ESI MaXiO series, MaXiO System Manual
High End 24-bit/192kHz
Audio/MIDI Interface
System Manual
ESI - Copyright © 2005-2008
Revision 3, June 2008
www.esi-audio.com
MaXiO series System Manual
INDEX
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................5
1.1 About this manual .................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Key Features........................................................................................................................... 6
1.2.1 MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card ..............................................................................................6
1.2.2 EX8000 2U Rack..............................................................................................................6
1.2.3 MaXiO 032 breakout box ................................................................................................. 6
2.1 MaXiO PCI / PCIe host card..................................................................................................7
2.1.1 E.D.I connector.................................................................................................................7
2.1.2 M.D.I connector................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 EX8000................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Front Panel Input Channel Section ................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Front Panel Power Section................................................................................................9
2.2.3 Back Panel Power Section................................................................................................9
2.2.4 Front Panel Clock & Control Section...............................................................................9
2.2.5 Back Panel Clock Section...............................................................................................10
2.2.6 Analog Outputs & Inserts ............................................................................................... 10
2.2.7 Digital I/O (Back Panel) ................................................................................................. 11
2.3 M.D.I breakout cable (for MaXiO XD only, not included in MaXiO 032).........................12
2.3.1 Word Clock I/O...............................................................................................................12
2.3.2 MIDI I/O.........................................................................................................................12
2.3.3 S/PDIF Digital I/O..........................................................................................................12
2.4 MaXiO 032 breakout box..................................................................................................... 13
2.4.1 Front Panel Input Channel Section ................................................................................. 13
2.4.2 MIDI signal LEDs & Phantom power...........................................................................14
2.4.3 Analog Outputs...............................................................................................................14
2.4.4 Digital I/O.......................................................................................................................15
2.4.5 MIDI I/O and M.D.I connector.......................................................................................15
3. Hardware Installation ...............................................................................................................16
3.1 Installation of MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card...........................................................................16
3.2 EX8000 connection..............................................................................................................17
3.3 MaXiO 032 connection........................................................................................................18
4. Driver Installation...................................................................................................................... 20
5. MaXiO Control Panel................................................................................................................27
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MaXiO series System Manual
5.1 Pull Down Menu .................................................................................................................. 27
5.2 Input Section.........................................................................................................................28
5.2.1 Input signal path block diagram...................................................................................... 30
5.3 Output Section......................................................................................................................31
5.3.1 Master Section ................................................................................................................32
5.3.2 Master & Output signal path block diagram...................................................................33
5.4 MaXiO display section.........................................................................................................33
5.4.1 MaXiO State ................................................................................................................... 34
5.4.2 System Clock ..................................................................................................................34
5.4.3 I/O Config.......................................................................................................................35
5.5 The EX8000 control panel ...................................................................................................37
6. Applications Setup.....................................................................................................................40
6.1 Windows Multimedia setup..................................................................................................40
6.2 Cubase and Nuendo..............................................................................................................41
6.3 Cakewalk SONAR ...............................................................................................................42
6.4 Wavelab................................................................................................................................ 44
6.5 Tracktion ..............................................................................................................................45
7. DirectWIRE 3.0..........................................................................................................................46
7.1 What is DirectWIRE?...........................................................................................................46
7.2 DirectWIRE Panel................................................................................................................46
7.3 DirectWIRE examples..........................................................................................................47
8. Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................ 50
9. General Information..................................................................................................................53
Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................53
The FCC and CE Regulation Warning .................................................................................... 53
Correspondence........................................................................................................................53
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................ 53
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MaXiO series System Manual
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the ESI MaXiO.
The MaXiO System Manual covers the MaXiO PCI host card, the PCIe version of it and all
extensions such as the EX8000 rack unit and the MaXiO 032 breakout box.
MaXiO is a complete 24-bit / 192 kHz recording system designed to handle up to 32 input channels
and 32 output channels simultaneously.
The basic MaXiO XD system consists of the MaXiO PCI host card and one EX8000, a 2U-rack
space unit with 8 analog input channels, 8 analog output channels, ADAT, and digital I/O. The
PCI/PCIe card is equipped with four FireWire-like E.D.I (ESI Digital Interface) ports, each capable
of individually supporting one breakout box with E.D.I connection like the EX8000.
There is also a single M.D.I (Multiple Digital Interface) multichannel connector on the PCI/PCIe
host card for future expansion. This gives the MaXiO XD system 32 input and 32 output channel
capability on one single interface card. By default, the M.D.I connection of the MaXiO PCI/PCIe
host card provides coaxial S/PDIF I/O, Word Clock I/O and a 1 in / 1 out MIDI interface.
Another member of the MaXiO series, the MaXiO 032’s 4 ADAT inputs and 4 ADAT outputs
provide 32 input and 32 output channels, via a single PCI/PCIe card and its breakout box. Now you
can connect your computer to up to 4 ADAT compatible devices and use them simultaneously for
multi track recording.
There is more: next to S/PDIF I/O and a full 16 channel MIDI interface MaXiO 032 provides a high
quality stereo analog input with microphone preamps (48V phantom power support), a high end
123dB[A] ADC, and 120dB[A] DAC. This turns MaXiO 032 into a reference audio hardware
providing audio quality at a level that has not been achieved before in this price range.
The MaXiO 032 can be expanded via its E.D.I (ESI Digital Interface) connectors into a full MaXiO
XD system by adding one or several EX8000 units.
On PC systems, MaXiO systems are equipped with ESI's unique and powerful EWDM driver for
perfect compatibility with Windows XP and 2000, offering ultra low-latency performance with all
popular digital audio software applications including Nuendo, Cubase, Gigastudio, Cakewalk,
Sonar, Logic, Samplitude and Sequoia.
1.1 About this manual
The MaXiO XD system and MaXiO 032 are very flexible and provides a huge number of features
and options. In order to use it to its full capabilities, you need to understand the usage and concepts.
We know that most users do not like to read long manuals such as this (we don’t like it either ...) –
because of that, we have tried to keep this manual as short as possible. Please take your time to read
it completely.
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MaXiO series System Manual
1.2 Key Features
1.2.1 MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card
· PCI or PCIe Interface card
· 24bit /192 kHz audio interface
· maximum 32 input and 32 output channels
· Full Duplex – simultaneous record / playback
· 4 E.D.I & 1 M.D.I connectors
· Coaxial digital I/O support up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (built on M.D.I breakout cable for
· MaXiO XD only)
· Word Clock I/O: Fs / 256*Fs, BNC connector (built on M.D.I breakout cable for
· MaXiO XD only)
· 1 in / 1 out, 16 channel MIDI (built on M.D.I breakout cable for MaXiO XD only)
· Supports EWDM driver: MME/WDM, DirectSound, ASIO 2.0, GSIF
· Windows ® XP/2000 compatible
1.2.2 EX8000 2U Rack
· E.D.I Connector
· High-end quality 24-bit / 192 kHz ADC with 123dB(a) dynamic range
· High-end quality 24-bit / 192 kHz DAC with 120dB(a) dynamic range
· 8 balanced analog inputs with combo (XLR / TRS) connectors featuring ESI’s newly
· developed 'XD-PRE' high precision & ultra low noise (-135.5dBu) microphone
· preamplifier on each analog input channel with support for +48V phantom power
· Mic/Line selection switch and gain control for each analog input channel
· 8 inserts (one for each analog input channel) with 1/4" connectors
· 8 balanced analog outputs with XLR connectors (+4dBu)
· 8 balanced/unbalanced analog outputs with TRS connectors (-10dBV)
· Headphone amplifier with volume control
· 8 channel digital I/O in AES/EBU (XLR connectors) and coaxial S/PDIF (RCA
· connectors) format, supporting up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
· 8 channel ADAT optical digital I/O with S/MUX support
· 10 step LED level meters on front panel for all channels (input and output)
· Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz
· Word Clock input: Fs / 256*Fs (via BNC connector)
1.2.3 MaXiO 032 breakout box
· M.D.I connector
· High-end quality 24-bit / 192 kHz ADC with 123dB(a) dynamic range
· High-end quality 24-bit / 192 kHz DAC with 120dB(a) dynamic range
· 2 balanced analog inputs with combo (XLR / TRS) connectors featuring ESI’s newly-
· developed 'XD-PRE' high precision & ultra low noise (-135.5dBu) microphone
· preamplifier on each analog input channel with support for +48V phantom power
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MaXiO series System Manual
· Mic/Line/Hi-Z selection switch and gain control for each analog input channel
· 2 balanced analog outputs with XLR connectors (+4dBu)
· 2 balanced/unbalanced analog outputs with TRS connectors (-10dBV)
· Headphone amplifier with volume control
· 2 channel digital I/O in coaxial S/PDIF (RCA connectors) format,
· supports up to 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution/sample rate
· 32 channel ADAT optical digital I/O
· Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz
· Word Clock input and output: Fs / 256*Fs (via BNC connector)
· 1 in / 1 out, 16 channel MIDI
2.1 MaXiO PCI / PCIe host card
2.1.1 E.D.I connector
E.D.I is ESI’s exclusive digital audio transfer protocol that delivers an 8 channel audio stream (with
up to 24-bit / 192 kHz). E.D.I uses an IEEE1394/FireWire cable for the connection of E.D.I
compatible devices like EX8000 to the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card. The PCI/PCIe host card has 4
E.D.I connectors that allow you to connect 4 devices such as EX8000 simultaneously, providing 32
input and 32 output channels.
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MaXiO series System Manual
2.1.2 M.D.I connector
The M.D.I connection can handle 32 digital input and 32 digital output streams for the extension of
MaXiO 032 breakout box.
* In the basic MaXiO XD system, the MaXiO PCI/PCIe card connects to the special M.D.I
breakout cable (described below).
2.2 EX8000
2.2.1 Front Panel Input Channel Section
1
Analog Balanced XLR / TRS (Combo) Input Connector
EX8000 provides 8 combo connectors (XLR and 1/4" TRS) on
the front panel that are used as balanced analog inputs for line
level signals and microphone connection (via XLR).
2
Microphone Input Selection Switch
Every input channel can be used for line level or microphone
signals. When this switch is enabled, a microphone can be
connected via XLR. In this case phantom power is supplied
(when enabled, check ). When the switch is not enabled, the
7
XLR and TRS inputs are used for balanced line level signals.
3
Input Gain Control
Controls the amount gain applied to the input signal from the
XLR or TRS connector of specific channel. Microphone signals
8
4
2
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MaXiO series System Manual
!
can be amplified with 48dB maximum, line level signals with up to 30dB.
4
Analog Input / Output Level Meter
The two level meters indicate the signal level for the analog inputs and outputs. The level meter
on the left shows the input signal; the level meter on the right shows the output signal of the
corresponding channel. A range from 0dB to 60dB in 10 dB-steps is displayed.
2.2.2 Front Panel Power Section
5
Power Indicator LED
6
Power Switch
7
Phantom Power Switch
5
6
+48V DC phantom power (for balanced condenser microphones) will be
supplied via every XLR input connector when this button is enabled.
7
Note that this affects only those input channels that are set to receive
microphone signals (check ).
2
· Before you turn on the phantom power switch, you must make sure to connect your
microphones to the XLR inputs (with balanced cables).
CAUTION
· After you have turned on the phantom power switch, you should not connect or
disconnect a microphone to any of the input connectors.
2.2.3 Back Panel Power Section
22
AC IN
EX8000 needs external AC power. It supports 100~240V AC (free voltage). There
is a spare fuse (5X20mm Glass Fuse) below the connector.
2.2.4 Front Panel Clock & Control Section
9
Clock Source Indicator
Displays the current clock source of EX8000:
- Internal: EX8000 uses its internal clock.
- External: EX8000 works with the clock from the Word Clock input.
- Digital In: EX8000 works with the clock supplied from the AES/EBU,
S/PDIF or ADAT input.
- E.D.I: EX8000 works with the clock from the MaXiO PCI/PCIe
host card.
22
9
11
10
Clock Frequency Indicator
Displays the current sample rate of EX8000.
11
Clock Select Button 1
When EX8000 is working in stand alone mode, you can choose the
clock source with this button (Internal, External, Digital In). This
function is not available when EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO
12
10
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MaXiO series System Manual
PCI/PCIe host card.
12
Clock Select Button 2
When EX8000 is working in stand alone mode, you can choose the sample rate with this button
(44.1 ~ 192 kHz). This function is not available when EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO
PCI/PCIe host card.
2.2.5 Back Panel Clock Section
21
Word Clock Input
The Word Clock input allows you to synchronize EX8000 with other devices. When
EX8000 is connected to a Word Clock source, EX8000 will synchronize to it.
2.2.6 Analog Outputs & Inserts
8
Headphone
You can monitor the playback signal from output 1, 2 through the headphone
output. The output level can be adjusted with the volume pot.
14
Inserts
The inserts allow you to use the microphone preamps of EX8000 for incoming signals, and then
run the signal through external hardware processors or effects before the AD-converter digitizes
the signal. In order to use the inserts, you typically need an "insertcable" with a 1/4" TRS connector on one and two 1/4" mono
connectors on the two other ends. Here is a description of the insert
connector:
- Tip: return signal (input from effect processor)
- Ring: send (output to effect processor)
- Sleeve: common ground
15
Analog Balanced TRS Output Connectors
EX8000 has 8 balanced/unbalanced analog outputs (-10dBV) with TRS connectors.
16
Analog Balanced XLR Output Connectors
EX8000 has 8 balanced analog outputs (+4dBu) with XLR connectors.
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MaXiO series System Manual
2.2.7 Digital I/O (Back Panel)
17
E.D.I Connector
E.D.I Connector IN: connection to MaXiO PCI/PCIe (with a standard IEEE1394 cable).
E.D.I Connector THRU: this connector is reserved for future expansion.
18
ADAT Optical Input / Output
EX8000 has 8 channel ADAT optical I/O connectors. You can connect EX8000
to devices such as digital mixers or ADAT multichannel recorders equipped
with optical ADAT connectors. One ADAT cable transfers 8 channels with
max. 48 kHz. EX8000 also supports different S/MUX modes to transfer signals
with 96 kHz and above (S/MUX 2: 96 kHz, 4 channels / S/MUX 4: 192 kHz, 2
channels).
19
Digital S/PDIF (RCA) Input / Output
EX8000 has 4 S/PDIF inputs and 4 S/PDIF outputs (RCA) for coaxial
digital connection.
20
AES/EBU (XLR) Input / Output
EX8000 has 4 AES/EBU inputs and 4 AES/EBU outputs (XLR) for balanced digital connection.
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MaXiO series System Manual
2.3 M.D.I breakout cable (for MaXiO XD only, not included in MaXiO 032)
2.3.1 Word Clock I/O
This connector allows you to synchronise the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card via Word Clock (BNC)
with other audio devices. You can synchronise other devices via the Word Clock output (FS /
256xFS) and you can also synchronise the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card to other devices via the
Word Clock input. This is controlled via the MaXiO XD Control Panel software.
2.3.2 MIDI I/O
The MaXiO XD system also provides a MIDI interface with 1 input and 1 output (16 channels) via
the M.D.I breakout cable.
2.3.3 S/PDIF Digital I/O
The MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card also provides coaxial digital S/PDIF I/O connection via the M.D.I
breakout cable. The supported sample rates are: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 64 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96
kHz. The supported resolution is 24-bit (internal 32-bit).
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MaXiO series System Manual
r
/O
2.4 MaXiO 032 breakout box
1-5
1. Front Channel Section
6-7
MIDI indicator & Phontom power
8
Headphone
9
MIDI I/O S/PDIF & Word Clock
11 12-13
8 x ADAT Digital I
10
M.D.I connecto
14
13 Analog outputs (XLR & 1/4“)
2.4.1 Front Panel Input Channel Section
1
Analog Balanced XLR / TRS (Combo) Input Connector
MaXiO 032 breakout box provides 2 combo connectors (XLR and 1/4" TRS) on the front panel that
are used as balanced analog inputs for line level signals and microphone connection (via XLR).
2
1
4
3
3
2
Hi-Z and MIC/ LINE Selection Switch
5
These input channels can be used for line level, microphone signals and Hi-Z. When the MIC/LINE
switch is pushed, a microphone can be connected via XLR. When the Hi-Z button is pressed, you
can use analog input as electric guitar or bass input. Only unbalanced TRS phone jack connection
is available for this setting.
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MaXiO series System Manual
4
Input Gain Control
Controls the amount gain applied to the input signal from the XLR or TRS connector of specific
channel. Microphone signals can be amplified with 48dB maximum, line level signals with up to
30dB.
5
Analog Input Level Meter LEDs
The meters indicate the signal level for the analog inputs.
2.4.2 MIDI signal LEDs & Phantom power
6
MIDI signal LEDs.
7
Phantom Power Switch
+48V DC phantom power (for balanced condenser microphones) will be supplied via every
XLR input connector when this button is enabled. Note that this affects only those input
channels that are set to receive microphone signals (check ).
2
6
7
2.4.3 Analog Outputs
8
Headphone output with gain control
You can monitor the playback signal from output 1, 2 through the headphone output. The output
level can be adjusted with the volume pot.
14
Analog 2 XLR and 2 1/4” TRS outputs
8 14
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MaXiO series System Manual
2.4.4 Digital I/O
11
MaXiO 032 has 32 channel ADAT optical I/O connectors. You can connect MaXiO 032 to
devices such as 4 ADAT compatible devices. One ADAT cable transfers 8 channels with max. 48
kHz.
11
12 13
12
Digital S/PDIF (RCA) Input / Output
MaXiO 032 has stereo S/PDIF inputs and outputs (RCA) for coaxial digital connection.
13
Word Clock Input / Output
This connector allows you to synchronise the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card via Word Clock (BNC)
with other audio devices. You can synchronise other devices via the Word Clock output (FS /
256xFS) and you can also synchronise the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card to other devices via the
Word Clock input. This is controlled via the MaXiO XD Control Panel software.
2.4.5 MIDI I/O and M.D.I connector
9
MIDI I/O
MaXiO 032 breakout box provides a MIDI interface with 1 input and 1 output (16 channels
9
10
10
M.D.I connector
It’s where you can connect MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card via M.D.I connection cable.
The M.D.I connection can handle 32 digital input and 32 digital output streams for the extension of
MaXiO 032 breakout box.
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MaXiO series System Manual
3. Hardware Installation
3.1 Installation of MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card
The MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card and other components in your computer can easily be damaged by
electrical shocks. You need to use an anti-static device that can discharge the static electricity of
your body to avoid potential static damage to the cards.
The MaXiO PCI/PCIe card is packaged in an anti static plastic pouch. Do not open the pouch until
you’re ready to install the card.
1. Turn off the computer power and remove the power cable from your computer’s power
supply.
disconnecting the power cord
2. Remove the cover. Make sure that you have an available PCI/PCIe slot in your motherboard
to install the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card. Please refer to your computer’s user manual on
how to remove the cover.
removing the computer cover
To avoid possible static shock to the computer parts, discharge it by touching the computer
case or something grounded. We recommend you to use an anti-static device such as an antistatic wrist band. When you need to hold the MaXiO PCI/PCIe host card, please hold it on
the edge of the card. Do not grab the card by touching the board.
3. Find an empty PCI or PCIe slot on the motherboard.
If there is a faceplate blocking the empty slot, please remove it using the proper screwdriver.
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