Mackie DXB200 User Manual

Manual Rev 1.0.4

March 7, 2005

OWNER’S MANUAL

X.200

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

Digital X Bus

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁ ers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type

plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁ t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.

Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁ ed by the manufacturer.

12.

Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table speciﬁ ed by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

PORTABLE CART WARNING

Carts and stands - The Component should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. A Component and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the Component and cart combination to overturn.

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN

ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L’USAGER. CONFIER

L’ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU

D’ELECTROCUTION, N’EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

A LA PLUIE OU A L’HUMIDITE

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole clair avec point de fl che l’int rieur d’un triangle

quilat ral est utilis pour alerter l’utilisateur de la pr sence l’int rieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isol d’ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d’ l ctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d’exclamation l’int rieur d’un triangle quilat ral est employ pour alerter les utilisateurs de la pr sence d’instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le livret d’instruction accompagnant l’appareil.

13.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualiﬁ ed service personnel. Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15.

This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no ob-

ject ﬁ lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16.

This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must

be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding prong).

17.

This apparatus has been equipped with an two-pole, rocker-style AC

mains power switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.

18.

This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is

applicable) set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as

of Com mu ni ca tions.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des com mu ni ca tions du Canada.

19.

Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing

loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufﬁ ciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has speciﬁ ed the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits

could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.

Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, Typical In Hours Slow Response Example

8 90 Duo in small club

6 92

4 95 Subway Train

3 97

2 100 Very loud classical music

1.5 102

1 105 Tami screaming at Adrian about deadlines

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

WARNING — To reduce the risk of ﬁ re or

electric shock, do not expose this apparatus

to rain or moisture.

X.200

Table of Contents

Introduction................................................................................................................8

Getting Started ..........................................................................................................9

Connections................................................................................................................................................ 9

I/O Cards.............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

1. MIC/LINE 4 CARD............................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

2. MIC/LINE 8 CARD ...........................................................................................................................................................................................9

3. LINE CARD.........................................................................................................................................................................................................10

4. DIGITAL CARD .................................................................................................................................................................................................10

5. AES/EBU CARD................................................................................................................................................................................................10

6. FIREWIRE CARD ...............................................................................................................................................................................................11

7. MIX OUT Card...................................................................................................................................................................................................11

8. SYNC CARD ......................................................................................................................................................................................................12

Other Connections............................................................................................................................................................ 13

9. FOOT SWITCH 1 and 2.................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

10. SERIAL 9 PIN................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

11. MIDI IN and OUT ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

12. ETHERNET ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

13. USB ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................13

14. IEC Power Receptacle.................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

15. Power Switch..................................................................................................................................................................................................14

More Connections.............................................................................................................................................................14

16. Mouse...............................................................................................................................................................................................................14

17. Keyboard..........................................................................................................................................................................................................14

18. USB....................................................................................................................................................................................................................14

19. Video Card.......................................................................................................................................................................................................14

Owner's Manual

Console Surface Controls...................................................................................... 15

Channel Strip............................................................................................................................................. 15

20. Meters.............................................................................................................................................................................................................15

21. Assign................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

22. Auxes................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

23. Dynamics......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

24. Equalizer .........................................................................................................................................................................................................15

25. Surround .........................................................................................................................................................................................................15

26. V-Pots...............................................................................................................................................................................................................15

27. SELECT..............................................................................................................................................................................................................16

28. ASSIGN ............................................................................................................................................................................................................16

29. SOLO ................................................................................................................................................................................................................16

30. MUTE ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................16

31. Channel Fader.................................................................................................................................................................................................16

Control Room Section............................................................................................................................ 17

Phones Section.......................................................................................................................................... 17

Talkback Section ...................................................................................................................................... 17

Solo Section...............................................................................................................................................18

Macros.........................................................................................................................................................18

Transport Section.....................................................................................................................................18

Owner's Manual

The Screens................................................................................................................ 21

Overview.................................................................................................................................................... 21

Meters and Switching Banks..........................................................................................................................................21

Accessing Windows...........................................................................................................................................................21

Channel Layout Reconﬁ guration................................................................................................................................. 22

Fader Swap......................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Digital X Bus

The File Menu............................................................................................................................................22

New Session (Ctrl+N)........................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Open Session (Ctrl+O)...................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Save Session (Ctrl+S)..........................................................................................................................................................................................23

Save Session As… (Ctrl+Shift+S)......................................................................................................................................................................23

Import D8B Session............................................................................................................................................................................................23

Save As Template….............................................................................................................................................................................................23

Open File Manager............................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

Launch Executable (.EXE)................................................................................................................................................................................. 24

Install Packages…............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Shutdown (Ctrl+Q)............................................................................................................................................................................................24

The Edit Menu...........................................................................................................................................25

Undo (Ctrl+Z) ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Redo (Ctrl+Shift+Z)............................................................................................................................................................................................ 25

Cut (Ctrl+X).......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Copy (Ctrl+C)....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Copy Filtered… (Ctrl+Shift+C) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25

Paste (Ctrl+V) ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Modify Levels… .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

Insert Global Time….......................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Delete Global Time…........................................................................................................................................................................................26

Clear Automation.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 26

History List (Ctrl+H) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Clear History .......................................................................................................................................................................................................27

Copy Mix To Bus .................................................................................................................................................................................................27

The Channel Menu...................................................................................................................................27

Channel Settings (Ctrl+B) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

Channel Presets.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

Setup Groups (Ctrl+G)......................................................................................................................................................................................28

Un-Group .............................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Link Channels… (Ctrl+L) ...................................................................................................................................................................................28

UnLink Channels (Ctrl+U) ................................................................................................................................................................................28

Faders to Unity (Ctrl+])....................................................................................................................................................................................28

Faders to Off (Ctrl+[)........................................................................................................................................................................................29

Adjust Channel Delay…....................................................................................................................................................................................29

Reset Channel Delay…...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Reset Selected Channels.................................................................................................................................................................................. 29

Select Fader Bank (Alt+A)................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Select All Faders (Alt+Shift+A)....................................................................................................................................................................... 29

The Options Menu.................................................................................................................................. 29

Solo Latch ............................................................................................................................................................................................................29

Automation Submenu...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Transport Submenu...........................................................................................................................................................................................30

Meters Submenu................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31

VU Meters Submenu..........................................................................................................................................................................................31

Dynamics Submenu............................................................................................................................................................................................ 31

DAW Emulation Mode Submenu.................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Faders To Tape..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Route to Bank Submenu...................................................................................................................................................................................32

Bank to Outputs Submenu ..............................................................................................................................................................................32

X.200

The Windows Menu.................................................................................................................................32

About......................................................................................................................................................................................................................32

Hot Keys ................................................................................................................................................................................................................32

Close All Windows..............................................................................................................................................................................................33

Setup (Ctrl+1)........................................................................................................................................................................................................33

Automation......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36

Snapshots (Ctrl+2) ..............................................................................................................................................................................................37

Locator (Ctrl+3) .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

Equalizer (Ctrl+4) ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Dynamics (Ctrl+5) ..............................................................................................................................................................................................40

Surround (Ctrl+6)............................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Auxes .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................43

Assigns................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

Mix Editor (Ctrl+7)............................................................................................................................................................................................. 46

Effects Rack (Ctrl+8) .........................................................................................................................................................................................49

MIDI Map (Ctrl+9)..............................................................................................................................................................................................49

DAW Bank............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 50

I/O Conﬁ guration (Ctrl+0).............................................................................................................................................................................. 50

Tools Submenu.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51

Applications..............................................................................................................52

Setting Up For a Session.........................................................................................................................52

Listening Environment.....................................................................................................................................................52

Channel Conﬁ guration/Planning .................................................................................................................................52

Owner's Manual

Installation and Connection of Optional I/O Cards......................................................................52

Anti-Static Precautions....................................................................................................................................................53

Installation Procedure .....................................................................................................................................................53

I/O Cards............................................................................................................................................................................ 54

Checklist for Basic Operational Functionality.................................................................................55

Input Source.........................................................................................................................................................................................................55

Channel EQ and Dynamics ...............................................................................................................................................................................55

Signal Routing......................................................................................................................................................................................................55

Monitor Speaker.................................................................................................................................................................................................55

Power-up Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................55

Setup Window................................................................................................................................................................... 56

Connecting Input Sources.............................................................................................................................................. 56

Connecting Analog Multitrack(s) ................................................................................................................................ 56

Connecting ADAT (Lightpipe) Multitrack(s)..............................................................................................................57

Connecting TASCAM (TDIF) Multitrack(s)..................................................................................................................57

Multitrack Recording ......................................................................................................................................................57

Sample Tracking and Mixdown Setup........................................................................................................................ 62

Tracking................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 62

Monitoring........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62

Mixdown ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................62

Effects/Plug-ins................................................................................................................................................................64

Dynamics and EQ Applications .................................................................................................................................... 65

Owner's Manual

MIDI and the Digital X Bus............................................................................................................................................. 66

MIDI Basics...........................................................................................................................................................................................................66

Word Clock and the Digital X Bus —The Kitchen Sync........................................................................................................................... 67

Proper Sync Connection.................................................................................................................................................................................. 67

Verifying Word Clock Sync Between Devices and the Digital X Bus...................................................................................................68

Troubleshooting Word Clock Problems...................................................................................................................................................... 69

Digital Audio Workstation Setup................................................................................................................................70

Cabling and Hookup .........................................................................................................................................................................................70

Settings.................................................................................................................................................................................................................70

Digital X Bus

Post-Production Setup.................................................................................................................................................... 72

Bouncing/Summing Using Bus Outs........................................................................................................................... 72

Using Basic Automation ..................................................................................................................................................73

What Type of Data Can Be Automated........................................................................................................................................................73

Two Types of Automation................................................................................................................................................................................73

Where Do I Start?..............................................................................................................................................................73

Time Code From Playback Device................................................................................................................................................................. 74

Start Automation................................................................................................................................................................. 74

Trim Levels........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 75

Automate EQ, Dynamics, and Effects.......................................................................................................................................................... 75

Editing Automation........................................................................................................................................................................................... 75

Appendix A: Service Information........................................................................76

Warranty Service......................................................................................................................................76

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................76

Repair ......................................................................................................................................................... 77

Appendix B: Connections ..................................................................................... 78

XLR Connectors .......................................................................................................................................78

1/4" TRS Phone Plugs and Jacks ..........................................................................................................78

Balanced Mono .................................................................................................................................................................78

Stereo Headphones .........................................................................................................................................................78

1/4" TS Phone Plugs and Jacks............................................................................................................. 78

RCA Plugs and Jacks................................................................................................................................ 78

Unbalancing a Line.................................................................................................................................. 78

DB25 Connectors..................................................................................................................................... 79

Analog.................................................................................................................................................................................. 79

Digital ..................................................................................................................................................................................79

AES/EBU............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79

TDIF........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 79

Appendix C: Technical Info ..................................................................................80

Speciﬁ cations (Under Construction).................................................................................................80

Digital X Bus X.200 Signal-Flow Diagram.........................................................................................83

Digital X Bus X.200 Block Diagram ....................................................................................................86

X.200

Appendix D: Software Installation....................................................................88

Digital X Bus Software Installation Procedure...............................................................................88

Windows XP Users............................................................................................................................................................88

Windows 2000/ME/98SE Users.................................................................................................................................. 89

Mac OS X Users .................................................................................................................................................................90

Mac OS 9.x Users................................................................................................................................................................91

Index...........................................................................................................................94

Digital X Bus Limited Warranty.......................................................................... 97

Owner's Manual

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more information about this and other Mackie products.

Owner's Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Digital X Bus for your next-generation digital recording console. The Digital X Bus offers you the ﬂ exibility to conﬁ gure it for virtually any recording application through its extended card cage and I/O routing options. And it was designed with the ability to upgrade as

Digital X Bus

advancements are made in digital recording technology. But with 32-bit ﬂ oating point processing, you have more power than just about any other digital mixing console in its class.

If you have any experience using a digital mixing console, like our D8B, you’ll ﬁ nd that using the Digital X Bus is very similar and you’ll be mixing away in no time. If this is your ﬁ rst experience with digital mixing, we’ll run you through some of the unique aspects of using a digital mixing console. You will ﬁ nd that once you’ve learned these differences and the incredible ﬂ exibility that digital mixing has to offer, you will have a very short learning curve, and wonder how you have lived without the power of digital mixing for so long.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new Digital X Bus hooked up, and you’re probably not going to read the manual ﬁ rst (sigh!). So refer to the Digital X Bus Quick-Start Guide to help you get the mixer set up fast so you can start using it right away. At the end of the Quick-Start Guide are some hook-up diagrams that show typical hookups for tracking, mixdown, and using the Digital X Bus with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

Then, when you have time, read this owner's manual. It contains descriptions of every knob, button, and slider on the console, and all the menus and windows on the touchscreens.

Throughout this manual you’ll ﬁ nd illustrations with each feature numbered. If you want to know more about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustration, notice the number attached to it, and ﬁ nd that number in the nearby paragraphs.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the X.200. For your own good, read them and remember them. They will be on the ﬁ nal test.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. While not mandatory, they usually have some valuable nugget of information.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with using a digital mixing console, refer to "Operational Basics" in the X.200 Quick-Start Guide for information on fader banks, V-Pot controls, and using the touchscreen.

Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.)

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

X.200

Getting Started

Owner's Manual

Once you’ve unpacked your new Digital X Bus, you’ll want to position it where you can sit comfortably and reach the touchscreens

and controls, and have relatively easy access to the rear panel, in case you need to make any changes to the connections. Typically, once you’ve set it up and made the connections, you won’t have to make any changes unless you change your external equipment.

Connections

The Digital X Bus comes with a Mix Out card (control room card) and a Sync card already installed in the card cage in the rear panel. There are also connections for a USB mouse/keyboard, footswitches, MIDI and other fun stuff. While not required to operate the Digital X Bus, the mouse and keyboard can be handy for quickly entering data or when clicking is easier than touching (the touchscreen).

Depending on your particular conﬁ guration and re- quirements, we have a variety of analog or digital I/O cards that you can install in the card cage to suit your application. Here’s a quick run-down of what we offer:

I/O Cards

1. MIC/LINE 4 CARD

This card has four female XLR balanced microphone inputs, and four 1/4" TRS balanced/unbalanced line-level inputs, for a total of eight analog inputs. Note that this card does not provide any outputs.

Each mic input provides an individual phantom switch (+48 VDC), and a digitally controlled input trim. All these controls are found in the I/O Conﬁ gu- ration window.

Each line input on the Mic/Line 4 card has a corresponding –10 dBv/+4 dBu jumper (J10-J13) on the card that determines the input level reference point. These jumpers come pre-installed from the factory at a +4 dBu input level. However, if you have unbalanced or low line-level sources, you may choose to remove these jumpers and set the input reference to –10 dBv to better use the headroom of the mixer. You can physically see these jumpers on the printed circuit board of the card itself, and they can be removed simply by pulling them off the card.

2. MIC/LINE 8 CARD

The Mic/Line 8 card has two female DB25 connectors, one for inputs and one for outputs. The input connector accepts eight balanced analog inputs that can be switched between mic- or line-level inputs. As with the Mic/Line 4 card, each mic input provides a phantom power switch and a digitally controlled input trim.

The output connector provides eight balanced linelevel outputs. These DB25 connectors use the TASCAM standard pinout for analog signal connections (the same standard used on the analog cards for the Mackie D8B and Hard Disk Recorder). If you are connecting these to another device using the same DB25 standard, you can use a DB25-to-DB25 audio cable. Otherwise, you will need to use DB25 cables that breakout to XLR, 1/4" TRS, or TT connectors.

SYNC C • SLOTSD • SLOT B • SLOTS A • SLOTS

WORD CLOCK

SMPTE

OUT

SYNC CARD

OUT

MIX OUT CARD

AES/EBU

OUT

SPEAKERS

PHONES

MIX OUT

SPDIF

TDIF

I/O

OUT

OPTICAL

IN A

IN B

OUT A

OUT B

FIRE CARDDIGITAL CARD

AES CARD

I/O

LINE CARD

OUT

LINE CARD

OUT

MIC/LINE 8 CARD

OUT

Owner's Manual

MIC/LINE 4 CARD

3. LINE CARD

The Line card has two female DB25 connectors. One provides eight balanced line-level inputs, and the other provides eight balanced line-level outputs. They use the TASCAM standard pinout for analog signal connections (the same standard used on the analog cards for the Mackie D8B and Hard Disk Recorder). If you are connecting these to another device using the same DB25 standard, you can use

Digital X Bus

a DB25-to-DB25 audio cable. Otherwise, you will need to use DB25 cables that breakout to XLR, 1/4" TRS, or TT connectors.

Refer to Appendix B for a wiring diagram of these connectors.

The Line card also has the –10 dBv/+4 dBu jumpers (described for the Mic/Line 4 card) that can be left in place (for +4 dBu operation) or removed (for –10 dBv operation).

Note:

The Mic/Line 4 card, Mic/Line 8 card, and Line card all support analog-to-digital conversion at sampling rates up to 192 kHz and word lengths of either 16 or 24 bits.

At 44.1/48 kHz sample rates, each optical TOSLINK connector provides either eight inputs or eight outputs of digital audio. At 88.2/96 kHz sample rates, the S/MUX protocol is used to provide four channels of I/O on the “A” connectors, and four channels of I/O on the “B” connectors. At 176.4/192 kHz sample rates, the S/MUX II protocol is used to provide two channels of I/O on the “A” connectors and two channels of I/O on the “B” connectors, for a total of four inputs and outputs.

Note: The TDIF connector does not operate above 96 kHz.

5. AES/EBU CARD

The AES/EBU card has one DB25 connector, providing eight channels of digital I/O in the AES/EBU format.

The original AES/EBU speciﬁ cation (IEC958 Type 1) provides for carrying two channels of digital audio at resolutions up to 24-bit at 48 kHz. When higher sampling rates became possible, two methods were developed to transmit digital audio at the higher sample rates — double-fast and double-wide.

4. DIGITAL CARD

This card provides up to eight channels of digital audio in two formats; TDIF-1 on a DB25 connector and ADAT optical on four TOSLINK connectors.

The input type is selected in software (either TDIF or ADAT). However, just because we can, we made both sets of outputs alsways active for you to use. This makes the Digital card a great format converter between TDIF-1 and ADAT optical digital devices.

SYNC C • SLOTSD • SLOT B • SLOTS A • SLOTS

FIRE CARDDIGITAL CARD

WORD

CLOCK

SMPTE

SYNC CARD

OUT

MIX OUT CARD

AES/EBU

OUT

SPEAKERS

PHONES

MIX OUT

SPDIF

TDIF

I/O

OUT

OPTICAL

IN A

IN B

OUT A

OUT B

The double-fast method (also called single-wire) clocks the digital I/O port at twice the speed to get twice the information through, providing support for resolutions up to 24-bit at 96 kHz.

The double-wide method (also called dual-wire) transmits one channel of digital audio instead of two channels through a single digital I/O port, again providing support for resolutions up to 24-bit at 96 kHz.

The AES/EBU card currently uses the double-fast method, so eight channels of digital I/O are supported up to 192 kHz.

AES CARD

I/O

LINE CARD

OUT

LINE CARD

OUT

MIC/LINE 8 CARD

OUT

MIC/LINE 4 CARD

X.200

At sampling rates up to 48 kHz, two channels of digital audio are transmitted on a single wire (one 3-pin XLR) at normal speed as speciﬁ ed by the AES/EBU standard.

At sampling rates of 88.2/96 kHz, two channels of digital audio are transmitted on a single wire (one 3-pin XLR) at twice the normal speed (2x).

At sampling rates of 176.4/192 kHz, two channels of digital audio are transmitted on a single wire (one 3-pin XLR) at four times the normal speed (4x).

Note: Check the owner’s manual for the device you are connecting to the AES/EBU card, to ﬁ nd out if it supports the double-fast (or single-wire) method.

The AES/EBU card is wired the same way as the Yamaha standard pinout for transmitting AES/EBU over a 25-pin cable. Be very careful about specifying these cables at a retailer or a cable manufacturer, as there are several varieties of 25-pin “D-Sub” cables and we want to be sure you get the correct ones! Make sure to specify, “25-pin, D-Sub AES/EBU digital cable wired in the Yamaha standard.”

6. FIREWIRE CARD

The FireWire card uses the IEEE-1394 protocol for connecting digital devices, and is compatible with standard Mac and PC FireWire connections. It currently provides 24 inputs and 24 outputs of digital audio at 48 kHz, and 8 inputs and 8 outputs at 96 kHz (with room for expansion as driver technology improves).

return, you can assign them to feed channels, buses, the control room, or whatever you like.

S/PDIF IN and OUT

These are RCA-type connectors that send and receive standard S/PDIF two-channel digital signals. The S/PDIF OUT follows whatever is selected for the AES/EBU OUT in the Mix Out Card setup window.

Touch the S/PDIF Input box in the Mix Out Card setup window to use the S/PDIF IN instead of the AES/EBU IN.

The default input numbers for the S/PDIF inputs are 67 and 68 in any of the Input Source Assignment drop-down boxes. As with the AES/EBU inputs, you can route the S/PDIF inputs to feed channels, buses, the control room, or whatever you like.

SPEAKERS A and B

These are two sets of stereo monitoring outputs using 1/4" TRS jacks. They produce a line-level analog signal that you can connect to the inputs of the ampliﬁ er powering your control room monitors (or the inputs to your active studio monitors).

The NEAR button in the CONTROL ROOM section on the front of the console corresponds to the “SPEAKER A” outputs, and the MAIN button corresponds to the “SPEAKER B” outputs.

The Control Room source is selected in the CONTROL ROOM section of the console (press the SETUP button in the CONTROL ROOM section for more setup options).

Owner's Manual

It will appear as available patch points to any audio software application that supports one of the following formats:

• ASIO 2.0 (Windows XP/2000)

• WDM (Windows XP)

• Core Audio (Mac OS X)

7. MIX OUT Card

This provides several outputs (with the addition of an AES/EBU and S/PDIF input), typically used for control room monitoring, headphones, and main outputs.

AES/EBU IN and OUT

These are XLR connectors that send and receive standard AES/EBU two-channel digital signals. The source for the AES/EBU OUT is selected in the Mix Out Card setup window (Window > I/O Conﬁ gura- tion > Touch the Mix Out Card).

The default input numbers for the AES/EBU inputs are 65 and 66 in any of the Input Source Assignment drop-down boxes. Even though the stereo AES/EBU input is intended for a digital two track

The Control Room Left and Right outputs are assigned to the SPEAKER A and B outputs by default. However, the source for the SPEAKER A and B outputs can be reassigned in the I/O Conﬁ guration window (Windows > I/O Conﬁ guration > Touch or Select the Mix Out Card).

PHONES 1 and 2

These are stereo 1/4" TRS jacks that provide a stereo output for headphones, or for connecting to a headphone distribution box. These are assigned to the Phones 1 and Phones 2 outputs by default, but can be reassigned to virtually any input or output source.

The Phones 1 and 2 sources are selected in the PHONES 1 or PHONES 2 section on the console (press the SETUP button in the PHONES section for more setup options).

MIX OUT

These are balanced 1/4" TRS jacks that provide a line-level analog signal. These are assigned to the left and right mix outputs by default, but can be reassigned to virtually any input or output source. Con-

Owner's Manual

nect these outputs to the inputs of a 2-track recorder for mixdown, or to the inputs of a power ampliﬁ er to drive a pair of speakers for the studio or whatever.

Note: Remember that the level for the Main L/R Mix Out is always controlled by the Master Fader on the console. The Control Room volume knob does not affect this level.

Digital X Bus

8. SYNC CARD

The Sync card provides word clock synchronization in and out of the console on a pair of BNC connectors, and SMPTE time code (also called Longitudinal Time Code or LTC) in and out on a pair of 1/4" jacks.

The word clock input is the only means to slave the Digital X Bus sampling clock to an external clock reference device, such as a “house sync” box or a clock distribution system. The Digital X Bus can lock to a word clock source running between

44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. The word clock input provides a 75 ohm termination, which prevents the clock signal from feeding back to the source and causing synchronization problems.

If you are slaving the Digital X Bus off an external word clock source, we do not recommend using the word clock output of the console to distribute that same clock signal to another digital device. There will be a certain amount of propogation delay from the input to the output, and this may cause a synchronization problem between your Digital X Bus and other equipment. If you are using multiple digital devices in your studio, we recommend using a word clock distribution device that can send a word clock signal equally and evenly to all slave devices.

A note about clocking and sync:

The ADAT, AES/EBU, and SPDIF digital audio speciﬁ cations include the presence of a “clock refer- ence signal” through the same physical connection as the audio signals. This means that you can use the Digital X Bus as a master clock source, and lock several different digital devices to the digital audio outputs of the console. You need to refer to the external digital devices’ product documentation and/or manual(s) to learn how to lock external devices off the ADAT, SPDIF, or AES/EBU outputs of the Digital X Bus.

Remember that the Digital X Bus cannot slave to any external source unless it is locked via the word clock connection.

The SMPTE input can receive an LTC signal from 24 through 30fps (frames per second) and includes support for “pull up” and “pull down” drop & nondrop frames rates.

When using the Digital X Bus with a SMPTE input, we recommend locking the word clock of the Digital X Bus to the same source that is generating the SMPTE output. This will ensure that the console does not “drift” from your video or other playback source.

The SMPTE output simply mirrors the SMPTE input. Without a SMPTE input present, the SMPTE output will not be active. Even though the Clock Settings window has an “Internal” setting for the time code source selection, the Digital X Bus does not actually generate MTC or SMPTE signals at the corresponding outputs.

Time code is also provided through MIDI time code (MTC). SMPTE time code is more commonly used in motion picture and broadcast applications.

X.200

SYNC C • SLOTSD • SLOT B • SLOTS A • SLOTS

WORD CLOCK

SMPTE

SYNC CARD

OUT

MIX OUT CARD

AES/EBU

OUT

SPEAKERS

PHONES

MIX OUT

SPDIF

TDIF

I/O

OUT

OPTICAL

IN A

IN B

OUT A

OUT B

FIRE CARDDIGITAL CARD

AES CARD

I/O

LINE CARD

OUT

LINE CARD

OUT

MIC/LINE 8 CARD

OUT

MIC/LINE 4 CARD

V 9

p 6

V 4.5

p 5

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Other Connections

In addition to the cards in the card slots, there are

more connections to be made on the rear panel.

9. FOOT SWITCH 1 and 2

These two 1/4" TS jacks are provided for footswitch control of various functions. These functions are assignable in the Windows > Setup window, and include Talkback, Play/Stop, Next Marker, Previous Marker, New Marker, and enabling/disabling the Fader Swap function.

10. SERIAL 9 PIN

This DB9 connector is an RS-422 port that supports the Sony® 9-Pin device protocol. It is con- ﬁ gured to operate as a controller, so it should be connected to a device (DEV) that is conﬁ gured to be controlled by a controller (CONT). This is used primarily to transmit tape transport commands from the Digital X Bus to a Sony 9-Pin compatible recorder.

11. MIDI IN and OUT

These standard MIDI connectors (female 5-pin DIN) can be used to send or receive MIDI Time Code (MTC) and MIDI Machine Control (MMC) when connecting to equipment with transport controls and a position display.

The MIDI connectors can also be used to control your DAW application when the MIDI fader bank is selected (up to eight channels).

You can turn MTC on and off in the Sync Card setup window (Windows > I/O Conﬁ guration and touch the Sync card) by clicking the Generate MTC box. You can select MTC as the timecode source in the same setup window by clicking the TimeCode Source dropdown box and selecting MIDI (MTC).

If you need additional MIDI ports, you can attach a third party USB MIDI interface to one of the USB ports on the rear of the console, load the third party drivers into the console, and use those ports for whatever MIDI transmissions you want to use. Please see “Connecting and Controlling a Digital Audio Workstation” for complete details on supported USB MIDI Interfaces and how to conﬁ gure them.

12. ETHERNET

This is a standard RJ45 telco connector. At the time of this printing, the Ethernet connector is disabled. We reserve its use for future applications or feature enhancements to the Digital X Bus.

13. USB

The two USB ports on the Digital X Bus can be used to connect a USB equipped mouse, keyboard, or USB memory stick (USB ﬂ ash memory). See “More Con- nections” just ahead to see how to connect more USB devices, and a PS/2-style keyboard and mouse with a 6-pin miniDIN connector.

14. IEC Power Receptacle

There are two power receptacles on the Digital X Bus, one to provide power to the Digital X Bus and the other to connect to another device and provide power to it. These are standard 3-prong IEC power connectors. Connect the detachable linecord (included with your X.200) to the male power receptacle, and plug the other end of the linecord into an AC outlet with the correct voltage for your particular Digital X Bus.

To connect another device to the female IEC power receptacle, you need a power cord with a male IEC power connector on one end, and a female IEC power connector on the other end. These can be purchased at most electronic supply stores.

Owner's Manual

The Digital X Bus has many different MIDI functions — MMC, MTC, a MIDI Map, and the MIDI Control Surface. It is up to you to route the MIDI functions of the console to/from the physical MIDI port using the MIDI Patch Bay in the Setup window (Windows > Setup > MIDI).

USB ETHERNET SERIAL 9-PIN

MIDI

MIDI OUT

FOOT SWITCH

1 2

115V 9

amp 6

0Hz

230V 4.5

amp 5

0Hz

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1100

Owner's Manual

15. Power Switch

V 9

p 6

V 4.5

p 5

1100

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This one is self-explanatory. When the POWER switch is turned ON, power is supplied to the Digital X Bus and it boots up. When turning off the Digital X Bus, you should select SHUTDOWN from the File menu. At the end of the shutdown procedure, the Digital X Bus lets you know when it is okay to turn off the power switch.

Before turning on your Digital X Bus, please read

Digital X Bus

the “Power-up Procedure” section on page 55 of this manual for complete step-by-step instructions.

115V 9

amp 6

0Hz

amp 5

1100

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0Hz

230V 4.5

More Connections

16. Mouse

This 6-pin miniDIN connector is used to connect a

PS/2 style mouse.

17. Keyboard

This 6-pin miniDIN connector is used to connect a

PS/2 style keyboard.

18. USB

These are four additional USB ports for connecting more USB devices to the Digital X Bus. If you are connecting a USB CD-ROM drive or a USB MIDI interface, use one of these ports rather than the USB ports on the rear panel (13).

19. Video Card

The video card has two connectors, one for each touchscreen. The upper connector is a VGA-type and connects to the left touchscreen, while the lower connector is a DVI-type and connects to the right touchscreen. You can use two video splitters to connect two external displays, if desired.

Note: The ﬁ rst production run of X.200s requires that the external monitors be rotated 180º because the video signal is upside down. While testing the touchscreen displays, we determined that the clarity was better at the required viewing angle if the touchscreen displays were mounted upside down. If you are using external ﬂ at-panel LCD or plasma displays, this is not a problem. However, conventional CRT-type displays generally will not work in this application.

There are even more connections available behind the removable panel on the back of the Digital X Bus. Use a small-headed Phillips screwdriver to remove the ten screws securing the panel to the chassis to access these additional connections, which we call the Motherboard Access Area.

MOUSE

KEYBOARD

X.200

Also note that the “touch” function does not work with an external display. This feature is built into the actual touchscreen displays on the Digital X Bus.

VGA

DVI

USB PORTS

Console Surface Controls

Owner's Manual

Channel Strip

The touchscreens are actually an extension of the channel strips, so we'll begin by describing the channel strip controls on the touchscreens.

20. Meters

The meters indicate the signal strength at a point in the signal path determined by the meters option setting (Options > Meters).

Touching the meter section toggles the display between a lower-resolution display of all the meters (Channels 1-72 + Aux 1-12 + Bus 1-8 + L/R mix), and a higher-resolution display of the meters for the selected fader bank.

Tip: An easy way to change fader banks is to toggle to all-meter display, then touch the section in the meter display corresponding to the fader bank you want to switch to.

21. Assign

This section of the channel strip indicates the buses to which the channel is assigned, as well as the input source for the channel, the direct output assignment, and the pre- and post-insert assignments.

Touch the assign section of the channel strip to open the ASSIGNS window. See "The Screens, The Windows Menu, Assigns" for more info.

22. Auxes

The Auxes section indicates the Aux Send level for Auxes 1-12 and the Aux Pan for Aux 9/10 (Cue

1) and Aux 11/12 (Cue 2).

Touch the Auxes section of the channel strip to open the AUXES window. See "The Screens, The Windows Menu, Auxes" for more info.

23. Dynamics

The analog-style VU meter indicates whether the channel's compressor or gate are turned on (the meter lights up when the gate or compressor are turned on). When one of the dynamics processors are on, the meter indicates the input signal strength to the processors.

Touch the VU meter to open the DYNAMICS window. See "The Screens, The Windows Menu, Dynamics" for more info.

24. Equalizer

The small EQ window indicates whether the channel's equalizer is turned on (the EQ window lights up when the EQ is turned on). It also indicates the EQ setting for the channel in a graphic display (amplitude vs. frequency).

Touch the EQ window to open the large EQUALIZER window. See "The Screens, The Windows Menu, Equalizer" for more info.

25. Surround

The small surround window indicates the surround panning for the channel, Left/Right and Front/Back. In stereo mode, it simply indicates the left/right panning of the channel. In surround mode, it indicates the surround pan position.

Touch the surround window to open the large SURROUND window. See "The Screens, The Windows Menu, Surround" for more info.

26. V-Pots

Just below the touchscreens are a row of rotary controls called V-Pots, which is short for virtual potentiometer. These correspond to the rotary control that appears at the bottom of the touchscreens.

Unlike an analog console where a rotary pot can control only one function, a digital console allows you to assign a V-Pot to many different functions.

Using the buttons to the right of the touchscreens, you can assign the V-Pots to control the following functions:

PAN L/R (Left/Right) PAN F/B (Front/Back, for surround sound) AUX 1-8 Send AUX 9/10 and 11/12 Send AUX 9/10 and 11/12 PAN Digital TRIM LEVEL TO TAPE

Owner's Manual

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