DigiDesign 96i I/O User Manual

Digidesign

96i I/O Guide

Digidesign

2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard

Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA

tel: 650·731·6300

fax: 650·731·6399

Technical Support (USA)

tel: 650·731·6100

fax: 650·731·6384

Product Information (USA)

tel: 650·731·6102

tel: 800·333·2137

International Offices

Visit the Digidesign Web site

for contact information

Web Site

www.digidesign.com

Copyright

This guide is copyrighted ©2003 by Digidesign, a division of
Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights
reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be
duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of
Digidesign.

DIGIDESIGN, AVID and PRO TOOLS are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology,
Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

All features and specifications subject to change without
notice.

PN 910611738-00 REV A 09/03

Communications & Safety Regulation Information

Compliance Statement

The model 96i complies with the following standards
regulating interference and EMC:

• FCC Part 15 Class A

• EN55103 – 1, environment E4

• EN55103 – 2, environment E4

• AS/NZS 3548 Class A

Radio and Television Interference

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.

Communications Statement

This equipment has been tested to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device. Changes or modifications to this product
not authorized by Digidesign, Inc., could void the Certification
and negate your authority to operate the product. This product
was tested for CISPR compliance under conditions that
included the use of peripheral devices and shielded cables and
connectors between system components. Digidesign
recommends the use of shielded cables and connectors
between system components to reduce the possibility of
causing interference to radios, television sets, and other
electronic devices.

Safety Statement

This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and
Canadian safety certification in accordance with the
specifications of UL Standards; UL1419 and Canadian CSA
standard; CSA C22.2 No.1-M90. Digidesign Inc., has been
authorized to apply the appropriate UL & CUL mark on its
compliant equipment.

Important Safety Instructions

When using electric or electronic equipment, basic precautions
should always be followed, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using this equipment.

• To avoid the risk of shock, keep this equipment away from
rain water, and other moisture. Do not use this equipment
if it is wet.

• The equipment should only be connected to the correct
rating power supply as indicated on the product.

• Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to
authorized Digidesign personnel.

• Any attempt to service the equipment will expose you to a
risk of electric shock, and will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.

• The product should be connected only to the correct power
supply as indicated on the product.

Warning!

• HD audio interfaces need room at their sides to maintain
proper air flow and cooling.

• Do not install these units into a rack or other enclosure that
doesn't leave room on either side for the unit fans.

• Do not block the sides of the units (where fans are), or
disconnect the fan.

• If the units are racked up in a case, remove all lids, doors,
or covers before operating the units.

• Failure to do so can result in the units overheating very
quickly, which can permanently damage them.

contents

Chapter 1. Introduction to the 96i I/O

What’s Included

System Requirements

Digidesign Registration

About this Guide

About www.digidesign.com

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Chapter 2. 96i I/O Hardware Overview

The 96i I/O Front Panel

96i I/O Back Panel

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Chapter 3. Installing and Configuring the 96i

Installing the 96i

Powering Up Your System

Checking Installation

Audio Connections

Configuring the 96i I/O in Pro Tools

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Index

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Contents

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96i I/O Guide

iv

chapter 1

Introduction to the 96i I/O

The Digidesign 96i I/O is a 16-input, 2-output
digital audio interface, featuring 24-bit analog­to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) con­verters.

The 96i I/O supports sampling rates up to
96 kHz for superior dynamic range and low
noise floor. The 96i I/O is the ideal audio inter­face to input multiple MIDI sound modules,
samplers, synthesizers, and other sound sources
into Pro Tools|HD.

96i I/O Features

• 16 discrete input channels and two output
channels, with 4-segment LED meters on each
channel. Input and output features include:

• 16 channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz-capable ana­log input, with adjustable input sensitivity

•Two channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz-capable an­alog output, with selectable operating level

•Two channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz-capable
digital S/PDIF RCA input and output

• Loop Sync In and Out

• External Clock In and Out

What’s Included

• 96i I/O

• DigiLink cable (1.5 feet [0.46m])

• BNC cable (1.5 foot [0.46m])

System Requirements

The 96i I/O is for Pro Tools|HD systems only,
and can be used as the only audio interface in a
Pro Tools|HD system (no other audio interface
present), or as an expansion I/O with a 192 I/O,
192 Digital I/O, 96 I/O, or other 96i I/O audio
interface.

The 96i I/O cannot be used in standalone
mode (it must be used with a Pro Tools|HD
system).

The 96i I/O does not provide a Legacy port. For
more information on connecting the 96i I/O,
see Chapter 3, “Installing and Configuring the
96i.”

• Expansion DigiLink port

Chapter 1: Introduction to the 96i I/O

1

Compatibility Information

Conventions Used in This Guide

Digidesign can only assure compatibility and
provide support for hardware and software it
has tested and approved. For a list of Digidesign­qualified computers, operating systems, hard
drives, and third-party devices, refer to the latest
compatibility information on the Digidesign
Web site (www.digidesign.com/compato).

Digidesign Registration

Make sure to complete and return the registra­tion card included with your Digidesign audio
interface. Registered users will receive periodic
software update and upgrade notices. Refer to
the registration card for information on techni­cal support.

About this Guide

Digidesign guides use the following conven­tions to indicate menu choices and key com­mands:

Convention Action

File > Save
Session

Control+N While pressing the Control key,

Control-click While pressing the Control key,

Right-click
(Windows)

The following symbols are used to highlight im­portant information:

Choose Save Session from the
File menu

press the N key

click the mouse button

Click with the right mouse button

User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most from your system.

This guide provides a basic overview of the
96i I/O features and functionality.

Complete instructions for connecting and con­figuring your Pro Tools|HD-series system are lo­cated in the

For additional information about using
Pro Tools software to route your interface inputs
and outputs too Pro Tools inputs and outputs,
see the

Getting Started with HD Guide

Pro Tools Reference Guide

.

.

Important Notices include information that
could affect your data or the performance of
your system.

Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.

Cross References point to related sections in
other Digidesign guides.

96i I/O Guide

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