E-MU Tracker Pre User Manual
Audio Interface /
Mobile Preamp
Reference ManualReference Manual
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 1
Audio Interface / Mobile Preamp
Reference Manual
© 2007 E-MU Systems
All Rights Reserved
Revision: A
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USA
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SINGAPORE
Europe
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IRELAND
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4-6-7 Soto-Kanda
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
JAPAN
2 E-MU Systems
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................5
Package Includes .......................................................................... 6
Computer Requirements ............................................................... 7
Windows ..........................................................................................................7
OS X .................................................................................................................7
Software Installation .................................................................... 8
Windows XP or Windows Vista ..........................................................................8
Note About Windows Logo Testing ................................................................ 8
Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications ................................................8
Macintosh OS X .................................................................................................9
Uninstalling the Audio Drivers and Applications ............................................11
Basic Connections ......................................................................12
Insert Connection Example .........................................................13
Controls & Headphone Output ................................................... 14
Input/Output .............................................................................15
E-MU USB Audio Control Panel ...................................................16
Direct Monitoring .......................................................................17
Tutorials .....................................................................................18
Introduction ....................................................................................................18
Before you Begin... ......................................................................................18
Getting Started with Steinberg Cubase LE 4 (Windows, OS X) ..........................19
1 - Setting up Cubase LE 4 ...........................................................................19
2 - Basic Multitrack Recording .......................................................................21
3 - Recording a MIDI Track using Proteus VX (Windows only) ........................ 23
Getting Started with Cakewalk Sonar 6 LE (Windows) ......................................26
1 - Setting up Sonar 6 LE .............................................................................. 26
2 - Basic Multitrack Recording .......................................................................29
3 - Recording a MIDI Track using Proteus VX .................................................31
Getting Started with Ableton Live Lite 6 (Windows/OS X) .................................36
Before you Begin: ........................................................................................36
1 - Setting up the Preferences .......................................................................36
2 - Follow the Live 6 Lessons ........................................................................38
3 - Running Proteus VX from Ableton Live (Windows only) ............................39
4 - Record a MIDI Track in Live using your MIDI Keyboard .............................42
Other Cool Tips ............................................................................................45
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 3
Troubleshooting .........................................................................46
Internet References .................................................................... 48
Forums ........................................................................................................ 48
Useful Information ..................................................................... 49
Cables - balanced or unbalanced? ................................................................... 49
Balanced Cables .......................................................................................... 49
Unbalanced Cables ...................................................................................... 49
Adapter Cables ................................................................................................ 50
Grounding ...................................................................................................... 50
Phantom Power .............................................................................................. 50
Technical Specifications .............................................................. 51
Declaration of Conformity .......................................................... 53
Index ......................................................................................... 55
4 E-MU Systems
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface/
Mobile Preamp. This interface brings an unparalleled level of USB audio quality to
the Mac or PC, with pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters, ultra-low
jitter clock, and XTC™ Class-A, ultra-low noise mic/line/hi-Z preamps. The signalto-noise specs of Tracker Pre USB 2.0 are unmatched by any other brand of USB
interface on the market! From its plug-and-play functionality and hands-on
ergonomic design, to professional features like zero-latency direct monitoring,
Tracker Pre will forever change your expectations of USB audio. We’ve also
included the powerful E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle so that you’ll have
everything you need to create, record, edit, and mix your music.
Some of the other key features are detailed below:
• Record and Playback support for a multitude of sample rates: 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k,
96k, 176.4k, 192k. (176.4k &192k available on PC version only)
• E-MU CurrentMorph™ (pat. pend.) phantom power circuit allows bus-powered
+48V without compromising audio performance.
• Insert jacks on both channels allow you to insert compressors, EQs, or other
processors after the XTC™ Class-A, ultra-low noise preamps.
• Hardware zero-latency direct monitoring (mono or stereo) allows you to record
and overdub with no annoying delay
• Can be used as a stand-alone, audiophile-quality microphone preamplifier
using an optional external power supply.
• Independent ground lift switches for both analog TRS inputs help to solve
potential ground loop problems
• Studio-Grade Headphone Amplifier with level control
NOTE
There are some limitations
when operating at higher
sample rates. See page 16
for details.
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 5
Package Includes
PACKAGE INCLUDES
• E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface
•USB Cable (2 meters)
• Installation Guide
E-MU Software/Manual Installation CD-ROM (OS X /Windows)
• Windows XP, Windows x64, Windows Vista, Windows Vista x64 Drivers
• Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5 Drivers
• Owner’s Manual and Tutorials
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows only)
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle DVD (OS X /Windows)
Windows Applications
• E-MU Proteus VX (with over 1000 sounds)
• Cakewalk Sonar 6 LE
• Steinberg Cubase LE
• Celemony Melodyne essential
• IK Multimedia AmpliTube Duo
• SFX Machine LT
4
OS X Applications
• Steinberg Cubase LE
• BIAS Peak Express 5
• Celemony Melodyne essential
• IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE
• SFX Machine LT
•T-Racks EQ
Ableton Live Lite 6 E-MU Edition CD-ROM (OS X, Windows)
• Ableton Live Lite 6 E-MU Edition
Waldorf Edition LE CD-ROM (OS X, Windows)
• Waldorf Edition LE
4
6 E-MU Systems
Computer Requirements
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
The minimum computer system requirements for the E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0
are listed below.
Windows
• Intel® or AMD® processor — 1.2 GHz or faster
• Intel, AMD, or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
• Microsoft® Windows® XP (SP 2 or greater), Windows XP x64, Windows Vista,
or Windows Vista x64
• 1 available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port *
• 512 MB System RAM
• 900 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
• CD-ROM/CD-RW drive required for software installation
• DVD-ROM drive required for bundled software installation
• XVGA Video (1024 x 768)
OS X
• Apple® Macintosh® G4 800 MHz G4 compatible or Intel-based processor
• Apple Macintosh OS X (10.4.3 or greater)
• 1 Available (Hi-Speed) USB 2.0 port †
• 512 MB System RAM
• 500 MB of free hard disk space for full installation
• CD-ROM/CD-RW drive required for software installation
• DVD-ROM drive required for bundled software installation
• XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
* When connecting the Tracker Pre to a USB 1.1 port on a Windows PC, performance is
limited to 16-bit and 44.1/48 kHz recording and playback.
† USB 1.1 is not supported on the Macintosh
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 7
Software Installation
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Windows XP or Windows Vista
Follow these instructions to install the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 software and E-MU
Production Tools software bundle on a Windows XP or Windows Vista computer.
1. First connect the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 to your computer using the supplied USB
cable, and turn it on.
2. If Windows prompts you with an Add New Hardware Wizard, click Cancel.
3. Insert the E-MU Software/Manual 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 simply open the CD and double-click Setup.exe.
4. The installation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to
complete the installation. You will have the option to install Tracker Pre, and
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
5. Choose “Continue Anyway” when you encounter the “Windows Logo
Testing” warning screen. See the note below.
6. When prompted, restart your computer.
7. Be sure to register your Tracker Pre so we can advise you of future software
updates and special offers. You can register online at: www.emu.com/register
8. Your Tracker Pre USB 2.0 is now ready to use.
9. Insert the Windows Production Tools Software Bundle DVD into your DVD-
ROM drive.
10. The installation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to
complete the installation.
Note About Windows Logo Testing
When you install the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 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 Tracker Pre USB 2.0 audio drivers are not certified by WHQL because the
driver 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 Tracker Pre USB 2.0 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.
Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications
At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 application
and device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade
outdated drivers or applications. Before you begin, close the E-MU Audio control
application. Applications running during the uninstallation will not be removed.
1. Click Start -> Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab (or Change or Remove Programs button).
8 E-MU Systems
Software Installation
4. Select the E-MU Audio Drivers entry and then click the Change/Remove
button.
5. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove ALL option.
6. Click the Yes button.
7. Restart your computer when prompted.
You may now re-install existing or updated E-MU device drivers or applications.
To Reinstall the Drivers:
1. Disconnect the Tracker Pre USB connection.
2. Reboot your PC.
3. When the operating system has finished loading, re-connect the Tracker Pre
USB connection. Important! Make sure you are using a USB 2.0 port.
4. The Hardware Wizard will launch when it detects the Tracker Pre. Cancel it!
5. Run the Installer from the Software/Manual Installation CD-ROM.
6. Reboot the PC when asked. If you’re not asked, reboot anyway.
7. Check the Device Manager, Sounds Video and Game Controllers to make sure
the E-MU Tracker Pre|USB is shown.
Macintosh OS X
Follow these instructions to install the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 drivers and software on
a Macintosh OS X computer. First, connect the Tracker Pre to your computer as
shown on page 12
Install the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Software
1. Insert the E-MU Software/Manual CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
2. Double-click on the E-MU icon on the desktop.
3. Double-click on the Install icon to start the installation.
4. The installation Welcome screen appears. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
5. When the Authenticate dialog box appears, enter the administrator password
you chose when you installed OS X.
6. Continue to follow the instructions on the screen to continue the installation.
You will be given the option to install:
• Easy Install: Installs the following applications and drivers.
E-MU Tracker Pre USB 2.0: USB Drivers and Control Application
• Custom Install: allows you to choose which components are installed.
7. Easy Install is recommended. The software will be quickly installed. When
prompted, restart your computer.
.
8. Be sure to register your Tracker Pre USB 2.0 so we can advise you of future
software updates and special offers. You can register online at:
www.emu.com/register
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 9
Software Installation
Set-up the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 as your Default Audio Device
9. Click Go -> Utilities from the menu bar.
10. Double-click Audio MIDI Setup, then click the Audio Devices button if it’s
not already selected. The window shown on the following page appears.
11. Select the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 for the following: Default Input, Default
Output, System Output, Properties For.
12. Play a song on iTunes to verify that the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 is the default
device for audio playback.
13. Quit iTunes.
Setup the MIDI Devices
If you plan to use a MIDI keyboard, now would be a good time to set up your MIDI
devices. Connecting a MIDI keyboard will allow you to use the virtual instruments
provided in the software bundle and get the most out of your purchase. You’ll also
need a MIDI interface such as the E-MU Xmidi 2x2 or Xmidi 1x1.
14. Click the MIDI Devices button. The window shown below appears.
10 E-MU Systems
Software Installation
15. If you have a USB class-compliant MIDI device connected, it will appear as an
icon in the MIDI Devices window.
16. Press the close button to close the Audio MIDI Setup window.
Install the Production Tools Software Bundle
17. Insert the Macintosh Production Tools CD into your CD-ROM drive.
18. Double-click on the installer package.
19. The installation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen.
20. Continue to install applications from the bundle as desired.
Uninstalling the Audio Drivers and Applications
At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall the Tracker Pre USB 2.0 application
and device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade
outdated drivers or applications. Before you begin, close the E-MU Tracker Pre
Audio control panel application. Applications running during the uninstallation
will not be removed.
1. Open the Applications folder.
2. Open the Creative Professional folder.
3. Open the E-MU USB Audio folder.
4. Click the E-MU USB Audio Unistaller and follow the instructions.
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 11
Basic Connections
WARNING!
Use only a USB 2.0
certified Hi-Speed cable
(like the one supplied) for
the USB connection. Using
a USB 1.1 cable may cause
erratic behavior and
degraded performance.
NOTE
The Main Outputs are
balanced and can be used
with either balanced or
unbalanced cables.
BASIC CONNECTIONS
Optional
External
Power
(for standalone
operation)
(Bus-powered)
Computer
Plug Instrument
or Line Level into
the center of
the receptacle.
Phantom
Power
On/Off
Microphone
or Line
Note: A mono microphone
connects to Input 1L.
Stereo
Electret
Mic
Balanced cables should
ONLY be used when
connecting to a device
with balanced inputs.
(balanced-TRS or unbalanced-TS)
(unbalanced-TS)
1/4” male to 1/4” male
(balanced-TRS or unbalanced-TS)
1/4” male TS
to female RCA
Male RCA to
male stereo 1/8”
Y-c able
Powered Speakers
Stereo 1/8”
stereo-stereo
coupler
Male stereo
1/8” to speakers
Powered
Computer
Speakers
12 E-MU Systems
Insert Connection Example
INSERT CONNECTION EXAMPLE
EXTERNAL PROCESSOR
(Compressor, EQ, etc.)
ATTACK
MEDIUM
RELEASE
METER
4
3
SLOW
2
1
RED.
0
FAST SLOW
FAST
OUTPUT
Input Output
Tip Ring
COMPRESSOR
5
6
7
8
9
10
GAIN
1008060
40
112+33570
5
6
4
VU
3
7
BYPASS
LINK
8
2
9
1
0
GAIN REDUCTION
POWER
ON
10
TRS Plug
Mic
TIP . . .
Tracker Pre can be used as
a standalone, high-quality
stereo microphone preamp
if needed.
Insert Jack
Preamp
Output
From
Preamp
To tap off the Mic Preamps
without interrupting the
connection to the ADC,
insert a mono plug halfway
(to the first click) into the
insert jack.
BLOCK
DIAGRAM
Mic Preamp
Inserting a stereo send-return cable into an Insert jack breaks the
connection between the Mic Preamp and the A/D converter and allows
you to insert a serial processing device, such as a compressor or EQ.
SEND/RETURN CABLE
The pre-amplified signal is sent Out the
Tip of the plug and Returns to the
Tracker Pre via the Ring of the plug.
Insert
Device
Tip Ring
USB
A/D Converter
To Effect From Effect
Tip Ring
Return
Send
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 13
Controls & Headphone Output
CONTROLS & HEADPHONE OUTPUT
2 34 5 61
1. Signal Level & Clip Indicators
The LED signal level indicators show that you are inputting a proper signal
level. With a proper input level, the green signal LED should be flickering, but
the red clip indicator should NOT ever be lit.
The clip indicators light and show that the input level has exceeded 0dBFS.
2. Left/Right Gain Controls
These controls set the input gain from 0dB to +60dB for the two inputs.
3. Direct Monitor Level Control
This continuous encoder controls the amount of direct monitor signal mixed
into the outputs. The level is adjustable from -24dB to off.
4. Direct Monitor On/Off & Mono-Stereo Switch
Press the button once to turn on Direct Monitoring. The stereo LED illuminates. In this mode the left and right channels are passed through to their
respective outputs at the level set by the Direct Monitor Level control. Press
the button again to switch to Mono Direct Monitoring, which sums the left
and right direct monitor channels to mono. Mono mode is useful when the
two inputs are being used for separate instruments, or when only one input is
being used. See “
5. Headphone Jack
Connect your stereo headphones here.
6. Headphone Level Control
This knob controls the volume of the headphone output. This switch also
turns the Tracker Pre on or off.
Ground Lift Switches
There are “ground lift” switches for both analog 1/4” inputs located on the
bottom of the unit. These switches can be used to safely stop the hum if a
ground loop occurs in your setup. See page 46
Direct Monitoring” on page 17.
for more information.
Input Grounded
R-GND LIFT
L-GND LIFT
The input ground is lifted when the L or R slide switch is closest to the GND LIFT label.
14 E-MU Systems
Input Ground Lifted
Input/Output
INPUT/OUTPUT
811 12912137
10
7. 5 VDC Power Adapter (optional)
Although the Tracker Pre is normally bus-powered via USB, it can also be
powered by an external 5-Volt DC power adapter (optional) to allow it to be
used as a stand-alone stereo microphone preamplifier.
8. USB
Connects the Tracker Pre to your computer via the supplied USB cable. The
USB connection provides two-way communication when connected to the
computer.
Since the Tracker Pre receives its power from the USB, always connect to the
USB jack on the computer itself and NOT to a low-power USB connection
that may be present on your computer keyboard or other USB peripheral.
9. Main Outputs (1L & 2R)
The balanced outputs are normally connected to your monitoring system.
Either balanced or unbalanced cables may be used.
The main output volume
can be controlled using the System Volume Control on your Mac or PC. Many
“multimedia” computer keyboards contain System Volume Controls.
10. Phantom Power on/off
This switch turns 48V Phantom Power on or off to the XLR inputs for use with
microphones which require phantom power. See page 50
to learn more.
NOTE to PC Users:
When using a USB 1.1 port,
performance is limited to
16-bit and 44.1/48 kHz
recording and playback.
(USB 1.1 is not supported
on the Macintosh.)
System Volume Control
Mac
PC
11. Inserts (1L & 2R)
These unbalanced TRS jacks allow you to insert a signal processor, such as a
compressor or EQ, after the mic preamps, but before the A/D converter stage.
See “
Insert Connection Example” on page 13.
The Insert jacks can also be used to tap off the mic preamp outputs when
using the Tracker Pre as a stand-alone stereo microphone preamp. Page 13
.
12. Hi-Z / Line / Mic Inputs (1L & 2R)
Use the XLR connector for microphones or balanced line level signals. Use the
1/4¨ jack in the center of the XLR connector as a Hi-Z input for guitar/bass, or
as a line level input. The inputs are balanced, but they accept either balanced
or unbalanced input signals. See page 49
for additional information.
13. Stereo Mic Input
This 1/8” mini-phone jack is designed to accept a stereo, electret condenser
microphone. The jack supplies +5VDC phantom power. Mono microphones
can also be connected and will use input 1L.
• Note: The Stereo Mic jack takes precedence over the Hi-Z/Mic/Line inputs.
Inserting a 1/8” plug disables the other inputs.
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 15
E-MU USB Audio Control Panel
E-MU USB AUDIO CONTROL PANEL
After you have successfully installed the audio drivers, launch the E-MU USB
Audio control panel. The E-MU USB Audio control panel is shown below.
• Windows: The E-MU USB Audio control icon will be visible in the Taskbar,
which is normally located in the bottom right of the screen. It can
also be launched from the Start Menu
(All Programs, Creative Professional, E-MU USB Audio Application).
• OS X The E-MU USB Audio control application is located in the
Applications folder . You can also open the E-Control
Application using the icon on the desktop.
23
1
4
5
NOTE
There are some limitations
when operating at 176.4/
192k sample rates.
PC - No Direct Monitor
Mac - Disabled
1. Skin
Choose between different appearances for the E-MU USB Audio control
panel.
2. View
Hide the application (Ctrl+H, Windows) You can restore the application by
clicking the E-MU icon in the System Tray (Windows), or by clicking the
E-MU icon in the Dock (OS X).
3. Help
About Tracker Pre USB 2.0, Audio control, Launch Manual, Check Updates
4. Device
If you are using more than one E-MU USB Audio device, you can choose
which unit is currently being controlled.
5. Sample Rate
Allows you to set the system sample rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz,
176.4kHz or 192kHz.
16 E-MU Systems
Direct Monitoring
DIRECT MONITORING
Direct monitoring allows you to monitor inputs without having any software
applications open. It can also be used as an alternative to software monitoring if
you desire the lowest latency monitoring possible.
When using a computer for digital recording, an audible time delay occurs while
the audio signal is being input to the computer, processed by the software and then
returned to the output for monitoring. This time delay is called Latency.
Latency becomes a problem when you have to use high buffer settings to conserve
CPU resources. Because the Tracker Pre has hardware direct monitoring, you can
enjoy zero latency regardless of your buffer setting.
The Direct Monitor feature connects the input signals to the output when recording
so that you can hear your performance without delay. The Direct Monitor level
control lets you adjust the volume of the input signal in relation to the recorded
tracks.
Direct monitoring is controlled manually from the Direct Monitor switch on the
Tracker Pre. It’s not necessary to turn it on in your recording application.
Latency (delay)
USB
NOTE
Direct monitoring is not
available when using the
176.4 kHz or 192 kHz
sample rates.
Software Monitoring
Direct Monitoring
Direct Monitoring allows you to listen to the direct sound of your instrument during
recording, without the delay incurred by going to the computer and back.
Direct Monitoring vs. Software Monitoring
Direct monitoring is lower latency and can also be used without software running.
(or even without a computer connected!)
Software monitoring has the advantage of allowing audio effects or EQ added in
the host software to be heard on the output. Its round-trip latency depends on
what latency is chosen in the ASIO/Core Audio configuration. If you choose to
software monitor, make sure to disable direct monitoring. If both are enabled, you
will experience a ‘comb filter’ or doubling effect.
TRACKERpre Reference Manual 17
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