Mackie Spike Getting Started
™
™
G E T T I N G S T A R T E D
y
GETTING STARTED
Mackie Control
(or other MIDI
device)
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
Guitar
Microphone
Laptop
MIDI
MIDI
OUT
USB Connection
SPDIF
IN
OUT
IN
MONITOR
L / R
DAT, CD/DVD player
IN
MIDI
OUT
INPUT 1
Mackie HR624 or other
Active Studio Monitors
INPUT 2
9V DC
750mA
USB
(plug into
front panel)
or CD-R recorder
Power Suppl
Headphones
Contents
Getting Started ----------------------------------------- 3
Installing the Software-------------------------------- 4
To install the software on a PC: ---------------------------- 4
To install the software on a Macintosh: ------------------ 5
Installing and Connecting the Hardware ---------- 6
Typical Hookup Diagram------------------------------ 7
Making a Recording------------------------------------ 8
Computer System Requirements------------------- 17
www.mackie.com/spikeauth
“Mackie,” “Spike,” and the “Running Man” fi gure are trademarks or registered trademarks of LOUD
Technologies Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
Stop Right There!
It is very important that you
register your Spike, then you
will have access to the latest
drivers, software, fi rmware updates, and any updates to this
guide. Please visit:
Manual Part No. SW0080 Rev. C 07/2004
© 2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Getting
Started
2
Getting Started
We hope this guide will help you get started making recordings with Spike. It describes how to install the software, hook up your gear, and make a recording using the XD-2 USB interface and the
Tracktion software.
The information in this guide is also duplicated in the user's guide "Getting Started" chapter. We
recommend that you read over the user's guide whenever you have a spare moment in your busy day.
It contains all manner of useful information regarding safety, software licensing, dire warnings about
stuff, warranty, and repair details, etc.
Read the user's guide safety pages before connecting the XD-2 and hooking up your system.
Iconography
This icon will lead you to some further explanations of features and practical tips.
This icon marks information that is very important, so make sure you have a read.
Getting
Started
3
Installing the Software
• The Spike CD contains an installer which will help you install the various software applications,
plug-ins and drivers.
• Visit www.mackie.com/spikeauth to register your Spike, and download any updates to the software and fi rmware.
• Your computer must meet the minimum system requirements (shown on page 17).
• The XD-2 software application does not need authorization in order to run.
• Tracktion authorizes the fi rst time it detects the XD-2 hardware attached to your computer.
Mackie Final Mix authorizes with the Tracktion PC version.
• Other software bundled with Spike will need authorization. You will need Internet access, but it
does not have to be from the same machine you install the software on.
• The software titles and offers included with Spike are subject to change without notice.
To install the software on a PC:
1. Turn off any (non-essential) applications.
2. Insert the Spike CD into your PC’s CD drive.
3. The CD should begin automatically, bringing up an installer (StartHere.html). If not, click Start in
the task bar, then click Run. Type: <drive>:StartHere.html (where <drive> is the letter assigned
to your CD drive).
4. Follow the instructions in the installer to load and authorize the various software applications and plug-ins. A basic installation would be to install the XD-2 application, its drivers, and
Tracktion. This will get you going fairly nicely.
Getting
Started
4
5. If you want, go ahead and install Warmer Phaser (and other plug-ins from Nomad Factory), and
Antares plug-ins.
6. You can accept the default directories, or specify different locations. We recommend that you use
the default settings.
Note: Be sure to install the plug-ins into the Tracktion plug-ins folder, so they are accessible to Tracktion. If you have already installed plug-ins, you can direct Tracktion to scan for
these folders as well. Tracktion will default to scan both the "C:/Program fi les/Tracktion/
plugins/" and "C:/Program fi les/Steinberg/VSTplugins/" folders.
To install the software on a Macintosh:
1. Turn off any (non-essential) applications.
2. Insert the Spike CD into your Macintosh’s CD drive.
3. Open the disk icon on your desktop.
4. StartHere.html contains the latest instructions for installing the software. Some software is drag
and drop, and some use installers. Follow all instructions for authorizing the software.
Note: For plug-ins, be sure to install them into the "/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST" folder,
so they are accessible to Tracktion. If you have already installed plug-ins, you can direct Tracktion to scan for these folders as well. Tracktion will default to scan both the
"/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST" and "Users/<your login name>/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST"
folders.
Getting
Started
5
Installing and connecting the hardware
• To stand the XD-2 upright, pull the stabilizer bar downwards and
twist it out 90˚ from the body, as shown here. The spring is quite
strong, so be careful not to nip yourself as it snaps back into place.
• Turn down all XD-2 knobs to prevent any loud surprises.
• Connect microphones using the XLR input connectors on the back of the XD-2. Press the 48V button if your microphone needs phantom power (mostly used for condenser microphones).
• Connect guitars or other instruments using the 1/4" input connectors on the back of the XD-2.
Press the front panel INSTRUMENT button (guitar icon) if you are connecting your guitar or instrument directly to the XD-2 without using a preamplifi er or direct box.
• Connect a pair of powered monitor speakers, or an amplifi er connected to speakers, to the XD-2
rear panel Monitor jacks. You can also plug in headphones to the front panel Phones jack.
• Connect one end of the external power supply to the XD-2's 9 VDC
connector, and the other end to an AC power source. There is no
power switch; the XD-2 is on when the power supply is connected.
The universal power supply can be used with any local AC Mains
voltage between 90 VAC and 264 VAC.
• Connect the XD-2's USB connector to a USB port on your computer
with the USB cable provided.
• Launch the XD-2 software, and an XD-2 icon will appear in your PC
system tray, or Dock on a Mac. Click on the icon to open the program, then you can confi gure the XD-2 system to your liking.
Getting
Started
6
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