Mackie XD-2 User Manual

User’s Guide

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep th ese instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

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

anufacturer’s instructions.

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

ters, 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

safet y. If the provided plug does not ﬁ t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of th e obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptac les, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.Only use attachments / accessories speciﬁ ed by the manufacturer.

12.Unplug this apparatus during lightning storm

s or when unused for

long periods of time.

Safety Instructions

The lightning ﬂ ash 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 sufﬁ cient magnitude to consti- tute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole éclair avec point de ﬂ èche à l’intérieur d’un triangle équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l’utilisateur de la présence à l’intérieur du coffret de “voltage dangereux” non isolé d’ampleur sufﬁ sante pour constituer un risque d’éléctrocution.

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 à l’intérieur d’un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d’instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le livret d’instruction accompagnant l’appareil.

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.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION AVIS

User’s

Guide

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

equired when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such

as power-

supply 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 no t operate norm

ally, or has

been dropped.

WARNING

— To reduce the risk of ﬁ re or

electric shock, do no t expose this appliance to

ain or moisture.

FCC Information

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with

the limits for Class B digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

User’s

Guide

Mackie Software License

Please read this license carefully before using the accompanying Software. By loading and using the Software

you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this license. Software as used herein means all computer code (both

source and object) including, but not limited to, all interfaces, navigational devices, search engines, databases,

menus, menu structures or arrangements, drivers, development tools, icons, operational instructions, scripts, commands, and syntax, whether created, or licensed from third parties by LOUD Technologies Inc., including all

associated documentation

1. Soft

ware License. Any Software whether on disk, in read-only memory, or on any other media, and related

documents are licensed to you by LOUD Technologies Inc. You own the disk(s) on which the Software is recorded but LOUD Technologies and/or LOUD Technologies’ Licensor(s) retain all rights, title, and interest to the Software and related documentation. This License allows you to use the Software on a single computer and make one copy of the Software in machine-readable form for backup purposes only. You must reproduce on such copy LOUD Technologies’ copyright notice and any other proprietary legend on the original copy of the Software

. Restrictions on Soft

ware Use. The Software contains copyrighted material, trade secrets and other propri

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reduce the Software to human-perceivable form, or in any way analyze or utilize in a manner inconsistent with

this license, or allow a third party to do so. You may not modify, network, rent, lease, loan, distribute, create

derivative works, or use the Software to create a compilation based upon the Software in whole or in part. You may not electronically transmit the Software from one computer to another over a network or other means of

transmission

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use of the Software

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stroying the Software and related documentation and all copies thereof. This License will terminate immediately

User’s

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without notice from LOUD Technologies if you fail to comply with any provisions of this License. Upon termina

tion you must destroy the Software and related documentation and all copies thereof.

. Export Law Assurances. You agree and certify that neither the Software nor any other technical data re

ceived from LOUD Technologies, nor the direct product thereof, will be exported outside the United States except

as authorized and as permitted by the laws and regulations of the United States and with LOUD Technologies’

express permission

6. Government End Users. If you are acquiring the Software on behalf of any unit or agency of the United States

Government, the following provisions apply. The Government agrees

(i) if the Software is su

pplied to the Department of Defense (DOD), the Software is classiﬁ ed as “Commercial

Computer Software” and the Government is acquiring only “restricted rights” in the Software and its documenta-

tion as that term is deﬁ ned in Clause 252.227-701

(c)(1) of the DFARS; and

(ii) if the Software is su

pplied to any unit or agency of the United States Government other than DOD, the

Government’s rights in the Software and its documentation will be deﬁ ned in Clause 52.227-19

(c)(2) of the FAR

or, in the case of NASA, in clause

18-52.227-86

(d) of the NASA supplement to the FAR

7. Limited Warranty

on Soft

ware Media (if provided on disks). LOUD Technologies warrants the disks on

which the Software is recorded to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a pe

riod of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of the purchase receipt. LOUD Technol

ogies’ entire liability and your exclusive remedy will be the replacement of the defective disk when it is returned postage prepaid to LOUD Technologies at the address below or a LOUD Technologies’ authorized representative with a copy of the purchase receipt. LOUD Technologies will have no responsibility to replace a disk damaged by

accident, abuse or misa

pplication. THIS WARRANTY SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDES ANY OTHER WARRANTY RELATED TO SOFTWARE MEDIA, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ON THE DISKS, SUCH AS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR

PURPOSE OR USE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE

OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE AND FROM C

OUNTRY TO C

OUNTRY.

User’s

Guide

8. D

isclaimer of Warranty

on Soft

ware. You expressly acknowledge and agree that use of the Software is at

your sole risk. The Software and related documentation are provided “AS IS” and without warranty of any kind. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXP

RESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING,

BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITN

ESS FOR A PARTIC-

ULAR PURPOSE OR USE. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED

IN THE SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE

WILL BE UNINT

ERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT D

EFECTS IN THE SOFTWARE WILL BE CO

RRECT

ED. FURTHERMORE, LOUD TECHNOLOGIES DOES NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REP

RESENTATIONS

REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE OR RELATED DOCUMENTATION

IN TERMS OF THEIR CO

RRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN

INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES OR A LOUD TECHNOLOGIES AUTHORIZED

REPRESENTATIVE SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS WARRANTY. SHOULD THE SOFTWARE PROVE D

EFECTIVE, YOU (AND NOT LOUD TECHNOLOGIES OR ANY

LOUD TECHNOLOGIES AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NEC

ESSARY

SERVICING, REPAIR OR CO

RRECTION. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WAR

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OGIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS OR EARNINGS, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR P

ERSON, OR ATTORNEYS’ FEES

THAT

RESULT FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE OR RELATED DOCUMENTATION

EVEN IF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES OR A LOUD TECHNOLOGIES AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT SHALL LOUD TECHNOLOGIES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LO

SSES, AND CAU

SES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTACT, TORT (INCLUD

ING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE SOFTWARE

User’s

Guide

10. Controlling Law and Severability. This License shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the

laws of the United States and the State of Washington, as applied to agreements entered into and to be performed

entirely within Washington between Washington residents. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction

ﬁ nds any provision of this License, or portion thereof, to be unenforceable, that provision of the License shall be

enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties, and the remainder of the

License shall continue in full force and effect

11. Complete Agreement. This License constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the

use of the Software and related documentation, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings or

agreements, written or oral, regarding such subject matter. No amendment to or modiﬁ cation of this License will

be binding unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of LOUD Technologies Inc.

Phew!

LOUD Technologies Inc. •

16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville • WA

98072 • USA

User’s

Guide

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

This icon does not appear in this guide.

About this Guide

This guide describes the XD-2 USB interface, the XD-2 software, and includes a short overview of the Tracktion software and the offside rule.

For details of the bundled software, please refer to the help documentation included within the software itself, or included on the Spike software installer CD-ROM

“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.

Thinking of a vacation this year? Then come to sunny Edmonds, WA, and enjoy the scenic splendor of the Paciﬁ c Northwest, where the snow-capped mountains rise majestically above the Puget Sound. Ask for Gary.

Manual Part No. SW0078 Rev.

07/2004

OCEAN

LINER

User’s

Guide

Contents

Safety Instructions-----------------------------------2 Mackie Software License -------------------------- 4 Introduction----------------------------------------- 10

XD-2 USB Interface------------------------------ 10 Bundled Software --------------------------------11 Special Offers -------------------------------------11

Getting Started --------------------------------------12

Installing PC Software---------------------------12 Installing Mac Software-------------------------13 Installing and Connecting the Hardware --- 14 Typical Hookup Diagram------------------------15 Making a Recording----------------------------- 16

XD-2 Features --------------------------------------- 25

XD-2 Front Panel--------------------------------- 25 XD-2 Rear Panel---------------------------------- 28

Connectors -------------------------------------------31 XD-2 Software -------------------------------------- 33

Drivers and Platform Support ---------------- 33 The XD-2 Software screens -------------------- 35 Basic Controls -------------------------------- 36 Overview Screen----------------------------- 38 Setup Screen---------------------------------- 43 DSP Screen ------------------------------------46 Parametric Equalizer Module---------51 Compressor Module------------------- 53 Gate/Expander Module -------------- 56

Using Spike ------------------------------------------ 59 Appendix A: Technical Information ------------ 64

System Requirements---------------------------64 XD-2 Speciﬁ cations------------------------------ 65

XD-2 Block Diagram-----------------------------68

Appendix B: Troubleshooting Guide------------ 69 Appendix C: Service Information --------------- 73

Service --------------------------------------------- 73

Repair --------------------------------------------- 73

Limited Warranty-------------------------------- 75

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:

www.mackie.com/spikeaut

User’s

Guide

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Mackie Spike Powered Recording System

This is a complete, compact solution for computer-based music production on either a Macintosh or a PC

Spike consists of the XD-2 USB Interface and all the software you need to

record and create wonderful music using your computer

XD-2 USB Interface

The XD-2 USB interface provides two analog audio inputs which can accept microphone level, line level, or direct instrument input signals. Mackie's

high-headroom preamps convert the analog audio signals into digital signals. In addition, there is a coaxial S/PDIF (RCA-type) digital input and

output.

When a microphone is plugged into an XLR input, that channel automati

cally adjusts to become a mic input. When a 1/4" TRS or TS connector is plugged in, that channel

adjusts to become a line-level input (or an instrument-level input if the INSTRUMENT (guitar icon)

button is pressed in)

An onboard SHARC processor provides full EQ and dynamics processing, including a 4-band Parametric Equalizer, a Compressor/Limiter, and a Gate/

Expander, without draining the host computer of

processing power. The processed signals are transferred to the host computer via the USB connec-

tion. Master mixes can also be transferred from your host computer into the XD-2 for processing, and then output to an external device, or sent back into the computer as a stereo mixdown pass

A front panel MIX knob is provided to adjust between low-latency direct monitoring (from the analog or digital inputs) and playback monitoring (from the USB input). Monitoring is provided by the head

phone jack on the front, and by balanced outputs on the back, each with their own level controls.

XD-2 USB Inter face

MIN MAX

PHONES

MIN MAX

MONITOR

MIN MAX

GAIN 2

MIN MAX

GAIN 1

DIR USB

MIX

-30 0

48V

-30 0

User’s

Guide

Bundled Spikeware

Spike comes with some incredibly powerful software to get you started with your own desktop multi-

track audio recording music production studio

The XD-2 software a

pplication provides all the control you need for the XD-2 USB interface. Any adjustments you make to the EQ, Compressor/Limiter, and Gate/

Expander, will be recorded as part of

the audio signal. Each dynamics setting can be saved, recalled, cop-

ied, and pasted as needed. In addition, all the parameter settings can be saved as a single preset ﬁ le for later recall

Tracktion is an easy-to-use multitrack audio recording and

MIDI sequencing software application, capable of unlimited

track count, VST support, automation, and much more.

armer Phaser is a VST plug-in by Nomad Factory speciﬁ cally designed for Spike to

give a warmer tube sound to the digital recording process

ackie Final Mix VST (PC only, for Tracktion) is a powerful stereo mastering

suite with two 5-band parametric EQs on either side of a multi-band compressor.

Special Offers

As you purchased Spike, you are entitled to discounts for a number of plug-ins including Nomad Factory Blue Tubes and Liquid Bundle, and Antares plug-ins.

Note: The software titles and offers included with Spike are subject to change without

notice.

XD-2 Sof tware Main Screen

User’s

Guide

Getting Started

Use this section to get your Spike recording system set up quickly

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 soft-

ware and ﬁ rmware

• Your computer must meet the minimum system requirements (shown on page

64).

• 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.

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)

User’s

Guide

4. Follow the instructions in the installer to load and authorize the various software applica-

tions and plug-ins. A basic installation would be to install the XD-2 a

pplication, its drivers, and

Tracktion. This will get you going fairly nicely.

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 accessi-

ble 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. Start

Here.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 di

rect 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.

User’s

Guide

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 but-

ton 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 in

strument 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 su

pply 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 su

pply is connected.

The universal power su

pply 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 pro-

gram, then you can conﬁ gure the XD-2 system to your liking

User’s

Guide

MONITOR L / R

USB

9V DC 750mA

INPUT 1

INPUT 2

OUT

MIDI

Power Suppl

Mackie Control

(or other MIDI

device)

MIDI OUT

MIDI

USB Connection

Laptop

Guitar

Microphone

Mackie HR624 or other Active Studio Monitors

Headphones

(plug into front panel)

SPDIF

DAT, CD/DVD player

or CD-R recorder

MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

Typical Hookup Diagram

User’s

Guide

Making a Recording

The following example of a recording session uses a guitar plugged directly into the XD-2 channel 1 input, and a microphone plugged into the channel 2 input, to record audio tracks in the Tracktion soft

ware. We will also record some MIDI data that will trigger a softsynth within Tracktion

Before starting, make sure you have correctly installed the XD-2 and Tracktion software

1. Connect your equipment using the diagram on the previous page as a guide.

2. On the XD-2 front panel, set the GAIN, MONITOR and PHONES knobs to minimum, and the MIX

knob to DIR (direct). Press the 48V button if your microphone needs phantom power. Press the

INSTRUMENT button on Channel 1 if you are not using a guitar preamp or direct box

3. On your computer, open the XD-2 software and click the “Overview” button

You should see input and output meters, along with slide faders and a bunch of other cool stuff

Make sure the USB and SPDIF buttons are not illuminated

4. Play the guitar and gently turn up the front panel Ch.1 GAIN knob. You should see the XD-2 front

panel LEDs dance with happiness

5. The Overview screen's input meters should dance as well. This means you have signals coming

into your computer. Make sure the OL LED does not light; turn down the GAIN knob if it does. If

the meters do not show any signals present, check your connections to the XD-

XD-2 Sof tware Overview Screen

User’s

Guide

6. On the XD-2 front panel (with the MIX knob set to DIR) turn the PHONES knob gently to hear

yourself through your headphones. Remember – to avoid feedback, keep your monitor volume

turned down while using a microphone, especially if your mic is close to the monitors.

7. To reduce any low-end bass rumble, push in the front panel HP ﬁ lter button (see page 25 for more

details

8. On the XD-2 Overview screen, click the DSP button to bring up the DSP graphic interface

Fool around with the channel EQ

Compressor/Limiter, and Gate/

Expander as you see ﬁ t. For more details of the mysterious DSP workings, see page 46.

Note: The XD-2 has its own DSP

chip, so its processing power is in

dependent of your CPU. This means you can use as much XD-2 processing

as you like, or need, without causing your

computer to slow, so be creative and have fun. Your audio recording will be affected by

any changes you make.

9. When you are happy with the sounds and

are ready to start recording, put down the

guitar and....

...continued on the next page...

(rather exciting isn't it?

)

XD-2 Sof tware DSP Screen

User’s

Guide

10. Launch the Tracktion software and select the Mackie

XD-2 hardware under Settings menu/WAVE devices.

Also select Mackie XD-2 (for Mac), USB Audio Device (for PC) under the Settings/MIDI devices menu.

For more details of the Tracktion software, press "F12" on your keyboard, or click the HELP button in

the lower left of the Tracktion screen

11. Click the NEW PROJECT

button in the

Projects Menu.

Trackt ion Project screen

Help

Trackt ion Se t tings screen

User’s

Guide

12. Navigate to a good location, enter a wonderful name for the

new project in the pop-up dialog box, then click Save. All of

this project's tracks, clips and edits will be saved here by

Tracktion

Note: Do not create project folders inside the

Tracktion main folder, or any software main folder

Otherwise, if you un-install/re-install software, your project folders will disappear (mine sure did).

13. “New edit #1” appears at the top of the Item List. Do not be alarmed. An Edit is Tracktion's way of

keeping everything related to your song. See Tracktion's Help (F12) for more information.

User’s

Guide

Trackt ion Edit Screen

14. Double click on “new edit

#1” to open up the Edit Screen. This new project starts with eight hori-

zontal tracks, stacked vertically. You can add or remove tracks once you get going. Tracks can

also be renamed by selecting them and typing the new name in the Properties area.

The audio icon represents Tracktion's stereo audio input (from your XD-2). The MIDI icon repre

sents its MIDI input. If these icons do not appear, check the input selections in the "Settings" tab,

and make sure the Mackie XD-2 is chosen as your audio input and output device.

MIDI Icon

INPUT 1 + 2

MACKIE XD2

User’s

Guide

Ch.2 Icon

Trackt ion Edit Screen (with a high-lighted Input 1 Icon, and its properties shown)

The Properties of whatever is highlighted Transport Area

Treat as

stereo

channel pair (of f)

Ch.1 Icon

15. As we have a microphone and a guitar connected in this example, we want two independent chan-

nels instead of a stereo pair. Click the audio icon and uncheck the "treat as stereo channel pair"

button in the Properties area. Two independent audio icons will then appear

INPUT 1

MACKIE XD2

INPUT 2

INPUT 1

User’s

Guide

16. Click on the Ch.1 icon, hold down your mouse button, and drag it next to the track you want to

record onto. As it gets closer, an arrow pops out and connects the icon to the track. This indicates

the track is

armed for recording. To disconnect an icon

(disarm the track), drag it to the left and

the arrow will disappear. In the Properties area, set the Bit Depth to

16 bit, or

24 bit as needed

We will begin by recording the guitar, so go ahead and arm track 1. Leave the icon highlighted, as

the input meters (in the Properties area) will show the signal levels being recorded

Trackt ion Edit Screen (with connected Input 1 Icon, shown larger t han real size)

Record

Properties Area Transport Area

M=Mute

S=Solo

Pan and volume

Channel

Meter

Play

Bit Depth

INPUT 1

MACKIE XD2

INPUT 2

INPUT 1

User’s

Guide

17. To record, click the Record button in the Transport area (or press

keyboard R). Tracktion records any armed tracks (icon with arrow).

Play your guitar as the vertical cursor line moves right. A pink bar shows the track recording

18. To stop recording, click the Record button (or R) again. A squi

ggly-

wiggle (amplitude vs time waveform) of your recording is displayed.

19. To play back your guitar recording, grab the purple vertical cursor line with your mouse and move

it to the beginning of your recording (or press

), turn the MIX knob to USB, click Play (green

triangle) in the transport area, and gently turn the MONITOR or PHONES knob up to suit. If you

are happy with your guitar recording, drag the Ch

.1 icon to the left to disarm the track

20. To record some vocals, drag the Ch.2 icon to track 2 (the mic is connected to Ch

.2 on the XD-2)

To play back your guitar recording

hear the direct input from your microphone, turn the MIX

knob to the

12 o'clock position. Adjust the CH

.2 GAIN knob so your vocals do not light the OL

LEDs. Adjust the MIX knob to ﬁ ne tune the balance between the direct and USB signal. Press Re

cord to record your vocal masterpiece

21. You can record other instruments, passages, vocals, wax cylinders, CDs and sessions onto other tracks, and assemble a masterpiece by continuing in a similar fashion. As you record and play

other tracks, Mute any tracks you don't want to hear, (Mute M appears to the right of each

track).

22. When your unique sounds are on the computer, they can be processed in many ways, and option

ally sent back through the XD-2 for a ﬁ nal master pass and tweak. Tracktion comes with various

plug-ins, and there are many third party plug-ins available. Tracktion lets you export your mas-

terwork in various formats for distribution, and lets you import previous work. (For more details

about using Spike please see page 59.)

User’s

Guide

Trackt ion Edit Screen (with connected MIDI Icon) and new ﬁ lter menu

23. MIDI data can be recorded

using one of the softsynths

supplied with Tracktion. Drag the MIDI icon to the left of a track, and Arm it.

24. Click the "New Filters" button,

and drag down the new ﬁ lter to

the right of the track, in front

of any existing ﬁ lters. A list of plug-ins will appear, and you can choose the MDA DX10 or other synths. (Synths have

a little keyboard icon). The

properties area shows various options for the MDA DX10, in

cluding loading presets.

25. Depending on the setting of your

keyboard, enable "end to end" in the

MIDI icon's Properties area and "e-to-e" in the Transport area, in order to hear your keyboard through the XD-

2. You can

click on the keyboard to test out

the synths.

26. Press Record and ...play Maestro play!

27. See Tracktion's Help (F12) for more information on end-to-end and MIDI

Properties area (when MIDI Icon is highlighted)

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