MOTU PCI-424 User Manual

-

MOTU PCI

424

User’s Guide for Macintosh

™

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.

1280 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Business voice: [phone]
Business fax: [phone]
Tech support phone: [phone]
Tech support fax: [phone]
Tech support email: [e-mail]
Web site: http://www.motu.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

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 YOUR MOTU AUDIO INTERFACE COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

Your MOTU audio interface 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 your MOTU audio interface 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

Adapter

Make sure this is connected
to a known ground.

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 your MOTU audio interface’s plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating your MOTU audio interface.

2. Retain instructions - The safety instructions and owner's manual should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on your MOTU audio interface and in the owner's manual should be adhered to.

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

5. Cleaning - Unplug your MOTU audio interface from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

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

7. Power Sources - This MOTU interface should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your location, consult your local power company.

8. Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be 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 your MOTU audio interface.

9. Lightning - For added protection for your MOTU audio interface during a lightning storm, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to your MOTU audio interface due to lightning and power line surges.

10. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this MOTU interface yourself as opening or removing covers will expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

11. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug your MOTU audio interface from the computer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.

a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into your MOTU audio interface.
c. If your MOTU audio interface has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If your MOTU audio interface does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If your MOTU audio interface has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When your MOTU audio interface exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.

12. 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.

13. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU interface, 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°)

AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND 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.

INPUT

Line Voltage: 100 - 120 volts AC, RMS (US and Japan) or 220 - 250 volts AC, RMS (Europe). Frequency: 47 - 63 Hz single phase. Power: 7 watts maximum.

CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED BYMANUFAC­TURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

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 this agreement before using this software package.
Using this software package indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions
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License

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under this Limited Warranty.

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MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

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General

This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of
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Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2002 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 Unicorn,
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
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IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. No
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CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
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AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
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other rights which vary from state to state.

MOTU, AudioDesk and Mark of the Unicorn are trademar ks 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.

CHAPTER

Contents

Quick Reference: PCI-424 Audio Card

5

Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Front Panel

7

8

Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Rear Panel

Quick Reference: 24I/O Front Panel

9

Quick Reference: 24I/O Rear Panel

10

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Front Panel

11

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Rear Panel

12

13

Quick Reference: Expansion Interfaces

Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window

15

17

About the PCI-424 System

Packing List and Macintosh System Requirements

23

Installing the PCI-424 Hardware

25

Installing the PCI-424 Macintosh Software

53

2408mk3 Front Panel Operation

57

65

MOTU PCI Audio Console

Digital Performer

77

83

AudioDesk

Cubase, Nuendo and other ASIO Software

89

Sound Manager

97

101

Expanding Your PCI-424 System

Reducing Monitoring Latency

105

111

CueMix Console

117 MOTU SMPTE Console

121 Troubleshooting

127 Index

4

Quick Reference: PCI-424 Audio Card

Connect additional MOTU
PCI audio interfaces here.
You can connect up to
four I/Os to a PCI-424
card for a maximum of 96
possible active inputs
and outputs.

Connect the first (core
system) interface to the
PCI-424 card here using the
Audio Wire cable included
with your core system. If
you use a custom cable, it
should not be longer than
50 feet.

If you are using the PCI-424 system with one or more ADATs, or any other ADAT
Sync-compatible recorder, use this standard ADAT SYNC INPUT to connect the
PCI-424 card to the end of your ADAT sync chain. For example, if you have three
ADATs, chain the ADATs in the usual fashion (SYNC OUT to SYNC IN, etc.), and
then connect the last ADAT’s SYNC OUT to this SYNC IN on the PCI-424 card. This
connection allows you to make sample-accurate audio transfers between your
host audio software (if it supports sample-accurate sync) and the ADATs. If you
have a MIDI Timepiece AV or a Digital Timepiece, make it the master of the ADAT
SYNC chain so that you can control everything from your host audio software
(or your other MIDI Machine Control compatible software).

5

6

When these three lights are illuminated,

they indicate that the 2408mk3 is operat-

ing under control of the PCI-424 card. They

When the METERS light is illuminated (on the right), this section of LEDs

provides metering for 2408mk3’s analog input and output activity. Each

channel has a 5-segment column of LEDs measuring -42 dB to 0 dB.

also indicate that the LEDs in the ANALOG

OUT section are displaying the 2408mk3’s

current clock settings (as you have chosen

in the PCI Audio Console software). Press

the Select button to toggle the ANALOG

OUT section between this clock display

and analog output metering.

When the METERS light is not illuminated, The LEDs in this section

indicate the CLOCK, SOURCE, and BOUNCE settings in the 2408mk3.

When the 2408mk3 is under control of the PCI-424 card (and the host

computer), you cannot change the settings using the SELECT and SET

buttons, as they are under control of software running on the computer.

The only thing you can do in this mode is press the SELECT button to

switch between the clock status display and analog metering.

When the 2408mk3 is in

stand-alone operation,

press the SELECT button

repeatedly to illuminate

the desired CLOCK,

SOURCE or BOUNCE LED.

Then press the SET

button repeatedly to

make the desired setting.

only when the 2408mk3 is

operating as a stand-alone

format converter (no

2408mk3-compatible

software is running on the

computer or the computer

is turned off). When the

You can use the SET button

When the 2408mk3 is not under

PCI control (no 2408mk3-

compatible software is running,

or the computer is turned off),

the 2408mk3 operates as a

2408mk3 is in stand-alone

stand-alone format converter,

and you can use the SELECT and

SET buttons to change the CLOCK,

SOURCE, and BOUNCE settings.

When the 2408mk3 is

under control of the

computer, press the

operation, press the SET

button repeatedly to cycle

through the current CLOCK,

SOURCE or BOUNCE

SELECT button to toggle

between the clock

display and analog

metering in the ANALOG

OUT section of the front

settings, which control

what the 2408mk3 will do

as a format converter.

When the 2408mk3 is resolving

panel.

to video or SMPTE time code,

the LOCK light glows green

when lockup has been achieved.

The TACH light blinks once per

second when the 2408mk3 is

successfully reading address

(time code) information.

Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Front Panel

Internally, the 2408mk3 is divided into three banks of I/O:

Banks A, B and C. This section of the 2408mk3’s front panel

shows you the input and output activity for each bank if it has

been assigned to either the ADAT, Tascam or SPDIF digital I/O

This knob

controls the

volume of the

main outs on

This knob

controls the

volume of the

headphone

This is a standard quarter-

inch stereo headphone

jack. Its output matches

analog outputs 1 and 2,

formats. When you are operating the 2408mk3 under

computer control, the 2408mk3 always outputs to both ADAT

and Tascam, regardless of which one you have chosen in

AudioDesk or the PCI-424 configuration software. The top

(orange) row of lights show input activity for each channel in

the bank, and the bottom (green) lights show output. At 88.2

or 96 kHz, TDIF and ADAT optical support 4 channels per bank.

the rear panel.

output.

but the volume knob to

the right controls the

headphone output only.

Bounce

When the 2408mk3 is operating as a stand-

Source

When the 2408mk3 is operating as a

Clock

When the 2408mk3 is operating as a stand-alone format

alone format converter (no 2408mk3-

compatible software is running on the

computer or the computer is turned off),

the BOUNCE setting lets you shift tracks

during a transfer. Use the SELECT button to

stand-alone format converter (no

2408mk3-compatible software is

running on the computer or the

computer is turned off), the Source

setting determines which audio

determines what digital clock the 2408mk3 is slaving to. The

choices are:

converter (no 2408mk3-compatible software is running on the

computer or the computer is turned off), the CLOCK setting

activate (illuminate) the BOUNCE LED. Press

the SET button repeatedly to make the

desired bounce setting. Your choices are:

format (ADAT, Tascam, Analog or

SPDIF) will be the source of the

transfer. Use the SELECT button to

rate. If the 2408mk3 is set to slave from an external

source, and no clock source is present, these lights blink to

■ 44 / 48 / 88 / 96 - These four LEDs indicate the sample

(1-2)

■ No shifting

activate (illuminate) the SOURCE

LED. Press the SET button repeatedly

to make the desired source setting.

Your choices are:

show that the 2408mk3 does not currently detect a clock

signal. If the 2408mk3 is running under its internal clock,

use the SET button to choose the desired sample rate.

(3-4)

■ Shift all tracks down by two

■ Shift all tracks down by four

■ Analog (all inputs at +4)

■ Analog (all inputs at -10)

■ Analog (mixed input levels)

its own internal clock.

■ Int (Internal) - Means that the 2408mk3 is running under

■ PCI - This LED means that the 2408mk3 is slaved to the

(5-6)

(7-8)

■ Shift all tracks down by six

■ The stereo SPDIF input

■ ADAT Bank A

■ ADAT Bank B

■ ADAT Bank C

■ ADAT banks A, B and C

PCI-424 card. This light is not available when the

2408mk3 is in stand-alone mode.

format being recorded. For example, if you are converting

■ Dig (Digital input) - This option refers to the digital I/O

Tracks that are shifted lower than track 1

wrap around to track 8 and shift down from

there.

The “Swap L to R” option swaps the

channels in each pair, in addition to the

amount they are shifted. This allows you to

copy any source track to any destination

choices as shown above for

ADAT)

■ Tascam (with the same bank

from ADAT to Tascam, and you have selected ADAT as the

The setting for Analog with mixed

input levels uses the input level

settings you’ve specified with the

MOTU PCI Audio Console (by clicking

source, the 2408mk3 will slave to the clock supplied by

the ADAT optical digital input.

■ Word - the 2408mk3 is slaved to its word clock input.

received on its VIDEO IN (BNC) connector.

■ Vid (video) - the 2408mk3 is slaved to a video signal

track. For example, you can copy track 4 to

the Interface Options button).

track 1 by choosing “3-4” and “Swap L to R”.

SMPTE time code on an analog input.

■ LTC (Longitudinal Time Code) - the 2408mk3 is slaved to

Analog outputs 1 and 2 are dupli-

cated on the 2408mk3’s main

The 2408mk3’s eight

analog outputs are gold-

If you want, you can connect both an

ADAT optical and a TDIF device to a

stereo outputs, as well as the

front panel stereo headphone

jack and the DAT SPDIF output.

plated, balanced +4dB

TRS (tip/ring/sleeve)

quarter-inch connectors.

bank. They will share the same

output (regardless of which format

you choose on the computer), but you

They have 24-bit, 128x

oversampling converters.

can only record input from one format

or the other at a time per bank (as

chosen in the PCI Console software).

The 2408mk3’s eight analog inputs are gold-plated, balanced +4dB

TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors. They have 24-bit,

64x oversampling converters. Each input pair can be set at +4dB or

Connect up to three ADATs or

other ADAT optical digital

I/O devices to these three

-10dB via the PCI-424 configuration window on your computer.

Click the Interface Options button to access the input level settings.

Note that you can use one of these inputs for SMPTE time code

input, instead of the RCA connectors on the left side of the unit.

connectors. Be sure to

connect the optical cables

“OUT to IN” and “IN to OUT”.

These two balanced, quarter-inch jacks serve

as the 2408mk3’s main outputs. They dupli-

cate the material from channels 1 and 2 of

the analog bank. To hear material from them,

choose “Analog” as the desired format for

one of the 2408mk3’s three banks (using the

PCI-424 configuration window on your

computer), and then assign any tracks you

want to hear to Analog channels 1-2. Use the

front panel MAIN OUT volume knob to

control the level from these outputs.

Quick Reference: 2408mk3 I/O Rear Panel

Connect up to three Tascam

digital recorders or other TDIF

compatible digital I/O devices to

these three connectors.

These jacks provide stereo SPDIF digital input and output. To use

them, choose the SPDIF format for one of the three banks in the PCI-

424 configuration window on your computer. Then assign the audio

tracks in your software to the SPDIF outputs that appear in its output

assignment menus.

These jacks also double as (analog audio) SMPTE time code inputs

and outputs. For complete details, see “Syncing to SMPTE time code”

on page 41 and chapter 14, “MOTU SMPTE Console” (page 117).

Connect the 2408mk3

to the PCI-424 card here

Use the word clock input and

output for digital transfers with

devices that cannot slave to the

clock supplied by their digital I/O

connection with the 2408mk3. Via

using the Audio Wire

cable provided with

your 2408mk3 system.

software, you can switch the word

clock output rate to either double

or halve the 2408mk3’s system

word rate. For example, if the

This is an extra SPDIF stereo output jack,

which carries a digital copy of the same

signal as the main outs and Analog 1-2.

You can connect it to whatever you

want. For example, you could connect it

to a DAT machine to record stereo

mixdowns of your 2408mk3 projects.

2408mk3 is running at 96 kHz, it

can transmit 48 kHz word clock

output.

The WORD IN connector can also

serve as a video input, which

allows the 2408mk3 to resolve to

video or blackburst. For details,

see “Syncing to video” on page 42

and chapter 14, “MOTU SMPTE

Console” (page 117).

Quick Reference: 24I/O Front Panel

Indicates the current sample rate. If this LED flashes, it means that you

have chosen (via software) an external clock source (such as word

clock), but the 24I/O is not successfully receiving it. Check the 24I/O’s

clock setting in the MOTU PCI Audio Console window, or check your

external clock source and its cable connections to the 24I/O.

Five segment metering for the 24 analog inputs. Five segment metering for the 24 analog outputs.

The word clock connector can be config-

Connect the 24I/O to the

PCI-424 card here using the

Audio Wire cable provided

with your 24I/O system.

ured as either an input or an output. When

you choose the 24I/O: Word Clock In

setting from the PCI-424 Clock Source

menu (see “Clock Source” on page 66), the

24I/O’s word clock jack becomes a word

clock input. When you choose any other

clock setting, it operates as a word clock

Quick Reference: 24I/O Rear Panel

The 24I/O’s twenty four analog outputs are gold-

plated, balanced +4 dB TRS connectors. They

have 24-bit, 128x oversampling D/A converters.

The 24I/O’s twenty four analog inputs are gold-plated,

balanced TRS connectors. They have 24-bit, 128x

oversampling A/D converters. From the factory, they

are configured for a +4 dB input reference level. You

can switch them to -10 dB inputs in banks of eight. For

details, see “24I/O interface options” on page 72.

The top red ‘over’ LED lights up when the signal reaches full scale — for

even just one sample — and remains illuminated until you clear it in the

software. The second ‘over’ LED below only lights up momentarily so that

you can continue to adjust level even after clipping has just occurred.

19-segment ladder LEDs

for the twelve XLR analog

outputs.

19-segment ladder LEDs

for the twelve XLR analog

inputs.

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Front Panel

When the HD192 system has no clock

signal for some reason, the ‘no clock’

LED illuminates. Check your cables and

When the HD192 system has a stable

clock (either internal or external), the

system’s sample rate is illuminated

here. If the HD192 is slaving to an

external clock, and the external clock is

running at either 2 times or one-half

the system clock, then both samples

rates flash. For example, if the HD192

system clock is running at 96 kHz, but

it is slaving to a 48 kHz word clock,

clock settings in the software.

then both rates will flash here.

These LEDs indicate the current clock and sample rate conversion

settings for the AES/EBU section of the HD192. All of these

settings are made in the MOTU PCI Audio Console (see page 15

for a one-page overview).

AES/EBU Rate Convert IN

The AES/EBU input can either 1) slave to the HD192 system clock

(Rate convert AES IN is dark) or 2) sample rate convert the incom-

ing signal (Rate convert AES IN illuminates). To enable sample

rate conversion, check the Rate Convert check box in the Interface

Options window in MOTU PCI Audio Console (page 15).

AES/EBU Rate Convert OUT / with external clock

The AES/EBU output can either 1) match the HD192 system clock

(OUT is dark) or 2) run at different sample rate OUT lights up),

either under its own clock (with external clock is dark) or slaved

to the AES input or AES Word In (with external clock lights up).

44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz

One of these four orange LEDs lights up to indicate the current

AES OUT clock rate, even if it matches the current HD192 system

clock rate (the large green sample rate above).

These jacks provide stereo AES/EBU digital input

and output. For information about configuring

the AES/EBU input and output, see “HD192 inter-

face options” on page 73.

When you’re recording from the AES/EBU input,

either use it as the clock source for the entire

system or use its built-in sample-rate converter.

For details, see “HD192 AES/EBU” on page 31.

Connect the HD192 to the

PCI-424 card here using the

‘AES Word In’ allows you to slave the

AES/EBU output to an independent

Audio Wire cable provided

with your HD192 system.

word clock source, separate from the

HD192 system itself, which slaves to

the ‘System Word’ input.

Use the word clock input

and output for digital trans-

fers with devices that

cannot slave to the clock

supplied by their digital I/O

connection with the HD192.

Quick Reference: HD192 I/O Rear Panel

The HD192’s twelve analog inputs are balanced,

+4dB XLR connectors. They have 24-bit, 128x

enhanced multibit A/D converters capable of

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz recording.
The HD192’s twelve analog outputs are balanced,

+4dB XLR connectors. They have 24-bit, 128x

enhanced multibit A/D converters capable of

44.1, 48, 88.2, 176.4 and 192 kHz playback.

The HD192 power supply is switchable

between 115v and 240v operation. It should

already be set to the proper voltage for your

country, but you can check the setting and

adjust it if necessary with the red switch just

to the left of this power cord receptacle (on

the side of the metal chassis).

Quick Reference: Expansion Interfaces

CHAPTER

EXPANSION I/O OR CORE SYSTEM?

Read this chapter if you have purchased a MOTU
PCI audio interface as an Expansion I/O for a
PCI-424 core system. If not, skip to the next
chapter.

PACKING LIST FOR AN EXPANSION
INTERFACE

Each MOTU Expansion interface ships with:

■ One rack-mount audio interface (2408mk3,

24I/O or HD192)

■ One 15-foot “Audio Wire” cable

■ One CD-ROM with drivers and Setup Wizard

■ Power cord

■ One 2408mk3 manual and reg card

INSTALLING AN EXPANSION INTERFACE

To connect your expansion interface to a PCI-424
core system, use one of the three available Audio
Wire sockets on your core system’s PCI-424 card as
shown on page 5.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Always power on your expansion interface when
operating your core system. In fact, you should
turn on all audio interfaces connected to the
PCI-424 card.

COMPLETING THE INSTALLATION

To complete the installation, open the PCI Audio
Console to confirm that the PCI-424 card sees the
newly installed interface and to configure your
multi-interface system. For details, turn to
chapter 11, “Expanding Your PCI-424 System”
(page 101).

SYNCHRONIZATION AND CLOCK SOURCE

For details about synchronizing an expanded
system, see “Synchronizing multiple interfaces” on
page 103.

Connect the other end of the Audio Wire cable to
the Audio Wire socket on the interface as
demonstrated below with the 2408mk3 in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Attaching the Audio Wire cable to an expansion interface.

13

14

Quick Reference: PCI Audio Console Window

CHAPTER

If you have two or more interfaces
connected to the PCI-424 card in your
computer, use this menu to choose which
one you are controlling with the settings
in the middle portion of this window.

These buttons let you save and
reload the interface settings (in the
middle portion of the window).

The ‘Clock Source’ menu determines the
master clock source for your entire PCI-424
system. This is an important setting, as
PCI-424 interfaces must be carefully
resolved with the clocks in the other digital
audio devices connected to them.

Refresh checks to make sure that the
computer knows about all connected
MOTU PCI interfaces.

Choosing a smaller setting here reduces the
latency you may hear when monitoring live
inputs through plug-in effects in your host
software. But lower settings also increase the
strain on your computer. For details, see
“Samples Per Buffer” on page 69.

The ‘Monitor Outputs’ menu deter­mines which outputs the PCI-424’s
Sound Manager driver will use.

This section of the window
has general settings for the
entire PCI-424 system.

This section of the window shows
the I/O formats provided by the
interface currently chosen in the
Configure Interface menu.

Provides additional settings for the
interface currently chosen in the
Configure Interface menu. For details,
see “Interface options” on page 72.

How to open this window

The MOTU PCI Audio Console Window gives
you complete control over the settings in
your PCI-424 hard disk recording system.
There are several ways to access the PCI
Audio Console window. But the window is
the same, regardless of how you access it.

■ From the Mac OS desktop, run MOTU

PCI Audio Console (the stand-alone
applet for the 2408mk3)

■ From within AudioDesk™ or Digital

Performer™, go to the Basics menu
and choose MOTU Audio System

options> Configure Hardware Driver

In this example, a 2408mk3 inter­face is configured for ADAT optical
I/O for Bank A, Tascam TDIF I/O for
bank B, and Analog for Bank C.

The ‘Enable Input’ and ‘Enable out­put’ check boxes refer to input and
output to and from the computer. If
checked, inputs and outputs will be
available in the menus of
AudioDesk, Digital Performer, or
other host audio applications that
support the 2408mk3.

The stand-alone Console window, above,
is the same as the “Configure Hardware
Driver” dialog found in AudioDesk and
Digital Performer (in their Basics menu).

Check ‘Enable Routing’ to expand
the window as shown. This view
lets you enable or disable
individual inputs and outputs.

At low sample rates (44.1 or 48 kHz),
digital I/O banks provide 8 channels.
At high sample rates (88.2 or 96
kHz), digital I/O banks provide 4
channels (two stereo pairs).

15

16

CHAPTER

1 About the PCI-424 System

OVERVIEW

The PCI-424 core system is a computer-based hard
disk recording system for Mac OS and Windows
that offers 24 simultaneous inputs and outputs per
Audio Wire cable, expandable to 96
inputs/outputs. A core system consists of a PCI
card connected to a standard 19-inch,
single-space, rack-mountable audio interface.

The system includes AudioDesk™, full-featured
audio workstation software for Mac OS that
supports both 16-bit and 24-bit recording at any
standard sample rate up to 192 kHz.

For Windows, a WDM driver is included for
compatibility with audio applications that support
standard multi-channel WDM and Wave drivers.

Also included are Macintosh and Windows ASIO
drivers for multi-channel operation with Steinberg
Cubase and other ASIO-compatible software.

A note about Mac OS X

This manual covers the operation of the PCI-424
system under Mac OS 9. Visit www.motu.com for
the latest information about using the PCI-424
system with Mac OS X.

The PCI-424 card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

The 2408mk3 interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

The 24I/O interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

The HD192 interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

THE PCI-424 CARD

A PCI-424 core system ships with a single PCI
audio card called the PCI-424. The card features a
custom processor, a powerful DSP chip, four 6-pin
Audio Wire connectors and an ADAT SYNC IN
connector.

High definition audio

The PCI-424 system can operate at the following
high sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192
kHz. All MOTU PCI-424 audio interfaces support
rates up to 96 kHz. In addition, the HD192
interface offers analog recording and playback at

176.4 or 192 kHz.

Audio Wire expansion

The PCI-424 card provides four Audio Wire jacks,
which are used to attach MOTU PCI audio
interfaces to the card installed in the computer.
Each Audio Wire is capable of transmitting 24
simultaneous channels of 96 kHz digital audio
input and output or 12 simultaneous channels of
192 kHz input and output.

Up to four MOTU PCI audio interfaces can be
connected to a single PCI-424 card for a maximum
of 96 possible input and output connections. All
MOTU PCI audio interfaces (including the
2408mk3, 24I/O and HD192) can also be “mixed
and matched” on the PCI-424 card, along with
legacy PCI-324 interfaces, such as the 2408,
2408mII, 1296, 1224, 24i and 308.

16-bit and 24-bit recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

AudioDesk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Digital Performer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Other Audio Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

A computer-based system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Audio Wire carries a proprietary communication
protocol between the card and the external I/O to
handle the extremely low latencies required by the
system. The heart of the PCI-424 card is a
custom-programmed VLSI chip capable of simul­taneously processing all 96 inputs and outputs (192

17

channels total) at samples rates up to 96 KHz. At

176.4 or 192 kHz, this chip can process 48
simultaneous channels of input and output.

The custom chip handles all of the system’s I/O
processing, freeing up the host computer’s
processing bandwidth for real-time DSP effects
and hard disk I/O.

CueMIx DSP

The PCI–424 card features CueMix DSP™, a
flexible DSP-driven mixing and monitoring matrix
that provides the same near-zero monitoring
latency as today’s latest digital mixers. CueMix
DSP™ allows you to connect keyboards, synth
modules, drum machines, and even effects
processors and then monitor these live inputs with
no audible delay and no processor drain on the
host computer’s CPU. The CueMix DSP engine
resides on the PCI–424 card, so it works across all
interfaces connected to the card. The included
CueMix Console software provides an on-screen
mixer that gives you hands-on control of your
mo nit or m ix, re gar dle ss of wh at aud io so ftwa re y ou
prefer to use. Digital Performer users have the
additional option of controlling CueMix DSP
directly within Digital Performer’s mixing
environment. CueMix DSP completely eliminates
the buffer latency associated with monitoring on
host-based recording systems.

Sample-accurate synchronization

The PCI-424 card’s standard 9-pin ADAT SYNC
IN connector provides sample-accurate synchro­nization with all ADATs or other ADAT
Sync-compatible devices connected to the system.
For example, if you digitally transfer a single track
of material from the ADAT via light pipe into the
2408mk3’s Macintosh workstation software, and
then transfer the track back to the ADAT, it will be
recorded exactly at its original location, down to
the sample.

Video and SMPTE time code synchronization

The entire PCI-424 system, including all connected
interfaces, can resolve directly to SMPTE time
being received on any analog input in the system.
In addition, the 2408mk3 interface provides a BNC
video input for resolving the entire system directly
to video.

THE 2408MK3 INTERFACE

24 simultaneous inputs and outputs

The 2408mk3 I/O is a single-space, rack mountable
chassis with gold-plated analog and digital audio
connec tors on it s rear pa nel and s tatus LE Ds on the
front. The rear panel has seven banks of 8-channel
I/O at 44.1 or 48 kHz in the following formats:

■ One bank of 8 balanced (+4 dB) analog

quarter-inch (TRS) inputs and outputs.

■ Three Tascam DA-88 ‘TDIF’ 8-channel digital

I/O connectors.

■ Three Alesis ADAT optical ‘light pipe’ 8-channel

digital I/O connectors.

Three banks of 8-channel I/O at 44.1/48 kHz

Internally, the 2408mk3 has three 8-channel I/O
busses (A, B and C) for a total of 24 simultaneous
inputs and outputs at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Using the
included console software (available for both Mac
and PC), you can freely choose any I/O format for
each bank. For example, you can choose analog for
Bank A, ADAT optical for Bank B, and Tascam
TDIF for Bank C. Or you can choose ADAT optical
for all three banks.

Three banks of 4-channel digital I/O at 88.2/96

At 88.2 or 96 kHz, the 2408mk3 interface offers 4
channels of I/O per bank for the ADAT optical and
Tascam TDIF formats, along with 8 channels of 96

18

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM

kHz analog input and output. Therefore, the
2408mk3 interface offers a maximum of 16
channels of input and output at 96 kHz (2 banks of
4-channel digital I/O plus 8 channels of analog
I/O). The maximum number of digital inputs and
outputs at 96 kHz is 12 (3 banks of 4-channel I/O).

Analog bank

The analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit,
96 kHz 64x oversampling A/D converters. The
analog outputs have 24-bit, 96 kHz 128x
oversampling D/A converters.

The entire analog section of the circuit board
inside the 2408mk3 is physically isolated from the
rest of the board to help ensure quiet analog
performance.

Each of the 2408mk3’s eight analog stereo input
pairs can be switched between -10 dB and +4 dB
operating levels to support a wide variety of input
sources, including synths, samplers and other
equipment.

Main Outs

For main stereo output, analog outputs 1 and 2 are
duplicated on the rear panel as a stereo pair of
balanced, +4dB quarter-inch TRS jacks. A
dedicated knob on the front panel gives you
volume control of the main outs.

SPDIF

The 2408mk3 rear panel has three SPDIF stereo
pairs. The SPDIF output on the right is dedicated
to duplicating the stereo main out so that you can,
for example, conveniently record a stereo mix to
you r DAT deck without sw apping cables w ith other
SPDIF devices. The other two SPDIF connectors
serve as independent stereo inputs/outputs. They
can be used with any SPDIF compatible device,
such as an effects processor or other device.

Word Clock

BNC Word clock connectors (in and out) are
provided for synchronization with standard word
clock devices. Via software, the word output can be
made to either double or halve the 2408mk3’s
system word rate. For example, if the 2408mk3 is
running at 96 kHz, it can generate 48 kHz word
clock output.

Video sync

The BNC input connector can be switched via
software to become a dedicated video input, allow
you to slave your PCI-424 system to NTSC or
PAL/SECAM video (or blackburst) without a
dedicated synchronizer. The PCI-424 card
provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with
sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup
times and sub-frame accuracy.

SMPTE time code

The RCA jacks for SPDIF input/output can be
switched via software to become a dedicated
SMPTE time code (LTC) input and output,
allowing you to slave your PCI-424 system to time
co de and/or generate tim e code . If you prefer to use
them for SPDIF digital I/O, you can use any analog
input to receive SMPTE time code. Any active
channel, digital or analog, can be chosen as a
SMPTE time code output.

Level Meters

The front panel of the 2408mk3 I/O displays
several banks of status LEDs. On the left are three
banks of eight LEDs (A, B and C) that show audio
signal on the 2408mk3’s three ADAT/TDIF digital
I/O buses. On the right are eight vertical,
five-segment LEDs that show input level from the
eight analog inputs measured from -40 dB to 0 dB.
A similar bank of dedicated five-segment LEDs is
provided for the analog outputs. These LEDs also
provide status information, such as the system
clock sample rate and other settings.

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM

19

Stand-alone Format Conversion

Finally, several additional LEDs, along with
accompanying set/select buttons, allow you to
access the 2408mk3 I/O’s stand-alone format
conversion features. With these controls, you can
bounce any I/O format to any other format without
a computer.

Headphone output

The 2408mk3 front panel includes a quarter-inch
stereo headphone output jack and volume knob.
The headphone output matches the main stereo
outs, which have their own volume knob.

THE 24I/O INTERFACE

24 analog 24-bit/96 kHz inputs and outputs

The 24I/O is a single-space, rack mountable chassis
with gold-plated analog audio connectors on its
rear panel and level meters on the front. The rear
panel has 24 gold-plated, balanced +4dB TRS
analog inputs and outputs with 24-bit A/D
converters. All inputs and outputs can be accessed
simultaneously. Internally, the 24I/O has a 24-bit
data path to and from the computer so that all
audio data is carried to/from the computer in 24
bits.

Level Meters

The front panel of the 24I/O displays 48 level
meters, arranged in three banks of 8 channels. For
each channel, there is a five-segment meter that
measures from -42 dB to 0 dB.

The clock section in the middle of the front panel
indicates the current sample rate.

THE HD192 INTERFACE

High definition audio recording

The HD192 provides the very best A/D and D/A
conversion available. It can operate at any standard
sample rate from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.

12 analog inputs and 12 outputs

The HD192 I/O is a two-space, rack mountable
chassis with XLR audio connectors on its rear
panel and level meters on the front. The rear panel
has four banks of I/O in the following formats:

■ One bank of 12 XLR inputs

■ One bank of 12 XLR outputs

Converters

All analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog inputs
on the 24I/O are equipped with 24-bit, 128x
oversampling, extremely high-quality,
latest-generation converters.

Word clock in and out

BNC Word clock connector can be programmed
via software for either input or output for synchro­nization with standard word clock devices.

20

■ One pair of AES/EBU stereo digital I/O

connectors

All analog inputs and outputs can be accessed
simultaneously.

AES/EBU digital I/O

The HD192 rear panel includes an AES/EBU stereo
digital input and output. Both of these connectors
are capable of handling 24-bit digital audio at
sample rates up to 96 kHz. The AES/EBU input and

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM

output each has its own independent sample rate
converter for real-time conversion between any
two sample rates between 40 and 100 kHz.

recording at 176.4 or 192 kHz. On Windows, 24-bit
audio files can be recorded with any compatible
host application that supports 24-bit recording.

System word clock in and out

BNC ‘System’ Word clock connectors (in and out)
are provided for synchronizing the HD192’s main
system clock with other standard word clock
devices.

AES word clock in

A BNC Word clock input connector is provided for
independently synchronizing the AES/EBU output
of the HD192 to a standard input clock.

Level Meters

The front panel of the HD192 I/O displays several
banks of status LEDs.

On the right are two banks of meters for the twelve
analog inputs and twelve analog outputs. For each
channel, there is a 19-segment meter that measures
from -42 dB to 0 dB, along with two red ‘over’
lights. The top LED remains illuminated after
clipping occurs until it is cleared via software
(either manually or via a configurable time-out
period). The red LED below it only lights
momentarily when clipping.

AUDIODESK

AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio
workstation software package for Macintosh
included with each PCI-424 core system.
AudioDesk provides multi-channel waveform
editing, automated virtual mixing, graphic editing
of ramp automation, real-time effects plug-ins with
32-bit floating point processing, crossfades,
support for many third-party audio plug-ins (in
the MOTU Audio System and Adobe Premiere
formats), background processing of file-based
operations, sample-accurate editing and
placement of audio, and more.

DIGITAL PERFORMER

The PCI-424 system is fully integrated with
MOTU’s award-winning Digital Performer audio
sequencer software package.

OTHER AUDIO SOFTWARE

The PCI-424 system ships with a standard WDM
driver that allows you to record, edit, play back and
mix your projects using your favorite WDM- and
Wave-compatible Windows software.

The Clock section on the left displays the current
system clock setting (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
or no clock), as well as the AES/EBU clock setting if
sample rate conversion is taking place
independently of the system clock.

16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING

The PCI-424 system handles all data with a 24-bit
signal path, regardless of the I/O format. Using
AudioDesk™, the PCI-424 system’s Macintosh
workstation software (included), you can record
and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at 44.1, 48,

88.2 or 96 KHz via any of the system’s analog or
digital inputs and outputs. The HD192 also offers

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM

The PCI-424 system also ships with standard Mac
OS audio drivers.

The PCI-424 also includes a Macintosh and
Windows ASIO driver for multi-channel
compatibility with Steinberg Cubase and other
ASIO-compatible software.

A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM

Regardless of what software you use with the
PCI-424 system, 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

21

drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and
real-time effects than a slower computer with less
RAM and slower hard drives. Standard third-party
system acceleration products can also help you
achieve higher track counts.

22

ABOUT THE PCI-424 SYSTEM

CHAPTER

2 Packing List and Macintosh System

Requirements

PACKING LIST

A MOTU PCI-424 core system ships with the items
listed below. If any of these items are not present in
your core system box when you first open it, please
immediately contact your dealer.

■ One rack-mountable audio interface (2408mk3,

24I/O or HD192)

■ One PCI-424 audio card

■ One 15-foot “Audio Wire” cable

■ Power cord

■ One PCI-424 Mac/Windows “flip book” manual

■ One AudioDesk Manual (for Mac OS only)

■ One cross-platform CD-ROM

■ Product registration card

MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The PCI-424 system requires the following
Macintosh system:

■ A G3/500 or G4 Power Macintosh or faster

■ At least 128 Mb (megabytes) of RAM (512 Mb or

more is recommended)

■ One available PCI slot

■ Mac OS version 9 or later

■ A large hard drive (preferably at least 20 GB)

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

Please send in the registration card included with
your PCI-424 system. As a registered user, you will
be eligible to receive on-line technical support
email and announcements about product
enhancements as soon as they become available.
Only registered users receive these special update
notices, so please, complete and mail this
registration card!

There is also an AudioDesk software registration
card found at the beginning of your AudioDesk
manual. Please be sure to fill out and return this
card as well, so that you will be eligible to receive
on-line technical support email and
announcements about AudioDesk software
enhancements as soon as they become available.

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

23

24

PACKING LIST AND MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER

3 Installing the PCI-424 Hardware

OVERVIEW

Try the Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Install the PCI-424 audio card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Connect the audio interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

2408mk3 input & output connections . . . . . . . .28

24I/O input and output connections. . . . . . . . . .30

HD192 input and output connections . . . . . . . .31

Make sync connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Do you need a synchronizer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Sample-accurate sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Sample-accurate ADAT sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Sample-accurate ADAT sync with no

synchronizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Sample-accurate Tascam sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Syncing to SMPTE time code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Syncing to video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Syncing to video and/or SMPTE time code using

a synchronizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

TRY THE SETUP WIZARD

The PCI-424 software installer provides an easy­to-use Setup Wizard. This interactive software
tutorial will help you figure out the best way to
connect all your gear to the PCI-424 card and
connected audio interfaces. This chapter covers
important general concepts regarding connections
and synchronization, but the Setup Wizard asks
you specific questions about your gear and then
makes specific recommendations for you based on
your answers. To use the Wizard, just run the
software installer on the 2408mk3 CD, and then
look for it on your hard drive when the installation
is done.

Syncing to ADAT or Tascam devices using

SMPTE time code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Syncing to a DA-88/98 time code track . . . . . . .45

Syncing ADAT ‘lightpipe’ devices. . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Syncing Tascam ‘TDIF’ devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Syncing SPDIF devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Syncing word clock devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Sync for 2408mk3 stand-alone operation . . . . .50

Syncing large systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

25

INSTALL THE PCI-424 AUDIO CARD

1 Switch off and unplug your computer.

☛ Failure to do so may result in serious shock or

injury.

2 Open your computer.

3 Find an available PCI slot.

4 Remove the slot cover, if necessary.

5 Before removing the PCI-424 card from it’s anti-

static bag, touch the power supply inside your
computer to discharge any static electricity that
may have built up on you.

8 Secure the bulkhead of the PCI-424 card to the
computer chassis with the bolt from the slot cover.

☛ We strongly recommend securing the

PCI-424 card in this manner. Doing so allows you
to ensure secure connections to the card later on in
the installation.

6 Remove the PCI-424 card from its anti-static
bag.

7 Gently but firmly insert the card into any
available PCI slot.

26

9 Place the cover back on your computer.

10 Reconnect the power cord to the computer

before proceeding.

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE

CONNECT THE AUDIO INTERFACE

1 Plug one end of the Audio Wire cable (included)
into the Audio Wire socket next to the 9-Pin ADAT
Sync connector on the PCI-424 card as shown
below in Figure 3-1.

2 Plug the other end of the Audio Wire cable into
the audio interface as shown below in Figure 3-1.

Step 1

Connect the Audio
Wire to the socket
closest to the
ADAT SYNC port.

Step 2

2408mk3 interface

24I/O interface

HD192 interface

Figure 3-1: Connecting the audio interface to the PCI-424 audio card.

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE

27

2408MK3 INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

The 2408mk3 audio interface has the following
input and output connectors:

■ 8 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch analog in/out

■ 2 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch TRS main out

■ 1 pair of RCA SPDIF stereo in and out

■ 1 extra RCA SPDIF stereo out

■ 3 banks of Alesis ADAT optical digital in and out

■ 3 banks of Tascam TDIF digital in and out

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

Internally, the 2408mk3 has three separate banks of
8-channel input/output. You can choose any
format you want for each bank, and you can freely
switch between them at any time. Therefore, you
don’t have to be too concerned about where you
plug things in, with the exceptions noted below.

SPDIF can only be used on Bank C. Therefore, if
you would like to use another I/O format at the
same time as SPDIF, connect it to Bank A or B.

Here’s another example, if you have one ADAT and
one Tascam recorder, and you want to use them
independently at the same time, connect them to
different banks.

On the other hand, you can connect an ADAT
optical de vice a nd Tasc am TDIF dev ice to the sa me
bank, if you like. For input, you’ll only be able to
record from one format or the other at one time
(on that bank). But on output, the 2408mk3
actually plays back audio on both formats at the
same time, regardless of which one is currently
active. This lets you send the same audio material
to both formats (but not different audio).

The mai n outputs, as well as the DAT SPDIF output
and the headphone output on the front panel,
match the output from Analog outputs 1-2. If none
of the 2408mk3’s three internal banks are set to the
Analog format, the 2408mk3’s analog output bank
will duplicate one of the three banks. The MOTU
PCI Audio Console Window has an Interface
Options setting that lets you choose which bank.
For details, see “Interface options” on page 72.

Here are some example connections:

Reminder: ADAT optical goes OUT to IN and IN
to OUT, like MIDI.

2408mk3 interface

Bank A Bank B Bank C

It doesn’t matter which bank you connect ADAT or
TDIF devices to, unless you want to be using them
simultaneously with other formats. For example, if
you have one ADAT, plus a DAT deck in your
studio, and you want to be able to use them both at

ADAT Analog SPDIF

Figure 3-3: A recommended setup for one ADAT optical device, a DAT
deck, and miscellaneous analog devices.

the same time, don’t connect the ADAT to Bank C
(since SPDIF can only be used on that bank).

Figure 3-2: You can connect up to three ADAT optical devices, three Tascam TDIF devices, eight analog and two SPDIF devices to the 2408mk3.

28

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE

2408mk3 interface

Bank A Bank B Bank C

Mixer

(ADAT optical)

Figure 3-4: A recommended setup for a digital mixer with ADAT
optical I/O, one TDIF device, a DAT deck and analog devices.

2408mk3 interface

Bank A Bank B Bank C

TDIF SPDIF

Analog

CueMix DSP gives you a great number of choices
for mixing and monitoring inputs in your studio.
For example, you could connect the analog output
of a synth module to a pair of 2408mk3 (or other
interface) analog inputs, and then bus that signal
via CueMix DSP to a pair of analog outputs
connected to an effects processor – say a rack­mount reverb unit. The output from the effects
processor could then be fed back into a second pair
of 2408mk3 inputs (just like an aux return) and
then routed to audio software running on the host
computer, as well as the 2408mk3 main outputs.

ADAT

TDIF

Analog

Figure 3-5: A recommended setup for a full blown setup of three ADAT
optical devices, three TDIF devices, analog and SPDIF.

ADAT

TDIF

ADAT

TDIF

SPDIF

Connecting analog devices with -10 dB signals

From the factory, the 2408mk3 provides +4 dB of
headroom for analog input signals. However, if
you’re connecting a synthesizer, drum machine,
sampler, or other device w ith a -10 dB analog input
signal, you can switch it’s analog input pair to

-10 dB. For details see “2408mk3 interface options”
on page 72.

Mixing live inputs with CueMix DSP

The PCI-424 system is ideal for computer-based
studios where mixing is done entirely in the
computer and for more advanced installations built
around a digital mixer of any size. For the
computer-based studio, the PCI–424 card features
CueMix DSP™, a flexible DSP-driven mixing and
monitoring matrix that provides the same near­zero monitoring latency as today’s latest digital
mixers.

The result is that you can apply hardware reverb to
the live synth input, listen to it on your studio
monitors with no audible delay while also
recording it into your workstation software (either
wet or dr y), also with no delay. The performance of
this signal path is the same as an send/return loop
on a conventional digital mixer. CueMix DSP
completely eliminates the buffer latency associated
with monitoring live inputs on host-based
recording systems, and it places no processor drain
on your host computer.

If you have a fast computer, CueMix DSP can, of
course, be combined with signals monitored
through host-based effects as well. A fast computer
allows you to drop the host buffer settings low
enough to greatly reduce – and even eliminate –
audible buffer latency. The combination of CueMix
DSP and host-based monitoring with effects
processing provides a flexible, powerful system.

For more information, see chapter 12, “Reducing
Monitoring Latency” (page 105).

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE

29

24I/O INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Here are a few things to keep in mind when m aking
connections to the 24I/O inputs and outputs.

Connect them all, if you like

All of the 24i’s inputs and outputs can be active
simultaneously.

samplers, or other devices with a -10 dB analog
input signal, you can switch the 24I/O inputs to

-10 dB in banks of eight inputs. For example, you
might configure inputs 1 through 16 as inputs from
a console at +4 dB, while configuring inputs 17-24
at -10 dB for MIDI instruments. For details see
“24I/O interface options” on page 72.

Avoid adaptors

If you don’t have the right cable, you’ll avoid
headaches later on — and ensure the best possible
audio quality — by taking the time to obtain the
correct cable.

Connecting analog devices with -10 dB signals

From the factory, the 24I/O provides +4 dB of
headroom for analog input signals. However, if
you’re connecting synthesizers, drum machines,

Mixing live inputs with CueMix DSP

As you plan the I/O routing for your 24I/O
interface, refer to “Mixing live inputs with CueMix
DSP” on page 29. CueMix DSP™ is a flexible
DSP-driven mixing and monitoring matrix that
provides the same near-zero monitoring latency as
today’s latest digital mixers, and it will help you
determine the mixing and monitoring scheme for
your studio.

Figure 3-6: You can connect up to 24 analog inputs and outputs to the 24I/O.

30

INSTALLING THE PCI-424 HARDWARE