Mark of the Unicorn 8pre User's Guide

MOTU 8pre

User’s Guide for Windows

™

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: [phone]

Business fax: [phone]

Technical support: [phone]

Tech support fax: [phone]

Tech support email: [e-mail]

Web site: www.motu.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

CAUTION! READ THIS SAFETY GUIDE BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION OR OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

HAZARDOUS VOLAGES: CONTACT MAY CAUSE ELECTRIC SHOCK OR BURN. TURN OFF UNIT BEFORE SERVICING.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.

WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU 8pre COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

The MOTU 8pre is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong, approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association. This
plug requires a mating three-conductor grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below. If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU 8pre is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER
THE GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below and always connect the grounding lug to a known ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician
replace the TWO prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong outlet. An adapter as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.

Figure A Figure B

Grounding lug

Screw

3-prong plug

Grounding prong

Properly grounded 3-prong outlet

3-prong plug

Mak e sur e th is i s con nec ted to
a known ground.

Adapter

Two-prong receptacle

WARNING: THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROM THE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A
PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE PROPERLY GROUNDED.

If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE: The adapter illustrated is for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong
receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which
will accept the MOTU 8pre plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read these instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the 8pre.

2. Keep these instructions. These safety instructions and the 8pre owner’s manual should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed all warnings. All warnings on the 8pre and in the owner’s manual should be adhered to.

4. Follow all Instructions. All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Do not use the 8pre near water.

6. Cleaning - Unplug the 8pre from the computer and clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

7. Ventilation - Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Heat - Do not install the 8pre near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus (including an amplifier) that produces heat.

9. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.

10. Grounding - 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 fit into your outlet, consult and electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11. Power cord - Protect the 8pre power cord from being walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the 8pre.

12. Power switch - Install the 8pre so that the power switch can be accessed and operated at all times.

13. Disconnect - The main plug is considered to be the disconnect device for the 8pre and shall remain readily operable.

14. Accessories - Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

15. Placement - Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the 8pre. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

16. Surge protection - Unplug the 8pre during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

17. Servicing - Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the 8pre has been damaged in any way, such as when a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the 8pre, the 8pre has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

18. Power Sources - Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for power requirements. Be advised that different operating voltages may require the use of a different line cord and/or attachment plug.

19. Installation - Do not install the 8pre in an unventilated rack, or directly above heat-producing equipment such as power amplifiers. Observe the maximum ambient operating temperature listed below.

20. Power amplifiers- Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit’s connectors.

21. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

22. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU 8pre, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.

ENVIRONMENT

Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE

Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug. Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not place objects containing liquids on it.

AC INPUT

100 - 240VAC ~ • 50 / 60Hz • 7 Watts.

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software

TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the
terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you when
you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
trademark, and trade-secret laws. Your right to use the program and the
documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.

Reminder of the terms of your license

This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms. The actual
license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software.
That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to
all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is
incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the
click-wrap agreement prevail.

YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer
the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the
program solely for backup purposes. You must reproduce and include the copyright
notice on a label on any backup copy.

YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others;
(b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c) provide use of
the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate,
adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or
related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.

MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is
recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your
receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the
product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s) under this
Limited Warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF,
AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR
DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD
PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Update Policy

In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return
the attached Mark of the Unicorn Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2006 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means
whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicor n, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.

Limited Warranty on Hardware

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of NINETY (90) DAYS
from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty applies only to hardware
products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written
statements.

If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number. No service will be performed on
any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138. You must use the product’s original packing
material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product. Please
include your name, address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and
the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise
Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.

This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission
of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.

MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH
MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.

MOTU, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are trademarks of Mark
of the Unicorn, Inc.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential 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. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio
or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the following measures:

• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional
assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.

WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Contents

Quick Reference: 8pre Front Panel

5

6

Quick Reference: 8pre Rear Panel

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

7

9

About the 8pre

Packing List and Windows System Requirements

13

15

IMPORTANT! Run the 8pre Software Installer First

Installing the 8pre Hardware

17

MOTU Audio Setup

23

Front Panel Settings

27

Cubase, Nuendo and Other ASIO Software

29

35

SONAR and other WDM Software

GigaStudio and GSIF

41

45

Reducing Monitoring Latency

MOTU CueMix Console

51

MOTU SMPTE Setup

59

Performance Tips & Troubleshooting

65

Index

67

III

4

5

From the factory, its output matches the main outs on

the rear panel. But it can be programmed to mirror any

other (optical) output pair. It can even be programmed

to serve as its own independent output. Use the volume

knob above to control its level.

gain for both the lo-Z XLR mic input and the hi-Z TRS

guitar/instrument input. Both inputs have preamps, so

you can plug just about anything into them: a micro-

phone, a guitar, a synth. Use the trim knob and the

analog input level meters over in the metering section to

calibrate the input signal level. The meters cover both

the TRS and XLR input.

power for condenser microphones. Down is off; up is on.

6. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack.

7. These eight trim knobs provide approximately 40 dB of

level. Flip it up to disengage the pad.

8. The 48V phantom power switches provide phantom

9. Flip the PAD switch down to apply a -20 dB reduction in

2

6789

volume. The middle row of green LEDs (third from the

bottom) performance a similar role for the main out

volume adjustment.

and the computer is turned on, the 8pre functions as an

4. When the 8pre is connected to computer via FireWire,

LEDs indicate

Conver ter

and

Interface

audio interface. When the computer is off or not

connected, the 8pre functions as a digital-to-analog

converter. The

which mode the 8pre is in.

sample rate. Choose 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz to operate

5. The CLOCK LEDs indicate the current clock source and

(for 88.2

optical in 2x

(for 44.1 or 48 kHz) or

or 96 kHz). If you are resolving to optical at 2x, choose

optical in 1x

the 8pre under its own internal clock at the chosen

sample rate. To resolve the 8pre to another digital audio

device via connection to its optical input, choose either

Type II for MOTU products or Type I for third-party

products, as described earlier in item number 2.

1 3

Push in and hold the knob for 3 seconds to enter a

mode where you can change the clock source. In this

mode, the CLOCK LED flashes, turn the knob to change

the clock mode. Push it again to exit clock mode.■Push and hold the knob for 5 seconds to enter a mode

where you can change 2x optical input and output

(88.2 or 96kHz) to Type I (for 2x optical connection to

SMUX-compatible products) or Type II (for 2x optical

connection to MOTU products). The bottom LED in the

“1” or “2” column flashes. Turn the volume knob to

switch between Type I and II, respectively.

for the mic/instrument XLR/combo inputs on the rear

panel. When you turn the volume knob, which is a digital

rotary encoder, the row of amber LEDs, second from the

top, provides general feedback regarding the headphone

level as you turn the knob. The scale goes from left to

■

3. These eight 5-segment meters show input signal level

right, where all LEDs are illuminated at full headphone

Quick Reference: 8pre Front Panel

1. Each analog input has individual front panel controls,

including an input gain (trim) knob (approximately

40 dB of gain), 48 volt phantom power on/off switch (up

is on) and -20 dB pad switch (down is engaged).

as well as turned:

2. The VOLUME knob is a rotary encoder that can be pushed

Turn it to adjust headphone volume. In the LED section

■

to the right, the row of amber LEDs, second from the

top, provides general feedback regarding the

headphone level as you turn the knob.■Push in the knob twice (so that it clicks two times) and

then turn it to adjust the volume of the main outs on

the rear panel. In the LED section to the right, the

middle row of green LEDs, third from the bottom,

provides general feedback regarding the headphone

level as you turn the knob.

main outputs. You can connect them to a set of powered

studio monitors and then control the volume from the front

4. These two balanced, quarter-inch jacks serve as the 8pre’s

When the 8pre is operating at the 1x sample rates (44.1 or 48

kHz), the optical output in the bottom row mirrors the

8-channel optical output in the top row, allowing you to send

). You can also use CueMix

Main Out 1-2

panel volume knob. To hear disk tracks in your audio software

on these main outs, assign the disk tracks (and master fader)

to these main outs (

the 8pre optical output to two different destinations in your

studio, if needed.

DSP to monitor live 8pre inputs here as well.

a cable with a quarter-inch plug. Both the low-impedance

XLR jack and the high-impedance TRS jack are equipped with

5. These eight XLR/TRS combo jack accepts either a mic cable or

Connect the 8pre’s MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port on the

other device. Conversely, connect the 8pre’s MIDI IN port to

the MIDI OUT port on the other device. You can connect differ-

2. Connect a MIDI device here using standard MIDI cables.

ent devices to each port, such as a controller device to the IN

40 dB of front-panel trim control. Each XLR (mic) input can be

supplied with 48V phantom power or -20 dB pad via its corre-

sponding front-panel switches.

port and a sound module to the OUT port. You can also daisy-

chain MIDI devices, but be sure to manage their MIDI

channels (so that they don’t receive or transmit on the same

channel).

1394 FireWire cable provided with your 8pre. Use the second

FireWire port to daisy-chain up to four MOTU FireWire audio

3. Connect the 8pre to the computer here using the standard

interfaces to a single FireWire bus. You can also connect other

FireWire devices to daisy-chain them to the computer, with

the computer serving as the Firewire host.

Quick Reference: 8pre Rear Panel

1 2 3 4 5

provide eight channels of digital input and output at 44.1 and

48 kHz. At the 2x sample rates (88.2 or 96 kHz), the top row

provides channels 1-4 (in and out) and the bottom row

provides channels 5-8 (in and out). When operating the

optical ports at a 2x sample rate, be sure to choose either Type

I or Type II operation, as explained in item 2. on the previous

page.

When the 8pre is connected to a computer, these optical ports

provide digital input and output to and from the computer.

When the 8pre is not connected directly to a computer (via

FireWire), the optical input is disabled and the eight optical

output channels mirror any incoming signal on the 8pre’s

eight XLR/TRS combo jack analog inputs. By connecting the

8pre to another device, such as another ADAT-optical

equipped interface or a digital mixer, you add an additional

eight mic inputs to your system.

When the 8pre is slaving to its optical input, it resolves to the

input in the top row, even when operating at the 2x sample

1. The two ADAT optical (“lightpipe”) ports in the top row

rates (88.2 or 96 kHz).

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

CHAPTER

Click the tabs to access general
MOTU interface settings or
settings specific to the 8pre (or
other connected interface.)

Determines the clock source for your 8pre. If
you’re just using the analog ins and outs, set
this to ‘Internal’. The other settings are for
digital transfers (via optical) or external
synchronization to other systems.

If you have a foot switch connected to
another MOTU FireWire interface, these
settings let you map the foot switch to any
computer keyboard key for both the up and
down position. This setting does not apply
to the 8pre, which does not have a foot
switch input.

Check this option if the audio software you
are using with the 8pre does not support
Windows WDM drivers and instead only
supports legacy MME (Wave) drivers. When
checked, this option makes all of the 8pre
inputs and outputs available to legacy Wave­driver compatible audio software.

This menu lets you choose what you will
hear from the headphone jack. To mirror the
main outs, choose Main Out 1-2. Or you can
mirror any other output pair. To hear the
phones as their own independent output,
choose Phones 1-2.

Choose the global sample rate
for the system here.

When operating the 8pre as an
interface, choosing a smaller
setting here reduces the delay
you may hear when listening to
live input that you are running
through effects plug-ins in your
software. But lower settings also
increase the strain on your
computer. For details, see
“Samples Per Buffer” on page 25.

This option should always be left
on (checked). There are only a few
rare cases in which you would
want to turn it off. For details,
refer to the MOTU tech support
database at www.motu.com.

Click the 8pre tab to access these
settings.

Lets you enable or disable the
optical input and/or output to
conser ve FireWire bus
bandwidth. For details, see
“Optical input/output” on
page 26.

How to access these settings

There are several ways to access these settings:

■ From the Windows Start menu, choose

Programs>MOTU>MOTU Audio Setup.

■ From within Cubase SX, go to the Device

Setup window, click the VST Audiobay and
then choose MOTU Audio from the menu.
Then click the MOTU Audio list item to
access the Control Panel button.

■ From within other applications, refer to

their documentation.

Device Setup in Cubase SX

7

8

About the 8pre

CHAPTER

1

OVERVIEW

The 8pre is and audio interface that can operate in
two gene ral mode s: as a FireWi re aud io interf ace o r
as an analog-to-digital converter.

With a standard 19-inch, single-space, rack­mountable I/O form factor, the 8pre connects
directly to a computer via a standard FireWire
cable or to another interface via an ADAT optical
cable.

As a FireWire audio interface, the 8pre is a
complete computer-based hard disk recording
system for Mac OS X and Windows that offers eight
high-quality mic inputs and at any standard
sample rate up to 96kHz, plus one bank of ADAT
optical digital I/O that provides 8 channels of
digital I/O at any sample rate up to 96 kHz. At 88.2
or 96 kHz, a second bank of dedicated ADAT
optical jacks provide input and output on
channels 5-8.

When the 8pre is not connected to a computer via
FireWire, it operates as an analog-to-digital
converter. By connecting the 8pre’s optical ports to
another audio interface, digital mixer or other
digital audio system that supports 8-channel ADAT
optical I/O, the 8pre becomes as an 8-channel
analog to optical expansion interface that adds
eight high-quality mic inputs to the system.

The 8pre offers the following features:

■

Eight-channel ADAT optical digital I/O at

sample rates up to 96 kHz

■

MIDI I/O

■

On-board SMPTE synchronization

■

Headphone jack

■

Main volume knob (for headphone + main outs)

■

Front-panel 5-segment input meters

■

Front-panel mode and clock status LEDs

■

No- late ncy ana log t o di gital conve rsion f rom th e
eight analog inputs to the eight ADAT optical
digital outputs

With its XLR/TRS combo jack inputs, mic
preamps, no-latency monitoring of live input and
synchronization capabilities, the 8pre is a
complete, portable “studio in a box” when used
with a Macintosh or Windows computer. A WDM
driver is included for audio applications running
under Windows XP. Also included is an ASIO
driver for multi-channel operation with any
Windows audio software that supports ASIO
drivers.

THE 8PRE I/O REAR PANEL

The 8pre rear panel has the following connectors:

■

Two gold-plated, balanced +4dB quarter-inch
(TRS) analog outputs (with 24-bit 96kHz
converters)

■

Eight 24-bit analog combo XLR/TRS mic/
instrument inputs with preamps, each equipped
with individually switchable 20 dB pad and 48V
phantom power

■

Two 24-bit analog TRS main outputs

■

Eight 24-bit analog combo XLR/TRS mic/
instrument inputs with preamps, each equipped
with individually switchable 20 dB pad, 48V
phantom power and 24-bit 96kHz converters

9

■

Two sets of ADAT optical ‘light pipe’ connectors
(8 channels of ADAT optical I/O at all supported
sample rates)

■

MIDI IN and MIDI OUT

■

Two 6-pin FireWire jacks

16 inputs and 12 outputs

When operating as a FireWire audio interface, all
8pre inputs and outputs can be used simulta­neously, for a total of 16 inputs and 12 outputs:

Connection Input Output

Mic preamps 24-bit 96kHz on XLR/TRS combo 8 -

Main outputs 24-bit 96kHz on bal/unbal TRS - stereo

Headphone output - stereo

ADAT optical digital (from 44.1 up to 96 kHz) 8 8

Total 16 12

All inputs and outputs are discrete. In other words,
using a mic input does not “steal” an input from the
ADAT optical I/O bank. The same is true for the
headphone outs and the main outs.

The two banks of ADAT optical ports provide eight
chan nels of i nput and out put at 8 8.2 or 96 kHz . The
upper bank provides channels 1-4 and the lower
bank provides channels 5-8.

The headphone output can operate as an
independent output pair, or it can mirror any other
8pre output pair, such as the main outs.

Mic inputs with 48V phantom power

Eight rear-panel combo (XLR/TRS) jacks with
preamps, phantom power and 20 dB pad let you to
connect a microphone, guitar or any quarter-inch
input. The XLR jack serves as a low-impedance mic
input, and the TRS jack serves as a high-impedance
guitar/instrument input. Dedicated front-panel
trim knobs allow you to adjust each input indepen-

10

dently. Defeatable 48V phantom power and 20dB
pad are supplied by convenient front panel
switches.

Converters

All eight analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit
96kHz, 64x oversampling A/D converters. The
main outs have 24-bit 128x oversampling D/A
converters. All audio is carried to the computer in a
24-bit data stream.

Main Outs

The main outs are equipped with 24-bit 128x
oversampling D/A converters and serve as
independent outputs for the computer. The main
outputs are on balanced TRS +4dB quarter-inch
jacks. Both of these jacks can also accept
unbalanced plugs.

Optical

The 8pre provides two banks of optical “lightpipe”
jacks that support the ADAT optical digital I/O
format. At 44.1 or 48 kHz, the upper bank provides
eight channels of 24-bit digital audio, and the lower
bank simply mirrors all 8 channels of the upper
bank.

At 88.2 or 96 kHz, the upper bank handles
channels 1-4 and the lower bank handles channels
5-8 via the industry Standard S/MUX (“Type I”)
protocol for third-party product or MOTU’s own
“Type II” protocol for connecting the 8pre
optically to any MOTU audio interface. For details,
see “Setting the 2x optical mode” on page 27.

MIDI I/O

The 8pre’s standard MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks
supply 16 channels of MIDI I/O to and from the
computer via the 8pre’s FireWire connection.

1394 FireWire

The two 1394 FireWire jacks accept a standard
IEEE 1394 FireWire cable to connect the 8pre to a
FireWire-equipped Macintosh or Windows
computer. The second jack can be used to daisy

ABOUT THE 8PRE

chain multiple interfaces — up to four MOTU
FireWire interfaces — on a single FireWire bus. It
can also be used to connect other FireWire devices
without the need for a FireWire hub.

On-board SMPTE synchronization

The 8pre can resolve directly to SMPTE time code
via any analog input, without a separate
synchronizer. The 8pre provides a DSP-driven
phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that
provides fast lockup times and sub-frame
accuracy.

The included MOTU SMPTE Setup™ software
provi des a complete set of t ools to gene rate SMPTE
for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices
to the computer. Like CueMix DSP, the synchroni­zation features are cross-platform and compatible
with all audio sequencer software that suppor ts the
ASIO2 sample-accurate sync protocol.

Clock

The
clock source.

li ghts indi cate the g loba l sample rate and

16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING

The 8pre system handles all data with a 24-bit
signal path, regardless of the I/O format. You can
record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at
any supported sample rate via any of the 8pre’s
analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio
files can be recorded with any compatible host
application that supports 24-bit recording.

HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE

The 8pre system ships with a standard WDM
Windows driver that allows you to record, edit,
play back and mix your 8pre projects using your
favorite Windows audio software. In addition, this
driver provides legacy Wave/MME compatibility
for older applications that do not yet support
WDM.

THE 8PRE FRONT PANEL

Preamp trims, 48V phantom power and pad

The 8pre front panel provides convenient,
individual trim control, 48-volt phantom power
switch and 20 dB pad switch for each analog input.

Headphone output and main volume control

The 8pre front panel includes a quarter-inch stereo
headphone output jack and volume knob. The
volume knob also controls the rear-panel main
outs. Push the knob to toggle between them.

Metering section

The front panel of the 8pre displays input metering.
The five-segment input meters provide dedicated
multi-segment metering for their respective analog
inputs.

Mode

The
currently operating as a FireWire audio interface or
an analog-to-optical converter.

lights indicate whether the interface is

The 8pre also includes a ASIO and GSIF drivers for
multi-channel compatibility with any audio
applications that support these drivers.

A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM

Regardless of what software you use with the 8pre,
the host computer determines the number of
tracks the software can record and play simulta­neously, as well as the amount of real-time effects
processing you can apply to your mix. A faster
computer with more RAM and faster hard drives
will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time
effects than a slower computer with less RAM and
slower hard drives. Today’s fastest computers can
typically play as many as 72 tracks or more.
Standard third-party high-performance hard drive
solutions can also help you achieve higher track
counts.

ABOUT THE 8PRE

11

12

ABOUT THE 8PRE

CHAPTER

Packing List and

2

Windows System Requirements

PACKING LIST

The 8pre ships with the items listed below. If any of
these items are not present in your 8pre box when
you first open it, please immediately contact your
dealer or MOTU.

■

One 8pre I/O rack unit

■

One set of removable rack ears

■

One 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 “FireWire” cable

■

Power cord

■

One 8pre Mac/Windows manual

■

One AudioDesk Manual

■

One cross-platform CD-ROM

■

Product registration card

WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The 8pre system requires the following Windows
system:

■

A 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster
equipped with at least one FireWire port

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

Please register your 8pre today. There are two ways
to register.

■

Visit www.motu.com to register online

OR

■

Fill out and mail the included product

registration card

As a registered user, you will be eligible to receive
technical support and announcements about
product enhancements as soon as they become
available. Only registered users receive these
special update notices, so please register today.

Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!

■

A Pentium III processor or faster is
recommended

■

At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM (512 MB
or more is recommended)

■

Windows XP

■

A large hard drive (preferably at least 20 GB)

13

14

PACKING LIST AND WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER

IMPORTANT! Run the 8pre Software

3

Installer First

OVERVIEW

Install the 8pre software first! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installing the 8pre software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

MOTU Audio Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MOTU ASIO driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MOTU WDM driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MOTU GSIF driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MOTU CueMix Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MOTU SMPTE Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

INSTALL THE 8PRE SOFTWARE FIRST!

Before you connect the 8pre audio interface to your
computer and turn it on, insert the 8pre software
CD and run the 8pre Software Installer. This
ensures that all the 8pre components are properly
installed in your system.

If Windows asks you to locate the drivers

If you’ve already connected the 8pre to your
computer and switched it on, Windows probably
issued an alert notifying you that the 8pre requires
drivers, followed by another window asking you to
locate the drivers on disk. If this happens:

1

Cancel the driver search.

2

Switch off the 8pre.

INSTALLING THE 8PRE SOFTWARE

To install the 8pre software, insert the MOTU
Audio CD-ROM and follow the directions it gives
you on your computer screen. Also be sure to read
the Read Me file for installation assistance. The
8pre ships with the following software and drivers
for Windows XP:

Software
component Purpose

MOTU Audio Setup Provides access to all of the settings in

MOTU CueMix Console Gives you complete control over the

MOTU SMPTE Setup Provides access to the 8pre’s SMPTE

MOTU ASIO Driver Allows Cubase or other ASIO-com-

MOTU WDM Driver Allows any WDM-driver compatible

MOTU GSIF Driver Allows you to use your 8pre with Tas-

MOTU MIDI Driver Provides MIDI input and output via

the 8pre hardware.

8pre’s CueMix DSP feature, which
provides no-latency monitoring of
live inputs.

time code and video sync features.

pliant software to do multi-channel
input and output with the 8pre. Only
required if you are using Cubase or
another ASIO-dependent program.

audio software to do multichannel
input and output with the 8pre.

cam GigaStudio.

the 8pre MIDI ports.

3

Run the 8pre Software Installer as instructed in

the next section.

15

MOTU AUDIO SETUP

MOTU Audio Setup (available in the Start menu)
gives you access to all of the settings in the 8pre,
such as the clock source and sample rate. For
complete details, see chapter 5, “MOTU Audio
Setup” (page 23).

Figure 3-1: MOTU Audio Setup gives you access to all of the settings in
the 8pre hardware.

MOTU ASIO DRIVER

ASIO

stands for
The MOTU ASIO audio driver allows 8pre to
provide multi-channel input and output for
Steinberg’s Cubase SX and Nuendo software, or
any other audio application that supports ASIO
drivers.

The MOTU ASIO audio driver is only required if
you are using Cubase SX (or another audio
program that relies on the ASIO driver to support
multi-channel I/O with the 8pre).

The MOTU ASIO audio driver is installed by the
8pre Software Installer and properly registered
with Windows, so you don’t need to be concerned
about its installation or location.

Audio Streamin g Inp ut

and

Output

For details about using Cubase SX and Nuendo
with the 8pre, see chapter 7, “Cubase, Nuendo and
Other ASIO Software” (page 29).

MOTU WDM DRIVER

The MOTU WDM audio driver provides standard
multi-channel input and output for audio
applications running under Windows XP. See
chapter 8, “SONAR and other WDM Software”
(page 35) for details.

The MOTU Audio installer CD installs the MOTU
WDM driver into Windows for you.

MOTU GSIF DRIVER

The MOTU GSIF audio driver allows you to access
the 8pre as an audio interface for Tascam
GigaStudio and related products. The GSIF driver
features low-latency multi-channel performance.
See chapter 9, “GigaStudio and GSIF” (page 41).

MOTU MIDI DRIVER

This driver allows you to access the 8pre’s MIDI
input and output ports. The ports are published in
Windows and are available to all MIDI software.

MOTU CUEMIX CONSOLE

This program provides a mixing console that gives

.

you control over the 8pre’s no-latency CueMix DSP
features. For details, see chapter 11, “MOTU
CueMix Console” (page 51).

MOTU SMPTE SETUP

The MOTU SMPTE Setup software provides a
complete set of tools for resolving the 8pre to
SMPTE time code, and to generate SMPTE for
striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to
the computer. For details, see chapter 12, “MOTU
SMPTE Setup” (page 59).

16

IMPORTANT! RUN THE 8PRE SOFTWARE INSTALLER FIRST

CHAPTER

Installing the 8pre Hardware

4

OVERVIEW

Here’s an overview for installing the 8pre:

Connect the 8pre to your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connect the 8pre to the computer.

Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Make optical and analog connections as desired.

Connect MIDI gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connect a controller, synth or control surface.

Operating the 8pre as an interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.

Operating the 8pre as a converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

An example setup for a mixer-based studio.

Syncing optical devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CONNECT THE 8PRE TO YOUR COMPUTER

1

Plug one end of the 8pre FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 4-1.

2

Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
8pre I/O as shown below in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1: Connecting the 8pre to the computer.

17

CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The 8pre audio interface has the following audio
input and output connectors:

■

8 combo XLR/quarter-inch analog mic/guitar/

instrument inputs

■

2 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch TRS main outs

■ 2 pair of ADAT optical (“Lightpipe”) in/out

Here are a few things you should keep in mind as
you are making these connections to other devices.

Mic/guitar/instrument inputs

Connect a microphone, guitar or other similar
instrument to any XLR/quarter-inch combo jack
input on the rear panel. If your microphone
requires phantom power, move the 48V phantom
power switch on the front panel to the up position
(enabled). Use the trim knobs on the front panel to
adjust the input level as needed for each input. The
trim knob provides approximately 40 dB of gain.
Use the input level meters on the front panel
(labeled Analog In) to calibrate the level. These
meters register for both the XLR and TRS input.

If a line level signal is still too hot with the trim
turned all the way down, engage (flip down) the
20dB pad switch on the front panel.

Main outs

The main outputs serve as independent outputs.
The main out volume is controlled by the volume
knob on the front panel. Push the knob to toggle
between phone and main out volume control. In a
standard studio configuration, the main outs are
intended for a pair of studio monitors, but they can
also be used as additional outputs for any purpose.

Reminder: optical goes OUT to IN and IN to OUT.
Input and output are independent. For example,
you could connect ADAT optical input from your
digital mixer and connect the output to an audio
interface connected to your computer.

Optical operation at 44.1 or 48 kHz

When connected to an ADAT “lightpipe”
compatible device, the two optical connectors in
the top row provide eight channels of digital input
and output at 44.1 and 48 kHz.

In a ddit ion, wh en ope rati ng the 8pre at a 1x sample
rate (either 44.1 or 48 kHz), optical output is
duplicated on the second (lower) optical output.
This lets you send the 8pre’s 8-channel ADAT
optical output to two separate destinations in your
studio, if needed.

Optical operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz

When operating the 8pre at the 2x sample rates
(88.2 or 96 kHz), the top row of optical connectors
provides channels 1-4 (in and out) and the bottom
row provides channels 5-8 (in and out) when
connected to another optical device that supports

88.2/96 kHz optical sample rates.

When operating the optical ports at a 2x sample
rate, be sure to choose either Type I or Type II
operation, as explained in “Setting the 2x optical
mode” on page 27.

Using optical I/O when operating the 8pre as an
audio interface

When the 8pre is connected to a computer
(Figure 4-4 on page 20), these optical ports
provide digital input and output to and from the
computer.

Optical

The 8pre provides 8-channel digital input and
output at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. The 8pre rear
panel provides two sets of ADAT optical
(“lightpipe”) connectors: an top row and a bottom
row.

18

Using optical I/O to operate the 8pre as an
8-channel expander

When the 8pre is not connected directly to a
computer via FireWire, the optical input is disabled
and the eight optical output channels mirror any
incoming signal on the 8pre’s eight XLR/TRS

INSTALLING THE 8PRE HARDWARE

combo jack analog inputs. By connecting the 8pre
optical output to another device, such as another
ADAT-optical equipped interface or a digital
mixer, you add an additional eight mic inputs to
your system, as demonstrated in Figure 4-5 on
page 21. This can be done at any sample rate up to
96 kHz.

To set the sample rate (or clock mode) when
operating as an 8-channel optical expander, see
“Setting the clock source in converter mode” on
page 27.

Connecting additional gear with MIDI THRUs

If you need to connect several pieces of MIDI gear,
run a MIDI c able from the MIDI THRU of a de vice
already connected to the 8pre to the MIDI IN on
the additional device as shown below in Figure 4-3.
The two devices then share the 8pre’s MIDI OUT
port. This means that they share the same set of 16
MIDI channels, too, so try to do this with devices
that receive on only one MIDI channel (such as
effects modules) so their receive channels don’t
conflict with one another.

CONNECT MIDI GEAR

Connect your MIDI device’s MIDI IN jack to the
8pre’s MIDI OUT jack (Connection A below).
Conversely, connect the MIDI device’s MIDI OUT
jack to the 8pre’s MIDI IN jack (Connection B).

8pre

rear panel

MIDI
OUT

Connection A

MIDI Device

Figure 4-2: Connecting a MIDI device to the 8pre.

MIDI

cables

MIDI INMIDI

OUT

One-way MIDI connections

MIDI devices that do not receive MIDI data, such
as a dedicated keyboard controller, guitar
controller, or drum pad, only need Connection B
shown in Figure 4-2. Similarly, devices that never
send data, such as a sound module, only need
Connection A. Make both connections for any
device that needs to both send and receive MIDI
data.

MIDI

IN

Connection B

8pre

rear panel

MIDI
OUT

MIDI

MIDI Device

Figure 4-3: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.

IN

MIDI

THRU

MIDI

cable

MIDI IN

Additional device

INSTALLING THE 8PRE HARDWARE

19

OPERATING THE 8pre AS AN INTERFACE

Here is a typical studio setup for using the 8pre as
an audio interface. All mixing and processing can
be done in the computer with audio software.
During recording, you can use the 8pre’s CueMix™

8pre front

panel

monitors

PC

FireWire

8pre back

panel

Optical

In Out

DSP no-latency monitoring to listen to what you
are recording via the main outs, headphone outs,
or any other output pair. You can control
monitoring from the included MOTU CueMix
Console software.

headphones

mic

other inputs

(mics, guitars, etc.)

20

Optical

Out

Digital mixer

Optical

In

synthesizer

quarter-inch

analog outs

MIDI IN/OUT

Figure 4-4: A typical 8pre studio setup.

guitar
(with or without an amp)

INSTALLING THE 8PRE HARDWARE

OPERATING THE 8pre AS A CONVERTER

As explained earlier in “Using optical I/O to
operate the 8pre as an 8-channel expander” on
page 18, the 8pre can serve as an 8-channel analog­to-digital converter when disconnected from the
computer and instead connected to another device
equipped with an ADAT optical input. For
example, you could connect the 8pre optical output
to the optical input on a MOTU audio interface,
such as the 828, 828mkII, Traveler, 896, 896HD or
UltraLite. The 8pre then serves as an 8-channel
expander that adds an additional 8 mic inputs to
the interface. The benefit of connecting the 8pre in

PC

USB2

828mkII-USB
(UltraFast USB 2
audio interface)

ADAT optical In

this manner (instead of as another FireWire
interface) is that you can seamlessly integrate the
8pre’s inputs into the on-board no-latency CueMix
monitor mixing in the interface, since the 8pre’s
inputs are fed into CueMix via the interface’s
optical inputs.

If the device to which you are connecting the 8pre
supports 2x optical sample rates (88.2 or 96 kHz),
you’ll need to use both banks of connectors as
discussed in “Optical operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz”
on page 18.

ADAT optical Out

8pre rear panel

Figure 4-5: Using the 8pre as an optical converter.

INSTALLING THE 8PRE HARDWARE

quarter-inch

analog outs

synthesizer

other inputs

(mics, guitars, etc.)

mic

guitar
(with or without an amp)

21