M-AUDIO 2496 User Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
What’s in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About the Delta DiO 2496 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Product Features & Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Minimum System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Quick Guide to Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Windows 95/98 Driver Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Windows 98 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Windows 95 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Windows Driver Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Delta Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Digital Monitor Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using Delta DiO 2496 with your Software Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Delta DiO 2496 Control Panel Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Monitor Mixer Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Patchbay/Router Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Hardware Settings Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
S/PDIF Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
About Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Save, Delete, Load Buttons; H/W Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Typical Delta DiO Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Lifetime Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Delta DiO-2496 Manual
version: D2496-102799
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Delta DiO 2496 digital audio interface card,
designed and built by M AudioTM. Even if you are experienced in digital recording,
please take the time to read this manual. It will give you valuable information on
installing your new card and the supporting software, plus help you to fully understand the function and usability of the Delta DiO 2496. Once you’re up and running,
you will quickly discover the Delta DiO 2496 is the backbone of your digital recording system.
What’s in the Box?
Your Delta DiO 2496 box contains:
• This instruction manual
• The Delta DiO 2496 adapter card
• Driver diskette for Windows 95/98 installation, control panel software
• M Audio
TM
warranty registration card
About the Delta DiO 2496
The Delta DiO 2496 Optical and Coaxial S/PDIF inputs and outputs give you the
highest quality digital I/O available- up to 24bit data width and any sampling rate
from 8kHz to 96kHz. Record a digital audio signal from your DAT, MiniDisc, CD,
or external A/D converter via one of the Delta DiO’s S/PDIF inputs and output to
both S/PDIF outputs. Monitor the inputs, or send the same or alternate mix to the
DiO’s 101dB S/N rated analog output. Control the routing with the Delta’s comprehensive control panel software.
The Delta DiO functions as a 2-input, 4-output card. The DiO accepts a stereo digital S/PDIF signal at one of its S/PDIF inputs at a time (the input is selected from the
Delta Control Panel software). Output-wise, a stereo digital S/PDIF signal is always
sent to both Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF outputs and another completely independent stereo stream is sent to the Delta DiO’s analog outputs.
Within the Delta DiO’s PCI chip is a hardware digital mixer. Controlled by the
included Delta Control Panel software, it may handle all of your routing needs,
giving you extra control of all left, right, and stereo levels, in addition to control of
pans, solos, and mutes.
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Product Features & Specifications
• 2-in, 4-out 24-bit/96kHz full-duplex audio interface on a half-size PCI card.
• S/PDIF inputs and outputs on Coaxial (gold-plated RCA) and Optical (TOSlink)
jacks.
• High-quality stereo analog output on gold-plated RCA jacks, individually con-
figurable for +4dB or -10dB signal levels.
• Built-in digital mixer allows the D/A converter to monitor digital inputs, act as
its own independent stereo output, or as a mixture of both.
• Measured D/A specs: 101dB (A-weighted) dynamic range, 0.002% THD @
0dBFS.
• All data paths support up to 24-bit/96kHz performance.
• PCI controller chip contains built-in digital mixer with 36-bit resolution.
• Includes Windows 95/98, ASIO and Windows NT drivers.
Minimum System Requirements
•Windows 95, 98 or NT 4
• Pentium 200 MMX
• 64 MB of PC100 RAM
• UDMA EIDE Hard disk
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The Delta DiO 2496 Adapter Card (Figure 1.)
1. Coaxial S/PDIF Input: This RCA connector receives a S/PDIF stereo signal from
your coaxial S/PDIF digital source.
2. Coaxial S/PDIF Output: This RCA connector sends a S/PDIF stereo signal to
your coaxial S/PDIF digital target device.
3. Optical S/PDIF Input: This TOSlink connector receives an optical S/PDIF stereo
signal from your optical S/PDIF digital source.
4. Optical S/PDIF Output: This TOSlink connector sends an optical S/PDIF stereo
signal to your optical S/PDIF digital target device.
5. Analog Audio Outputs (Left & Right): These RCA connectors carry the left and
right line-level signals to your monitoring or mix-down device. The signal levels for each output may be set to +4dBu or –10dBV via jumpers on the PCI card.
Quick Guide to Getting Started
Here is a list of the steps required to get your Delta DiO 2496 up and running:
1. Physically install the card in your computer (see ‘Hardware Installation’).
2. Start Windows and allow Windows’ Plug-and-Play to prompt you for the Delta
DiO drivers via the Add New Hardware wizard.
3. Install drivers and support software (see ‘Driver & Software Installation’).
4. Configure your digital recording software to select the Delta DiO 2496 as its
active audio input and output devices (see ‘Using Delta DiO 2496 with Software
Applications’ and also your applications software manual).
5. Hook up your digital audio gear (see ‘Typical Delta DiO Setup’).
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Hardware Installation
NOTE: It is a good idea to make certain that an IRQ is available
for the Delta DiO 2496 to install to before proceeding, as resource
conflicts may cause a system to lock up. Open Control Panel |
System | Device Manager, then with "Computer" highlighted at
the top of the list, click Properties. This is a list of IRQs in use and
their related devices. The Delta DiO 2496 typically uses one of
these IRQ’s: 5, 7, 9-12, & 15. If a number does not show up in this
list, it means that it is available for use.
To mechanically install the Delta DiO 2496, do the following:
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Remove the computer’s cover and position the computer so that you may easily
access its PCI slots.
3. Select the PCI slot where you will install your Delta DiO card. Make sure it is
a PCI slot. If you don't know what "PCI slot" means, check the owner’s manual for your computer. PCI slots are distinguishable from ISA slots by being
shorter and set back farther from the outside of the computer, however some
newer computers have only PCI slots.
4. Before removing the Delta DiO 2496 from its protective anti-static bag, touch the
metal power supply case of the computer in order to dissipate any static electricity your body may have accumulated. You might want to pick up a grounding wrist strap (available from electronics stores like Radio Shack) if you want
to be doubly sure you aren't carrying a static charge that could damage the card.
5. Remove the metal bracket that covers the access hole on the back of the computer. This bracket is usually fastened to the computer with a single screw.
6. Remove the Delta DiO 2496 from its anti-static bag. In the lower lefthand corner you will see two (2) jumpers, one for the left and one for the right analog outputs. These jumpers control the operating line level of the DiO’s analog outputs.
With jumpers on (default), line level is set to -10dB (fine for consumer audio
equipment). Remove these jumpers if you wish to operate the analog outputs at
+ 4dB (better for pro audio equipment).
7. Position the Delta DiO 2496 card over the target PCI slot and fit the card loosely over it with the Delta DiO card upright. Press the card gently but firmly downward into the slot until the card is completely and squarely seated in the slot. If
the card seems difficult to seat, a slight rocking motion may help.
8. Screw the Delta DiO 2496 metal bracket down into the screw hole on the back
of your computer using the screw you removed in step 5 above.
9. Place the cover back on your computer.
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Windows 95/98 Driver Software Installation
Included with the Delta DiO 2496 is a series of Windows driver diskettes, containing the Windows drivers and control panel software. To install the Windows drivers,
please follow these steps:
Windows 98 Installation
1. After installing the Delta DiO hardware, boot your system and start Windows.
During the Windows boot procedure, new hardware will be automatically detected by the Add New Hardware Wizard as shown here. Click ‘Next>’.
2. The ‘Add New Hardware Wizard’ will now ask how you want to find the driver.
"Search for the best driver for your device" is already selected. Click ‘Next>’.
3. Windows will give you a selection of locations to search. Make sure that ‘Floppy
disk drives’ is checked, or click on the check box to do so. Insert the Delta DiO
95/98 Driver Software disk into your floppy drive. Click ‘Next>’.
4. The ‘Wizard’ reports that its Windows driver file search has found the M Audio
Delta DiO. Click Next>.
5. Windows is now ready to install the driver files from the specified location.
Click Next>. Windows will start to copy the files and show you a progress report
screen.
6. The Wizard reports that Windows has finished installing the software. Click
‘Finish’. Your Delta DiO is ready for action.
After completion of the driver installation, Windows 98 may require you to restart
Windows. If it does request a restart, remove the floppy disk from drive A: and
respond "yes." The system will restart and your Delta DiO is ready for play!
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Windows 95 Installation
1. After installation of the Delta DiO hardware, boot your system and start
Windows. During the Windows boot procedure, new hardware will be
automatically detected.
2. Choose the Install of "driver from disk provided by hardware manufac-
turer," then click OK.
3. An ‘Install From Disk’ will prompt you to copy files from the A:\ drive
(if your floppy drive is a different drive letter, then change it at this
time). Insert the Delta DiO 95/98 Driver Software disk #1 into the drive,
then click OK.
4. Windows will start to copy files, with a progress indicator on the screen.
Insert disks in numbered succession when prompted, clicking OK to
each new disk. Once this process completes itself, your Delta DiO will
be ready for action.
After completion of the driver installation, Windows 95 may require you to restart
Windows. If it does request a restart, remove the floppy disk from drive A: and
respond "yes." The system will restart and your Delta DiO is ready for play!
Windows Driver Configuration
Windows displays the Delta DiO driver status in the Device Manager page of the
System Properties dialog box. The Systems Properties dialog is opened via the
Windows Start button. Select Settings | Control Panel to open the Windows Control
Panel. Select "System" from the Control Panel to open the System Properties dialog box, then click on the "+" next to Sound, video and game controllers to open the
list of devices, the Delta DiO being a device of that nature. Below is an example
view of the Device Manager device list.
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This example shows the M Audio Delta DiO and Midiman WINMAN 4x4/S (another product shown here only as an example) entries in the Windows Device Manager
device list. The Delta DiO is properly installed with no conflicts, as is the WINMAN 4x4/S. If you do not see your M Audio Delta DiO in your Device Manager in
this fashion, please jump ahead to the "Troubleshooting" section of this manual.
Delta Theory of Operation
The Digital Monitor Mixer
The Delta DiO 2496 has a hardware digital audio mixer built into its PCI controller
chip. It accepts digital audio streams from the active digital input and outgoing
software audio devices, mixes them with 36-bit internal resolution and then provides
the mixed output to one or more locations. The output of the mixer may be routed
to the Delta DiO’s analog outputs and/or digital outputs for the purpose of monitoring, or it may be used as a stereo mix-down device and recorded by the user’s application software. The digital audio mixer is configured and controlled by the included Delta Control Panel Software.
Synchronization
All Delta DiO outputs (and the onboard digital mixer) are synchronized to one master clock. Therefore they always operate at the same sample rate. Most of the time,
the master clock is taken from the Delta DiO’s internal crystal oscillators. However,
the S/PDIF In may be receiving a data stream that is completely asynchronous to
(not in sync with) the internal crystals. Therefore when recording or monitoring the
S/PDIF inputs, the board must be set up to get its master clock from the S/PDIF input
stream. This will force the digital mixer and all outputs to sync to the sample rate
of the active S/PDIF input.
Using Delta DiO 2496 with your Software
Application
Once the Delta DiO is installed and the driver software properly loaded, it is ready
for use with your music application software. Some of these applications will
require that you highlight or enable the Delta DiO drivers within the program, and
others may have a utility that analyzes or profiles the audio cards in your system and
enables the drivers.
Within your software application(s), the names of the Delta DiO input devices are 1)
Delta-DiO S/PDIF In, and 2) Delta-DiO Monitor Mixer. These two input devices
are stereo and allow you to record either directly from an S/PDIF input, or record a
mix of input and output that is setup within the Delta Control Panel software (see
Delta DiO Control Panel Software section). Because each of these devices is stereo,
you may see them as "Left Delta-DiO S/PDIF In, Right Delta-DiO S/PDIF In", or
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