Page 1
1820
1820
Owner’s ManualOwner’s Manual
Page 2
E-MU 1820m - 1820 - 1212m PCI
Digital Audio System
Owner’s Manual
© 2003 E-MU Systems
All Rights Reserved
Software Version: 2.00
E-MU World Headquarters
E-MU Systems
1500 Green Hills Road
Scotts Valley, CA USA
95066
Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East
Creative Technology Ltd.
31 International Business Park
Creative Resource, Singapore 609921
SINGAPORE
Europe
Creative Labs
Ballycoolin Business Park
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
IRELAND
E-MU Japan
Creative Media K K
Kanda Eight Bldg, 3F
4-6-7 Soto-Kanda
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
JAPAN
2 E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System
Page 3
Table of Contents
1- Introduction ................................................................. 9
Welcome!.............................................................................................................................. 9
All Systems Include: ......................................................................................................... 9
E-MU 1212M System ..................................................................................................... 10
E-MU 1820 System ........................................................................................................ 10
E-MU 1820M System ..................................................................................................... 10
Notes, Tips and Warnings ..........................................................................................10
2 - Installation ................................................................ 11
Setting Up the Digital Audio System ................................................................................ 11
Notes for Installation ................................................................................................. 11
Safety First! ................................................................................................................. 12
Connector Types ............................................................................................................ 12
Installing the E-MU 1010 PCI Card .................................................................................. 13
Install the Sync Daughter Card or 0202 Daughter Card.................................................. 14
E-MU 0202 & AudioDock .......................................................................................... 15
Rubber Feet .................................................................................................................16
Rack Mounting the AudioDock ..................................................................................... 16
Software Installation .......................................................................................................... 17
Installing the E-MU 1010 Drivers .............................................................................17
Windows XP, Windows XP x64, Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64 .................... 17
Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications ..................................................... 17
Note About Windows Logo Testing .......................................................................... 18
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces ................................................. 19
The E-MU 1010 PCI Card.................................................................................................. 19
Connections ................................................................................................................... 19
EDI Connector ............................................................................................................ 19
S/PDIF Digital Audio Input & Output ...................................................................... 19
ADAT Optical Digital Input & Output ......................................................................19
IEEE1394 Firewire ...................................................................................................... 20
The 0202 Daughter Card ................................................................................................... 20
Connections ................................................................................................................... 20
Analog Inputs and Outputs ....................................................................................... 20
MIDI In/Out ............................................................................................................... 20
The AudioDock .................................................................................................................. 21
Front Panel Connections ............................................................................................... 22
Preamp Section ........................................................................................................... 22
MIDI 1 In/Out ............................................................................................................ 22
S/PDIF Optical Out .................................................................................................... 22
Headphone Output & Volume Control .................................................................... 22
Creative Professional 3
Page 4
The AudioDock Front Panel Indicators ........................................................................ 23
The MIDI Input Indicators ......................................................................................... 23
The Clock Source and Sample Rate Indicators ......................................................... 23
The Clock Source LEDs .............................................................................................. 23
The Sample Rate Indicators ....................................................................................... 23
Rear Panel Connections ................................................................................................. 24
Line Level Analog Inputs ...........................................................................................24
Turntable Inputs & Ground Lug ................................................................................24
Line Level Analog Outputs ........................................................................................24
Computer Speaker Analog Outputs .......................................................................... 25
MIDI 2 In/Out ............................................................................................................ 25
EDI Connector (Card) ...............................................................................................25
The Sync Daughter Card .................................................................................................... 26
Connections ................................................................................................................... 26
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer ............................................. 27
PatchMix DSP..................................................................................................................... 27
Overview of the Mixer........................................................................................................ 27
Mixer Window ................................................................................................................ 28
Mixer Block Diagram ..................................................................................................... 28
Pre Fader or Post Fader ..............................................................................................28
E-MU Icon in the Windows Taskbar ................................................................................. 29
The Toolbar ........................................................................................................................ 29
The Session ......................................................................................................................... 30
New Session ....................................................................................................................30
Open Session .................................................................................................................. 31
Save Session .................................................................................................................... 31
Session Settings .............................................................................................................. 31
System Settings ........................................................................................................... 31
Using External Clock .................................................................................................. 32
MIDI Settings .............................................................................................................. 32
I/O Settings ................................................................................................................. 33
Input Mixer Strips............................................................................................................... 35
Input Type ................................................................................................................... 35
Mixer Strip Creation........................................................................................................... 36
Multichannel WAVE Files .............................................................................................. 37
Windows Media Player/DVD/Surround Sound Playback ....................................... 37
Insert Section .................................................................................................................. 38
Working with Inserts ..................................................................................................38
The Insert Menu .........................................................................................................39
Using External Sends & Returns ................................................................................ 40
ASIO Direct Monitor Send/Return ............................................................................ 41
Meter Inserts ............................................................................................................... 42
To Set the Input Levels of a Strip ................................................................................... 42
Making the Best Possible Recording ......................................................................... 43
Trim Pot Insert ............................................................................................................ 44
Test Tone/Signal Generator Insert ............................................................................. 44
Managing Your Inserts ................................................................................................... 45
Aux Section ..................................................................................................................... 46
Sidechain Diagram ..................................................................................................... 46
Pre or Post Fader Aux Sends ......................................................................................47
Level, Pan, Solo & Mute Controls ................................................................................. 48
Main Section....................................................................................................................... 49
TV Screen & Selectors ..................................................................................................... 50
4 E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System
Page 5
Effect ........................................................................................................................... 50
Input ........................................................................................................................... 51
Output ........................................................................................................................ 51
Auxiliary Effects & Returns ............................................................................................ 52
Sidechain Diagram ..................................................................................................... 52
Sync/Sample Rate Indicators ......................................................................................... 52
Output Section ............................................................................................................... 53
Main Inserts ................................................................................................................ 53
Main Output Fader ..................................................................................................... 53
Output Level Meters ...................................................................................................53
Monitor Output Level ................................................................................................ 53
Monitor Balance Control ...........................................................................................53
Monitor Output Mute ................................................................................................ 53
5 - Effects ....................................................................... 55
Overview.............................................................................................................................55
The Effects Palette............................................................................................................... 55
FX Insert Chains ............................................................................................................. 56
The Order of Effects .......................................................................................................57
Creating, Renaming & Deleting Categories or Presets ............................................. 57
Importing and Exporting Core FX Presets and FX Insert Chains ............................. 58
FX Edit Screen.....................................................................................................................59
User Preset Section ......................................................................................................... 60
Core Effects and Effects Presets .....................................................................................61
List of Core Effects.............................................................................................................. 62
DSP Resource Usage ....................................................................................................... 62
Core Effects Descriptions................................................................................................... 63
1-Band Para EQ .............................................................................................................. 63
1-Band Shelf EQ ............................................................................................................. 63
3-Band EQ ......................................................................................................................64
4-Band EQ ......................................................................................................................65
Auto-Wah ........................................................................................................................ 66
Chorus ............................................................................................................................ 67
Compressor .................................................................................................................... 67
Basic Controls ............................................................................................................. 68
Distortion ....................................................................................................................... 69
Flanger ............................................................................................................................ 70
Freq Shifter .....................................................................................................................71
Leveling Amp .................................................................................................................. 72
Lite Reverb ...................................................................................................................... 73
Mono Delays - 100, 250, 500, 750, 1500, 3000 .......................................................... 74
Phase Shifter ................................................................................................................... 75
Rotary .............................................................................................................................. 75
Speaker Simulator .......................................................................................................... 76
Stereo Delays - 100, 250, 500, 750, 1500 .................................................................... 77
Vocal Morpher ................................................................................................................ 79
Gate ................................................................................................................................. 80
Applications ................................................................................................................ 80
Parameters .................................................................................................................. 81
Threshold .................................................................................................................... 81
Release Time ............................................................................................................... 81
Max Gain Reduction ..................................................................................................81
Lookahead .................................................................................................................. 81
Level Meter .................................................................................................................. 82
Creative Professional 5
Page 6
Gain Reduction Meter ................................................................................................82
Reshaper ......................................................................................................................... 83
Applications ................................................................................................................ 83
Multimode EQ ............................................................................................................... 86
Applications ................................................................................................................ 86
Parameters .................................................................................................................. 87
Lowpass ....................................................................................................................... 87
Highpass ..................................................................................................................... 87
Highpass -> Lowpass .................................................................................................. 88
Highpass || Lowpass .................................................................................................. 88
Band Pass .................................................................................................................... 89
Band Cut ..................................................................................................................... 89
RFX Compressor ............................................................................................................. 90
Signal Flow .................................................................................................................90
Parameters .................................................................................................................. 91
Threshold .................................................................................................................... 91
Gain Reduction Meter ................................................................................................91
Ratio ............................................................................................................................ 91
Attack .......................................................................................................................... 91
Release ........................................................................................................................91
Gain ............................................................................................................................. 92
Advanced Parameters ................................................................................................. 92
Soft Knee .....................................................................................................................92
Gate ............................................................................................................................. 94
Comp Lookahead/Delay ............................................................................................ 94
Auto-Release ............................................................................................................... 95
Max Compression ......................................................................................................96
Neg Compression ....................................................................................................... 96
Input Mode .................................................................................................................97
Example Settings ........................................................................................................98
Multimode EQ Settings ............................................................................................ 100
Compressor Settings ................................................................................................100
E-MU PowerFX ................................................................................................................. 101
Automating E-MU PowerFX ........................................................................................ 103
E-MU PowerFX Resource Availability ......................................................................... 103
Rendering Audio with E-MU PowerFX ...........................................................................105
General Tips for Rendering using PowerFX ............................................................ 105
Tips for using Freeze Mode on Cubase LE ..............................................................105
Using E-MU PowerFX with WaveLab and SoundForge .............................................105
E-MU E-Wire VST .............................................................................................................106
E-Delay Compensator ..................................................................................................107
E-Delay Compensator Use ....................................................................................... 108
E-Delay Units Parameter .......................................................................................... 108
Grouping Tracks ....................................................................................................... 109
6 - Using High Sample Rates ......................................... 111
Overview...........................................................................................................................111
E-MU 1820 System at 88.2k/96k (1010 PCI Card & AudioDock) ...........................111
E-MU 1212M System at 88.2k or 96k (1010 PCI Card & I/O Card) ........................ 112
E-MU 1820 System at 176.4kHz or 192kHz (1010 PCI Card & AudioDock) .........113
E-MU 1212 System at 176.4k/192k (1010 PCI Card & I/O Card) ...........................113
WDM Recording and Playback Behavior .................................................................... 115
6 E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System
Page 7
7 - Appendix ................................................................. 117
Sync Daughter Card Supplement....................................................................................117
SMPTE Conversion ......................................................................................................117
SMPTE Features ........................................................................................................ 117
SMPTE Options ............................................................................................................ 117
SMPTE Modes of Operation ........................................................................................118
Host Mode ................................................................................................................ 118
External Mode ..........................................................................................................118
Flywheel Mode ......................................................................................................... 118
Flywheel Modes ........................................................................................................ 118
Stripe Mode ..............................................................................................................119
SMPTE Background..........................................................................................................119
Types of SMPTE ........................................................................................................119
Why use SMPTE? ..........................................................................................................120
Striping SMPTE ............................................................................................................. 120
Avoiding SMPTE problems .......................................................................................... 120
Duplicating SMPTE time code ................................................................................. 121
Other Tips for using SMPTE ....................................................................................121
Example SMPTE Connection ....................................................................................... 121
MIDI Time Code (MTC) .................................................................................................. 122
Word Clock In/Out .......................................................................................................... 122
Getting in Sync ................................................................................................................. 124
Useful Information ..........................................................................................................125
AES/EBU to S/PDIF Cable Adapter .............................................................................125
Cables - balanced or unbalanced? ..............................................................................125
Balanced Cables .......................................................................................................125
Unbalanced Cables ..................................................................................................126
Digital Cables ............................................................................................................... 126
Grounding .................................................................................................................... 126
Phantom Power ............................................................................................................ 126
Appearance Settings in Windows ............................................................................ 126
Technical Specifications...................................................................................................127
Internet References...........................................................................................................135
Forums ...................................................................................................................... 135
Note concerning the Microsoft GS Wavetable Software Synth .................................135
Index ............................................................................ 139
Creative Professional 7
Page 8
8 E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System
Page 9
•
•
•
1- Introduction
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the E-MU 1820M, E-MU 1820 or E-MU 1212M digital audio
system. Your computer is about to be transformed into a powerful audio processing
workstation. We’ve designed this E-MU digital audio system to be logical, intuitive and
above all, to provide you with pristine sound quality. All three systems offer unprecedented value by providing studio-quality, 24-bit/192kHz multi-channel recording and
playback at an astounding price.
E-MU Digital Audio System Components
E-MU 1212M E-MU 1820 E-MU 1820M
1- Introduction
Welcome!
• E-MU 1010 PCI Card
• E-MU 0202 I/O Daughter Card
• 0202 I/O Card Cable
• (2) MIDI Adapter Cables
• D.A.S. Software/Driver
Installation CD-ROM
Prod. Tools Software Bundle
CD-ROM
• Quick Start Guide
Inputs & Outputs
(8) Ch. ADAT Optical In
(8) Ch. ADAT Optical Out
(2) Ch. S/PDIF Digital In
(2) Ch. S/PDIF Digital Out
(1) MIDI Input & Output
(2) 24-bit Bal. Line Inputs
(2) 24-bit Bal. Line Outputs
• E-MU 1010 PCI Card
• AudioDock
• EDI (E-MU Digital Interface Cable)
• PC Power Adapter Cable
• Headphone Splitter Cable
• D.A.S. Software/Driver
Installation CD-ROM
Prod. Tools Software Bundle
CD-ROM
• Quick Start Guide
Inputs & Outputs Inputs & Outputs
(8) Ch. ADAT Optical In
(8) Ch. ADAT Optical Out
(2) Ch. S/PDIF Digital Ins
(4) Ch. S/PDIF Digital Out
(2) MIDI Inputs & Outputs
(6) 24-bit Bal. Line Inputs
(8) 24-bit Bal. Line Outputs
(2) Mic./Line Preamp Inputs
(2) Turntable Preamp Inputs
(1) Stereo Headphone Out
(4) Computer Speaker Outs
• E-MU 1010 PCI Card
• AudioDockM
• E-MU Sync Daughter Card
• Sync Card Cable
• EDI (E-MU Digital Interface Cable)
• PC Power Adapter Cable
• Headphone Splitter Cable
• D.A.S. Software/Driver Installation CD
Prod. Tools Software Bundle CD
• Quick Start Guide
(8) Ch. ADAT Optical In
(8) Ch. ADAT Optical Out
(2) Ch. S/PDIF Digital In
(4) Ch. S/PDIF Digital Out
(2) MIDI Ins & 3 MIDI Outs
(6) 24-bit Bal. Line Inputs
(8) 24-bit Bal. Line Outputs
(2) Mic./Line Preamp Inputs
(2) Turntable Preamp Inputs
(1) Stereo Headphone Out
(4) Computer Speaker Outs
(1) Word Clock In & Out
(1) SMPTE (LTC) In & Out
All Systems Include:
The E-MU 1010 PCI Card is the heart of all three systems. Its powerful hardware DSP
processor allows you to use over 16 simultaneous hardware-based effects, which place
minimal load on your computer’s CPU. The Firewire port provides high-speed connectivity to the Creative NOMAD® portable digital audio player, external CD-RW drives and
other Firewire compatible devices such as DV camcorders, printers, scanners and digital
still cameras. The E-MU 1010 PCI Card also provides eight-channels of ADAT® optical
digital input and output, as well as a S/PDIF stereo digital input and output.
The PatchMix DSP mixer application is included in all the systems. PatchMix DSP
delivers unmatched flexibility in routing your audio between physical inputs and
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 9
Page 10
1- Introduction
Welcome!
outputs, virtual (ASIO/WAVE) inputs and outputs and internal hardware effects and
buses—no external mixer needed. You can add digital effects, EQs, meters, level controls
and ASIO/WAVE sends anywhere you like in the signal chain.
Because the effects and mixing are hardware-based, there is no latency when you record.
You can even record a dry signal while monitoring yourself with effects! Mixer setups
can be saved and instantly recalled for specific purposes such as recording, mixdown,
jamming, special effect setups, playing games, watching DVDs, or general computer use.
E-MU 1212M System
The E-MU 1212M includes the 0202 Daughter Card, which provides 2 line level,
balanced analog inputs, 2 line level, balanced analog outputs, plus MIDI input and
output. This is no-compromise audio interface, using ultra-high performance
24-bit/192kHz A/D - D/A converters to deliver an unbelievable 120dB dynamic range.
E-MU 1820 System
The E-MU 1820 includes the AudioDock, which is a half rack-space, audio interface. The
AudioDock adds the following input and output capabilities to the system: two mic/line
inputs with TFPro™ preamps, 6 balanced line level analog inputs, an RIAA stereo
turntable preamp, 8 balanced line level outputs, an assignable headphone output, two
sets of MIDI I/O ports, an additional S/PDIF optical output, and four stereo mini phone
jacks for easy connection to powered speaker systems. Combined with the digital I/O on
the 1010 PCI card, you have a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs! Of course, professionalquality, 24-bit A/D and D/A converters with automatic DC blocking are used
throughout.
E-MU 1820M System
The E-MU 1820M system includes the AudioDockM, and is a no compromise,
mastering-grade system, which includes all the features of the 1820 system. The 1820M
system is distinguished by the addition of ultra-high performance 24-bit/192kHz
A/D - D/A converters which deliver an unbelievable 120dB dynamic range.
The Sync Daughter Card comes standard with the 1820M system and can be purchased
as an optional upgrade to the 1820 and 1212M systems. The Sync Card adds Word
Clock in and out for sample-synchronizing outboard digital equipment and SMPTE
longitudinal time code in/out for syncing other recording equipment. A separate MIDI
Time Code output port on the Sync Card eliminates timing problems caused by
combining MTC with MIDI performance data.
You’ll want to keep up with the latest software and options for your E-MU digital audio
system. You can find all of this, plus other helpful information, at the E-MU Website:
http://www.emu.com.
Notes, Tips and Warnings
Items of special interest are presented in this document as notes, tips and warnings.
f Notes provide additional information related to the topic being discussed. Often,
notes describe the interaction between the topic and some other aspect of the
system.
E Tips describe applications for the topic under discussion.
Warnings are especially important, since they help you avoid activities that can
cause damage to your files, your computer or yourself.
10 Creative Professional
Page 11
2 - Installation
Setting Up the Digital Audio System
There are six basic steps to installing your E-MU system:
Remove any other sound cards you have in your computer. (Once you are sure that
1.
the E-MU card works properly, your old sound card can be reinstalled if desired.)
Install the E-MU 1010 PCI card in your computer. Go there.
2.
Install the 0202 Daughter Card or Sync Daughter Card (if applicable). Go there.
3.
4.
Connect the AudioDock (if applicable).
5.
Install the PatchMix DSP software onto your computer.
Connect audio, MIDI and synchronization cables between the E-MU system and
6.
your other gear.
Notes for Installation
2 - Installation
Setting Up the Digital Audio System
• IF AT ANY TIME DURING THIS INSTALLATION YOU SEE NO RESPONSE:
Use the Alt-Tab feature to select other applications. One of them may be the
Microsoft Digital Signature warning. It is possible for this warning to appear
behind the installation screen.
• Make sure you have the latest Windows Service Packs from Microsoft
(Windows XP - SP 2 or higher).
• Disable onboard sound and uninstall all other sound cards. (If you wish to try
using multiple sound cards in your system, do so after you have confirmed that
your E-MU Digital Audio System is operating normally.)
• InstallShield “IKernel Application Error” on Windows XP: When installing this
software on Windows XP, you may be confronted with a “kernel error” at the very
end of installation. This is an issue with the InstallShield program, which is what
we use to install software on your computer. Please do not be alarmed by this, as
the error is innocuous.
To read more about this error, and obtain instructions on how to avoid getting
the message, please visit this website:
http://support.installshield.com/kb/view.asp?articleid=q108020
• Multiple Digital Audio System sound cards are not supported.
Please read the following sections as they apply to your system as you install the E-MU
1010, paying special attention to the various warnings they include.
Prior to installing the hardware, take a few moments to write down the 18-digit serial
number, which is located on the back of the box and on the 1010 PCI Card. This
number can help EMU Customer Service troubleshoot any problems you may
encounter—by writing the number down now, you’ll avoid having to open your
computer to find it later on.
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 11
Page 12
2 - Installation
Setting Up the Digital Audio System
Safety First!
• To avoid possible permanent damage to your hardware, make sure that all connections are made with the host computer’s power off. Unplug the computer’s
power cable to make sure that the computer is not in sleep mode .
• Take care to avoid static damage to any components of your system. Internal
computer surfaces, the E-MU 1010 PCI board and the interfaces are susceptible to
electrostatic discharge, commonly known as “static.” Electrostatic discharge can
damage or destroy electronic devices. Here are some procedures you can follow
when handling electronic devices in order to minimize the possibility of causing
electrostatic damage:
• Avoid any unnecessary movement, such as scuffing your feet when handling
electronic devices, since most movement can generate additional charges of static
electricity.
• Minimize the handling of the PCI card. Keep it in its static-free package until needed.
Transport or store the board only in its protective package.
As you install
hardware components,
observe the following
general precautions to
avoid damage to your
equipment and yourself.
• When handling a PCI card, avoid touching its connector pins. Try to handle the
board by its edges only.
• Before installing a PCI card into your computer, you should be grounded. Use a
ground strap to discharge any static electric charge built up on your body. The
ground strap attaches to your wrist and any unpainted metal surface within your
computer. If you don’t have a ground strap, you can ground yourself by touching
the metal case of another piece of grounded equipment.
• Before connecting a cable to your interface or between PCI cards, touch the
connector sleeve of the cable to the sleeve of the jack to which you’ll be connecting
the cable in order to discharge any static build-up.
Connector Types
These connector types are used to connect the E-MU 1010 hardware components. They
will be referred to by the name shown in the first column of the following chart:
Name
Card/External CAT5 Connector 1010 PCI card and AudioDock
S/PDIF In RCA Connector S/PDIF digital audio devices
S/PDIF Out RCA Connector S/PDIF digital audio devices
ADAT Optical In TOSLINK Optical Connector ADAT digital audio devices (or S/PDIF)
ADAT Optical Out TOSLINK Optical Connector ADAT digital audio devices (or S/PDIF)
1394 Firewire Connector Interfaces to Firewire peripherals
Description Connects
Warning: The E-MU 1010 PCI Card has been designed to use readily available and
inexpensive standard computer system cables to make it easy for you to find
replacement cables if your original cables become damaged or lost. However, because
these standard cables types are used for other purposes, you must use caution to avoid
connecting the cables incorrectly. Please verify that all cables are connected only to the
proper components before powering up your system.
12 Creative Professional
Page 13
Installing the E-MU 1010 PCI Card
Note: This installation is very simple but if you are not familiar with the installation
of computer peripherals and add-in boards, please contact your authorized E-MU
Systems dealer or an approved computer service center to arrange for the installation.
To install the 1010 PCI card into your computer
1.
Make sure that the power switch on your computer is off.
IMPORTANT: Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet!
2.
Touch a metal plate on your computer to ground yourself and to discharge any
static electricity.
Follow the computer manufacturer’s recommended procedure for opening the case.
3.
4.
Remove the metal brackets from two adjacent PCI slots. If you have the E-MU 1820
system (non-M) you only need to remove the bracket from a single PCI slot. Put the
screw(s) aside for use later. See figure 1 below.
Figure 1 Figure 2
2 - Installation
Installing the E-MU 1010 PCI Card
Note: Some
E
computer cases don’t use
screws to secure PCI
cards. In this case, follow
the instructions that
came with your
computer.
PCI Slots
(may not be present
ISA Slots
on your computer)
Align the E-MU 1010 PCI card with the slot and press gently but firmly down into
5.
the slot as shown in figure 2.
Do not force the E-MU 1010 card into the slot. Make sure that the gold finger
6.
connector of the card is aligned with the PCI bus connector on the motherboard
before you insert the card into the PCI slot. If it doesn’t fit properly, gently remove it
and try again.
Secure the card into the slot using one of the screws you placed aside earlier.
7.
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 13
Page 14
•
2 - Installation
Install the Sync Daughter Card or 0202 Daughter Card
Install the Sync Daughter Card or 0202 Daughter Card
E-MU 1820M - If you’re planning to use Word Clock. MIDI Time Code or SMPTE
sync, unwrap the Sync Daughter Card and get ready to install it. If you don’t need
these options or don’t have an empty PCI slot, you can skip these next few steps.
• E-MU 0202M - Unwrap the 0202 Daughter Card and get ready to install it.
1.
Connect the ribbon cable provided with the kit between the E-MU 1010 card and
the 0202 Daughter card or Sync Daughter Card as shown in figures 3 & 4. The cables
are keyed so they cannot be incorrectly inserted. Seat the connectors firmly in the
sockets and arrange the cables neatly.
2.
Align the Sync Daughter Card or the 0202 Daughter Card with the slot and press
gently but firmly down into the slot as shown in figure 2 on the preceding page.
3.
Do not force the E-MU Card into the slot. Make sure that the tab at the rear of the
card is aligned with the PCI bus connector on the motherboard before you insert
the card into the PCI slot. If it doesn’t fit properly, gently remove it and try again.
Secure the card into the slot using one of the screws you placed aside earlier.
4.
Figure 3 Figure 4
Sync Daughter
Card
0202 Daughter
Card
14 Creative Professional
Page 15
Install the Sync Daughter Card or 0202 Daughter Card
Card
E-MU 0202 & AudioDock
If you have both the E-MU 0202 I/O card and the AudioDock, you are advised not to
connect both to the same E-MU 1010 PCI card using this version of software. There are
known issues with doing this what will be addressed in a future software update.
AudioDock Owners only
5.
Locate the Disk Drive Power Converter Cable shown below and identify the large
male connector (the one with pins on it). Plug this connector into a spare disk drive
power cable in your computer. If there is no spare disk drive power cable, insert the
Adapter Cable between one of your disk drives and the power supply.
Power Converter Cable
To Power
To Disk Drive
Supply
2 - Installation
The AudioDock
requires 1.1 Amps at 12V
(13 Watts) to operate.
The AudioDockM requires
1.25 Amps at 12V (15
Watts) to operate.
E-MU 1010 PCI
Plug the small connector into the E-MU 1010 PCI card as shown above. The
6.
connector is keyed and can only be inserted one way.
After all components have been installed and securely fastened, close the computer
7.
case.
8.
Connect the supplied network-type cable from the 10 BaseT jack on the E-MU 1010
PCI card labeled “EXTERNAL” to the matching connector labeled “Card” on the
AudioDock. The cable supplied with the AudioDock is specially shielded to prevent
unwanted RF emissions.
9.
Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and turn on your computer.
CAUTION: Do not
connect the supplied
CAT5 cable to the
Ethernet or network
connector on your
computer. Doing so may
result in permanent
damage to either your
computer, the E-MU 1010
or both.
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 15
Page 16
2 - Installation
f
f
Install the Sync Daughter Card or 0202 Daughter Card
Rubber Feet
Four rubber feet were included with the AudioDock. These feet should be used if you’re
not going to rack mount the AudioDock. If you are going to rack mount the AudioDock,
leave the feet off.
To install the rubber feet, simply peel off the protective backing from the adhesive and
press the feet into the round depressions at each corner of the bottom plate.
Rubber
Foot
Rack-shelf
mount
Rack-shelf
mount
Rubber
Foot
Rubber
Foot
Rack-shel
mount
Rack-shel
mount
Rubber
Foot
Rack Mounting the AudioDock
The AudioDock was designed to be rack mounted using standard 19-inch rack shelves.
( These shelves are available from a number of sources on the Internet. Search for “Rack Shelf”.)
Two AudioDocks fit side by side on a single rack shelf. Two screws are provided to secure
the AudioDock to the rack shelf (M3 x 6mm). Do not use screws longer than 6mm or
damage to the circuit board may result.
16 Creative Professional
Page 17
Software Installation
Installing the E-MU 1010 Drivers
The first time you restart your PC after installing the E-MU 1010 PCI card, you will need
to install the PatchMix DSP software and E-MU 1010 PCI card drivers.
Windows XP, Windows XP x64, Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64
The software is not compatible with other versions of Windows.
1.
After you have installed your Digital Audio System, turn on your computer.
Windows automatically detects the Digital Audio System and searches for device
drivers.
2.
When prompted for the audio drivers, click the Cancel button.
3.
Insert the E-MU software Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. If Windows
AutoPlay mode is enabled for your CD-ROM drive, the CD starts running automatically. If not, from your Windows desktop, click Start -> Run and type d:\setup.exe
(replace d:\ with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). You can also open the CD
and double-click Setup.exe .
4.
The installation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to
complete the installation.
5.
Choose “Continue Anyway” when you encounter the “Windows Logo Testing”
warning screen. See the note below for more information.
6.
When prompted, restart your computer.
2 - Installation
Software Installation
E
Serial Number -
During the registration
process, you will be asked
to enter your 18-digit
serial number. The serial
number is located on the
back of the box and on
the 1010 PCI Card.
Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications
At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall some or all of the audio card's applications and device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade
outdated drivers or applications. Before you begin, close all audio card applications.
Applications still running during the uninstallation will not be removed.
1.
Click Start -> Settings ->
Double-click the
2.
Click the
3.
4.
Select the E-MU driver/application entries and then click the
Install/Uninstall
Add/Remove Programs
Change/Remove) button.
5.
In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the
6.
Click the
You may now re-install existing or updated E-MU 1010 PCI card device drivers or
7.
Yes
button. Restart your computer when prompted.
applications.
Control Panel
.
icon.
tab (or Change or Remove Programs button).
Add/Remove
Remove
option.
(or
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 17
Page 18
2 - Installation
Software Installation
Note About Windows Logo Testing
When you install the Digital Audio System drivers, you will see a dialog box informing
you either that the driver has not been certified by Windows Hardware Quality Labs
(WHQL), or that the driver is signed by Creative Labs, Inc, and you will be asked if you
would like to continue with the installation.
The Digital Audio System audio drivers are not certified by WHQL because the product
does not support some of the features that the Microsoft Windows Logo Program
requires, most notably Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) and Digital Rights
Management (DRM).
Despite this, the Digital Audio System audio drivers have been rigorously tested using
the same test procedures that a WHQL qualified driver requires, and it passes in all of
the other important categories, including those that measure the relative stability of the
driver. So, it is perfectly safe to install these drivers on your computer.
18 Creative Professional
Page 19
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The E-MU 1010 PCI Card
The E-MU 1010 PCI card is the heart of the system and contains E-MU’s powerful E-DSP
chip. The powerful hardware DSP on this card leaves more power free on your CPU for
additional software plug-ins and other tasks.
Connections
EDI Connector
Connects to the AudioDock using the supplied EDI
cable. This cable provides a a two-way data link
EXTERNAL
Connects to
Audio Dock
via EDI Cable
S/PDIF
In/Out
between the E-MU 1010 and the AudioDock as well as
supplying power to the AudioDock.
S/PDIF Digital Audio Input & Output
RCA phono jacks are standard connectors used for
S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital InterFace) connections.
Each jack carries two channels of digital audio. The
E-MU 1010 receives digital audio data with word
lengths of up to 24-bits. Data is always transmitted at
24-bits.
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The E-MU 1010 PCI Card
S/PDIF digital I/O can be used for the reception and/
ADAT
or S/PDIF
Optical
In/Out
Firewire
or transmission of digital data from external digital
devices such as a DAT external analog-to-digital
converter or an external signal processor equipped
with digital inputs and outputs.
The S/PDIF out can be configured in either Professional or Consumer mode in the Session Settings
menu. The 1010 PCI card can also send and receive
AES/EBU digital audio through the use of a cable
adapter. See AES/EBU to S/PDIF Cable Adapter for
details.
The S/PDIF input and outputs are usable at the
44.1kHz, 48kHz 88.2kHz and 96kHz sample rates,
but are disabled for 176.4kHz and 192kHz. The word
clock contained in the input data stream can be used
as a word clock source. See System Settings.
ADAT Optical Digital Input & Output
The ADAT optical connectors transmit and receive 8 channels of 24-bit audio using the
ADAT type 1 & 2 formats. The word clock contained in the input data stream can be
used as a word clock source. See System Settings. Optical connections have certain
advantages such as immunity to electrical interference and ground loops. Make sure to
use high quality glass fiber light pipes for connections longer than 1.5 meters.
At the 96kHz or 192kHz sample rates, the industry standard S/MUX interleaving
scheme is used for ADAT input and output. S/MUX uses additional ADAT channels to
achieve the required bandwidth. See the chart below or go here for additional information.
Important: When
using any type of digital
I/O such as S/PDIF or
ADAT, you MUST sample
sync the two devices or
clicks and pops in the
audio will result.
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 19
Page 20
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The 0202 Daughter Card
Sample Rate Number of Audio Channels
44kHz/48kHz 8 channels of 24-bit audio
88.2kHz/96kHz 4 channels of 24-bit audio, using S/MUX standard
176.4kHz/192kHz 2 channels of 24-bit audio, using S/MUX standard
IEEE1394 Firewire
This port allows high speed data transfer between your computer and external storage
devices such as hard disks, CD-ROM drives, etc. Firewire ports are “hot-swappable”
which means that you can plug and unplug Firewire peripherals without turning off
power.
This port does NOT support Firewire audio. It is fully compliant with the OHCI 1.1
specification, supporting asynchronous and isochronous data transfers at 100, 200 or
400 Mbit/s with multiple DMA channels.
The 0202 Daughter Card
The 0202 Daughter card is the companion card for E-MU 1010 systems which don’t
include the AudioDock. The 0202 Daughter card provides one pair of 24-bit balanced
analog inputs and one pair of 24-bit balanced analog outputs, plus MIDI in and out.
Important: The 6-pin
Firewire connector/port
has a 3-watt maximum
power output. Connect
only one high power
usage device such as a
IEEE 1394 hard disk or
CD-RW drive to this port
unless it is self-powered.
Connections
Left / Right
Line Inputs
Left / Right
Line Outputs
MIDI
In/Out
Analog Inputs and Outputs
The 0202 Daughter Card provides two balanced,
analog inputs and two balanced, line level analog
outputs. The inputs can be connected to any line level
stereo signal from keyboards, CD-players, cassette
decks, etc. The analog inputs are assigned to a mixer
strip in the mixer application.
The outputs can feed any line level input such as a
mixing board, the auxiliary input on your stereo or a
set of powered speakers. The line outputs are not
designed to drive headphones directly. Connect the
line outputs to a stereo receiver or mixer with a
headphone jack to obtain the proper current drive.
Either TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) balanced or TS unbalanced
cables can be used. Balanced cables provide better
noise immunity and +6dB higher signal level. The
output line level can be set to accommodate the
consumer -10dBV standard, or the pro audio +4 dBu
standard in the I/O screen of the Session Settings
dialog box. See
I/O Settings.
MIDI In/Out
The MIDI input and output port can be assigned in your specific MIDI application.
Connect the MIDI adapter cable that came with your 0202 Daughter card to the miniDIN connectors on the card. The adapter cables convert the mini-DIN to standard DIN
connectors used on most keyboards and synthesizers. Connect MIDI Out to the MIDI In
port of your synthesizer and MIDI Out of your synth to MIDI In of the 0202 Daughter
Card.
20 Creative Professional
Page 21
The AudioDock
The AudioDock connects to the E-MU 1010 PCI card via the EDI cable.
The AudioDock provides (6) balanced analog inputs, a pair of microphone preamp
inputs, (8) balanced line-level analog outputs, (4) 1/8” outputs for connecting powered
computer speakers, (2) MIDI inputs, (2) MIDI outputs, one optical S/PDIF output, a
headphone amp, and a RIAA equalized turntable preamp section which is “normalled”
into line input 3L and 3R.
The inputs are configured as follows:
(2) mono microphone/line inputs
(3) stereo pairs of line level inputs (6 inputs)
(1) RIAA equalized turntable preamp input allows you to connect a turntable without using
an expensive external preamp.
Note: These inputs are automatically disconnected when plugs are inserted into
inputs 3L & 3R since the A/D converters are shared between the turntable inputs.
(2) MIDI input ports
The outputs are configured as:
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
f The AudioDock is
completely “hot
pluggable”— It’s OK to
plug or unplug the
AudioDock while the
computer is turned on.
It’s a good idea to
mute AudioDock inputs 3
in the PatchMix DSP
mixer when nothing is
plugged in, since the
turntable preamp has a
very high gain (60dB)
and could contribute
extra noise to your mix/
monitor bus.
(4) stereo pairs of line level outputs
(1) stereo pair driving a stereo headphone jack (the provided cable allows 2 stereo outputs)
(1) optical S/PDIF output (stereo).
(4) stereo 1/8” computer speaker outputs. These outputs carry the same signals as the 4
stereo line level outputs and are provided as a convenience for connecting computer
speaker systems.
(2) MIDI output ports
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 21
Page 22
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
Front Panel Connections
Insert 1/4"
Plug for Line Level
-10dB to +25dB Gain
Insert XLR Plug
for Mic Level
+20dB to +55dB Gain
Signal/Clip
Indicators
Input Gain
Controls
Phantom
Power On/Off
MIDI #1
I/O Jacks
S/PDIF
Optical Out
Headphone
Output
LED
Indicators
Headphone
Volume
Preamp Section
The front panel mono Mic/Line inputs A & B can be used as balanced microphone
inputs, hi-Z guitar pickup inputs, or line level inputs. The Neutrik combination jack
accepts microphones using a standard XLR connector or line level/hi-Z inputs using a
1/4 inch TRS/TS connector.
The superb-sounding mic preamps are designed by TF Pro®. Each preamp has a level
control which sets the preamp gain from +20dB to +55dB for the XLR input and from
-10dB to +25dB for the line input. The line markings around the knobs are calibrated in
10dB increments. The heavy hash marks on the gain controls indicate unity analog gain
to the converter inputs (~5dBV input = 0dBFS output).
A phantom power switch enables +48 volt phantom power supplied to both microphones. A red LED illuminates to indicate phantom power is enabled. See Phantom
Power for additional information.
Warning: Some
microphones cannot
tolerate phantom power
and may be damaged.
Check the microphone’s
specifications and
requirements before
using phantom power.
Each microphone input has its own input level and clipping indicators. The green LED
indicates presence of signal and illuminates at -12 dB below clipping. The red LED
indicates that the signal is clipping the input. These LEDs monitor the signal directly at
the analog-to-digital converters and before any processing by the rest of the system.
When setting the levels for signals being sent into the AudioDock, the red level
indicators should never flash.
MIDI 1 In/Out
MIDI input and output ports allow you to interface any type of MIDI equipment such as
keyboards, effect units, drum or guitar controllers. The MIDI drivers were installed when
you installed your PatchMix DSP software and the MIDI ports will appear in your
system control panel under “Sounds and Audio Devices”.
S/PDIF Optical Out
The front panel S/PDIF connector is an optical TOSLINK output which, by default,
carries a digital copy of the main output pair. This output is a convenient way to master
to a portable DAT, MD recorder or other media. This S/PDIF output can also be freely
assigned in the mixer application.
Headphone Output & Volume Control
The headphone output drives standard stereo headphones and the adjacent volume
control sets the listening level. The headphone amplifier can drive headphones with
impedance as low as 24 ohms. The headphone output uses a high-current version of the
high-quality output amplifiers used on the other channels. For this reason it has a very
clean signal that can be used as another stereo output if you need it. This output is freely
assignable in the mixer application.
Warning #2: After
turning phantom power
off, wait two full minutes
before recording to allow
the DC bias to drain.
The audio mutes for a
second when phantom
power is turned on.
f Tip: Since the
headphone output can
be placed into any insert
location, you can use it to
monitor or troubleshoot
the signal flow.
22 Creative Professional
Page 23
The AudioDock Front Panel Indicators
E
48
92
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
LOCK
MPT
LCK
1
The MIDI Input Indicators
These two indicators, labelled 1 & 2, show MIDI activity on the MIDI input jacks.
The Clock Source and Sample Rate Indicators
These LED indicators on the front panel of the AudioDock show the current timing
synchronization and sample rate. These indicators reflect the current settings in the
Session Settings Window. See System Settings.
• If the sample rate is 88.2 kHz, the 44.1k and 96k LEDs both illuminate. If the sample
rate is 176.4 kHz, the 48k and 192k LEDs both illuminate.
The Clock Source LEDs
The Clock Source LEDs indicate the source of the master clock that is currently driving
the E-MU 1010.
LED Clock Source
LCK Lock - Indicates that the internal or external clock is locked and valid.
EXT External - Indicates that an external clock source is selected.
When the system is running from an external or digital clock source, the AudioDock
continually checks that the incoming clock source is valid. If the clock source changes or
becomes invalid in any way, the LCK LED will flicker or will not be lit. If sync has been
lost, the audio outputs will also be muted. The AudioDock will switch to internal clock
at 48kHz if sync is lost and switch back to external clock if sync is re-established.
Typical causes of loss of digital or external sync include:
• Removing the S/PDIF or external clock cables
• Loss of power to the device providing the clock source
• Sudden changes in the S/PDIF sample rate
(as would happen if a DAT tape had data recorded at multiple rates)
The Sample Rate Indicators
The Sample Rate LEDs indicate the current sample rate at which the system is running.
The LEDs will light solidly to indicate the different sample rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz,
96kHz or 192kHz.
When slaving to an external master source, the clock may drift slightly or change
dramatically (i.e. abrupt sample rate change or unplugging of physical master source).
the E-MU 1010 is tolerant to minor drifting within the supported rates of 44.1k, 48k,
88k, 96k, 176k and 192k, but if the sample rate drifts out of range (1%) the “Lock” LED
will be extinguished. If set to external clock and the external clock is removed or out of
tolerance, the E-MU 1010 will switch to internal clock at 48kHz (the default sample rate)
until an external clock source is connected.
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 23
Page 24
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
Rear Panel Connections
6 Balanced Line Level Inputs
(configured as 3 stereo pairs)
6 Balanced Line Level Outputs
(configured as 3 stereo pairs)
Turntable Inputs
(tied to line input 3)
Monitor
Outputs
Turntable
Ground
Alternate Outputs
(same as outputs 1-4)
MIDI Port 2
In/Out
E-MU 1010 Card
Connect to
Line Level Analog Inputs
Six balanced 24-bit, line-level, analog inputs are provided (1-3). These can be used to
input any line level signal from keyboards, CD-players, cassette decks, etc. The analog
inputs are assigned to mixer strips in the mixer application. Input line level can be set to
accommodate the consumer -10dBV standard, or the pro audio +4 dBu standard in the
I/O screen of the Session Settings dialog box. See
The maximum input level in pro mode is 18dBV (=20.2dBu). Maximum output level in
consumer mode is 6dBV.
Either TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cables can be used. See page 125 for additional
information about unbalanced cables and connectors. The line-level inputs are all
servo-balanced, enabling them to convert unbalanced signals to balanced signals
internally to reduce noise.
I/O Settings.
Turntable Inputs & Ground Lug
The RCA turntable inputs feed an RIAA equalized preamp designed to accept moving
magnet type phono cartridges. The turntable inputs share line level inputs 3L and 3R.
Inserting a plug into Line Input 3 disconnects the turntable preamp from that channel.
Connect the ground lead from your turntable to the ground lug to prevent hum.
Line Level Analog Outputs
Eight balanced 24-bit, line-level, analog outputs are provided (1-4). Output pair 4 is
designated as the Monitor Output and is fed by the monitor bus of the PatchMix DSP
mixer application. We suggest that you plug your speakers in here. All the analog
outputs can be freely assigned in the mixer application. Special anti-pop circuitry mutes
the analog outputs when power is turned on or off.
Like the analog line inputs, either TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cables can be used.
Balanced cables provide better noise immunity and +6dB higher signal level. The output
line level can be set to accommodate the consumer -10dBV standard, or the pro audio
+4 dBu standard in the I/O screen of the Session Settings dialog box. See I/O Settings.
The maximum input and output line levels are matched when the input and output
settings are set to the same mode (pro or consumer) in the I/O preferences screen.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do NOT use balanced audio cables (TRS) when connecting balanced outputs to
unbalanced inputs. Doing so can increase noise levels and introduce hum.
Warning: Do NOT
leave your turntable
connected when using
outputs 3L and 3R. This
can cause a ground loop.
• It’s also a good idea to
mute Dock inputs 3 in the
PatchMix DSP mixer
when nothing is plugged
in, since the turntable
preamp has a very high
gain (60dB) and could
contribute extra noise to
your mix/monitor bus.
24 Creative Professional
Page 25
Computer Speaker Analog Outputs
These stereo mini-phone (3.5mm) jacks duplicate line level outputs 1-4 with a lower
output level to accommodate consumer speakers. These line level outputs are designed
to interface easily with powered speakers.
Computer Speaker Output Duplicates Line Level Output
1 L/R Tip = 1L Ring = 1R
2 L/R Tip = 2L Ring = 2R
3 L/R Tip = 3L Ring = 3R
4 L/R Tip = 4L Ring = 4R
MIDI 2 In/Out
A second, independent set of MIDI input and output ports which can be assigned in
your specific MIDI application.
EDI Connector (Card)
Connects to the AudioDock to the E-MU 1010 PCI card using a CAT5 computer cable.
The cable supplied with the AudioDock is specially shielded to prevent unwanted RF
emissions.
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
Warning: The AudioDock has been designed to use readily available and
inexpensive standard computer system cables. This makes it easy for you to find
replacement cables if your original cable becomes damaged or lost. However, because
these standard cables types are used for other purposes, you must use caution to avoid
connecting the cables incorrectly. DO NOT connect the supplied EDI cable to the
Ethernet or network connector on your computer. Doing so may result in permanent
damage to either your computer, the E-MU 1010 card, or the AudioDock.
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 25
Page 26
3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The Sync Daughter Card
The Sync Daughter Card
The Sync Daughter card (included in the E-MU 1820M system and available as an
option for other systems) provides word clock in and out, SMPTE (LTC) in and out and
an additional MIDI output for transmitting MIDI Time Code (MTC). MIDI Time Code
is a special rendering of SMPTE that can be transmitted over MIDI cables. For additional
information about SMPTE, please refer to SMPTE Background
Synchronization is a basic technique needed for connecting multiple pieces of
equipment. Word Clock, S/PDIF or ADAT optical are all industry standard methods of
synchronizing digital equipment together at the system sample rate (44.1kHz, 48kHz,
96kHz, or 192kHz). The master clock source is set in the Mixer Session Settings menu.
stem Settings for more information.
See Sy
Recording equipment can also be synchronized so that two audio recorders or an audio
and video recorder can lock together as a single machine. SMPTE and MTC sync are used
because they convey absolute time information. Word clock, S/PDIF or ADAT optical
sync only synchronize the sample rate and unlike SMPTE and MTC, do not convey song
position information. In a synchronized system, there is usually one MASTER machine,
and one or more SLAVES. When the master starts, the others will follow (chase).
The Sync Daughter card is also a format converter. It converts incoming SMPTE time
code to MIDI Time Code (MTC) and passes this information to the host computer to be
used by a sequencer or audio recorder application. When your computer application is
the “Master”, the Sync Daughter card converts MTC into SMPTE and sends it out to
another SMPTE device.
.
Word Clock
SMPTE
MTC Out
In
Out
In
Out
Connections
The Sync Daughter Card contains Word Clock
inputs and outputs for clock signals used in a
studio where a common sample rate reference is
required to keep multiple pieces of digital
equipment running together. This is referred to
as “house clock” or “house sync,” and is set to
the actual sample rate of the system. Use a cable
with BNC connectors to connect incoming clock
signals to the Word Clock In jack on the Sync
Daughter card. Connect the Word Clock Out to
your other digital equipment to use the Sync
Daughter Card as the Master Word Clock source.
See Word Clock In/Out.
The Sync Daughter Card provides SMPTE (LTC)
sync in and out, on two 1/4” phone jacks. LTC
can be recorded onto an unused audio track on
an analog or digital recorder and then fed back
into the SMPTE input to synchronize your
computer sequencer/recorder. See SMPTE
Background for more information.
MIDI Time Code is also output whenever MTC
is being generated by the host application
(sequencer or audio recorder). A special cable
converts the mini DIN to a standard MIDI jack.
See the Sync Daughter Card Supplement for
more information about using the Sync
Daughter Card.
26 Creative Professional
Page 27
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
PatchMix DSP
The PatchMix DSP Mixer is a virtual console which performs all of the functions of a
typical hardware mixer and a multi-point patch bay. With PatchMix, you may not even
need a hardware mixer. PatchMix DSP performs many audio operations such as ASIO/
WAVE routing, volume control, stereo panning, equalization, effect processing, effect
send/return routing, main mix and monitor control and allows you to store and recall
these “Sessions” at will.
To Invoke the PatchMix DSP Mixer
1.
Left-click once on the E-MU icon on the Windows System Tray. The PatchMix
DSP mixer window appears.
Overview of the Mixer
Add New
Strip
Physical Input Strips
ASIO Input Strip
Toolbar
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
PatchMix DSP
f Click on the buttons
and knobs in the mixer
screen below to jump to
the description of the
control.
Display
Select
Buttons
Delete
Strip
Channel
Insert
Section
Pan
Controls
Aux
Sends
Volume
Fader
Solo/Mute
Buttons
“TV”
Screen
Aux
Effects
Section
Sync/
Sample
Rate
Indicators
Monitor
User
Definable
Scribble Strip
Controls Windows Source Audio
(Direct Sound, Windows Media, etc.)
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 27
WAVE Strip
Main
Inserts
Current
Session
Name
Main Mix
Output Volume
& Meters
Volume/Balance
/Mute Controls
Page 28
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
r
Overview of the Mixer
Mixer Window
The Mixer consists of four main sections.
Application Toolbar Lets you manage sessions and show/hide the various views.
Main Section Controls all the main levels, aux buses, and their inserts. This section
also has a “TV” which shows parameters for the currently selected
effect and the input/output patchbay. It also shows the session’s
current sample rate and whether it’s set to internal or external clock.
Mixer Strips This section is located to the left of the Main Section and shows all
the currently instantiated mixer strips. Mixer strips can represent
Physical analog/digital inputs, or Host inputs such as ASIO or
Direct Sound. Mixer strips can be added or deleted as necessary.
This section can be resized by dragging the left edge of the frame.
Effects Palette This popup window is invoked by pressing the FX button in the
toolbar. Iconic representations of all effects presets are shown here,
organized by category. From this window, you can drag and drop
effect presets into the insert slots available on the mixer strips and
main section aux buses and main inserts.
A simplified diagram of the mixer is shown below.
Input
Post-Fader Strip
Insert
Chain
Input
Pre-Fader Strip
Insert
Chain
Panning
Fader
MUTE
Aux 1
Aux
Bus 1
Aux 1
Send
Amount
Aux
Effects
Insert
Chain
Aux 2
Aux
Bus 2
Aux 2
Send
Amount
Insert
Chain
Fader
MUTE
Main Bus
Return
Amount
Return
Amount
Mixer Block Diagram
Study this diagram to understand how
the PatchMix DSP Mixer works.
Meter
MUTE
Main Bus
Effects
Insert
Chain
Main
Level
Monitor
Level
Monito
Out
Main
Out
Pre Fader or Post Fader
When creating a new Mixer Strip, you have the option for the Aux Sends to be Post
Fader (both Aux Sends come after the channel fader) or Pre Fader (both Aux Sends
come before the channel fader). The Pre-fader option allows you to use either Aux Send
as another mix bus, which is unaffected by the channel fader. More Information.
28 Creative Professional
Page 29
E-MU Icon in the Windows Taskbar
Right-clicking on the E-MU icon in the Windows taskbar calls the following window.
Right-Click Here
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
E-MU Icon in the Windows Taskbar
The Toolbar
New
Session
Save
Session
Opens the PatchMix DSP Mixer.
Calls the PatchMix DSP help system.
Disables the splash screen that appears at
boot-up.
When unchecked, FX are not loaded until
needed, resulting in faster computer boot.
Restores the default PatchMix DSP and
driver settings.
Closes the PatchMix DSP background
program, disabling use of all audio I/O
from the E-MU hardware. Open the PatchMix DSP application to start audio again.
“About”
PatchMix DSP
Session
Settings
f Restore Defaults:
Always try this option
first if PatchMix is
crashing or if you are
having any other
strange audio problems.
f Click the buttons in
the toolbar to learn about
their function.
Open
Session
New Session
Open Session Calls up the standard “Open” dialog box, allowing you to open a
Save Session Calls up the standard “Save” or “Save As…” dialog boxes, allowing
Show/Hide Effects Toggle button that shows or hides the FX palette.
Session Settings Calls up the Sessions Settings window. Session Settings.
Global Preferences Calls up the Global Preferences window.
Sync Settings Calls up the SMPTE window. (if Sync Card is installed)
About PatchMix DSP Right-Click on the E-MU logo to view the “About PatchMix DSP”
E-MU Digital Audio System 29
Calls up the “New Session” dialog box. New Session.
saved Session.
you to save the current Session.
screen, which provides the software and firmware version
numbers and other information.
Sync
Settings
Show/Hide
Effects
Global
Prefs
Page 30
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
The Session
The current state of the PatchMix DSP mixer (fader settings, effects routings…everything!) can be saved as a Session. Whenever you create or modify a mixer setup, all you
have to do is Save it to be able to recall it at a later time.
Before you begin using PatchMix DSP, you need to set it up to be compatible with the
other software applications you may be running. The most important consideration is
your system sample rate. PatchMix DSP and any applications or other digital gear you
are using must be set to the same sample rate. PatchMix DSP can run at 44.1k, 48k,
88.2k, 96k, 176.4k or 192k, but its complete set of features are only available at
44.1kHz or 48kHz. See Chapter 6 - Using High Sample Rates for complete details.
Once the sample rate is set, you can only easily switch between 44.1k and 48k. You cannot
switch between 44/48k and the higher rates of 88k/96k/176k/192k. This is because the
number of mixer inputs and outputs changes significantly at these high sample rates. In
the case of such drastic sample rate changes, you must start a new session.
You can also set up an external sync source, thereby obtaining the sample rate from
some other device or application. External sync can be obtained from the ADAT input,
S/PDIF input or the Sync Daughter Card word clock. If the session is set at 44.1kHz or
48kHz and the external source is coming in at 96kHz (for example), the Sync Indicator
will be extinguished (off), but PatchMix will attempt to receive the external data. The
two units are NOT sample locked however, and you should correct this condition to
avoid intermittent clicks in the audio. Always check for the presence of the LOCKED
indicator whenever you are using a digital interface.
PatchMix DSP comes with several session templates to choose from so when you create
a new session you can either create a “blank” session based around a designated sample
rate, or select from a list of template starting points.
In a PatchMix DSP session the number of strips in the mixer is dynamically configurable. This allows you to create only those strips you need up to a maximum number
determined by available DSP resources and available inputs.
Important: When
using any form of digital
input, you MUST
synchronize the Digital
Audio System to the
external digital device
(S/PDIF/ADAT) or
synchronize all devices
using Word Clock.
New Session
You create a new session by clicking the “New Session” button in the PatchMix DSP
main Toolbar. The following dialog box appears.
Select a Template or new
Session at the desired
sample rate
Session Description
Add your own comment
or note about the Session
Check this if you want to
edit the New Session.
30 Creative Professional
Page 31
You can now select one of the factory template sessions. The factory templates are preprogrammed with specific setups such as audio recording or mixing. The selector tabs
categorize Template Sessions into three groups based on sample rate, 44.1kHz/48kHz,
88.2kHz/96kHz, and 176.4kHz/192kHz.
You can create your own templates by simply copying or saving sessions into the
“Session Templates” folder (Program Files\Creative Professional\E-MU PatchMix
DSP\Session Templates). The system model number in parenthesis (1820) or (1212)
must precede the template name in order to be recognized as a template.
The “Session Path” allows you to choose the destination for your Session. The default
location is in the “My Sessions” folder within the “My Documents” folder.
There is also a Comment area that you can use to give yourself some clue as to what you
were thinking when you created the session.
Open Session
To Open a saved session, click on the Open Session button. A dialog box appears
allowing you to choose one of your saved Sessions to open. Choose one of your saved
sessions and click on the Open button.
Save Session
To Save a session, click on the Save Session button. A Save dialog box appears allowing
you to choose a location in which to save the current Session. The “My Sessions” folder
is chosen by default.
Get in the habit of saving the session whenever you have created a special mixer setup.
This will make you life much easier as you can recall a setup for many different audio
modes such as: recording, mixing, special ASIO routings, etc.
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
f Saving a session
“defragments” the effect/
DSP resources. If you
have used all your effects
and need another, try
saving the session.
Session Settings
System Settings
Pressing the Session Settings button on the toolbar brings up the System Settings
window shown below. Click the tabs to select System, MIDI, or I/O options.
E-MU Digital Audio System 31
Page 32
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
The System Settings include the following:
• Internal/External Clock Selects between internal or external word clock source
as the master clock source for the system
• Sample Rate Selects the sample rate when using internal clock.
Your choices are: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96kHz,
176.4kHz, 192kHz.
• External Clock Source
(ext. clock only)
Select from: ADAT, S/PDIF, or Word Clock (Sync card
only) as an external sample clock source.
Using External Clock
Whenever you are using any digital I/O such as ADAT or S/PDIF, one of the digital
devices MUST supply the master clock to the others. This master clock runs at the system
sample rate (44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, 96k, 176.4k or 192 k) and can be distributed using a
dedicated cable (word clock) or embedded into a data stream such as S/PDIF or
ADAT. Common symptoms of unsynced digital audio include, random clicks or pops in
the audio or failure of the digital stream to be recognized. Always check for the
presence of the “LOCKED” indicator whenever you are using a digital interface.
If an External Clock is interrupted or switched after the Session has been created (except
between 44.1k <-> 48k), the “LOCKED” indicator will be extinguished and PatchMix
will attempt to receive the external data. The two units are NOT sample locked however,
and you should correct this condition to avoid intermittent clicks in the audio.
MIDI Settings
E Note: if set to
“External” without an
external clock present,
PatchMix DSP defaults to
the internal 48kHz clock
rate.
E Note: The maximum
supported sample rate for
S/PDIF is 96kHz.
This option allows you to use either the MIDI In jack on the rear of the AudioDock or
the Sync Card MIDI jack as a MTC Output. (The MTC Out only transmits MTC.)
• Dock MIDI 2 In Selects the rear MIDI Input on the AudioDock as MIDI 2.
• Sync Card Enabled Selects the Sync Card functions. This selection disables
MIDI 2 In on the rear panel of the AudioDock. MIDI 2
Out on the rear panel of the AudioDock duplicates MIDI
1 Out in this mode.
32 Creative Professional
E The SMPTE Input will
not function and the
Sync Card control panel
will not be updated
when Dock MIDI 2 In is
selected.
Word Clock and SMPTE
Out
will
operate with
Dock MIDI 2 selected.
Page 33
I/O Settings
You can set the level (-10dBV or +4 dBu) for each pair of analog outputs and the input
gain setting for each pair of analog inputs.
An output setting of +4 provides the most output and is compatible with professional
audio gear. Balanced output cables provide a +6dB hotter signal than unbalanced cables
when used with balanced inputs. Do NOT use balanced cables unless your other gear
has balanced inputs. See “Cables - balanced or unbalanced?” in the Appendix for more
information.
Comparison of -10dBV & +4dBu Signal Levels
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
Consumer
Clipping -->
Headroom
+ 6 dBV
+ 2 dBV
{
-10 dBV
0 dBV = 1V RMS 0dBu = .777V RMS
An input setting of -10 is compatible with consumer audio gear and works best with low
level signals. (-10dBV is approximately 12dB lower than +4dBu.) Choose the setting that
allows you to send or receive a full scale signal without clipping.
Setting correct input and output levels is important! You can measure the level of an
input by inserting a meter into the first effect location in the strip. Adjust your external
equipment outputs for the optimum signal level. See “To Set the Input Levels of a Strip”
for details.
Professional
(balanced)(unbalanced)
+20 dBu
=
+8 dBu
=
+4 dBu
=
-8 dBu
<-- Clipping
Headroom
}
f Input too weak?
Use -10 Input setting.
Output too weak?
Use +4 Output setting
Input Level
Settings
E-MU 1010
Optical Input
Select
E-MU Digital Audio System 33
Output Level
Settings
E-MU 1010
Optical
Output Select
S/PDIF
Output
Format Select
Page 34
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
• Inputs +4 or -10 Selects between Consumer level (-10dBV) or
Professional level (+4dBu) inputs.
(Use the -10dBV setting if your input is too weak.)
• Outputs +4 or -10 Selects between Consumer level (-10dBV) or
Professional level (+4dBu) outputs.
(The +4 dBu setting outputs a hotter level.)
• PCI Card Optical Input Selects between ADAT or optical S/PDIF for the 1010
PCI card ADAT Input. The coaxial S/PDIF input is
disabled when S/PDIF optical is selected.
• PCI Card Optical Output Selects between ADAT or optical S/PDIF for the 1010
PCI card ADAT Output. The coaxial S/PDIF Output is
disabled when S/PDIF optical is selected.
• S/PDIF Optical Format Selects between S/PDIF or AES/EBU format for S/PDIF.
This sets the S/PDIF-AES status bit, but does not affect
the signal level.
34 Creative Professional
Page 35
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
f Physical input strips
are shown with BLUE text.
f Host input strips are
shown with WHITE text.
f The Input Type will
turn RED if the input is not
available. (The AudioDock
may be disconnected.)
Input Mixer Strips
PatchMix DSP Input Mixer Strips are stereo except for the AudioDock Mic/Line inputs
and the 0202 card inputs. Each input mixer strip can be divided into four basic sections.
• Insert Section Effects, EQ, External/Host Sends & Returns can be inserted into the signal path.
• Pan Controls These controls position the signal in the stereo sound field.
• Aux Sends Used to send the signal to sidechain effects or to create separate mixes.
• Volume Control Controls the output level of the channel.
Input Mixer Strips
Mono/Stereo
Input Type
Insert Section
Pan Controls
Aux Sends
Channel
Volume Control
Input Type
The very top of the strip is labeled
mono or stereo and displays the type
of the assigned input. Input mixer
strips can be added as desired and can
be configured to input the following:
• Physical input
(Analog/SPDIF/ADAT).
• Host Input
(Direct Sound, WAV, ASIO source)
Inserts
You can drag and drop effects from the
Effects Palette or Right-click to insert a
Physical or ASIO Send or Send/Return
A Peak Meter, Trim Control or Test
Signal can also be inserted by Rightclicking.
Pan Controls
These controls allow to you position
the channel in the stereo sound field.
Dual controls on stereo strips allow
you to position each side independently.
Aux Sends
These controls send the signal to
sidechain effect processors such as
reverb and delay. They can also be used
to create separate mixes for the artist or
for recording.
This screen shows a mono strip on the left and a
stereo strip on the right.
E-MU Digital Audio System 35
Mute/Solo
Buttons
Scribble Strip
Volume Control
Controls the output level of the strip
into the main/monitor mix bus.
Mute/Solo Buttons
These convenient buttons allow you to
solo or mute selected channels.
Scribble Strips
Click inside the scribble strip and type
a name of up to eight characters.
Page 36
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Mixer Strip Creation
PatchMix DSP is a dynamically configurable mixer. Each mixer session can contain an
arbitrary number of strips up to a limit set by the number of available input sources and
available DSP resources.
You must create a strip for each mono or stereo audio input, and for each ASIO stream
you wish to use in your software application. This is important because outputs will not
appear in your software application until you have created ASIO strips in PatchMix.
• Host refers to a computer application such as Cubase.
• Physical refers to hardware input or output such as a output jack.
To Add a New Strip:
1. Click on the “New Mixer Strip” button. See Overview of the Mixer
2. The New Mixer Strip Input Dialog appears:
Physical
Sources
f Adding or deleting a
strip “defragments” the
effect/DSP resources. If
you have used all your
effects and need another,
try deleting an unused
strip.
ASIO
Sources
3.
Select the desired input to the mixer strip from the following choices:
• Physical Source: Analog or digital input (Analog, ADAT, S/PDIF)
• Host - ASIO Source input Streaming audio from an ASIO software application.
• Host - WAVE input Window sound sources — WAVE, WDM, CD
Mixer Strip Type Function
Physical: I/O Card In 24-bit mono or stereo analog input from the 0202 Daughter Card.
Physical: Dock Mic/Line 24-bit mono or stereo analog input from the AudioDock.
Physical: Dock In 24-bit mono or stereo analog input from the AudioDock.
Physical: PCI Card S/PDIF 2 channel digital audio from the S/PDIF input on the E-MU 1010 card.
Physical: PCI Card ADAT 2 channel digital audio from the ADAT input on the E-MU 1010 card
HOST SOURCE Function
Host ASIO Output Source
From software application
Mono or stereo digital audio from an ASIO source (recording or
software app). ASIO: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 … 31/32
f CDs & MP3s: The
WAVE 1/2 strip is used
to playback CDs,
Windows Media Player,
and Direct Sound.
36 Creative Professional
Page 37
Mixer Strip Type Function
Host Windows Source
From Windows
Direct Sound, WDM, Windows Media
(Sound generated or handled by Windows.)
WAVE 1/2 - Default stereo source such as game sound, CD player,
beep sounds, etc.
WAVE 3/4, WAVE 5/6, WAVE 7/8 - Additional WDM channels
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
4. Select Pre-Fader Aux Sends or leave the box unchecked for Post-Fader Aux Sends.
5. Click OK to create a new strip or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To Delete a Mixer Strip:
1. Click the top of the mixer strip you wish to delete. A red border appears around the
strip, indicating that it is selected.
2. Click on the Delete Mixer Strip button, or right-click and choose Delete, or use the
Delete key on the PC keyboard. See Overview of the Mixer
Multichannel WAVE Files
2 channels of WAVE recording and 8 channels of multichannel WAVE playback are
supported. The WAVE channels are available for the following types of WDM devices:
• Classic MME
• DirectSound
• Direct WDM / Kernel Streaming (KS)
DirectSound and the WDM/KS interfaces allow up to Eight channels of Wave Out
while the classic MME interface only exposes 2 channels.
The WAVE channels operate at all sample rates. For additional information about WDM
behavior at high sample rates, see “WDM Recording and Playback Behavior”.
f See “Pre or Post Fader
Aux Sends” on page 47.
192kHz/96kHz DVD-Audio disks are protected against digital copying. However, most
DVD-Audio disks contain duplicate 48kHz audio tracks which will play back on the
Digital Audio System.
Windows Media Player/DVD/Surround Sound Playback
Select DirectSound as the output format when using Windows Media Player and other
DVD player applications.
Eight channel WAVE playback supports 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround audio.
The chart below shows how to connect the outputs for surround sound playback. Use
outputs 1-3 for 5.1 surround; use outputs 1-4 for 7.1 surround.
Multichannel WAVE to Surround Sound Speaker Channels
(using the 5.1 DVD Playback Session)
WAVE Strip Surround Channels 1/4” Outputs 1/8” Outputs
E-DSP WAVE 1/2 Front Left / Front Right 1L = FL 1R = FR 1 (Tip = FL Ring = FR)
E-DSP WAVE 3/4 Center / Subwoofer 3L = C 3R = Sub 3 (Tip = C Ring = Sub)
E-DSP WAVE 5/6 Rear Left / Rear Right 2L = RL 2R = RR 2 (Tip = RL Ring = RR)
E-DSP WAVE 7/8 Side Left / Side Right 4L =SL 4R = SR 4 (Tip = SL Ring = SR)
E-MU Digital Audio System 37
Page 38
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Insert Section
The Insert Section is next in line. PatchMix DSP effects can be selected from the Effects
Palette and dropped into the insert locations. See “The Effects Palette”. Any number of
effects can be inserted in series.
The Inserts also have the unique ability to patch into ASIO/WAVE and external
equipment. ASIO/WAVE Sends, External Sends and External Send/Returns can be
dropped into the insert section to route the signal anywhere you want.
The Insert/Patch Bay is incredibly flexible. Want to send the input of the strip to your
audio recorder? Simply insert an ASIO send into the insert section and select the ASIO
pair you want. That’s it! That input is now available in your ASIO software.
Suppose you wanted to record a submix of several instruments. Simply place a HOST
ASIO SEND into the Aux Insert section and turn up the Aux Sends on the input
channels you want in the mix (as shown in the Mixer Overview on page 27). Note that
Mic/Line A and B are routed to Aux Send 1, which has a HOST ASIO SEND insert to the
recording application.
The following types of inserts can be selected.
Hardware Effect Reverb, EQ, Compressor, Flanger, etc. using PatchMix DSP’s effects
which do not load your CPU.
Host ASIO Send Splits off the signal and sends it to an ASIO host input such as a
software audio recorder or anything that uses ASIO.
ASIO Direct
Monitor
Ext. Send/Return Sends signal to a selected external output, then returns it to the chain
External Send Sends the signal to an external output. See “To Add a Send Insert:”
Peak Meter Peak meters allow you to monitor the signal level anywhere in the
Trim Pot You can insert a gain control with up to 30 dB of gain or attenuation.
Test Tone This special insert outputs a calibrated sine wave or noise source,
Sends the signal to a selected ASIO host input, then returns a selected
ASIO host output to the chain. Use for recording with “Dir
Monitoring”
via a physical input.
chain. See “
A peak level meter and phase inverter are also included.
See “
which can be used to track down audio problems.
See “
Meter Inserts”.
Trim Pot Insert”.
Test Tone/Signal Generator Insert”.
ect
.
f You have to create an
ASIO strip or ASIO Send in
order to activate these
ASIO channels in your
software.
Working with Inserts
The Inserts are one of most powerful features of the PatchMix DSP system as they allow
you to configure the mixer for a wide variety of applications.
To Add an Effect to an Insert Location:
1. Press the FX button. The effects palette appears.
2. The effects are organized into categories. Click on a folder to open it.
3. Select the effect you want, drag it over the insert section, then drop it into an insert
location.
4. To rearrange the order of effects, simply drag and drop them into the desired order.
38 Creative Professional
Page 39
The Insert Menu
r
Right-Clicking over the insert section brings up a pop-up selection box containing
various insert options to help you control and manage your inserts.
From Left Input
To
Recording
Application
To connect an input to your recording
software: Add a Host ASIO Insert.
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
To Add a Send Insert:
This type of insert send splits the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the selected
destination. (An “ASIO Send” becomes an input on your recording application, a
“Physical Out” goes to a pair of output jacks. the signal also continues down the strip to
the Aux Sends and main mixer outputs.)
1. Right-Click over the Insert section. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2. Select “Insert Send” (to ASIO/WAVE or physical output) from the list of options. The
following dialog box appears.
Input
Insert
Send
Panning
Fader
Aux 1 Bus
Aux 2 Bus
Main Output Bus
3. Choose one of the Send Outputs. Click on a destination to select it.
4. Click OK to select the output or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To ASIO, WAV o
Physical Output
To Add a Send/Return Insert:
This type of insert send breaks the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the
selected destination such as an external effect processor. A return source signal is also
selected which returns the signal to the channel strip after processing.
1. Right-Click over the Insert section. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2. Select “Insert Send/Return (Physical Output and Input)” from the list of options.
The following dialog box appears.
E-MU Digital Audio System 39
Page 40
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
t
Mixer Strip Creation
Input
Insert
Send/Return
Panning
Fader
Aux 1 Bus
Aux 2 Bus
Main Output Bus
To Physical Output
From Physical Inpu
3. Choose one of the Send Outputs. Click on a destination to select it.
4. Choose one of the Return Inputs. Click on a source to select it.
5. Click OK to select the Send and Return, or Cancel to cancel the operation.
Using External Sends & Returns
An External Send/Return breaks the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the
selected external destination such as a compressor, a stereo effect processor or any other
audio device. Any physical input or output can be used.
If the source or
destination you want to
use is not available in the
list, they are probably
already being used
elsewhere. Check the
input Strips, Inserts and
Output Assignments.
Outboard Signal Processor
S/PDIF
Input
S/PDIF
Output
The Send/Return Inserts allow you to connect your favorite external analog or digital gear.
To Insert an External Signal Processing Device:
1. Right-click on the insert chain and select the Insert Send/Return (Physical Output
and Input). The popup dialog box shown above appears.
2. Select the output and input you wish to use.
3. Connect your external audio gear to the appropriate analog or digital connectors.
4. If you’re using the analog outputs and inputs, you may have to adjust the levels in
the I/O Session Settings. See page 33. You can insert a level meter after the Send/
Return to make sure you’re getting a strong signal back from the external device.
5. If you’re using a digital Send/Return, make sure that the external digital device is
synchronized to the digital input. Otherwise, poor audio quality will result.
(Alternatively, you can synchronize PatchMix DSP to your external device in the System
Session Settings. See page 32.)
40 Creative Professional
Page 41
ASIO Direct Monitor Send/Return
This type of insert send breaks the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the
selected ASIO Host Input destination (such as Cubase or Sonar). A return source signal
is also selected which returns the signal to the channel strip from an ASIO Host Output.
The ASIO Direct Monitor Send/Return is unique in that it utilizes ASIO 2.0 zero-latency
monitoring. In order to utilize this feature, Direct Monitoring must be enabled in the
audio recording application.
While recording, the Direct Monitor Send/Return routes the signal to the recording
application, but monitors directly from the input to eliminate latency. During playback,
the recording application automatically switches the Direct Monitor Send/Return to
monitor the recorded track.
Input Input
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Recording
Software
Recording Playback
Direct MonDirect Mon
Recording
Software
The Direct Monitor Send/Return also allows the recording application to control
volume and pan. Normally when using direct monitor recording you’ll want to control
the volume and pan from the recording application. In this case, set the PatchMix DSP
stereo pan controls hard left and right, mono pan controls to center, and the fader to
0dB.
To Add an ASIO Direct Monitor Send/Return:
1. Right-Click over the Insert section. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2. Select “Insert ASIO Direct Monitor” from the list of options. The following dialog
box appears.
3. Choose one of the Send Outputs. Click
on a destination to select it.
4. Choose one of the Return Inputs. Click
on a source to select it.
5. Click OK to select the Send and Return,
or Cancel to cancel the operation.
E-MU Digital Audio System 41
Page 42
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Meter Inserts
Keeping track of signal levels is important in any audio system, be it analog or digital.
You want to keep the signal levels running as close to maximum in order to achieve high
resolution and low noise. On the other hand, you don’t want the signal level so high as
to cause clipping. To help you maintain optimum signal levels, we have included Peak
Level Meters, which can be dropped into any insert location.
The insert meters are of the “peak hold” type. The topmost bar in the meter holds its
highest level for a second to let you see transients that would otherwise be too quick for
the eye. A numeric readout above the meter shows the peak-hold level in dB.
The peak meters are also color-coded to indicate the signal strength. The chart below
outlines the meanings of the colors. Avoid lighting the topmost red bar, as this indicates
distortion of the signal. Click on the clip indicator to turn it off.
Meter Color Indicates
E Red Indicates signal clipping.
E Yellow Good strong signal level.
E Green Signal is present.
One of the most obvious uses of the insert meters is to set input levels. On the analog
inputs, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is one of the most critical points in the
signal path. You want the input signal level to drive the 24-bit ADCs into their optimum
range without clipping. A reading of 0dB on an input meter indicates signal clipping.
Level
10203040506070
--12dB
Each bar of the meter equals 1dB. The yellow bars begin at -12dB below full scale.
The insert meters are also useful to monitor incoming digital signals such as ADAT,
ASIO or S/PDIF to make sure the mixer is receiving a proper signal level. They’re also
great for troubleshooting, since you can place them virtually anywhere in the mixer.
To Insert a Meter
1. Right-Click on an Insert location of the mixer strip. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2. Select Insert Peak Meter. A stereo peak meter appears in the insert location.
3. Select Effect in the Main Section. The meters are now shown in high resolution in
the TV screen.
To Set the Input Levels of a Strip
1. Select the topmost Insert location on a mixer strip and insert a meter (see above).
2. Left-click on the meter insert to see the meter in the TV screen.
3.
Feed your audio signal to the input of the mixer strip. The meter should now show
the signal level.
4. Adjust the output level of the external device (synthesizer, instrument, preamp, etc.)
feeding the AudioDock or 0202 Daughter Card. The meter should be in the yellow
region most of the time with occasional forays into the red. If the clip indicator ever
comes on, reduce the signal level.
f Input too weak?
Use -10 Input setting.
Output too weak?
Use +4 Output setting
42 Creative Professional
Page 43
5. Each analog input pair has its own Input Pad (-10dBV or +4dBu) which controls the
input signal range. Changing the I/O settings can add or subtract 12dB. Check these
settings if you cannot set the proper input level. See I/O Settings.
Making the Best Possible Recording
Making a good digital recording is easier than ever thanks to the high resolution 24-bit
A-D converters on your Digital Audio System. These converters are much more forgiving
than the 12-bit or 16-bit converters of the past. Even so, to get the best performance
possible, you'll need to follow a few basic guidelines.
First, whenever you input an analog signal to the Digital Audio System, make sure that
you're feeding the A-D converters with an optimum signal level. The quality of a digital
recording is directly related to the signal level you feed into the A-D converters. If the
analog input level is set too low, you lose resolution—if it's set too high, the A-D
converters will clip.
To measure the input level, simply add an insert meter to the channel strip in PatchMix
DSP. These meters are accurately calibrated to display 1dB for each bar on the meter.
You can enlarge the meter view by clicking on the insert meter in a strip and selecting
the “Effect” button at the top of the TV screen.
The “I/O Settings” in the Digital Audio System allow you to set the input levels to
-10dBV (consumer equipment level) or +4dBu (professional equipment level) for each
analog input. This control sets the overall input level to match your other gear, but to get
the best possible recording you need to fine tune the level further.
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
In order to supply the correct input level, you’ll need to adjust the output of your analog
source (electric instrument or preamp) so that the input level comes close to 0dB
without ever going over.
Play your input source signal while watching the insert meter in the strip. The signal
should go into the yellow area frequently, but never into the red. Adjust the level of your
source until you have a good level. If the signal is way too strong or too weak, you may
have to go back and adjust the I/O Settings. Choose “-10” if the input signal is too
weak and “+4” if the signal is too strong.
Digital audio has NO headroom past 0dBFS (FS = Full Scale) and will “hard clip” if the
signal exceeds 0dB. Hard clipping sounds bad and will ruin your recording. Hard
clipping occurs because at 0dBFS, all 24 bits are turned on and the A-D cannot measure
any higher level. Analog tape, unlike digital, can be driven past 0dB, although with
some degradation of the signal.
The Digital Audio System includes Insert “Trim Pot” controls, but they adjust the signal
level after the signal has been digitized and will not recover any lost resolution. It’s far
better to set the input level correctly in the first place. Trim Pots can be used in
emergency situations if there's no other way to get a hot signal in, but they were
designed to adjust levels feeding effect plug-ins.
E-MU Digital Audio System 43
Page 44
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Trim Pot Insert
The Trim Pot Insert allows you to adjust the level of a signal in an insert location. The
trim pot provides up to ±30dB of gain or attenuation and a phase inverter. The trim pot
also has a built-in stereo peak meter after the control.
Gain/Attenuation
Phase Invert
Meters
You might use a trim pot to boost or attenuate a send or return from an external effect,
or to drive an effect device. Certain effects such as the Compressor, Distortion, and
Auto-Wah are very level dependent and like to see a good, strong input signal. If you are
working with a weak signal, you can improve the performance of these effects inserting
a trim pot and boosting the gain.
Trim pots can be used to boost the level of analog line level inputs, but it’s much better
to boost the signal level before the A/D converters in order to get maximum resolution
and signal-to-noise ratio from the converters.
The phase invert switch inverts the polarity of the signal. It is generally used to correct
for balanced lines and mics that are wired backwards.
Test Tone/Signal Generator Insert
The test tone/signal generator insert is a handy troubleshooting aid which outputs a
calibrated sine wave, white noise or pink noise. This tool, in combination with an insert
meter, allows you to accurately measure the signal gain or attenuation of an internal or
external device. The test tone can also be quite handy for tuning up musical instruments.
The sine wave oscillator frequency is variable from 20Hz-20kHz. The level is variable
from off to +30dB.
White noise is a mixture of all frequencies in the audio spectrum at the same average
level (analogous to white light in the visible spectrum).
Pink noise provides equal power distribution per octave. (White noise has more power
in the higher octaves.) Pink noise and white noise are useful as wideband sound
sources.
f Musical Note Freq.
A = 440 Hz
B = 493.88 Hz
C = 523.25 Hz
D = 587.33 Hz
E = 659.26 Hz
F = 698.46 Hz
G = 783.99 Hz
44 Creative Professional
Page 45
Managing Your Inserts
To Delete an Insert:
1.
Right-Click over the Insert you wish to delete. A yellow line around the insert
location indicates that it is selected. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2. Select Delete Insert to remove the selected insert or select Delete All Inserts to
remove all inserts.
3. The insert(s) are deleted from the insert chain.
To Bypass an Insert:
Inserts can be bypassed if you want to temporarily hear the audio without the effect or
insert. Bypass can also be used to turn off a Send Insert.
Method #1
1. Click on the Effect (in the Insert section) and select Effect in the TV display.
2. Click the Bypass button.
Method #2
1. Right-Click over the Effect you want to bypass (in the Insert section). A pop-up
dialog box appears.
2. Select Bypass Insert from the list of options.
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
f Tip: Select the Insert
and press the Delete key
to delete the plug-in from
the strip.
To Bypass All Inserts:
All Inserts in a strip can be also be bypassed with a single command.
1. Right-Click over the Effect you want to bypass (in the Insert section). A pop-up
dialog box appears.
2. Select Bypass All Inserts from the list of options.
To Solo an Insert:
Inserts can also be soloed. Solo bypasses all the other inserts in the strip and allows you
to hear only the soloed effect. This feature is very useful when adjusting the effect
parameters.
Method #1
1. Click on the Effect (in the Insert section) and select Effect in the TV display.
2. Click the Solo button.
Method #2
1. Right-Click over the Effect you want to Solo (in the Insert section). A pop-up dialog
box appears.
2. Select Solo Insert from the list of options.
E-MU Digital Audio System 45
Page 46
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Aux Section
The Auxiliary Sends tap the signal from the channel strips and sum them together
before sending the mix to the Auxiliary Effects section. In a traditional mixing console,
aux sends are used to send part of the signal to outboard effect devices, then return the
effected signal back into the mix using the effect returns. This is called a sidechain
routing because the aux signal takes a detour through the effects before being summed
back into the main mix. Sidechain effects are usually effects that you might want
applied to several channels, such as reverb.
Incidentally, the wet/dry mix of effects in the Aux Sends should normally be set to 100%
wet. This is because you will be adjusting the effect amount using the Aux Return
control. If you have more than one effect in an Aux Bus, ignore the preceding advice as
the wet/dry controls can be used to mix the amounts of your multiple effects.
The Aux 1 & 2 buses can also be used as additional submix output buses just like the
main output. Simply drop an ASIO or External Send Insert into the chain and the stereo
bus is sent. Turn down the Return Amount if you don’t want the submix to be combined
into the main mix.
Aux Send and Return values can also be changed by typing directly into the displays.
Input
Sidechain Diagram
(Post-Fader Aux Sends)
Pan
Fader
Mute
Send
Amount
Amt
Aux Bus 1
Side
Chain
Send
Amount
Amt
Aux Bus 2
Side
Chain
Main / Monitor Bus
Submixing
You can think of the Aux Sends as two extra mixing buses because that’s exactly what
they are. These two mixes can be routed anywhere, such as to a physical output or an
ASIO pair. You could route one of the Aux buses to the Monitor out to create a monitor
mix while sending the main mix off to your audio recording software.
Return
Amount
Return
Amount
Output
46 Creative Professional
Page 47
Pre or Post Fader Aux Sends
When you create a New Mixer Strip you have the option to place both Aux Sends after
the channel volume fader and mute control or you can place them before the fader and
mute. Post-Fader turns down the send level as you lower the volume of the strip. With
Pre-Fader selected, you may still hear the effected signal returning from one of the Aux
Buses with the volume fader turned down.
With the Pre-Fader box selected, the Aux Send levels are completely unaffected by the
Level Fader and Mute settings. The Pre-Fader setting allows you to create two completely
different mixes using the Aux Buses since the signal levels of this mix won’t be affected
by the fader settings.
Input
Volume Fader & Mute does NOT affect Send Levels
Pre-Fader Aux Send
Pan
Return
Amount
Return
Amount
Amt
Amt
Amount
Aux Bus 1
Amount
Send
Side
Chain
Send
Side
Fader
Aux Bus 2
Chain
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
In order to change a
strip from pre-fader to
post-fader or vice-versa,
you have to delete the
strip and create a new
one.
Pan
Fader
Mute
Mute
Input
Amt
Amt
Main / Monitor Bus
Post-Fader Aux Send
Volume Fader & Mute affects both Aux Send Levels
Send
Amount
Aux Bus 1
Send
Amount
Aux Bus 2
Chain
Chain
Output
Return
Amount
Side
Return
Amount
Side
Main / Monitor Bus
E-MU Digital Audio System 47
Output
Page 48
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
Level, Pan, Solo & Mute Controls
The Pan control comes before the Level Control
Pan Controls
Aux Send
Amount
Controls
Level Control
Mute & Solo
Buttons
Scribble Strip
and Aux Sends in the signal flow. On stereo strips
we use an unconventional pan section with two
pan pots – one for the left part of the signal and
one for the right part of the signal. This feature
allows you to independently position both sides of
the stereo signal. A conventional stereo balance
control only allows you to turn down one side or
the other.
The Mute button does just what you would
expect—press the button and the sound from that
channel is cut off. Pressing the Solo button while
the Mute button is pressed allows you to hear the
channel until solo is turned off.
The Solo button allows you to listen to only that
channel while muting the rest of the mixer’s
output. If multiple solo buttons are pressed, you
will hear all soloed channels and the non-soloed
channels will all be muted.
The mute status is remembered if a muted channel
is soloed. When the channel solo is turned off, the
channel reverts to being muted.
The Level Control for the strip is an attenuation
control that can also provide up to +12dB of gain.
0db is the unity gain setting. You can also type
numeric values into the displays to set the level.
At the very bottom is the Scribble Strip text area,
into which you can type any short piece of text,
thus naming the strip, i.e. “vocals”, “bass”,
“drums” and so on.
48 Creative Professional
Page 49
Main Section
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Main Section
Physical/Host
Select Buttons
“TV” Screen
Master
Aux Send
Amounts
Main
Insert
Section
View
Selection
Buttons
Aux
Insert
Section
Master Aux
Return
Amounts
Sync &
Sample Rate
Indicators
Monitor Controls
Output
Fader &
Meters
Session Name
The main section contains all controls for controlling the main mix elements as well as
a “TV screen” for viewing the parameters of the current selected insert.
The three buttons across the top of the main section select what is shown on the TV
display. Input and output routings are graphically displayed. When an insert is selected
(by clicking on the insert), the screen shows the available parameters for the currently
selected insert.
Below the TV screen is the Aux Bus section where effects, effects chains or other inserts
can be assigned to the two aux buses. Send and return levels can be individually
controlled for each of the two Aux Buses.
The Aux 1 and Aux 2 buses are fed by the two Aux Sends on each mixer strip. The Master
Send Level control on Aux bus 1 and 2 can be used to attenuate or boost the signal
going into the Auxiliary Inserts. There is also a Master Return Level to control the
amount of the effected signal that will be returned into the main mix.
The Main Bus can also have a chain of effects inserted. (You might put an EQ here to
equalize your entire mix or add an ASIO or WAVE send to record the mix.) Note that the
Main Output level control comes before the Monitor Level so that you can control the
monitor level without affecting the level of your recording mix or main mix. There is a
stereo peak meter that indicates the signal strength for the main mix.
The Monitor section has a volume, balance, and a mute control to cut off the monitor
output.
E-MU Digital Audio System 49
Page 50
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Main Section
TV Screen & Selectors
The “TV screen” at the top of the main section is a multi-function display and control
center for the input and output routings and effect controls. The three buttons at the top
of the display select the current function of the display—Effect, Inputs or Outputs.
Effect
Select the Effect display view in the main section, then click on an Effect Insert to
display the effect parameters. If an insert effect is not selected, the display will read “No
Insert”.
Most effects have a wet/dry mix parameter to control the ratio of effect to plain signal.
The wet/dry setting is stored with the effect preset. The parameter set varies with the type
of effect. See “List of Core Effects” for detailed information about the individual effects.
E Note: Effects have to
be placed into an insert
location before you can
program them.
Effect Display
View Button
Wet/Dry Mix Control
Effect Location
Effect Bypass &
Solo Buttons
Effect Parameters
User Preset Section
When a Send or a Send/Return insert is selected with the effects display enabled, the TV
screen shows you where the Send is going and where the Return is coming from. The
bypass or solo buttons at the top of the display are available for Send/Return type inserts
only.
Send Destination
Return Source
50 Creative Professional
Page 51
Input
Selecting the Input display view shows a graphic representation of the PatchMix DSP
Mixer inputs. This screen is only a display, unlike the Effects and Outputs screens, which
allow you to make routing changes. Input routing changes are made by adding mixer
strips. See Mixer Strip Creation.
The input routings are divided into two categories: Physical Inputs and Host Inputs.
Select either category by clicking on the Physical or Host button.
Physical Input Display Host Input Display
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Main Section
f The Input and Output
displays make it much
easier to understand the
signal routings of a
complex mixer setup.
f Tip: Clicking on any
of the input routings in
the TV display highlights
the corresponding mixer
strip.
Output
Selecting the Output display view shows a graphic representation of the PatchMix DSP
Mixer outputs. The output routings are divided into two categories: Physical Outputs
and Host Outputs. Select either category by clicking on the Physical or Host button.
Physical Output Display Host Output Display
The Host Output display shows all the Insert Routings in addition to the Main Mix and Monitor
out routings. Click on the desired row to make or break a physical output connection.
The Physical Output screen displays and allows you to connect the Main and Monitor
outputs of the mixer to “physical” analog or digital outputs. Click on the box in the mix
or monitor area to make (or break) a connection.
The Host Output screen displays and allows you to view the Host (ASIO or WAVE)
outputs of the mixer. See “Insert Section” for information on how to connect the inserts.
E-MU Digital Audio System 51
Page 52
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Main Section
Auxiliary Effects & Returns
The section immediately below the TV Screen is where you assign the Auxiliary Effects.
In a traditional mixing console, auxiliary effects sends are used to send part of the signal
to outboard effect devices, then return the effected signal back into the mix using the
effect returns. This is called a sidechain routing because the aux signal takes a detour
through the effects before being summed back into the main mix.
Sidechain effects are usually effects that you might want applied to several channels,
such as reverb. Effects such as EQ and compressors are usually NOT used as sidechain
effects because they can cause unpredictable results when returned to the main bus.
f The Wet/Dry mix
setting in the effect
should normally be set to
100% when the effect is
inserted as a sidechain
effect. This is because the
Aux Return Amount will
control the wet/dry mix.
Input
Input
Sidechain Diagram
(Post-Fader Aux Sends)
Pan
Fader
Mute
Aux
Amt
Aux
Amt
Aux Bus
Send
Amount
Side
Chain
Main Bus
Return
Amount
Output
You can also use the Auxiliary Sends as two extra mix buses. By turning the Aux Return
amount all the way down and dropping an Insert Send into the chain, you can send the
Auxiliary bus to any output you wish. See “Insert Section” for more information.‚
Sync/Sample Rate Indicators
The Sync/Sample rate Indicators show the current session’s
sample rate and whether it is internal or slaving to an external
source. The LEDs indicate which sample rate is currently in
effect. If an external source is being used, the Source display
reads “EXTERNAL”.
When slaving to an external master source, the clock may drift
slightly or change dramatically (i.e. abrupt sample rate
change or unplugging of physical master source). PatchMix
DSP is tolerant to minor drifting within the supported rates
of 44.1k, 48k, 88k, 96k, 176k and 192k, but if the sample rate
drifts out of this range the “LOCKED” LED will extinguish.
If the external clock source makes a radical sample rate change from the lower rates of
44.1k/48k to a higher rate (or between any of the higher rates), the hardware automatically switches to internal 48kHz clock until the proper external clock is restored. The
“LOCKED” LED will be off and the two units are NOT synchronized. Always check the
“LOCKED” LED when using an external clock source.
52 Creative Professional
Page 53
Output Section
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Main Section
Clip Indicators
Main
Insert
Section
Main Output Level Fader
Output Level
Meters
Sync/Sample
Rate Indicators
Monitor
Mute
Monitor
Balance
Monitor
Volume
Main Inserts
The main inserts allow you to apply effects to the main stereo signal coming out of the
mixer (both mains and monitor). You might want to apply EQ or a compressor here.
These inserts work just like the other insert locations—just drag and drop effects from
the palette or right-click and add Sends, Sends/Returns. etc. Refer to the Mixer Block
Diagram
Main Output Fader
The main output fader controls the level of the main output (and the Monitor output as
well since it is downstream from this control). The normal setting for this control is at
unity or 0dB, but the control allows you to add up to +12dB of gain. High output levels
may cause clipping on outboard amplifiers or other equipment.
Output Level Meters
This stereo bar-graph meter reflects the digital level at the output of the mixer. The
topmost red bar represents 0 dB or a full-scale digital signal. The peaks hold for a
moment so that short transients can be monitored. Each bar = 1dB.
Monitor Output Level
This control adjusts the monitor output level. Keep in mind that since the monitor level
control comes after the Main Output Fader, nothing will be heard from your monitors if
the main level is turned down.
Monitor Balance Control
This control sets the relative volume of the stereo monitor outputs and works just like
the balance control on your home music system. This control is primarily used to make
the volume from each speaker sound equal if you are not sitting exactly in the center of
the two speakers.
Monitor Output Mute
This button completely cuts off the monitor output and provides a convenient way to
instantly kill all sound without having to re-adjust the monitor level later. When the
telephone rings, just hit the monitor mute to cut the noise.
MAIN MIX
0dB
10
10
20
30
40
50
LR
f Hot Tip: The System
Volume Control on your
Mac or PC can be used to
control the Monitor
Output Level on
PatchMix.
-12dB
20
30
40
50
E-MU Digital Audio System 53
Page 54
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Main Section
54 Creative Professional
Page 55
5 - Effects
Overview
PatchMix DSP comes complete with a host of great core DSP effects including
Compressors, Delays, Choruses, Flangers and Reverb. Each 32-bit effect has various
parameters for editing, as well as factory presets. You can also create and save as many of
your own effect presets as you wish.
Since the effects are implemented in hardware, they don’t place any load on your host
computer. This allows your valuable CPU cycles to be used for other applications or
software plug-ins. The effects are only available at the 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates.
There is a finite limit to how many effects you can use at the same time. As you use up
the PatchMix DSP resources, certain effects will appear “grayed out” and cannot be
added to the mixer. Complex effects such as reverb use more DSP resources than say a 1Band EQ. If you continue to add effects, all of the DSP resources will eventually be used
up.
The Effects Palette
Click the FX button on the toolbar to bring up the Effects Palette. The Effects Palette
contains two types of folders. The “Core Effects” folder contains the effect algorithms
themselves. This folder cannot be modified. The other folders contain “Effects Chains”,
consisting of two or more effects grouped together. You can also add, delete, or modify
Effects Chains and the folders that contain them. For more information on Effects
Chains, see “FX Insert Chains” on page 56.
5 - Effects
Overview
f Saving a session
“defragments” the effect/
DSP resources. If you
have used all your effects
and need another, try
saving the session.
New Folder Icon Import/Export FX
Effect Categories
Core Effects
Multi-Effects
Distortion Lo-fi
Drums & Percussion
Environment
Equalization
Guitar
Morpher
Multi Effects
Reverb
Synths & Keys
Vocal
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 55
Page 56
5 - Effects
The Effects Palette
To Select an Effect
1. Click the FX button to bring up the Effects Palette. The effect palette contains
numerous folders containing effects presets. Click on any folder to open it.
2. Select the effect you wish to use by clicking on it with the left mouse button and
while continuing to hold the mouse button, drag the effect into the desired location
on the PatchMix DSP mixer screen and release the mouse button. Multi effects
contain several effects along with their parameter settings.
3.
If you want to change the order of effects, simply Left-click and drag the effect to the
desired location. Drag the effect to the area above or below the final destination and
release the mouse button to move the effect.
To Edit an Effect
1. Click on the Insert Location containing the effect you wish to edit. The effect
controls now appear on the TV screen.
2. Edit the effect parameters as desired.
To Delete an Effect
1. Right-click on the Insert location containing the effect you wish to delete and a pop-
up list appears.
2. Select “Delete Insert(s)” from the top of the list. The effect will be deleted.
f The order of effects in
a chain can have a big
effect on the sound.
This icon will
appear when you drag
an effect to a new
location.
FX Insert Chains
FX Insert Chains can be used to save several effects and their settings into a single multieffect. When an effects chain is selected and dropped into an insert location, all the
effects with control settings are copied as a single entity. Once dropped into an insert
location, the effects are totally separate just as if you had placed them individually.
To Save FX Insert Chains
1. Select two or more effects and place them into any consecutive insert locations.
2.
Set the effect parameters the way you want them, including wet/dry mix settings.
3. Right-click to bring up the list of options.
4. Select “Save FX Insert Chain”. The New FX preset dialog box appears.
5. Select a category folder where your preset will be placed, and enter a new preset
name for your FX Chain.
f Trim pots, peak meters
and test tone generators
will also be included in
the FX chain.
6. Select a folder where your new preset will be placed, then type in a new preset name
and click OK. Your preset is now saved.
56 Creative Professional
Page 57
The Order of Effects
A
PatchMix DSP allows you to record your tracks without effects (dry) and monitor with
effects enabled (wet). It works like this: If the effect is inserted BEFORE the ASIO send in
the signal path, it will get recorded; if the effect is inserted AFTER the ASIO send, it will
not be recorded.
5 - Effects
The Effects Palette
Recording dry allows you to
hear your performance with
effect (to get the proper feel),
but gives you the flexibility to
add or modify effects later
during mixdown. This way if
you don’t like the way the
effect sounds, you can change
or modify the effect without
having to perform the part
again.
SIO
Send
Input
1L/1R
Panning
Fader
Aux 1 Bus
Main Output Bus
If you want Effects
to be recorded
insert them Above
the ASIO Send.
To ASIO
but not record them,
insert them Below
Send
Amount
To monitor Effects,
the ASIO Send or
in a Sidechain.
Return
Amount
Reverb
To Monitor Speakers
Output
Creating, Renaming & Deleting Categories or Presets
There are several utilities to help you organize your effects presets.
To Create a New Preset Category
You can create your own category folders to help organize your effects presets.
1. Left-click on the New Folder icon at the top of the Effects Palette. A pop-up dialog
box appears asking you to “Enter the Name of the New Category.”
• Alternatively, you can Right-click over an Effects Folder, which calls a pop-up
dialog box with the option to “Create New Category.”
2. Type in a name for your new folder.
3. Click OK to create a new folder or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To Delete an Effect Category or Preset
1. Right-click on the category folder you wish to delete. A pop-up selection box
appears.
2. Select “Delete Category”. A popup dialog box appears warning you that this action
will delete all presets in the folder.
3. Click OK to delete the folder or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To Rename an Effects Category
1. Right-click on the category folder you wish to rename. A pop-up selection box
appears.
2. Select “Rename Category”. A pop-up dialog box appears, asking you to “Enter New
Category Name.”
3. Click OK to rename the folder or Cancel to cancel the operation.
E-MU Digital Audio System 57
Page 58
5 - Effects
The Effects Palette
Importing and Exporting Core FX Presets and FX Insert Chains
These utilities make it easy to import or export your FX Presets and FX Insert Chains.
You can share presets with your friends or download new presets from the Internet.
To Import Core FX Presets
This option imports complete folders of Core FX presets into the E-MU PatchMix DSP
folder (normally located here: “C:\Program Files\Creative Professional\E-MU PatchMix
DSP\Core Effects”). If the name of an imported FX preset exactly matches a preset you
already have, a number will be appended to end of the imported preset name.
1. Click the Import/Export FX Library button from the FX Palette.
2. Select Import FX Library. The “Browse for Folder” window appears.
3. Choose the folder where the Core FX presets you wish to import are located.
4. The selected folder of Core FX presets will be copied into the Core Effects folder of
PatchMix DSP.
To Import FX Category Folders
This option imports complete category folders of FX Chains into the E-MU PatchMix
DSP folder (normally located here: “C:\Program Files\Creative Professional\E-MU
PatchMix DSP\Effect Presets”). If the name of an imported FX preset exactly matches a
preset you already have, a number will be appended to end of the imported preset
name.
1. Click the Import/Export FX Library button from the FX Palette.
2. Select Import FX Category. The “Browse for Folder” window appears.
3. Choose the folder where the FX Chains you wish to import are located.
4. The selected folder of FX Chains will be copied into the Effect Presets folder of
PatchMix DSP.
To Export your Core FX Presets
This option exports your Core FX presets to a folder of your choice.
1. Click the Import/Export FX Library button from the FX Palette.
2. Select Export FX Library. The “Browse for Folder” window appears.
3. Choose a destination location for the Core FX presets, then press OK.
4. The Core FX presets will be copied to the selected destination.
To Export your FX Category Folders
This option exports a single category of FX chains to a folder of your choice.
1. Click the Import/Export FX Library button from the FX Palette.
2. Select Export FX Category. A pop-up dialog box appears asking you to “Choose the
FX Category to be exported”.
3. Choose the desired FX Category to export. Press OK to continue or Cancel to
cancel the operation.
4. The “Browse for Folder” window appears. Choose a destination location for the
Core FX presets, then press OK.
5. The FX Chains will be copied to the selected destination.
58 Creative Professional
Page 59
FX Edit Screen
Click on an FX Insert to display the parameters for that effect. If an insert effect is not
selected, the FX display will read “No Insert”.
Most effects have a wet/dry mix parameter to control the ratio of effect-to-plain signal.
The wet/dry setting is stored with the FX preset. The effect parameters vary with the type
of effect. Generally if an effect is placed in an Aux Send, the wet/dry mix in the effect
should be set to 100% wet since the Aux Return amount controls how much effect is
applied.
The User Preset section is located at the bottom of the FX Edit screen. User presets are
variations of the main effect and can be edited, deleted, renamed or overwritten as you
wish.
5 - Effects
FX Edit Screen
E Note: Effects have to
be placed into an insert
location before you can
program them.
Effects Display
View Button
Wet/Dry Mix Control
To Bypass an Insert:
Effect Location
Effect Bypass &
Solo Buttons
Effect Parameters
User Preset Section
Inserts can be bypassed if you want to temporarily hear the audio without the effect or
insert. Bypass can also be used to turn off a Send Insert.
Method #1
1. Click on the Effect (in the Insert section)
2. Click the Bypass button in the TV display.
Method #2
1. Right-click over the Insert you want to bypass (in the Insert section). A pop-up
menu appears.
2. Select “Bypass Insert” from the list of options. The insert effect name will “gray-out”
to indicate that the insert effect is bypassed.
To Solo an Insert:
Inserts can also be soloed. Solo bypasses all the other inserts in the strip and allows you
to hear only the soloed effect. This feature is very useful when adjusting the effect
parameters.
Method #1
1. Click on the Insert Effect (in the Insert section).
2. Click the Solo button in the TV display.
E-MU Digital Audio System 59
Page 60
5 - Effects
FX Edit Screen
Method #2
1. Right-click over the Insert Effect you want to Solo (in the Insert section). A pop-up
menu appears.
2. Select “Solo Insert” from the list of options. The other Insert Effect names in the
strip will “gray-out” to indicate that they are bypassed.
To Bypass ALL
All the inserts in a strip can be bypassed with a single command.
1. Right-click over any Effect in the Insert section. A pop-up menu appears.
2. Select “Bypass All Inserts” from the list of options. All the insert names will be
“grayed-out” to indicate that they are bypassed.
To Un-Bypass ALL
All the inserts in a strip can also be un-bypassed with a single command. This command
works even if only some of the effects are bypassed.
1. Right-click over any Effect in the Insert section. A pop-up menu appears.
2. Select “Un-Bypass All Inserts” from the list of options. All the insert names will light
to indicate that they are active.
User Preset Section
Each core effect has a set of User Presets, that you can use to store your favorite effect
parameter settings. We’ve included a good collection of user presets to get you started.
The user presets are accessed from the bar at the bottom of the TV screen. The user preset
edit menu allows you to select stored presets, create new presets, rename or delete
existing presets, or overwrite existing presets with your modified settings. User presets
stay with the Mixer application regardless of which Session is open.
Click here for Edit Menu
Click here to Select Presets
To Select a User Preset
1. Select the FX display in the TV screen.
2. Select the desired insert effect, highlighting it. The effect parameters appear in the TV
screen.
3. Click on the icon on the preset menu. A drop-down preset list appears.
4. Select a preset from the list.
To Create a New User Preset
1. Select the FX display in the TV screen.
2. Select the desired insert effect, highlighting it. The effect parameters appear in the TV
screen.
3. Click on the Edit button. A pop-up menu appears.
4. Select New. A pop-up dialog box appears asking you to name the new preset.
5. Name the preset and click OK. Your new preset is now saved.
E To copy or share User
Presets, you must save
them as FX Palette
effects.
60 Creative Professional
Page 61
To Delete a User Preset
1. Select the user preset you wish to delete from the user preset menu.
2. Click on the Edit button. A pop-up menu appears.
3. Select Delete. A pop-up dialog box appears asking you to confirm your action.
4. Click OK to delete the preset or No or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To Rename a User Preset
1. Select the user preset you wish to rename from the user preset menu.
2. Click on the Edit button. A pop-up menu appears.
3. Select Rename. A pop-up dialog box appears asking you to rename the preset.
4. Type in the new preset name, then click OK to rename the preset or Cancel to cancel
the operation.
To Overwrite or Save a User Preset
This operation allows you to overwrite an existing preset with a newer version.
1. Select the user preset you wish to modify from the user preset menu and make any
changes you wish.
2. Click on the Edit button. A pop-up menu appears.
3. Select Overwrite/Save. The current preset will be overwritten with the new settings.
5 - Effects
FX Edit Screen
Core Effects and Effects Presets
The Core Effects cannot be removed or copied. Effect presets (stored in “C:\Program
Files\Creative Professional\Digital Audio System\E-MU PatchMix DSP\Effect Presets”)
can be copied, e-mailed or shared like any other computer file.
Hint: You can open the effects presets with “NotePad” or other word processor to view
and edit the name and parameters.
E-MU Digital Audio System 61
Page 62
5 - Effects
List of Core Effects
List of Core Effects
Stereo Reverb Rotary Mono Delay 250
Lite Reverb Phase Shifter Mono Delay 500
RFX Compressor Frequency Shifter Mono Delay 750
Compressor Auto-Wah Mono Delay 1500
Reshaper Vocal Morpher Mono Delay 3000
gate 1-Band Para EQ Stereo Delay 100
Leveling Amp 1-Band Shelf EQ Stereo Delay 250
Chorus 3-Band EQ Stereo Delay 500
Flanger 4-Band EQ Stereo Delay 750
Distortion Multimode EQ Stereo Delay 1500
Speaker Sim Mono Delay 100
DSP Resource Usage
There are two main factors which determine the total number of effects available for use
at any given time: Tank Memory and DSP Instructions. Using too much of either
resource will cause effects to be unavailable (grayed out) in the FX menu. In addition,
the strips themselves use DSP Instructions, so only create strips that you actually need.
Tank memory is the memory used by delay-based effects such as reverb and digital
delays. All the reverbs and delays aside from the Mono Delay 100 and Stereo Delay 100
use varying amounts of tank memory.
The DSP instructions are used by all the effects. Effects with multiple stages, such as
multi-band EQs or the speaker simulator use more DSP instructions than a 1-Band EQ.
Tank memory tends to get used first, and so we’ve provided many delay line effects to
allow maximum conservation of this precious resource. Use only the longest delay you
actually need.
f Tip: Saving a session
“defragments” the effect/
DSP resources. If you
have used all your effects
and need another, try
saving the session.
The chart below shows three possible effects combinations. These were created by using
up the reverb resources first. Even more simultaneous effects are possible if fewer reverbs
and shorter delays are used.
Examples of Effects Usage
(with a WAVE, ASIO Return & 2 Inputs)
Example 1 No. Example 2 No. Example 3 No.
Stereo Reverb 2 Lite Reverb 5 Stereo Reverb 1
4-Band EQ 4 3-Band EQ 5 Lite Reverb 2
3-Band EQ 2 1-Band EQ 4 Stereo Delay 1500 1
1-Band EQ 6 Compressor 1 Mono Delay 250 1
Compressor 6 Mono Delay 1500 1 Compressor 6
Chorus 1 Mono Delay 250 1 Chorus 2
Mono Delay 1500 1 Auto-Wah 1 Flanger 2
4-Band EQ 3
3-Band EQ 3
Total Effects 22 Total Effects 18 Total Effects 21
62 Creative Professional
Page 63
Core Effects Descriptions
f
1-Band Para EQ
+15dB
Boost
Width
+
Gain
-
Cut
-15dB
Center
Frequency
Parameter Description
Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the selected frequency
band. Range: -15dB to +15dB
Center Frequency Sets the range of frequencies to be cut or boosted with the Gain
control. Range: 80Hz to 16kHz
Bandwidth Sets the width of the frequency range for the Center Frequency
band that will be cut or boosted by the Gain control.
Range: 1semitone to 36 semitones
This single band parametric equalizer is useful
when you just want to boost or cut a single range
of frequencies. For example, if you just want to
brighten up the lead vocal a bit, you might
choose this EQ. This EQ offers up to ±15dB cut
or boost.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
1-Band Shelf EQ
This single band shelving equalizer is useful when you just want to boost or cut a single
range of frequencies at the high or low end of the spectrum. For example, if you just
want to add a little more bass, there’s no need to waste a 3-band EQ. Just choose low
shelf, then adjust the gain and frequency. This EQ offers up to ±15dB cut or boost.
Low Shelf or… High Shel
+15dB
Corner
Freq
Corner
Freq
+
Boost
Gain
-
Cut
-15dB
Parameter Description
Shelf Type Allows you to choose either low shelving or high shelving EQ.
Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the shelf.
Corner Frequency Sets the frequency where the signal begins getting cut or boosted
Frequency
Range: -15dB to +15dB
with the Gain control. Range: 80Hz to 16kHz
E-MU Digital Audio System 63
Page 64
5 - Effects
f
Core Effects Descriptions
3-Band EQ
This versatile equalizer provides two shelving filters at the high and low ends of the
frequency range and a fully parametric band in the center. Up to ±24 dB of boost or cut
is provided for each band.
Low Shelf Mid Band High Shel
+24dB
Corner
Freq.
Corner
Freq.
E Note: The Wet/Dry
Mix control on an
equalizer should normally
be set to 100% wet or
unpredictable results may
occur.
Width
Center
Boost
Gain
Cut
+
-
-24dB
Frequency
Setting up a Parametric EQ
1. Turn up the gain on the band you are working with. This allows you to easily hear
the effect of the filter.
2. Reduce the bandwidth if you are working with a mid-band.
3. Adjust the Center Frequency to “zero-in” on the frequencies you wish to boost/cut.
4. Set the Gain to a positive value to boost frequencies or to a negative value to cut out
frequencies.
5. Widen the Bandwidth to create a more natural sound.
6. Adjust and tweak as needed.
Parameter Description
High Shelf Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the high frequency shelf.
Range: -24dB to +24dB
High Corner Freq. Sets the frequency where the signal begins getting cut or boosted
with the High Gain control. Range: 4kHz to 16kHz
Mid Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the mid frequency band.
Range: -24dB to +24dB
Mid Freq. 1 Sets the range of frequencies to be cut or boosted with the Mid
Gain control. Range: 200Hz to 3kHz
Mid Bandwidth Sets the width of the frequency range for the Mid Center
Frequency band that will be cut or boosted by the Mid Gain
control. Range: 1 semitone to 1 octave
Low Shelf Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the low frequency shelf.
Range: -24dB to +24dB
Low Corner Freq. Sets the frequency where the signal begins getting cut or boosted
with the Low Gain control. Range: 50Hz to 800Hz
64 Creative Professional
Page 65
4-Band EQ
This 4-band equalizer provides two shelving filters at the high and low ends of the
frequency range and two fully parametric bands in the center. Up to ±24 dB of boost or
cut is provided for each band.
Note: The Wet/Dry Mix control on an equalizer should normally be set to 100% wet or
unpredictable results may occur.
For more information about setting up a parametric EQ, see page 64.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Low-Shelf Mid 1-Band High-Shelf
Corner
Frequency
Width
Center
Frequency
Boost
Gain
Cut
+
-
Mid 2-Band
Corner
Frequency
Width
Center
Frequency
Frequency
Parameter Description
High Shelf Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the high frequency shelf.
Range: -24dB to +24dB
High Corner Freq. Sets the frequency where the signal begins getting cut or
boosted with the High Gain control. Range: 4kHz to 16kHz
Mid 2 Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the Mid 2 Frequency
band. Range: -24dB to +24dB
Mid 2 Center Freq. Sets the range of frequencies to be cut or boosted with the Mid 2
Gain control. Range: 1kHz to 8kHz
Mid 2 Bandwidth Sets the width of the frequency range for the Mid 2 Center
Frequency band that will be cut or boosted by the Mid 2 Gain
control. Range: .01 octave to 1 octave
Mid 1 Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the Mid 1 Frequency
band. Range: -24dB to +24dB
Mid 1 Center Freq. Sets the range of frequencies to be cut or boosted with the Mid 1
Gain control. Range: 200Hz to 3kHz
Mid 1 Bandwidth Sets the width of the frequency range for the Mid 1 Center
Frequency band that will be cut or boosted by the Mid 1 Gain
control. Range: .01 octave to 1 octave
Low Shelf Gain Sets the amount of cut (-) or boost (+) of the low frequency shelf.
Range: -24dB to +24dB
Low Corner Freq. Sets the frequency where the signal begins getting cut or
boosted with the Low Gain control. Range: 50Hz to 800Hz
E-MU Digital Audio System 65
Page 66
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Auto-Wah
This effect creates the sound of a guitar wah-wah pedal. The “Wah” filter sweep is
automatically triggered from the amplitude envelope of the input sound. Auto-wah
works well with percussive sounds such as guitar or bass.
The Auto-Wah is a bandpass filter whose frequency can be swept up or down by an
envelope follower, which extracts the volume contour of the input signal. The Envelope
Sensitivity setting allows you to properly set up the envelope follower to receive a wide
variety of input signals. This “envelope”, or volume contour, controls the frequency of
the bandpass filter so that it sweeps up and down with each new note. The Attack
controls the rate of the note-on sweep. As the input sound fades away, the filter sweeps
back at a rate determined by the Release setting.
The wah direction allows the filter to be swept either up or down in frequency. Use a
higher Center Frequency setting when the wah direction is down.
Auto-Wah Filter
Center
Frequency
Bandwidth
Envelope
Sensitivity
Input
Wave
Sweep Range
Attack Release
Envelope Follower
Parameter Description
Wah Direction Allows you to sweep the wah up or down.
Env. Sensitivity Controls how closely the wah sweep follows the input signal.
Range: -12dB to +18dB
Env. Attack Time Sets the starting rate of the “wah” sweep.
Range: 0ms to 500ms
Env. Release Time Sets the ending or release rate of the “wah” sweep.
Range: 10ms to 1000ms
Sweep Range Controls the amount of “wah” sweep. Range: 0% to 100%
Center Frequency Sets the initial bandpass filter frequency.
Range: 80Hz to 2400Hz
Bandwidth Sets the width of the bandpass filter. Range: 1Hz to 800Hz
66 Creative Professional
Page 67
Chorus
t
An audio delay in the range of 15-20 milliseconds is too short to be an echo, but is
perceived by the ear as a distinctly separate sound. If we now vary the delay time in this
range, an effect called chorus is created, which gives the illusion of multiple sound
sources. A slight amount of feedback serves to increase the effect. A very slow LFO rate is
usually best for a realistic effect, but a faster LFO rate can also be useful with minimal
LFO depth (.2). Since this is a stereo chorus, an LFO phase parameter is included which
can be used to widen the stereo image.
Parameter Description
Delay Sets the length of the delay. Range: 0ms to 20ms.
Feedback Sets the amount of delayed signal that will be recirculated through
the delay line. Range: 0% to 100%
LFO Rate Sets the frequency of the low frequency oscillator.
Range: .01Hz to 10Hz
LFO Depth Sets how much the LFO affects the delay time. Increases the
animation and amount of the chorus effect. Range: 0% to 100%
LFO Waveform Selectable between Sine or Triangle wave.
LFO L/R Phase Controls the stereo width by adjusting the phase difference of the LFO
waveform between left and right channels. Range: -180° to +180°
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Compressor
In its simplest form, an audio compressor is just an automatic gain control. When the
volume gets too loud, the compressor automatically turns it down. Compressors are
useful in musical applications because they allow you to record a “hotter” signal
without overloading the recording device.
Since the compressor turns down the gain of the signal, you might wonder how can it
make the signal level stronger. A Post Gain control allows you to boost the output gain
of the compressor in order to make up for the gain reduction. The overall level is higher
and only turned down when the signal level gets too loud. This level is called the
Threshold, which just happens to be the most important control on the compressor.
Signal path = Stereo
In
Delay
Level
VCA
Ou
Control
Threshold
Ratio
E-MU Digital Audio System 67
Attack
Release
Post Gain
Page 68
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Basic Controls
The three main controls of a compressor are the Ratio control, the Threshold control and
the Gain control.
If the signal falls below the Threshold, no processing will take place. Signals exceeding
the Threshold will have gain reduction applied as set by the ratio control. This
important control allows you to dial in the range of amplitudes you want to tame. For
example, if you’re trying to trim off just the loudest peaks, set the threshold so the gain
reduction meter only shows compression during these peaks. One of the biggest
mistakes in using a compressor is having the threshold set too low. This adds noise as
the compressor will always be reducing the volume.
The Ratio control determines how strongly the compressor will affect the signal. The
higher the ratio, the more reduction will be applied. If the ratio is high enough, (above
10:1) the signal will effectively be prevented from getting any louder. In this situation,
the compressor will be acting as a Limiter, placing an upper limit on the signal level. In
general, ratios from 2:1 to 6:1 are considered compression and higher ratios above 10:1
are considered limiting.
The Post Gain control amplifies the signal after it has been compressed to bring it back
up in volume. If you don’t increase the gain, the compressed signal will be much lower
in volume.
Two other important controls are Attack and Release. Attack controls how quickly the
gain is turned down after the signal exceeds the threshold. Release controls how fast the
gain is returned to its normal setting after the signal has fallen below the threshold
again. An attack setting of about 10 milliseconds will delay the onset of compression
long enough to preserve the attack transients in guitar, bass or drums while allowing the
sustain portion of the sound to be compressed. Longer release times are generally used
to reduce the so called “pumping” effect as the compressor turns on and off. Don’t
make the release time too long, however, or the compressor won’t have time to recover
for the next pluck or hit. In general, the attack and release controls are used to smooth
out the action of the compressor, but they can also be used to create special effects.
The Pre-Delay parameter lets the level detector “look into the future” up to 4 milli-
seconds in order to anticipate upcoming peaks in the signal. This is accomplished
of course, by inserting delay into the signal path. This lookahead technique
allows the use of slower attack times without missing signal peaks. This
parameter is especially effective on drums and percussion.
The Input Meter allows you to monitor the strength of your input signal. Always try to
boost the signal before the compressor if you can.
The Compression Meter shows the amount of gain reduction being applied. Since this
meter displays how much the gain is being turned down, the meter moves from right to
left, instead of left to right like a normal meter.
Parameter Description
Threshold Threshold sets the input signal level above which dynamic range
compression takes place. Everything above the threshold will be
brought down in volume. Range: -60dB to +12dB
Ratio Sets the ratio of input signal level to output signal level, or “how
much” compression will be applied. Range: 1:1 to ∞:1
Post Gain Amplifies the signal after it has been compressed to bring up the
volume. Range -60dB to +60dB
68 Creative Professional
Page 69
Parameter Description
t
Attack Time Controls how quickly the gain is turned down after the signal
exceeds the threshold. Range .1ms to 500ms
Release Time Controls how fast the gain is returned to its normal setting after
the signal has fallen below the threshold.
Range: 50ms to 3000ms
Pre-Delay Allows the use of slower attack times without missing signal peaks.
Range: 0ms to 3 ms
Input Meter Allows you to monitor the strength of the input signal.
Gain Reduction Meter Shows the amount of gain reduction being applied.
Distortion
Most audio processors aim to provide low distortion, but not this one! The sole purpose
of this effect is to add distortion, and lots of it. This effect provides “fuzz box” style,
clipping distortion which is particularly effective on guitar, bass, organs, electric pianos
or whatever.
The input signal first passes through a lowpass filter. The Lowpass Filter Cutoff
Frequency allows you to control the number of new harmonics that will be generated by
the distortion element. The distortion element has an Edge control which controls “how
much” distortion will be added. A bandpass filter follows the distortion generator. The
EQ Center control lets you select a particular band of frequencies to be output. The EQ
Bandwidth controls the width of the center frequency band. Finally, a gain control
allows you to make up for any gain loss through the effect.
Use the Wet/Dry mix control in conjunction with the Edge control to reduce the
amount of distortion, or go wild and turn everything to 11!
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Lowpass
Filter
In
Signal path = Stereo
Distortion
LP Filter
Cutoff
Parameter Description
Pre EQ LP Cutoff Controls the amount of high frequency audio admitted to
the distortion. Range: 80Hz to 24kHz
Edge Sets the amount of distortion and new harmonics
generated. Range: 0-100
Gain Sets the output volume of the effect. Range: -60dB to 0dB
Post EQ Center Freq. Sets the frequency of the output bandpass filter.
Range: 80Hz to 24kHz
Post EQ Bandwidth Sets the width of the output bandpass filter.
Range: 80Hz to 24kHz
Edge
Bandpass
Filter
Ou
GainEQ BW
EQ Center
E-MU Digital Audio System 69
Page 70
5 - Effects
t
Core Effects Descriptions
Flanger
A flanger is a very short delay line whose output is mixed back together with the original
sound. Mixing the original and delayed signals results in multiple frequency cancellations known as a comb filter. Since the flanger is a type of filter, it works best with
harmonically rich sounds.
A low frequency oscillator is included to slowly change the delay time. This creates a
rich, sweeping effect as the notches move up and down across the frequency range. The
amount of feedback deepens the notches, intensifying the effect. You can invert the
feedback signal by choosing a negative feedback value. Inverting the feedback signal
creates peaks in the notch filter and deepens the effect.
Feedback
In
Flanger
Signal path = Stereo
Delay
Parameter Description
Delay Sets the initial delay of the flanger in .01 millisecond increments.
This parameter allows you to “tune” the flanger to a specific
frequency range. Range: .01ms to 4ms
Feedback Controls how much signal is recirculated through the delay line
and increases resonance. Negative values can produce intense
flanging with some signals. Range 0% to 100%
LFO Rate Sets the speed of the flanger sweep. Range: .01 Hz to 10Hz
LFO Depth Sets how much the LFO affects the delay time. Increases the
animation and amount of the flanging effect. Range 05 to 100%
LFO Waveform Selectable between Sine or Triangle wave.
LFO L/R Phase Controls the stereo width by adjusting the phase difference
between the left and right sweeps. Range: -180° to +180°
LFO
Waveform
Phase
Ou
70 Creative Professional
Page 71
Freq Shifter
This unusual effect is sometimes called “spectrum shifting” or “single sideband
modulation”. Frequency shifting shifts every frequency in the signal by a fixed number
of Hz which causes the harmonics to lose their normal relationship. The more common
pitch shifter, in contrast, preserves the harmonic relationships of the signal and so is
better suited to creating “musical” harmonies.
This isn’t to say that the frequency shifter can’t be used musically. Small intervals of
frequency shifting (1 Hz and below) can produce a wonderful, lush chorusing or
phasing effect. For bizarre frequency shifting effects, simply crank up the frequency
knob. Frequencies can be shifted up or down by any specified amount from .1 Hz to 24
kHz. You can also shift pitch up on one side and down on the other if you wish.
Comparison between Pitch and Frequency Shifting
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
f You can also type in
exact frequencies to a
resolution of 1/10 Hz.
Harmonic
Original
(Hz)
Pitch Shifted
(100 Hz)
Frequency Shifted
(100 Hz)
1 200 300 300
2 400 600 500
3 600 900 700
4 800 1200 900
5 1000 1500 1100
6 1200 1800 1300
7 1400 2100 1500
8 1600 2400 1700
Parameter Description
Frequency Sets the number of Hz that will be added or subtracted with every
harmonic in the signal. Range: .01Hz to 24kHz
Left Direction Sets pitch shift up or down for the left channel.
Right Direction Sets pitch shift up or down for the right channel.
E-MU Digital Audio System 71
Page 72
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Leveling Amp
The first compressors developed in the 1950’s were based on a slow-acting optical gain
cells which were able to control the signal level in a very subtle and musical way. This
effect is a digital recreation of the leveling amps of yesteryear.
The leveling amp uses a large amount of “lookahead delay” to apply gentle gain
reduction. Because of this delay, the leveling amp is not suitable for applications which
require realtime monitoring of the signal. This smooth and gentle compressor is
designed to be used in situations where delay does not pose a problem, such as
mastering a mix or compressing prerecorded stereo material.
Post Gain is the only control on the leveling amp. This control is used to make up the
volume lost by the compression. The Compression Ratio is fixed at about 2.5:1. If a
large peak is detected, the effect will automatically increase the compression ratio to
keep the audio output controlled.
The gain reduction meter shows you how much gain reduction is being applied. Since
the gain reduction meter displays how much the gain is being turned down, the meter
moves from right to left, instead of left to right like most meters.
Post Gain Amplifies the signal after it has been compressed to
bring up the volume. Range 0dB to 36dB
72 Creative Professional
Page 73
Lite Reverb
Reverberation is a simulation of a natural space such as a room or hall. The Lite Reverb
algorithm is designed to simulate various rooms and reverberation plates while using
fewer DSP resources than the Stereo Reverb. Up to five Lite Reverbs can be used at once.
Decay time defines the time it takes for the reflected sound from the room to decay or
die away. The diagram below shows a generalized reverberation envelope.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Early Reflections
After a short pre-delay period, the echoes from the closest walls or ceiling are heard.
These first echoes, or Early Reflections, vary greatly depending on the type of room. Some
time after the early reflection cluster ends, the actual Reverberation (a dense cloud of
complex wall reflections) begins and decays according to the time set by the Decay Time
parameter. The Reverberance parameter controls the density and smearing of both the
early reflections and the reverberation cloud.
High frequency energy tends to fade away first as a sound is dissipated in a room. The
High Frequency Decay Factor adjusts the time it takes for the high frequency energy to
die away and thus changes the characteristics of the room. Rooms with smooth, hard
surfaces are more reflective and have less high frequency damping. Rooms filled with
sound absorbing materials, such as curtains or people, have more high frequency
damping.
The Low Frequency Decay Factor parameter adjusts the time it takes for the low
frequencies to die away. This control adjusts the “boominess” of the room.
Parameter Description
Decay Time Sets the reverb decay time. Range: 0% to 100%
HF Decay Factor Sets the rate at which high frequencies die away. The high
LF Decay Factor Sets the rate at which low frequencies die away. The low
Early Reflections Sets the volume of the initial wall reflections.
Reverberance Sets the amount of scattering of the early reflections and
Reverberation
frequencies last longer as the percentage is increased.
Range: 0% to 100%
frequencies last longer as the percentage is increased.
Range: 0% to 100%
Range: 0% to 100%
the reverberation cloud. Range: 0% to 100%
Time
E-MU Digital Audio System 73
Page 74
5 - Effects
t
Core Effects Descriptions
Mono Delays - 100, 250, 500, 750, 1500, 3000
A delay line makes a copy of the incoming audio, holds it in memory, then plays it back
after a predetermined time. The delay number refers to the maximum delay time that
can be produced by the delay line. The six lengths, from 100 ms to 3 seconds, allow you
to make the most efficient use of the effect memory resource.
Long delays produce echoes, short delays can be used for doubling or slapback effects.
Very short delays can be used to produce resonant flanging and comb filter effects or
create monotone robotic-sounding effects (Hint: use feedback). Stereo signals are
summed together before entering the Mono Delay.
There is also a feedback path to send the delayed audio back through the delay line.
When creating echo effects, the feedback controls how many echoes will be produced.
With short delays, the feedback control acts as a resonance control, increasing the
amount of comb filtering produced by the delay line. Comb fi
A High Frequency Rolloff filter in the feedback path cuts some of the high frequency
energy each time the audio goes through the delay line. This simulates the natural
absorption of high frequencies in a room and can also be used to simulate tape-based
echo units.
The Wet/Dry mix controls how loud the echoes are in relation to the original signal.
ltering: See page 70.
Feedback
HF
Rolloff
L In
L Out
Delay
R In
Delay Time
Parameter Description
Delay Time
Mono Delay 100
Mono Delay 250
Mono Delay 500
Mono Delay 750
Mono Delay 1500
Mono Delay 3000
Feedback Sets the amount of delayed signal that will be recirculated through
High Freq. Rolloff Damps high frequencies in the feedback path.
Sets the length of the delay in milliseconds.
(.01ms. minimum increment between settings)
Range: 1 millisecond to 100 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 250 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 500 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 750 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 1.5 seconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 3 seconds
the delay line. Range: 0% to 100%
Range: 0% to 100%
R Ou
74 Creative Professional
Page 75
Phase Shifter
t
A phase shifter produces a fixed number of peaks and notches in the audio spectrum
which can be swept up and down in frequency with a low frequency oscillator (LFO).
This creates a swirly, ethereal sound with harmonically rich sound sources of a type of
pitch shift with simpler sounds. The phase shifter was invented in the 1970’s and the
characteristic sound of this device evokes emotions of that musical era.
By setting the LFO Depth to zero and tuning the LFO Center, a fixed multi-notch filter is
created.
Feedback
In
Phase
Signal path = Stereo
Shifter
Ou
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
LFO Center
LFO
LFO Rate
Parameter Description
LFO Center Sets the initial offset of the LFO and changes the position of the
peaks and notches. Range: 0% to 100%
Feedback Increases the depth of the notches and height of the peaks.
Range: 0% to 100%
LFO Rate Controls the sweep rate of the Low Frequency Oscillator.
Range: .01Hz to 10Hz
LFO Depth Controls how much the Center Frequency is swept by the LFO.
Range: 0% to 100%
Waveform Selects a Sine or Triangle wave for the LFO
LFO L/R Phase Controls the stereo width by adjusting the phase difference
between the left and right sweeps. Range: -180° to +180°
Rotary
This is a simulation of a rotating speaker used on organs. The rotating speaker was
invented to give static organ tones a pipe organ type of animation, but this distinctive
sound became a legend in its own right. Spinning a sound around the room creates a
doppler pitch shift along with many other complex and musically pleasing sonic effects.
The Rotary incorporates acceleration and deceleration as you switch between the two
speeds.
Parameter Description
Speed Switches between slow or fast rotor speeds with
acceleration and deceleration as the speed changes.
E-MU Digital Audio System 75
Page 76
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Speaker Simulator
The Speaker Simulator provides realistic guitar speaker responses and is designed for use
with guitar, bass or synthesizer. Twelve popular guitar amp speaker cabinets are
modeled.
There is only one parameter on this effect. Just select the speaker you want and listen.
Normally this effect should be used with the Mix control set to 100%.
Speaker Type Description
British Stack 1 & 2 Modeled from a British 8-speaker high power amplifier stack.
British Combo 1-3 Modeled from a British 2-speaker combo amplifier.
Tweed Combo 1-3 Modeled from an American, 1950’s era, 2-speaker combo amplifier.
2 x 12 Combo Modeled from an American, 1960’s era, 2-speaker combo amplifier.
4 x 12 Combo Modeled from an American, 1960’s era, 4-speaker amplifier set.
Metal Stack 1 & 2 Modeled from a modern era, power amplifier stack.
76 Creative Professional
Page 77
Stereo Delays - 100, 250, 500, 750, 1500
t
The Stereo Delays are true stereo delay lines in that the left and right channels are kept
entirely separate from each other. The delay number refers to the maximum delay time
that can be produced by the delay lines. The five different lengths, from 100 ms to 1.5
seconds, allow you to make the most efficient use of the effect memory resource.
Because the left and right channels can have different delay times, you can create a
panning effect by setting one delay long and the other short. Very short delay times
combined with a high feedback amount can be used to create monotone roboticsounding effects. Using the longer stereo delays, you can “overdub” musical lines one
on top of the other with the feedback control turned up.
Feedback
HF
Rolloff
In
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Delay
Signal path = Stereo
L Delay
Time
Parameter Description
Left Delay Time Sets the length of the delay for the left channel in milliseconds.
Right Delay Time Sets the length of the delay for the right channel in milliseconds.
Delay Time (L & R)
Stereo Delay 100
Stereo Delay 250
Stereo Delay 500
Stereo Delay 750
Stereo Delay 1500
Feedback Sets the amount of delayed signal that will be recirculated through
High Freq. Rolloff Damps high frequencies in the feedback path. Range: 0% to 100%
(.01ms. minimum increment between settings)
Range: 1 millisecond to 100 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 250 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 500 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 750 milliseconds
Range: 1 millisecond to 1.5 seconds
the delay line. Range: 0% to 100%
R Delay
Time
Ou
E-MU Digital Audio System 77
Page 78
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Stereo Reverb
Reverberation is a simulation of a natural space such as a room or hall. The stereo reverb
algorithm is designed to simulate various halls, rooms and reverberation plates.
Decay time defines the time it takes for the reflected sound from the room to decay or
die away. The diagram below shows a generalized reverberation envelope.
Time
Early Reflections
Late Reverb
After a short pre-delay period, the echoes from the closest walls or ceiling are heard.
These first echoes, or early reflections, vary greatly depending on the type of room. Some
time after the early reflection cluster ends (late reverb delay), the late reverberation (a
dense cloud of complex wall reflections) begins and decays according to the time set by
the Decay Time parameter.
Diffusion is the amount of scattering and density of the late reverberation cloud. Rooms
with many complex surfaces have more diffusion than bare rooms.
High frequency energy tends to fade away first as a sound is dissipated in a room. The
High Frequency Damping parameter adjusts the time it takes for the high frequency
energy to die away and thus changes the characteristics of the room. Rooms with
smooth, hard surfaces are more reflective and have less high frequency damping. Rooms
filled with sound absorbing materials, such as curtains or people, have more high
frequency damping.
The Low Frequency Damping parameter adjusts the time it takes for the low frequencies
to die away. This control adjusts the “boominess” of the room.
Parameter Description
Decay Time Sets the length of the Late Reverb. Range 1.5 to 30seconds
Early Reflections Level Sets the volume of the initial wall reflections.
Range: 0% to 100%
Early/Late Reverb Bal Adjusts the balance between early refections and late reverb.
Range: 0% to 100%
Late Reverb Delay Sets the time between early reflections and the onset of the late
reverb cloud. Range: 1ms to 350ms
Diffusion Sets the amount of scattering of the late reverb cloud.
Range: 0% to 100%
High Freq. Damping Sets the rate at which high frequencies die away.
Range: -10.0 to +3.0 damping factor
Low Freq. Damping Sets the rate at which low frequencies die away.
Range: -10.0 to +3.0 damping factor
78 Creative Professional
Page 79
Vocal Morpher
This unique effect allows you to select two vocal phonemes and morph between them
using an LFO. Phonemes are the consonants and vowels we use in articulating speech
sounds and these sounds are very distinctive and evocative. 30 different phonemes are
available and these can be shifted up or down in pitch for even more effects.
To use the Vocal Morpher, you just select Phoneme A and Phoneme B from the list of
thirty. Now the LFO automatically morphs back and forth between the two selected
phonemes, creating interesting vocal articulations. The rate of the LFO is adjustable and
you can select between Sine, Triangle or Sawtooth waveforms. The sine and triangle
waves fade smoothly. The sawtooth wave gradually fades, then jumps abruptly back.
When the frequency of the A or B Phonemes is shifted up or down, entirely new effects
can be produced. These frequency controls can also be used to tune the phoneme
frequencies to the range of audio you are processing.
Phoneme B
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Frequency
Time
Phoneme A
List of Available Phonemes
A E I O U AA
AE AH AO EH ER IH
IY UH UW B D F
G J K L M N
P R S T V Z
Parameter Description
Phoneme A Select any of the available Phonemes for Phoneme A.
Phoneme A
Tuning
Adjusts the frequency of Phoneme A up or down 2 octaves in
semitone intervals. Range: -24 semitones to +24 semitones
Phoneme B Select any of the available Phonemes for Phoneme B.
Phoneme B
Tuning
Adjusts the frequency of Phoneme B up or down 2 octaves in
semitone intervals. Range: -24 semitones to +24 semitones
LFO Rate Controls how fast the phonemes morph back and forth.
Range: .01Hz to 10Hz
LFO Waveform Selects the waveform for the morph: Sinusoid, Triangle, Sawtooth
E-MU Digital Audio System 79
Page 80
5 - Effects
t
Core Effects Descriptions
Gate
This stereo noise gate is useful both for background noise reduction applications and
also for special effects.
The gate uses an envelope follower and threshold detector to turn on its output when
the input signal is above the turn-on threshold, and shut down its output when the
signal falls below the shut-off threshold. When ”turned on” the Gate passes the input
signal through to the output at unity gain and when “shut off” the Gate silences the
output or attenuates it by an adjustable gain factor. While the Gate is a stereo effect, the
left and right signals are gated in unison, with the envelope follower defaulting to the
louder of the two signals.
In normal operating mode, Gate turn-on is nearly instantaneous when the input signal
exceeds the Threshold level, while Gate Release time is an adjustable parameter. The
effect of the fast turn-on can be enhanced by using an optional 1 millisecond lookahead
in the Gate's envelope detector.
Together with the Threshold setting, tuning the Release time parameter is very useful in
order to achieve the least-obtrusive, most natural-sounding gating effect, which is highly
dependent on the specific program material being processed.
The gate does not offer an adjustable wet/dry mix parameter but does supply a Bypass
switch for effectively removing the effect from the signal path.
Applications
• Basic Gating - reduce background noise during periods of low signal level
• Re-Enveloping - extreme release time/attenuation can be used to re-sculpt the
signal envelope
• Punch Enhancement - high threshold+fast shuttoff+modest attenuation perform
an expander-like function that accentuates transients
In
Signal path = Stereo
1mS
Delay
Lookahead
Envelope Follower/
Threshold Detector
Gate
Ou
Release
Threshold Max Gain
Reduction
The Gate behaves exactly as a straight wire, except when activated by a signal level
below the Threshold (with Lookahead Off).
80 Creative Professional
Page 81
Parameters
Threshold
When the input signal rises above the level set by the Threshold parameter, the Gate is
triggered to turn on and go from its maximum gain reduction level up to 0dB gain. The
turn-on threshold is adjustable anywhere between -70dB and 0dB (below the PatchMix
nominal operating point of -12dBFS.)
One of the keys to the smooth operation of the Gate is that the input Threshold level
that turns on the Gate is always higher than the level that shuts off the gate. This means
that the input signal level must descend substantially below the Threshold in order
to turn off again.
This difference between turn-on and shut-off levels, or the hysteresis, is 10dB. That
means that if the Threshold is -30dB, the signal level must fall to -40dB before the Gate
will begin to shut off.
Release Time
This parameter controls the time, in milliseconds, that is required for the Gate to shut
off. More specifically, this is the time that will be required for the Gate control signal to
go from unity gain at 0dB down to the Max Gain Reduction level.
The optimum value for the Release time is dependent on the program material as well
as the effect you're trying to achieve. Optimum Release time is also highly dependent
upon the settings of the Threshold and Max Gain Reduction parameters.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
In general, times less than about 10 msec are prone to cause clicks in the output, while
times longer than 30 msec may make the gating effect obvious if the background signal
being gated out is very noisy.
Max Gain Reduction
This parameter sets the attenuation that will be applied to the signal when the Gate is
shut off. The Gate control signal will swing between 0dB and this value as the Gate turns
on and shuts off.
To perform a strict “gating” operation, Max Gain Reduction would normally be set to infinity in order to completely silence the output of the Gate.
However, there are good reasons to set Max Gain Reduction to something less drastic
than infinite attenuation. Sometimes the silence between gated signals is “too quiet” especially when the signal represents a solo vocal or instrument, where the complete
lack of any sound between voiced segments sounds unnatural. For these applications,
setting Max Gain Reduction somewhere between -20dB and -40dB is more appropriate.
In tandem with a high Threshold, Max Gain Reduction can also be set to very modest
values like -5 or -10dB in order to add a subtle “punch” enhancement to transients. This
has an effect similar to an expander, where the attack transients which exceed the
Threshold stand out by 5 or 10dB above the normal signal (you can make up for that 5
or 10dB attenuation by using a trim pot or boosting the channel strip gain after the
Gate.)
Lookahead
By default, the Gate effect uses a fixed 1 millisecond lookahead to avoid clipping off the
leading edge of signal transients when the Gate turns on. However, this is actually
implemented by adding a 1 millisecond delay to the signal through the gate. For applications where this additional 1 millisecond latency is a problem, the Lookahead can be
turned Off.
E-MU Digital Audio System 81
Page 82
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Level Meter
This meter represents the input signal level in dB, and is in fact the output of the Gate's
envelope follower. Since the envelope follower is driven by the greater of the left or right
channel, this monophonic meter represents the greater of the two input signals.
Gain Reduction Meter
This meter shows the value in dB of the gate control signal which is used to boost or
attenuate the input signal. Its most-rightward maximum value of 0dB represents a unity
gain path through the Gate in its turn-on state. Except for the possibility of the 1 millisecond lookahead latency, the Gate behaves exactly as a straight wire in this turned-on
state. Values less than 0dB represent the amount by which the input signal is being
attenuated as the Gate shuts off.
The most-leftward gain shutoff value achieved by the Gain meter is set by the Max Gain
Reduction parameter (values from -70dB to -infinity are off the meter.) The speed with
which the Gain signal decays from 0dB to the shutoff value can be observed to change
according to the Release time parameter.
82 Creative Professional
Page 83
Reshaper
The Reshaper effect is a special purpose dynamics modification program, designed to
“resculpt” the amplitude envelope of an audio signal. The effect uses an envelope
follower and threshold detector to drive an ADSR-type gain stage, which can impose
new attack, decay, sustain and release profiles on the signal's original envelope.
Applications
• “Punch” Reducer - slow turn-on with added lookahead trims attacks off signals
• “Punch” Enhancement - fast turn on with high thresholds and release gain
expands signal attack transients
• Auto Volume Pedal - long attack times with Attack Retrigger can automatically
simulate use of a guitar volume pedal for gently fading in each note.
• Ambience Reduction - can be used like a gate to suppress ambient reverberations
that below a certain threshold.
When the input signal exceeds an adjustable Threshold, the Attack phase begins and
continues until the gain reaches unity (0dB). After the Attack peaks, the gain stage
immediately transitions into the Decay phase, which continues until the gain falls to the
Sustain level. During the Sustain phase, the gain stage holds a constant level until the
input signal passes below the Release Threshold. During the Release Phase, the gain
returns to the Release Level where it remains until the another input transient triggers
the next Attack phase.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Release Threshold
Original
Waveform
Reshaped
Waveform
Threshold
0 dB
Sustain
Level
Release
Level
0 dB
Attack
Time
Decay
Time
Hold
Time
Release
Time
E-MU Digital Audio System 83
Page 84
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Attack, Decay and Release times are all adjustable, and the shape of each of these
segments is selectable between exponential, linear, or logarithmic. An additional Hold
Time can be used to extend the Sustain phase past the point where the signal has passed
the Release Threshold.
If the Sustain Level is set the same as the Release Level, then the Reshaper effectively
becomes a two-phase “transient catcher” where the Release Threshold, Hold Time and
Release Time are ignored.
While the peak Attack gain level is always fully turned on, note that the Release Level is
not necessarily completely off, but can be adjusted upward so that the Reshaper retains
a nominal minimum gain. This allows the Reshaper to resculpt only the louder
transients of a signal while maintain a nominal output signal level the rest of the time.
The Release Threshold is always expressed relative to the Attack Threshold so that they
will automatically track each other when the Attack Threshold is adjusted.
Parameter Description
Attack Threshold When the input signal rises above the level set by the Attack Threshold
parameter, Reshaper's ADSR engine begins the Attack phase. The turnon threshold is adjustable anywhere between
-40dB and 0dB (below the PatchMix nominal operating point of
-12dBFS.)
Attack Time This parameter controls the time, in milliseconds, that is required during
the Attack phase for the gain rise from its quiescent Release Level to
unity gain, or 0dB.
Decay Time This parameter controls the time, in milliseconds, that is required for the
gain to fall from 0dB down to the attenuated Sustain Level. Note that if
the Sustain Level is set to 0dB this decay time becomes simply a delay
before entering the Sustain phase.
Release Time This parameter controls the time, in milliseconds, that is required for the
gain to fall from the Sustain Level down to the Release Level.
Level Meter This meter represents the input signal level in dB, and is in fact the
output of the Gate's envelope follower. Since the envelope follower is
driven by the greater of the left or right channel, this monophonic
meter represents the greater of the two input signals.
Sustain Level This sets the gain level applied to the input signal when the ADSR
engine is in the Sustain phase.
Release Level This sets the final gain level applied to the input signal when the Release
phase is fully decayed. When set to the minimum (-70dB) the effective
Release Level is -infinity, i.e., fully turned-off.
Hold Time This parameter allows additional time to be added onto the Sustain
phase after the input signal falls below the Release Threshold before
transitioning to the Release phase. This extension of the Sustain phase is
useful for altering the tail dynamics of the sound.
Attack
Lookahead/Delay
This parameter is adjustable in milliseconds to allow the Reshaper to
either “look ahead” and advance (negative values) or “delay” (positive
values) the response of the envelope detector relative to the dynamics of
the input signal.
For example, negative lookahead values can cause the envelope
detector to start the ADSR's Attack phase before the actual attack of the
signal so as not to miss any audible transients. Likewise, positive delay
values can be used to start the Attack “late”, so that signal transients are
intentionally missed by the Attack.
84 Creative Professional
Page 85
Parameter Description
Release Threshold This parameter controls the level in dB below the Attack Threshold at
which the Release phase of the ADSR will begin.
Attack Retrigger By default, when the value of this parameter is Disabled, the Reshaper's
ADSR engine will wait until at least the Release phase of a cycle before
restarting a new Attack phase.
By setting Attack Retrigger to Enabled, however, the Reshaper becomes
sensitive to new input signal transients during any phase of the ADSR
cycle. In addition, enabling this parameter will also cause the attack to
restart at the Release Level instead of whatever gain was being applied
when the new attack arrived.
Attack Curve This parameter allows the gain during the Attack phase to follow one of
3 curves: linear, logarithmic, or exponential. Because the ADSR
computes gain using linear coefficients, the exponential curve comes
the closest to being a “constant in dB” gain ramp. A linear curve
provides a somewhat more immediate turn-on, while the logarithmic
curve presents a very abrupt turn-on.
Release Curve This parameter selects gain curves exactly as for the Attack Curve
parameter, except that the selected curves apply to both the Decay and
Release phases of the ADSR.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
E-MU Digital Audio System 85
Page 86
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Multimode EQ
The Multimode EQ is a flexible stereo filter that is capable of implementing a range of
powerful filter topologies. It is useful both for utility EQ applications and also for
special effects.
The Multimode EQ is built from an array of filter sections that can be configured to
support:
•Lowpass filters with up to 48dB/octave rolloff
• Highpass filters with up to 48dB/octave rolloff
• Highpass + Lowpass series or parallel combination with up to
24dB/octave rolloff
• Bandpass filters with up to 24dB/octave rolloff
• Bandcut filters with up to 24dB/octave rolloff
In addition to cutoff or center frequency parameters, each of the above filter types also
has a switchable rolloff rate and adjustable resonance.
A Filter Edit parameter controls whether the Multimode EQ operates in Stereo, where
filter parameters are adjusted identically for both channels, or split Left and Right,
where the left and right channels support completely independent filter types and
parameter values.
In addition to a standard Bypass switch, the effect offers an adjustable wet/dry mix
parameter. While not normally found on EQ sections, adjustable wet/dry mixtures can
be useful for generating phase cancellation and other special effects.
Applications
• Basic Tone Control - for fidelity enhancement
• Rumble Filter - use the highpass configuration with 48dB/octave rolloff below
50Hz.
• Subwoofer Support - use the lowpass configuration with 48dB/octave rolloff
below 100Hz.
• Lo-Fi Effect (telephone, walkie-talkie, guitar mini-amp, distance simulation)
• Extreme Spectral Shaping - use Highpass+Lowpass, Bandpass or Bandcut with
independent hi/lo resonance
• Pseudo-stereo Effect - apply slightly different EQ to left and right channels to
broaden the spread of a mono signal
• Cross-over - left and right channels split a mono signal between highpass and
lowpass with a sharp transition region.
86 Creative Professional
Page 87
Parameters
While the Multimode EQ has many parameters applicable to the various possible
configurations of channels and filters, it selectively enables or hides parameters
depending on their applicability to the current configuration. As a result, not all of the
parameters listed below appear on-screen at the same time.
Parameter Description
Filter Edit This parameter controls whether the filter editing parameters apply to
both left and right channels in tandem (Stereo), only to the left channel
(Left) or only to the right channel (Right).
Filter Mode This parameter selects one of 5 different filter types: Lowpass, Highpass,
Lowpass+Highpass, Band Pass or Band Cut.
Lowpass
The frequency response of the lowpass filter looks something like the diagram below:
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
In this mode, the Lowpass filter can have up to a 48dB/octave rolloff slope. In this mode
the Lowpass Rolloff, Lowpass Frequency and Lowpass Resonance parameters are
available for editing the filter response.
Highpass
The frequency response of the highpass filter looks something like the diagram below:
In this mode, the Highpass filter can have up to a 48dB/octave rolloff slope. The
Highpass Rolloff, Highpass Frequency and Highpass Resonance parameters are available
for editing the filter response.
E-MU Digital Audio System 87
Page 88
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Highpass -> Lowpass
In this mode, the Lowpass and Highpass filters are connected in series and both sets of
Lowpass and Highpass parameters are exposed and independently editable to create the
overall filter response. The maximum rolloff slope of each filter is limited to 24dB/
octave in this mode.
In Highpass -> Lowpass mode, the effect does not place any limitations on the
Frequency parameters of one filter relative to the other. In normal use, the Highpass
Freq parameter will be less than the Lowpass Freq parameter, creating a bandpass-type
response:
However, if the Highpass Freq parameter is greater than the Lowpass Frequency
parameter, the passband effectively disappears, since the part of the spectrum which is
above the highpass and below the lowpass is non-existent. As a result, you'll hear a
rapidly attenuating bandpass response as the corner frequencies diverge.
Note that while the Highpass -> Lowpass combination appears the same as the Band
Pass filter, this mode is different in several important respects:
• The rolloff points are independently adjustable as individual frequencies rather
than specified as a combination of center frequency and bandwidth.
• The rolloff slope of each High and Low filter can be specified separately while the
Bandpass and Band Cut filters use the same slope.
• The Resonance of each High and Low filter can be specified separately while the
Bandpass filter uses the same Resonance at high and low corner frequencies.
Highpass || Lowpass
In this mode, the Lowpass and Highpass filters are connected either in parallel, and
both sets of Lowpass and Highpass parameters are exposed and independently editable
to create the overall filter response. The maximum rolloff slope of each filter is limited
to 24dB/octave in this mode.
In Highpass || Lowpass mode, the effect does not place any limitations on the Freq
parameters of one filter relative to the other. In normal use, the Highpass Freq
parameter will be higher than the Lowpass Freq parameter, creating a bandcut-type
response:
88 Creative Professional
Page 89
However, when the Highpass Freq parameter is lower than the Lowpass Freq parameter,
the combined filter response is basically flat, since the passbands of each filter combine
to admit the entire spectrum. An exception occurs when there is resonance added to the
filters - you'll hear the resonant peaks as increased gain above the otherwise flat spectral
response.
Note that while the Highpass || Lowpass combination appears the same as the Band Cut
filter, this mode is different in several important respects:
• The rolloff points are independently adjustable as individual frequencies rather
than specified as a combination of center frequency and bandwidth.
• The rolloff slope of each High and Low filter can be specified separately while
each side of the Band Cut filter uses the same slope.
• The Resonance of each High and Low filter can be specified separately while the
Band Cut filter uses the same Resonance at high and low corner frequencies.
Band Pass
In this mode, the Lowpass and Highpass filters are connected in series to form a
bandpass filter, whose Center Freq and Bandwidth parameters are used to generate the
rolloff frequencies for the underlying Lowpass and Highpass filters. In this mode the
rolloff slope on the high and low sides of the passband is symmetrical and is limited to
a maximum of 24dB/octave. The Resonance is also common to both filter sections .
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Resonance = 0
6dB/oct
12dB/oct
18dB/oct
24dB/oct
Band Cut
In this mode, the Lowpass and Highpass filters are connected in parallel to form a bandcut filter, whose Center Freq and Bandwidth parameters are used to generate the rolloff
frequencies for the underlying Lowpass and Highpass filters. In this mode the rolloff
slope on the high and low sides of the cut-band is symmetrical and is limited to a
maximum of 24dB/octave.The Resonance is also common to both filter sections .
Resonance = 0
6dB/oct
12dB/oct
24dB/oct
18dB/oct
E-MU Digital Audio System 89
Page 90
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
RFX Compressor
The RFX Compressor is a full-featured stereo compressor effect which features the standard
parameters available on most compressors as well as a collection of additional advanced
parameters that are useful for more sophisticated applications and special effects:
• Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release w/gain metering
•Auto-makeup gain
•Adjustable soft knee
•Adjustable lookahead/delay
• Noise gate (downward expander)
• Compressor “tail” expansion
• Program-dependent release
• Negative compression ratios
Signal Flow
The block diagram of the RFX Compressor is shown below.
Input
In L
In R
(& Sidechain)
Mode
Compressor
Lookahead
0-100mS
SIGNAL PATH
Gain
Cells
Out
L
R
Out
Release
Threshold Ratio Gain
Gain
Control
Soft
Max.
Comp.
Neg.
Comp.
Knee
Gate
SIDECHAIN
Compressor
Delay
Compressor
Delay
0-50mS
Level
Detector
Attack
Auto Release
Note that the effect is split between a signal path and a sidechain path that contains the
compressor's level detectors and gain computation. The signal path of the RFX
Compressor is very close to a “straight wire”, with only a delay line and one gain control
element inserted in it. The sidechain contains the bulk of the compressor algorithm and
is responsible for computing the gain control signal. Signal multiplexers at the front of
the signal path and sidechain allow linked stereo compression or split signal path/
sidechain processing.
The RFX Compressor does not have the input gain control that is found on some
compressors. These are typically used to align the input signal range to the compression
threshold. Instead, we've allowed the RFX Compressor's Threshold parameter to operate
over an exceptionally large range of 0-60dB so that it can be “steered” to the appropriate
range of the input signal. The output Gain parameter also operates - either manually or
automatically - over the unusually large range of -60dB to +60dB in order to renormalize the compressor's output for the next stage of the signal path.
90 Creative Professional
Page 91
The wide dynamic range of the RFX Compressor aside, it's generally a good idea to
f Tip: A ratio of
Infinity:1 combined
with high threshold and
fast attack/release
results in an effective
peak limiter.
maintain the hottest signal levels possible without clipping at the input to any audio
processor.
Parameters
Threshold
Threshold sets the input signal level above which dynamic range compression takes
place. Everything above the threshold will be brought down in volume. The
compression threshold ranges from -0 to -60dB, relative to full scale (0dBFS) input.
Setting the Threshold to 0dB disables normal compression, since no signal can exceed
the maximum possible input level. A Threshold setting of 0dB is still useful, however,
when using soft-knee compression or gating, since these actions occur below (and their
thresholds are set relative to) the Threshold parameter.
Gain Reduction Meter
As input signals exceed the Threshold, the rightness character in the bargraph is lit, and
successive characters are lit for each approximately 3dB in gain reduction imposed by
the compressor on the input signal. Because this is a compression meter and not a level
meter, the same input signal level will show widely varying meter readings depending
on the setting of the Ratio parameter.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Ratio
Sets the ratio of output signal to input
signal levels, selectable in 16 steps
from 1:1.1 to 1:INFINITY.
When Neg Compression is set to
Enabled, the range of compression
ratios extends beyond INFINITY to
encompass negative compression
ratios from 1:-100 down to 1:-1, which
can be useful for applications like
ducking and other special effects.
See the discussion of the Neg
Compression parameter on page
96.
0dB 1.1:1
-30dB
-80dB
Threshold: -30dB
1.5:1
2:1
3:1
10:1
8
:1
Attack
Sets the amount of time that the compressor's level detector will take to respond to an
increase in signal level. The Attack range is adjustable from Instantaneous (essentially a
peak detector that follows individual samples) to 10 seconds (useful for long-term
leveling or automatic mixing applications.)
Release
Sets the amount of time that the compressor's level detector will take to respond to a
decrease in signal level. The fastest Release time is 100 microseconds, useful for some
special effects but highly prone to distortion; more typical release times are in the range
of 70 milliseconds to 1 second. Release times up to 10 seconds are available for longterm leveling or automatic mixing applications.
When the Auto-release parameter is in its signal-dependent settings, the Release time
shown represents the shortest possible release time. In Auto-release modes the displayed
Release time will be automatically extended depending on the dynamics of the input
signal.
E-MU Digital Audio System 91
Page 92
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Gain
Sets the compressor's output gain in dB, from +60dB boost to-60dB cut. This control
follows all of the other elements in the compressor's signal path, so positive gain boost
can be used to make up for the gain reduction normally applied to signals above the
compression threshold. Alternatively, negative gain cut can be used to make up for the
gain increase that is applied to signals below the threshold in Soft Knee mode.
Auto Makeup Mode: When adjusted downward past the -60dB cut, the Gain
parameter begins operating in Auto Makeup mode. Auto Makeup mode is used to
compensate for the drop in output level normally resulting from the gain reduction
actions of the Threshold and Ratio parameters. Auto Makeup makes it much easier to
adjust these parameters since there is no need to switch back and forth to the Gain
parameter in order to perform the gain compensation manually.
Auto Makeup looks at the gain reduction implied by the setting of the Threshold and
Ratio parameters and automatically applies a complementary gain increase so that an
ideal 0dB input signal results in a 0dB - or lower - output signal. In this mode, indicated
by the Threshold legend, the Gain parameter adjusts the output level from
that 0dB input signal to fall anywhere in the range of 0dB down to -60dB.
Advanced Parameters
This parameter controls whether the “Advanced Parameters” listed in this section are
hidden or exposed on the screen. For simple applications, quick edits or for novice
users, these advanced parameters can be hidden to minimize screen clutter and preclude
erroneous operation. For special and exotic applications and for experienced users,
these parameters can be exposed to allow access to all the gory details of the
compressor's operation.
Caution! The Gain
control can increase the
signal level to the point of
clipping. Excessive signal
levels can damage
speakers as well as your
ears!
Auto Makeup should
not be used when in
negative compression
ranges (see the Neg
Compression parameter
on page
Gain control instead.
96. Use manual
Note that even when this parameter is set to “Off”, the settings of the advanced parameters are still active; the only effect of this parameter is to hide them from the screen.
Soft Knee
This parameter sets the depth of the compression transition region, giving an adjustable
hard or soft “knee” to the compressor's gain curve. Setting the depth of this region
results in a knee shape that can be varied from a sharp transition to one that is imperceptibly gradual.
With the default value of Off, the Soft Knee parameter causes the gain curve to switch
immediately at the Threshold point from no compression (1:1) to full compression
(1:Ratio), representing the hard knee effect. By adjusting the parameter value, an
additional knee threshold can be created 1dB to 60dB below the regular compression
Threshold. Between these two thresholds the effective compression ratio increases
smoothly along the curve of a circular arc, from 1:1 at the lower knee threshold to the
full compression of 1:Ratio at the upper Threshold. Both the Soft Knee depth and the
Ratio will affect the particular shape of the knee: shallower depths and higher Ratios will
create a sharper knee, while greater depths and lower ratios create a softer knee.
92 Creative Professional
Page 93
Soft Knee
(Varying the Soft Knee Threshold)
0dB
Threshold: -20dB
Ratio = 4:1
-20dB
Knee
Threshold -10dB
Threshold -20dB
Threshold -30dB
-80dB
This diagram shows the effect of varying the Soft Knee Threshold. Compression is 1:1 (no compression) at the Knee Threshold and smoothly transforms into the
selected compression ratio at the Compression Threshold. The upward arrow shows
the additional gain added to signals below the Threshold.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Soft Knee
(Varying the Compression Ratio)
0dB
Ratio = 1.5:1
-20dB
-35dB
Threshold: -20dB
Soft Knee:
Threshold -15dB
-80dB
This diagram shows the effect of varying the Compression Ratio with a
fixed Soft Knee Threshold. The knee transforms from a linear slope to the slope of
the compression ratio over the Soft Knee Threshold area. The upward arrow
shows the additional gain added to signals below the Threshold.
In the region between the lower knee and upper Threshold, a variable amount of gain
reduction is applied depending on the signal level and Ratio setting. To keep this gain
reduction from “dragging down” the signal levels at the Threshold point, a complementary gain boost is automatically applied to all signal levels below the Threshold
when the Soft Knee is enabled. This gain increase with depth and Ratio is illustrated by
the upward arrows in the diagrams, and is similar to the action of the Auto Makeup
Gain parameter. Thus signal levels below the Threshold increase as the Soft Knee depth
and/or Ratio is increased (but see the Gate parameter, below.)
Ratio = 4:1
Ratio = 10:1
f Tip: Setting a high
Ratio with the Threshold
at 0dB and the Soft Knee
at -60dB creates a
compressor whose ratio
varies smoothly from
gentle compression at
lower signal levels to
peak limiting at maximum
signal level
E-MU Digital Audio System 93
Page 94
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Gate
This parameter enables automatic gain reduction on signals that fall from 1 to 120dB
below the Threshold point (or Soft Knee threshold, if enabled.) This can act effectively
as a “noise gate” on low-level signals that have been boosted by the action of the Gain
or Soft Knee parameters. The gating action follows a somewhat soft-kneed contour of its
own so that turn-on and turn-off at the gate threshold is not too abrupt.
Gate
0dB
-10dB
-20dB
Threshold: -20dB
Ratio = 4:1
Gain = +15dB
Gate
Threshold
-30dB
-30dB
-40dB
-50dB
-60dB
-70dB
-80dB
In this example, the Gain has been boosted by +15dB. The Gate cancels out the +15dB Gain
boost below the Gate Threshold. Signal levels above the Gate Threshold will be boosted;
signal levels below this point will not be boosted and will be 15dB lower in volume.
Note that, strictly speaking, the term “gate” is a misnomer in this context, since the
action of this parameter is simply to cancel out gain increases that resulted from the
settings of other parameters. This can be seen by the arrows in the diagram as the gain is
reduced below the Gate threshold back down to the dotted line representing unity gain.
The result is that if the Gain parameter is set negative or the Soft Knee parameter is
disabled, the Gate parameter will have no effect.
Comp Lookahead/Delay
This parameter controls compressor
lookahead or delay by setting the
relative time offset, in milliseconds,
between the compressor's signal path
and its sidechain path.
At negative values, this parameter lets
the level detector in the compressor's
sidechain “look into the future” up to
100 milliseconds in order to anticipate upcoming peaks in the signal accomplished of course, by inserting
delay into the signal path. This
lookahead technique allows the use
of slower attack times without
missing signal peaks.
At positive values, the signal path delay is zero; instead, a delay of up to 50 milliseconds
is inserted into the sidechain path containing the level detector. This delay can be used
intentionally to cause the compressor to miss signal peaks, retaining the “punch” and
94 Creative Professional
Lookahead Delay
Sharp waveform peak is missed by compressor.
Add Lookahead (neg values) to compress peak.
Add Delay (pos values) to allow peak through.
Page 95
“bite” of signal attacks while subsequently compressing the sustained portions of the
e
sound.
In general, both positive and negative values of this parameter are useful for applications where the normal envelope of a signal is being creatively manipulated to achieve
special effects.
Auto-Release
This parameter causes the effective Release time to be extended automatically based on
the dynamics of the input signal. This parameter emulates the program-dependent
release characteristics found on some classic analog compressor/limiters.
When not set “Off”, the Auto-release parameter treats the Release parameter value as a
minimum release time, extending it by as much as a factor of 10 depending on different,
selectable characteristics of the input signal:
In Program-dependent mode, release times are increased depending on how often,
how long and by how much the input signal (“program material”) exceeds the
Threshold. Release times increase slowly under sustained excursions of the input over
the Threshold, and typically return back to normal within a few seconds after the signal
level has fallen below it. This emulates the signal “memory effect” exhibited by some
electro-optical compressors.
In Compression-dependent mode, the release extension characteristics are similar, but
in addition depend on the amount of gain reduction being applied to the signal. Thus
the same signal will cause more release-time extension at higher compression Ratio
settings than at lower ones.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Uncompressed Waveform
Short Release
Program-Dependent Release
With Auto-release turned on, the release time becomes longer after an extended
period of compression.
Longer Releas
E-MU Digital Audio System 95
Page 96
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Max Compression
This parameter is used to limit the amount of gain reduction that the compressor can
apply. The limit is set as a maximum number of dB of gain reduction, from 3dB to
UNLIMITED.
0dB
Max. Compression
Max. Comp. = 6dB
Max. Comp. = 15dB
-30dB
Threshold: -30dB
Ratio = 4:1
-80dB
This feature emulates the phenomenon of the compression “tail” found in the gain
curves of some classic analog compressor/limiters. The phenomenon results from the
inability of these devices to apply more than a certain amount of compression to the
input signal. When the device “runs out” of enough gain reduction to compress a very
high level signal, it resumes a 1:1 gain curve again. This “deficiency” has the unexpected
sonic benefit of restoring some dynamics to the compressed signal - but only on the
highest input peaks - thus adding some “life” back into otherwise over-compressed
signals.
Unlike analog compressors, the Max Compression parameter allows you to adjust the
amount of gain reduction before the compressor returns to a 1:1 gain curve. The
diagram shows three settings of the Max Compression parameter; the compressor “gives
up” and returns to 1:1 after 6, 15 and 24dB of compression have been exhausted,
respectively.
The parameter is most useful at higher compression ratios, allowing the gain curve to be
carefully tailored to the dynamics of the signal as well as the Threshold and Ratio
parameters. The limit set by the Max Compression parameter does not apply to gain
reduction performed in the Soft Knee region of the gain curve.
Max. Comp. = 24dB
E Note: You may need
to use the Gain
parameter to keep these
restored peaks from
clipping the compressor
output since Auto
Makeup gain doesn't
automatically take the
compressor tail into
account.
Neg Compression
When the Neg Compression
parameter is Enabled, the range of
compression values available to
the Ratio parameter extends
beyond INFINITE to encompass
negative compression ratios from
1:-100 down to 1:-1. Using
negative compression ratios
results in an output signal that
actually gets quieter as the input
signal rises above the threshold.
This action can be useful for applications like ducking and for other
special effects.
96 Creative Professional
0dB
-30dB
-80dB
Threshold: -30dB
Neg. Comp: Enabled
Ratio
-10:1
-5:1
-3:1
-2:1
-1.5:1
-1:1
Page 97
The diagram above shows the gain curves using a Threshold at -30dB and a range of
negative compression ratios.
At just past 1:INFINITE, the setting of 1:-100 causes input signals approaching 0dB to
be only slightly decreased below -30dB. In contrast, the compression ratio of 1:-1 causes
a 2dB gain reduction for each 1dB of additional input signal level, resulting in an output
signal level that is folded down over the Threshold.
Input Mode
The Input Mode parameter allows the compressor signal path and sidechain to be
driven in common or by separate inputs. This is a feature of many compressors and is
useful for a range of applications and special effects.
By default, the Input Mode of the compressor is Stereo. In this mode the two
independent left and right signal paths are gain controlled by a parallel sidechain path
common to both inputs that contains the compressor's level detector. This single level
detector works on the higher of the two input signal levels, so that signal peaks are
properly compressed and no L/R image shift results from compression operations.
When the Input Mode is set to L In/R Sidechain, the signal path is fed exclusively from
the left channel and the sidechain is fed exclusively from the right channel. This allows
dynamics control between two completely independent signals. In this mode both the
compressor's left and right outputs are fed by the mono signal from the left input
channel's signal path.
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Splitting the signal path and sidechain makes possible applications where the two
signals may be completely unrelated, such as ducking. Other split-sidechain applications result from situations where a stereo input signal has had different processing
applied between left and right channels. One example would be to place a stereo
equalizer ahead of the compressor in order to implement a version of de-essing or “debooming”. See page 100.
Create a Ducker
To create a ducker, in which a background signal's level is reduced in the presence of a
foreground signal, first set the Input Mode parameter to L In/R Sidechain. Then send
feeds from the background signal to the left input, and from the foreground signal to
the right side input. Set the Ratio parameter to -1:1 (or lower for less background
reduction), and dial in a low Threshold such as -50, so any foreground signal above 50dB will cause gain reduction in the background signal. This technique works best
with slow Attack and Release times — use a liberal amount of Compression Lookahead
to keep the background from masking the beginning of foreground sounds.
Creating a Ducker
Ducker
L
Out
R
Stereo Strip
Background Signal
Pan -90 (L)
Foreground Signal
Pan +90 (R)
L
Gain
Cell
R
Sidechain
E-MU Digital Audio System 97
Page 98
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Example Settings
Here we have provided a few examples to show the varied uses of this useful tool. Bear
in mind that these examples are simply starting points and that you will undoubtedly
need to fine tune the parameters to fit the program material and to suit your own taste.
Increase Drum Punch:
Adjust the Threshold control to control the amount of compression.
• Threshold: Adjust so that all hits are being compressed.
• Ratio: 4:1
• Attack: 8 msec (Increase the time to hear more “stick” sound.)
• Release: 60 msec (Adjust according to the tempo of song.)
• Gain: Adjust to make up for lost volume.
• Soft Knee: Adjust as desired.
• Comp. Lookahead: This can be used instead of the Attack control.
• Max. Compression: Unlimited
Smoothing out the Bass Guitar Level:
This setup evens out the volume and prevents the bass guitar from wandering in and out
of the mix.
• Threshold: -24dB (adjust according to the sound)
• Ratio: 4:1
• Attack: 8 msec
• Release: 70 msec
• Gain: +4dB (adjust according to the sound)
• Soft Knee: Threshold -8dB
• Gate: Off
• Comp. Lookahead: 0 msec
• Auto-release: Comp-dependent
• Max. Compression: 18dB
Peak Limiting:
This setup trims only the very loudest peaks, leaving most of the signal intact.
• Threshold: -37dB (adjust according to the sound)
• Ratio: 2:1 or 3:1
• Attack: Instantaneous
• Release: 30 msec
• Gain: 0dB
• Soft Knee: Off
• Gate: Off
• Comp. Lookahead: -5 msec
• Max. Compression: Unlimited
98 Creative Professional
Page 99
Vocal Compression/Spoken Word:
This setup compresses the entire dynamic range of the vocal. Whenever there is a signal
present, there is some compression taking place.
• Threshold: Adjust so that the first bar of the meter comes on even on soft pas-
sages.
• Ratio: 2:1
• Attack: 0.1 msec
• Release: 100 msec
• Gain: Set to compensate for lost gain.
• Soft Knee: Off
• Gate: Off
• Comp. Lookahead: 0 msec
• Auto-release: Off
• Max. Compression: 12dB
Backwards Drums & Cymbals:
This is a special effect which reverses the volume envelope of cymbals and drums.
• Threshold: -37dB (adjust according to the sound)
• Ratio: -1:1 (Neg. Compression enabled)
• Attack: Instantaneous
• Release: 200 msec
• Gain: +19dB
• Soft Knee: Off
• Gate: Off
• Comp. Lookahead: -24 msec
• Auto-release: Off
• Max. Compression: Unlimited
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
E-MU Digital Audio System 99
Page 100
5 - Effects
Core Effects Descriptions
Creating a De-esser:
A de-esser reduces the sibilance or “sss” sound in a vocal part. The sidechain feature of
the RFX Compressor makes it possible to create a effective de-esser using the compressor
and the Multimode EQ. The Wet/Dry Mix on each effect should be set to 100%
The idea is to boost the high frequency content going to the sidechain (R input) so that
the compressor will turn down the volume in the presence of sibilance.
Creating a De-esser
Multimode
Compressor
Gain
Cell
Sidechain
L
Out
R
Mono
Strip
In
R
EQ
L
Flat
Response
Hi Pass
Multimode EQ Settings
The left channel is set flat (no EQ). The right channel boosts hi-frequencies.
• Left Channel: Lowpass mode, Lowpass Rolloff = Off
• Right Channel: Highpass mode, 24dB/oct, HP Frequency = 8173Hz,
HP Resonance = 36%
Compressor Settings
Lookahead gives the compressor time to react to the vocal sibilance.
• Input Mode: L In/R Sidechain
• Threshold: -32dB (adjust to control amount of de-essing)
• Ratio: 2.5:1
• Attack: Instantaneous
• Release: 40 msec
• Gain: 0dB
• Soft Knee: Off
• Gate: Off
• Comp. Lookahead: -20 msec
• Auto-release: Off
• Max. Compression: Unlimited
E You can boost the low
frequencies in the right
channel to create a “deboomer”.
100 Creative Professional
Loading...