVERAGE data read/write speeds, they are subject to occasional pauses
in data writing. This is not practical for a device like the uTrack 24 that needs to constantly write
a data stream to the attached disk in order to avoid dropouts.
12.2.3. Auto-Detection of USB Drive Type
When formatting has completed, you will see this screen:
If no drive is connected and you attempt to use the format command, you will see this message:
! NOTE: As there are many different ways and systems to format drives, we STRONGLY SUGGEST
you format your USB storage with the uTrack 24’s format menu BEFORE recording. This will
ensure that your storage is formatted in an optimal way for recording.
Using your own computer to format the USB drive for recording may lead to a decrease in storage
performance and/or loss of audio!!
! NOTE: All existing data and partitions on the drive will be lost when formatting.
12.2. USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives
When recording audio with the uTrack 24 and a connected USB drive, it is important to understand
the difference between the two key types of USB drives available in the marketplace
12.2.1. USB Hard Drive
A USB hard drive is a traditional “moving parts” hard drive that records its data on spinning
platters. This is the recommended type of USB drive to use with the uTrack 24, as its data read/
write speeds are the most reliable and consistent
You are free to use two different types of USB hard drives with the uTrack 24:
• Large capacity 3.5” hard drives, that traditionally recieve their electrical power from a
dedicated external power supply that connects to a wall outlet
When a USB drive is attached to the front panel USB port, the attached drive is mounted and
then the uTrack24 optimizes itself for reading and writing the drive. With large drives it may take
around half a minute to complete this process.
• The default recording parameters for the uTrack24 are 24 tracks, 24-bit, 48 kHz.
A USB hard drive is most often fast enough to handle these settings with no dropouts
whatsoever. It is still recommended to always perform a test recording the length of your
planned recording, using the same drive you will use at the event.
• If the drive reports itself as a USB ash drive, the uTrack 24 will additionally show a warning
screen which alerts you that dropouts may occur with this type of USB drive
• The uTrack 24 then automatically sets the recording parameters to a lower value of 16-bit,
16 tracks, in case they were preset to higher values.
These settings require less data throughput from the attached drive, and are thus more likely
to work correctly with a ash drive. You are still free to then change the recording settings
using the RECORDING menu, but again you should perform a long test recording to make
sure the USB drive you plan to use is sufciently fast.
In summary, to have condence that your recordings will be 100% dropout free, each and every
time, follows these steps:
• Use a USB hard drive; do NOT use a USB ash drive
• Format the attached drive using the uTrack 24 format utility, do NOT format the drive using
your computer
• Perform a test recording using your planned USB hard drive, making sure the test recording
is as long, or longer than the event you plan to record. Check that you do not see any
dropouts reported on the recording page at the end of the recording, and that you do not
see a dropouts log le in the take folder of the USB drive, when you mount the drive on your
computer.
• Always re-format the USB hard drive, using the uTrack 24 format utility, each and every time
you record a new event. Although this is technically not required, it reduces the chance of
cluttering up your hard drive with multiple recordings from different dates, and causing disk
fragmentation.
As long as you do not see any dropouts during your test recording, and you reformat your drive on
the uTrack 24 before the real recording, your recordings should be error free each and every time.
GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
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Since the read/write speed of a freshly formatted USB hard drive is a consistent and known
quantity that never changes (unlike a USB ash drive), you can be condent that the real recording
will occur exactly as the test recording did.
12.8. Autoplay on Startup
The uTrack 24 has the ability to automatically playback a playlist upon powering up.
12.3. Starting a Recording
The uTrack 24 defaults to the following settings for a recording:
• 24 tracks
• 24-bit
• 48 kHz
To change any of the above settings, navigate to the RECORDING menu. See section “uTrack 24
System Menus” for more details.
To begin a recording, simply press the front panel RECORD button. The uTrack 24 will immediately
begin writing the audio from its internal buffers to the attached USB drive. The screen will switch
to the RECORD screen. For the rst two seconds, the number of active recording channels
are displayed on the screen and the corresponding channel LEDs will blink. The screen then
continues with showing the recording time.
When the uTrack 24 is neither playing back nor in playlist-mode, it will automatically operate
in “pre-recording” mode. This means that it will constantly buffer a minimum of 2.7 seconds
(depending on the number of recorded channels, sample rate and resolution) of the incoming
audio signal and write this audio data to the recorded le once have pressed the record button.
12.4. 24-Channel Input Metering
The front panel of the uTrack 24 contains 24 separate LEDs; each one serves as an individual
3-segment input level meter for the corresponding record channel.
This allows you to monitor the incoming signal level for each track, and adjust the output level of
the signal source accordingly.
12.5. Adding Markers
During recording the uTrack24 allows you to add up to 99 “markers” per take. Markers are
locational references that help you remember different spots in the recording (song 1, song 2,
verse, chorus, etc.)
To add a new marker while a recording is taking place, press the PLAY button. A new marker will
be created and the “Markers” eld on the screen will increment by one digit.
If supported by your DAW, these markers will be visible in the DAW session after you have
imported your les. The markers can also be used to split your recordings at the marker points
when using the WavTool to copy the recording from your USB device.
12.6. Gapless Recording
Pressing the RECORD button while recording creates a new take without losing a sample. The
recording parameters of the new take are the same as the previous take. Further, these tracks
can be played back gaplessly inside a playlist.
12 .7. Playing Back Audio
To playback a take you have just recorded, simply press the front panel PLAY button.
To navigate to a different take on the attached USB drive, you can either:
• Use the skip back and skip forward buttons, or the rotary encoder, to navigate among the
available different takes
• Press the BROWSE button, use the encoder to navigate to the folder that contains the audio
data and then select the specic take you wish to load for playback
This feature can be very useful when the uTrack 24 is used in installed sound setups where a
certain playlist should always be playing when the device is on.
To do so using the Playlist Editor:
• Create your desired playlist
• Check the ‘Autoplay on device boot-up’ checkbox below the Playlist Name eld
• When exported, this playlist le will automatically be named ‘autoplay.play’ and placed in
the Multitrack/#PLAYLIST or Music/#PLAYLIST folders
• There can only be one autoplay playlist per project
This playlist will automatically be loaded and begin playing back, whenever the uTrack 24 is
powered up.
On the uTrack 24, in the “Playback Settings” menu, enable the “AutoPlay” feature (it is disabled
by default).
Once the autoplay the feature is enabled on the uTrack 24, on startup it will look for an autoplay.
play le in the playlist folder within the multitrack folder and if not found, looks into the playlist
folder within the stereo/music folder.
If a Playlist is found, the playback of the playlist is automatically started. The process works
exactly as if you had manually loaded the playlist and then pressed the PLAY button.
12.9. Looping Playback between In and Out Points
The uTrack 24 can create a playback loop by setting a “mark-in” and “mark-out” point when
playing back a take. These are separate from the markers described above, and are not stored
with the multitrack take.
To set a mark in and mark out point:
• Press the PLAY button to begin playback
• Press the MENU/LOOP button to call up the loop points overlay on the display
• Rotate the encoder to change the mark-in point, then press the encoder to choose it.
• Rotate the encoder to change the mark-out point, then press the encoder to choose it.
Selecting the mark-out point starts the playback loop between the two points.
• To cancel the playback loop and clear the mark-in / mark-out points, press the BACK button.
Looping between the mark-in and mark-out points is useful when playing back a take for a virtual
sound check. When the FOH engineer reaches a section in the sound check they wish to work
on extra carefully, they can quickly set in and out points, then loop between them. The looped
playback audio will allow them to concentrate on dialing in the live mix for that section perfectly.
! Note: When operating in playback loop mode, pressing the skip forward/backward buttons will
cause the playback cursor to jump to the next or previous marker, respectively.
If no marker is available, pressing the skip backward buttons will cause the playback cursor to
jump to the beginning of the song.
GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
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13. UTRACK 24 FILE FORMATS
The uTrack24 is specically designed for continuous capturing of audio over longer periods
of time. When recording, the uTrack24 stores data from multiple input channels into a single
multichannel wave le. Many audio editing programs (“DAWs”) can only handle a maximum le
size of 2GB . Since the length of your recording may often exceed the 2GB le size, the uTrack 24
incorporates an intelligent system for le-splitting: every time your recording reaches the critical
size of 2 GB, the uTrack 24 will automatically create a new multichannel wave le (“Chunk”). This
is done in a “gapless” fashion without losing a single sample of your recording. All the chunks are
stored in the current recording folder
The above process also allows you to record without limits in time or le size. The only limiting
factor would be your storage space (for instance, a 500 GB USB drive allows you to do a 70-hour
non-stop recording in CD quality).
When playing back a take, the uTrack 24 seamlessly transitions playback from the end of one
“chunk” of multichannel le to the beginning of the next one. The multiple chunks inside a take
are played back exactly the same as one long linear recording.
In order to easily import these multi-channel .wav les, Cymatic Audio offers a free download of
its WavTool and Playlist Editor application, which perform two functions:
• Convert uTrack multi-track wave les into separate mono wave les
• Automatically join together the separate chunks into a single linear le
uTrack 24 audio to DAW
DAW audio to uTrack 24
Export individual audio
tracks from DAW
For more information please refer to the respective user manuals of the WavTool and the Playlist
Editor, downloadable at www.cymaticaudio.com
Copy (with automatic conversion) to
external USB drive, using the
WavTool or Playlist Editor
14. UTRACK 24 FILE PLAYBACK MODES
When playing back audio, the uTrack 24 offers different playback “modes”. The uTrack 24
switches to a given playback mode depending on what type of audio le is loaded for playback.
The different modes work as follows:
14.1. Multitrack Mode
When a USB drive is attached to the uTrack 24, a folder labelled “Multitrack” is automatically
created on the drive. Any time you load a song that resides within the multitrack folder, the uTrack
24 treats it as multitrack audio.
Plug and Play USB drive
on uTrack 24
Record on uTrack 24
connected hard drive.
Content on uTrack Storage: Take 0001
Multitrack Wave files
automatically separated
into 2GB chunks
Track 01
Track 02
Track 02
Track 04
.......
Track 24
Time 00:00:00:00 ... Time: XX:XX:XX:XX
Track 01
Track 02
Track 02
Track 04
.......
Track 24
Track 01
Track 02
Track 02
Track 04
.......
Track 24
Copy (with automatic conversion) to
computer hard drive, using the WavTool
or Playlist Editor
Drag and drop files into DAW
Output on External Hard Drive
Separate multi-track wave file chunks are converted
into standard linear mono wave files
Channel 01 .bwav file
Channel 02 .bwav file
......
Channel 23 .bwav file
Channel 24 .bwav file
Both applications, the WavTool and the Playlist Editor, perform these functions as they copy the
uTrack 24’s recordings from the external USB drive to your computer. As a result, you are left with
24 separate, standard mono wav les, each one running the length of your entire take.
The applications allow this process to work in reverse as well. If you have a collection of separate
mono wav les, they allow you to:
• Combine the separate channel wave les into a single multi-channel .wav le that the uTrack
24 is capable of playing back (for virtual sound checks or band expansion)
• Automatically split up the .wav le into 2 gigabyte chunks, as needed, and combine these
chunks into a single “take” that the uTrack 24 can select and play back
• Type a custom name for the take, that the uTrack 24 will display
When in Multitrack Mode there is only one playback option, which is “Single Play”. When the
current take nished playing, the transport stops, and will not automatically begin playing a
different take
14.2. Stereo Mode
This is a different playback mode, intended for playback of stereo program material you may
wish to use for walk-in music, break music, walk-out music, etc. The uTrack 24 goes into stereo
mode any time you load an audio le that resides anywhere OUTSIDE the MultiTrack folder on
the attached USB drive.
When operating in stereo mode, the uTrack 24 offers different playback transport modes that
affect how the audio les are played. The modes are continuous, shufe, repeat one, and repeat
all. For details, see “uTrack 24 System Menus/Playback menus”
14.3. Default Mode
When the uTrack 24 rst powers up, the current folder is always the “MultiTrack” Folder. When
you use the BROWSE button to choose a song from any other folder outside the multitrack folder,
the system goes into stereo Mode. A prompt on the screen noties you of the change.
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You can always go back to multitrack mode by pressing the BROWSE button and choosing the
multitrack folder, and will see the following prompt:
4. Bit-Depth
Displays the bit-depth that the uTrack 24 will record audio to or the bit rate of any audio project
that is currently in playback. Available bit depths include 16-bit and 24-bit.
6. Clock Source
Displays the digital clock source that the uTrack 24 is using. Choices include internal (Int) and
External (Ext)
! NOTE: If you have selected external clock source in the recording menus and no valid external
clock source is connected, the “ext” label will ash on/off, as a reminder that no external clock
source is actually available
15. SETTINGS BAR
The uTrack 24 contains a “settings bar” at the top of the screen that is always present on all
recording and playback screens. It shows important settings, at a glance, of the key aspects of
your recording.
Playback
Recording
1. Home Page Mode
The Mode indicator displays which of four different “pages” the uTrack 24’s screen displays, at
any given moment. The four modes are:
• STOP: When the unit is idle, it is in the STOP mode. It is possible to enter any of the other
three modes from the STOP mode.
• RECORD: The RECORD page is active any time the unit is recording audio; it displays
various parameters related to the recording. For more information, see the “RECORD
PAGE” section.
• PLAY: The PLAY page is active any time the unit is stopped or playing back audio. It
displays various parameters related to playback of the currently loaded audio project. For
more information, see the “PLAY PAGE” section.
• MIX: The MIX page displays, and allows control of, the settings for the built-in 24-channel
internal mixer. For more information, see the “MIX PAGE” section.
2. Track Count
In STOP and RECORD mode, it displays the number of tracks (channels) the uTrack24 has been
congured to record. In PLAY mode it displays the number of tracks being played.
3. Sample rate
Displays the sample rate that the uTrack 24 will record audio at or the sample rate of any audio
project that is currently in playback. Available sample rates include 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz.
Playback
5. Markers
Displays how many markers have been recorded to the current take’s multi-track broadcast wave
le.
7. Playback Mode
Displays current playback mode (please refer to chapter PLAY Page for an explanation of the
Playback Mode Symbols).
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Recording
8. Remaining time
Displays the amount of available recording time remaining on the attached USB drive. This gure
will adjust dynamically as you change the track count, bit-depth and sample rate you plan to use,
showing the actual remaining time on the drive as you adjust those specic settings.
16. RECORD PAGE
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The RECORD page is shown any time the uTrack 24 is in recording mode; it displays important
aspects of the recording process and allows you to monitor your recording.
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1. Take Name and Number
Displays the name and number of the current “take” that is automatically created each time a new
recording is initiated by pressing the RECORD button.
2. Elapsed Time Counter
Displays the elapsed time of the recording that is currently taking place. As the recording
progresses, the elapsed time increases, allowing you to see how long a recording you are making.
3. Markers Display
Displays the number of the most recent marker you have created, while recording a take. For more
information on markers, see the “Adding Markers” section in “Getting Started with Recording”.
4. Droputs Display (If Applicable)
Displays the number of dropouts in a recording, if any have occurred.
The uTrack 24 is designed to record up to 24 tracks of audio with any standard USB hard drive,
and do so without any glitches or dropouts.
However, if you have attached a USB drive whose data transfer speed is too slow to keep up with
the required data ow, dropouts may occur. The dropouts display allows you to have a concrete
verication if this has occurred.
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SETTINGS BAR RECOR D PAGE
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The droputs display only occurs while the recording is occuring, it does not persist once the
transport is stopped. However, if any dropouts have occurred, a dropouts log will be written to the
attached USB drive, residing in the same folder as the take. The log gives details of how many
dropouts there were and at what point in time they occurred.
See the section “USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives” for detailed information on what types
of hard drives to use, in order to guaranatee your recording will be dropout free.
17. MIX PAGE
When recording, it is crucial to monitor an “in the eld” stereo mix of the recording in progress.
For this purpose, the uTrack 24 contains a built-in 24-input stereo monitor mixer, allowing you to
monitor a stereo mix of the incoming 24 channels of audio, while adjusting various mix parameters.
The mixer is active only for the currently active recording channels.
! The adjustments you make affect the monitor mix only; they have no effect on the actual recording
taking place.
Only during playback, the built-in monitor mixer mixes the outgoing 24 channels of audio. The
mixer parameters are taken from the settings le present in the audio project. Once the playback
stops, the mixer works on the incoming channels and the previous mixer settings are loaded
back.
The stereo mix can be monitored from both the front panel headphone output as well as the rear
panel’s main outputs; both outputs have their own dedicated volume level controls.
To bring up the monitor mixer and adjust the parameters for each channel:
Note that soloing of a selected channel is temporary; it only lasts as long as the channel is
selected. When a different channel is selected, the solo status of the previous channel is cleared.
5. Pan Control
Adjusts the selected channel’s pan position in the stereo eld.
Metering
When in the MIX page, the front panel metering LEDs act as a single 24-segment level meter for
the currently selected channel.
This allows you to ne tune the signal level of the selected channel with a higher level of resolution.
18. LOADING AUDIO FILES FOR PLAYBACK
Press the BROWSE button on the front panel to switch the display to the BROWSER screen.
The BROWSER screen will show a folder named “MultiTrack” that contains all of the multitrack
audio les that can be selected for playback on the uTrack 24.
Press the front panel rotary encoder. The display will switch to the “MIX” screen as shown below
Once in the “MIX” screen, press the rotary encoder to move between the various parameters.
When on a parameter it will be highlighted and can by adjusted by rotating the encoder.
To exit the monitor mixer screen, press the BACK button
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The MIX screen contains the following ve parameters you can adjust:
1. Channel Number
This represents the input channel or playback channel that you can then adjust volume/mute/
solo, and panning for.
2. Channel Volume
Adjusts the relative listening volume of the currently selected channel
3. Mute On/Off
Mutes the currently selected channel, removing its audio from the monitor mix. Note that the
channel will always still be recorded; muting it simply removes it from the monitor mix.
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4
Rotate the encoder to highlight the MultiTrack folder then press it to select. You will then see a list
of all of the different MultiTrack takes that have been saved to the Multitrack folder.
MultiTrack takes are denoted with this icon:
Rotate the encoder to select the desired take, and then press the encoder to load it for playback.
The selected take will now be shown on the PLAY screen and it is ready for playing back, simply
by pressing the PLAY button.
If the highlight bar hovers over a song, without being moved to another song, for more than 2
seconds, it will be preloaded in order to start playback without delay. A popup screen will appear
to show this has occurred:
4. Solo On/Off
Solos the selected channel. This is very useful when ne-tuning a microphone position, allowing
you to hear the individual channel’s signal without the distraction of the other channels in the
monitor mix.
Alternate Solo Method: Press and hold the rotary encoder as a quick way to instantly solo the
currently selected channel. This method allows you to quickly select and solo channels one by
one, with fewer steps.
MIX PAG E LOADING AUDIO FILES FOR PLAYBACK
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In order for this feature to operate, the “Pre-recording” feature needs to be disabled in the menu
settings.
The attached USB drive may also contain two other types of les that can be loaded for playback:
• Playlists:
• Stereo Audio Files:
The screenshot above shows the browser window containing all three types of les: A stereo
wave le, a playlist, and a MultiTrack take. Any of them can be selected by rotating the encoder
to highlight the le name, then pressing the encoder to load it for playback.
19. PLAY PAGE
The play screen is shown any time the uTrack 24 is currently playing back a multitrack audio take,
as well as when the transport is currently stopped. It displays various parameters related to the
playing back of audio from an attached USB drive.
1. Take Number
Displays the take number of the recording that has been loaded for playback.
2. Next Take
Displays the name of the next take that is available for playback, residing in the same directory
on the attached USB drive.
When the transport is stopped, you can use the skip forward/skip back buttons to navigate
among different available takes, allowing you to quickly and easily call up different takes for
playback. This is very useful when playing back different songs during a virtual sound check or
band expansion, since you can quickly navigate to and start playing back the multitrack le you
wish to.
3. Elapsed Time
Displays the elapsed time of the take currently playing back.
4. Playback Location
This horizontal black stripe represents the timeline of the take currently being played back, while
the black square represents the current location of the “play head”, the take’s current playback
location.
Rotate the encoder to move the play head to a different position on the timeline, then press the
encoder to start playing back the take at the new time location you have moved the play head to.
6. Playback Mode
Displays the current Playback Mode
Stereo Mode:
• Continuous When the current take has nished playing, the next take will automatically
begin playing
• Repeat One Playback of the current take will continue repeating over and over.
• Repeat All When all of the takes in the current directory have completed, the device will
start over with the rst song in the directory
• Shufe All of the takes in the current directory will play back in a random order.
Multitrack Mode:
• Multitrack Mode The device is in Multitrack Mode. Only one take is played on pressing
the PLAY button.
20. PLAYLIST SCREEN
The play screen is shown any time the uTrack 24 is currently playing back a “playlist” of audio
takes: a pre-congured list of takes that automatically play one after the other. Playlists can be
congured using free Playlist Editor software available for download at www.cymaticaudio.com
The PLAYLIST screen displays various parameters that are unique to the playlist workow:
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1. Playlist Name
Displays the title of the playlist that has been loaded and is currently playing back.
2. Take #
Displays the name of the specic take that is currently playing within the current playlist.
3. Next
Displays the name of the take that will play next, once the current playlist is completed.
4. Playback Mode
Indicates that the device is in Playlist Mode.
5. Elapsed Time
Displays the amount of time that the current take has been playing for
6. Remaining Time
Displays the amount of time left in the current take.
7. Pause Mode
Displays the mode which is used to transition to the next song. The following icons are possible:
• Wait for key press: the device waits for the user to press the play button or footswitch
before the next song is started
• Wait period: the device waits the indicated number of seconds before starting the next
song
• No icon: there is no pause between the previous and the next song
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5. Time Remaining
Displays the remaining time of the take that is currently playing back.
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21. UTRACK 24 SYSTEM MENUS
The uTrack 24 contains a set of menus that allow you to adjust various settings.
To adjust a menu setting:
• While the transport is stopped, press the front panel MENU/LOOP button; the display will
switch to the Settings Menu page and show a scrollable list of settings
• Rotate the encoder to highlight the specic set of settings menus you wish to adjust; the
menu categories include:
○ Clock Source
○ Foot Switch
○ Recording
○ Playback
○ Load Settings
○ Save Settings
• Press the encoder to select the desired menu category, then push the encoder to enter the
category page
• Rotate the encoder to navigate to the specic parameter you wish to adjust and press the
encoder to highlight it for adjustment. The parameter highlight will ash on/off to show it is
ready to adjust.
• Rotate the encoder to adjust the highlighted parameter, then push the encoder to save the
new setting
Press the BACK button to navigate back one or more menu levels.
21.1. Clock Source Menu
This menu allows you to choose the clock source that the uTrack 24 will utilize, offering choices
appropriate for when it is used on its own vs. when it is used as part of a larger system of digital
audio devices.
Internal: The uTrack 24 will run off its own internal sample clock; you are free to select from
four different sample rates to run the internal clock at. When running from the internal clock, the
settings bar will display “Int” to reect this internal clock setting.
Wordclock: The uTrack 24 will slave to an external word clock signal that is connected to the
“word clock in” BNC connector on the rear panel.
When using an external clock, the settings bar will display “Ext” to reect this setting. However,
if you have selected external clock in the settings menu, but no valid external clock is actually
connected to the word clock input connector, the “Ext” label will ash on and off, to reect that the
clock signal is missing and no recording will be allowed to take place.
If you try to record when the unit is set to external clock, but no clock source is connected, no
recording will take place. Instead the following message will temporarily appear:
Similarly, if you try and play back audio when the unit is set to external clock and no clock source
is connected, playback will not occur and the following message will temporarily appear
! NOTE: When set to “Wordclock”, the uTrack 24 does not automatically change its sample rate to
the rate of the incoming external clock. You must choose the proper sample rate that matches
with the external clock you have connected.
If the external clock is set at to a different sample rate than the one you have set the internal clock
to, the clock will not get locked and recording will not occur. To avoid this, always make sure to
set the uTrack 24’s internal clock to the same sample rate as any external clocks you plan to use.
! NOTE: When playing back a previously recorded take, it will always play back at the sample
rate it was recorded at. If the uTrack 24 is currently set to a different sample rate, the unit will
automatically revert back to the sample rate set in the menu, after the take has completed
playback.
21.2. Footswitch Menu
This menu allows you to congure what specic function occurs when you step on a footswitch
attached to the front panel footswitch connector.
Different functions can be operated in a hands-free manner, useful when using the uTrack 24 to
play back expansion tracks alongside live musicians.
Play: Pressing the footswitch mimics the front panel PLAY button and begins playback.
Play-Pause: If the song is stopped, footswitch press starts a playback. If playing, the footswitch
press pauses it.
Record: Pressing the footswitch mimics the front panel RECORD button and begins a new
recording.
21.3. Recording Menu
This menu contains various settings that determine the parameters of the uTrack 24’s recordings.
Sample Rate: Selects the sample rate of the recording, when the uTrack 24 is set to its internal
clock. Choices include:
• 44 .1kH z
• 48 kHz
• 88.2kHz
• 96kHz
If you are recording a music project destined to be released on compact disc or digital download,
44.1 kHz is an appropriate choice.
If you are recording audio for video or working in a post-production context, 48kHz is more
traditional.
88.2 kHz and 96 kHz sample rates are also available. Some users prefer to record at these
higher sample rates, and then also mix at the higher rate within their DAW software. The nal
high-resolution mix can be distributed on different high-resolution formats such as hi-res digital
downloads, Super Audio CD, or Blu-Ray Audio Discs.
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! NOTE: When using sample rates of 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz, the uTrack 24 is limited to recording
of 8 tracks maximum. When selecting one of these sample rates, the following message will
temporarily appear:
Output Attenuation: The uTrack 24’s analog outputs are congured at +22dB, allowing them to
feed the balanced line inputs of a wide variety of professional audio equipment.
However, all 24 channels of analog output can be electronically attenuated (reduced in volume)
by up to 30dB, in 1dB increments. Adjust this menu if you are sending the uTrack 24’s audio
outputs to the inputs of an audio device that requires lower signal levels, such as a consumerlevel audio mixer.
21.5. Utilities Menu
The Utilities menu contains assorted global settings and functions, as follows:
Bit Depth: Selects the bit depth of the recording. Choices include: 16-bit and 24-bit.
It is always recommended to use the 24-bit setting, as that will allow for increased dynamic range
and superior sound quality over 16-bit. The most traditional workow is to record and mix down
at 24-bit, and then perform a 24-bit to 16-bit dithering operation as the last step of the mastering
process, in order to maintain compatibility with the 16-bit nature of compact discs and digital
downloads.
Track Count: Determines how many separate tracks will be used in the multi-track broadcast
wave le that the uTrack 24 generates during a recording. Choices include stereo (2 track), 4, 8,
12, 16, 20, and 24 tracks.
By selecting a number of tracks no larger than you actually require, you can keep the size of your
recorded les down, since you will not be recording “empty” tracks that do not have any audio
signal feeding their corresponding rear panel inputs.
21.4. Playback Menu
This menu offers choices for how takes are played back when a stereo wave le is loaded into
memory on the uTrack 24.
Stereo Mode: When operating in stereo mode, the following options are available:
• Continuous: As each audio le nishes playback, the uTrack 24 automatically begins
playback of the next audio le in the same folder, in numerical/alphabetical order.
This mode is useful for playing back a collection of songs for walk-in/break/walk-out music,
without needing to specically craft a playlist using the playlist software.
• Repeat One: The currently playing song will repeat over and over as long as the transport
is running. This mode is useful for playing back a loop of music you wish to repeat, or a prerecorded announcement that is meant to be heard repeatedly, etc.
• Repeat All: All audio les in the USB drive’s folder will play back and then the group of les
will repeat again from the beginning.
• Shufe: All audio les in the USB drive’s folder will play back in a random order.
Stereo Outputs: When playing back a stereo audio le, the uTrack 24 allows you to select
which specic pair of rear-panel outputs the le will play out of. Output pair choices include 1-2,
3-4…..21-22, 23-24
Date/Time: Allows you to set your local date and time. The uTrack 24 will then use this to set a
time-stamp metadata eld in the recorded take. This metadata can be useful in a variety of ways,
when later importing the wave les into your preferred DAW software.
Delete Single Song: Allows you to delete a song from an attached USB drive. Once selected the
le browser will show and let you select a song to delete.
Format USB: The format USB command will format (erase) any USB drive that is connected to
the front panel USB port.
It is highly recommended that you use this utility to format all USB drives that you plan to use with
the uTrack 24, as opposed to formatting them on your Windows or OS X computer. Doing so will
format the drives more reliably than doing so on your computer, and ensure the best chance of
the attached drive working reliably.
! NOTE: Formatting an attached USB drive will ERASE all data AND partitions currently on the
drive. Make sure you have copied/backed up any data you do not wish to lose.
System Details: will show the currently installed rmware and bootloader version as well as the
devices IP address (if the uTrack 24 is connected to a network)
21.6. Load Settings
Selecting the “load settings” command will load all of the settings you last saved, using the “saved
settings” command. This command can be used to return the uTrack 24 back to a familiar state
that you had last saved it as.
21.7. Save Settings
Selecting the “save settings” command will save all of the current menu settings to an onboard
memory slot that can later be loaded back into memory.
This feature allows you to connect any physical output pair you wish to a stereo “tape” input of
your FOH mixing console, with the ability to route stereo break music to that pair of outputs.
The stereo output channel pair can be selected individually for the single sample rates (44.1 kHz
and 48 kHz and doubled sample rates (88.2 kHz and 96 kHz).
• For the 44.1/48 kHz sample rates you can select any pair between outputs 1-2 and 23-24
• For the 88.2/96 kHz sample rates you can select any pair between outputs 1-2 and 7-8
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22. USING THE UTRACK 24 AS A COMPUTER AUDIO INTERFACE
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The uTrack 24 can be connected to a personal computer or iOS device via its rear panel USB port
and operate as a 24-input, 24-output computer audio interface.
22.1. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with Microsoft Windows
22 .1.1. Minimum System Requirements
Operating Systems (32- or 64bit):
• Windows® XP(SP2), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 (usually installed automatically by Windows update.)
• For Windows versions where the .NET Framework 4.0 is not already installed, the
installation wizard will automatically start when the mixer / control panel is started for the
rst time.)
• The uTrack 24 device drivers do not require the .NET Framework.
Hardware:
• Pentium® IV 1.2 GHz or better
• 512 MB Ram ( 1GB or more recommended)
• 1 free USB2.0 compatible port on PC
! NOTE: The speed of your computer’s processor, amount of RAM, and the capacity, size, and
speed of your hard drives will greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system.
A faster processor and more RAM can reduce signal latency (delay) and improve overall
performance.
Mixer View
22.1.2. WDM and ASIO driver installation
Before connecting the uTrack 24 to your PC, please download the driver package from the
download section at the Cymatic Audio website: http://www.cymaticaudio.com
After the download has nished:
• Unzip the downloaded archive to a folder on your PC.
• In the resulting folder, double click the “setup.exe” le and follow the on-screen instructions.
(It is strongly recommended that you exit all other programs before running the uTrack 24
driver installation program)
• When prompted by the installation program, connect the uTrack 24 to your PC by connecting
the supplied USB cable to the uTrack 24 USB 2.0 connector on the rear panel and an
available USB2.0 port on your PC.
22.1.3. uTrack 24 / Control Panel for PC
The uTrack 24 driver installation program will automatically install the uTrack 24 / Control panel
on your PC.
You can launch it by clicking on the uTrack 24 icon that will be present in the Windows task bar,
or by locating the program’s entry in the Windows start menu.
The Mixer control panel allows adjustment of the uTrack 24’s internal DSP mixer. When connected
to a computer and operating as a USB interface, graphical control of the internal DSP mixer is
offered, for quicker and easier adjustments.
You can use the internal DSP mixer to generate a monitor mix that has a lower latency (delay)
when monitoring tracks you are recording, than is often possible when monitoring through your
DAW software.
1. USB connection indicator
2. Input level meters
3. Faders
4. Monitor panning
5. Mute
6. Solo
7. Channel link
8. Control room output level
9. Display device settings
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Settings View: Synchronization Tab
Settings View: Buffers Tab
The control panel’s buffers screen allows adjustment of the ASIO buffers used by your ASIO
compatible DAW software.
Device Name: The device name eld controls what device name will appear in your DAW
software. The default name is “uTrack 24” but it can be modied to the name of your choosing.
Sample Rate: Click on this eld to select what sample rate you wish to operate the uTrack 24 at
when using it as an audio interface. Choices include:
• 44 .1kH z
• 48kHz
• 88.2kHz
• 96kHz
Sync Source Display: This eld displays the current synchronization source. Choice include:
• Internal
• Word Clock
USB Streaming Mode: Adjust this value to set the basic mode of operation of the uTrack 24
drivers.
ASIO Buffer Depth: Adjust this setting to congure the size of the ASIO buffer, measured in
samples.
When using an older, slower computer, you may need to set your latency value to a higher
amount. This will reduce the overhead to the computer’s CPU and allow your DAW session to run
more smoothly, but will result in a higher amount of delay between the original incoming audio
signal, and the DAW software’
When using a newer, faster computer, the buffer depth can be set to a lower amount, and latency
will be minimized.
ASIO Dropout Statistics: This display eld indicates how many “drop-outs” have occurred, if
any, with the currently selected buffer settings.
Dropouts indicate that your computer’s CPU cannot keep up with the demand that is placed on
it by the current buffer depth. If any dropouts occur, increase the size of the buffer depth and / or
change the streaming mode until no more dropouts are reported.
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Settings View: Input Channels Tab
Settings View: Output Channels Tab
Double click an entry in the “channel name” column to modify the input channel names as they
will appear in your DAW.
Click on the checkbox labeled ‘Include device name in ASIO display name’ if you wish for the
channel names to be prepended with the device name.
Double click an entry in the “channel name” column to modify the output channel names as they
will appear in your DAW.
Click on the checkbox labeled ‘Include device name in ASIO display name’ if you wish for the
channel output names to be prepended with the device name.
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Settings View: About Tab
22.2. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with an OS X
22.2.1. Minimum System Requirements
Operating Systems:
• Mac OS-X® 10.8 or higher
Hardware:
• Any Mac hardware compatible with OS X 10.8 or higher
• 512 MB Ram (1GB or more recommended)
• 1 free USB 2.0 compatible port
! NOTE: The speed of your processor, amount of RAM, and capacity, size, and speed of your hard
drives will greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system.
A faster processor and more RAM can reduce signal latency (delay) and improve overall
performance.
22.2.2. Driver Installation
There is no driver installation for Mac Computers necessary. Simply connect the to your Mac®
by connecting the supplied USB cable to the uTrack 24 USB2.0 connector on the rear panel, and
an available USB2.0 port on your Mac.
The device will now be selecteable in the “Audio MIDI Setup” application, which can be found in
the Applications/Utilities folder.
Revision: Displays the revision number of the control panel itself.
uTrack 24: Displays the connection-status for the uTrack 24, indicating if the device is connected
and recognized by the computer.
Serial Number: Displays the specic serial number of the connected uTrack 24 unit.
Driver Version: Displays the version number of the installed device driver
Firmware Version: Displays the current rmware version of the connected uTrack 24 unit.
Note that no custom uTrack 24 mixer control panel is available for the Mac, as there is when using
the uTrack 24 with Windows. The internal mixer of the uTack 24 is not available when connected
to a Mac, so all monitoring must be done through the DAW software.
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22.3. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with an Apple® iPad®
23. UPDATING THE FIRMWARE OF YOUR UTRACK 24
22.3.1. Minimum System requirements
Operating Systems:
• iOS® 5 or higher
Hardware:
• iPad® 2 or newer
• Apple® iPad Camera Connection Kit)
• Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
22.3.2. Driver Installation
There is no driver installation for the iPad® necessary. Simply connect the uTrack 24 to your
iPad® by connecting the supplied USB cable to the uTrack 24 USB2.0 connector on the rear
panel and the iPad® using the appropriate Apple USB adapter.
The uTrack 24 can now be used as a 24-inout, 24-output audio interface with the iPad® and
appropriate multi-channel iOS recording software.
22.4. Control Room Features
The uTrack 24 contains a “main out” audio output path, that is very useful when using it as a
computer audio interface; it allows for monitoring your DAW mix over speakers and headphones,
with no external mixer required!
When streaming from a DAW, channels 1-24 will output to the 24 physical outputs of the rear
panel d-sub connectors. However, DAW outputs 1-2 (which most often contain the DAW’s main
stereo mix) are also output to both the 1/4” stereo main outs, as well as the front panel phones
connector.
Both the main outs and the phones connector have their own dedicated volume controls, allowing
you to quickly and easily adjust the listening level of both connected headphones, as well as
powered studio monitors. With the above control room features, you are free to use the uTrack 24
as a computer audio interface with no external mixer required. No extra equipment and cabling
is needed!
Please regularly check the Cymatic Audio website (www.cymaticaudio.com) for available
rmware updates for your uTrack 24. The uTrack 24’s currently installed rmware version can be
determined through the “Utilities/System Details” menu. (see chapter “uTrack 24 System Menus”)
If you determine that your uTrack24 rmware version number is lower than the version number of
the downloadable uTrack24 rmware on the Cymatic Audio website, please perform a rmware
update.
23.1. Firmware update using the USB connection (PC only)
When you are using your uTrack 24 together with a PC you can perform the rmware update
through USB using the rear panel USB connector. Before starting the update process, please
make sure that the uTrack 24 device drivers are installed on your system and the uTrack 24 is
connected to your PC using the supplied USB cable.
Locate and download the uTrack 24 USB Updater Application on the Cymatic Audio website.
Once the download has nished, double click the downloaded application and follow the on-
screen instructions.
23.2. Firmware update using a Network Connection (PC & Mac)
If your uTrack 24 is connected to a network using a standard network cable connected to the
RJ45 network connector on the uTrack 24 rear panel and the network router of your home or
business network, you can perform the update through the network using any Internet Browser
(e.g. Google Chrome).
1. Locate the Firmware Update le on the Cymatic Audio home page
2. Download the le and save it to your computer’s hard disk
3. Open the “Utilities/System Details” Menu on the uTrack 24 and write down the IP address
shown on the screen. (if the IP address reads 0.0.0.0 the device is not properly connected to
the network)
4. On your PC or Mac (which has to be connected to the same network), open an Internet
Browser (e.g. Google Chrome), type the IP address into the browsers address bar and hit
return. After a short moment, the following page should appear in your browser:
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5. Click the green “Start” button and after a moment this screen will appear:
8. After the update has successfully nished, your browser will show the following:
6. Locate the Firmware Update le you previously saved to your hard disk and either drag and
drop it onto the orange SELECT FILE button or click the SELECT FILE button and select the
le with the le browser that opens.
7. Click the green “UPLOAD FIRMWARE” button that appears. The update process starts and
you will see the following screen:
9. Click the green “REBOOT” button. The connected uTrack 24 will reboot which concludes the
update process. The screen will show the version number of the updated rmware.
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24. LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Technical specications and appearance are subject to change without notice and accuracy
is not guaranteed. Cymatic Audio accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered
by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or
statement contained herein. Colors and specications may vary from the actual product.
Cymatic Audio products are sold through resellers only. Fulllers and resellers are not agents of
Cymatic Audio and have absolutely no authority to bind Cymatic Audio by any express or implied
undertaking or representation.
Apple Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and
other countries. ASIO is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
All other trademarks, product names, and company names mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER LEGAL DISCLAIMER
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Cymatic Technologies B.V.
P.O. Box 208
6590 AE Gennep
The Netherlands
www.cymaticaudio.com
Support:
For Europe:
support-EMEA@
cymaticaudio.com
Rest of the world:
support@cymaticaudio.com
PRODUCT MANUAL
Version 1.0
Firmware Build 2136
December 2014
© copyright 2015 Cymatic Audio B.V.
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