Phase x64 Usb Manual En

Terrasoniq PHASE X64 USB English Manual Version 1.0, last revised: January 2010

CE Declaration We: MUSONIK GmbH · Saarwerdenstrasse 8a · 40547 Düsseldorf · Germany hereby declare that the product PHASE X64 USB, to which this declaration refers is in compliance with the following standards or standardising documents: • EN 55022 :1998+Corrigendum :1998+Corrigendum July 2003+A1 :200+Corrigendum April 2003+A2 :2003 • EN 55024 :1998+A1 :2001+A2 :2003 The following are the stipulated operating and environmental conditions for said compliance: residential, business and commercial environments and small-company environments.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and shall not be deemed as a warranty by the seller. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality, suitability or accuracy of this document. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time without the provision of prior notice to specific persons or organizations. The manufacturer shall not be held liable for damages of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product or its documentation, documentation, even if the possibility of such damage is known. The information in this document is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any pur-pose without the express written permission of the copyright holders. Product and brand names contained in this document are used for identification purposes only. All registered trademarks, product designations or brand names used in this document are the registered property of their respective owners. ©MUSONIK GmbH, 2009. All rights reserved (1/31/2010).

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PHASE X64 USB (English)

Contents Introduction.......................................... ............................. ............................ ....................... 5 From unpacking unpacking the PHASE X64 X64 USB to installing installing it............................... it.. ............................. ........................... 6 Scope of Delivery........................................ ............................ ............................ ............. 6 Important Notes about Power Supply ......................... ............................. ........................ 6 Overview of Technology................... Technology............................................... ............................ ............................. .......................... 7 Installation ........................ ............................. ............................ ............................ .............. 8 Windows XP, Vista und Windows 7 ............................ ............................. ........................ 8 Mac OS X .......................... ............................. ............................ ............................ ......... 9 Updating the Firmware ........................... ............................ ............................ ............... 10 PHASE X64 USB USB as System Audio Audio Device Device........................... ........................... ............................ ............ 10 The Connections Connections of the PHASE X64 X64 USB USB System ............................. ............................ .. 11 Front Side .......................... ............................. ............................ ............................ ....... 11 Back Side................................ ............................ ............................ ............................. .. 13 Switches ............................ ............................ ............................. ............................ ....... 15 Signal Routing ......................... ............................ ............................ ............................ .. 15 The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel ........................ ............................. ........................... 16 Windows Drivers ......................... ............................ ............................ ............................ .. 20 MME and DirectSound.......................................... ............................ ............................ . 20 ASIO ........................ ............................ ............................. ............................ ................. 21 ASIO Latency........................... Latency ........................... ............................. ............................ ......................... 21 Multi-Client Multi-Client Mode........................................ Mode........... ............................. ............................ ............................ ........... 21 MIDI ......................... ............................ ............................. ............................ ................. 22 The MAC OS X Driver ........................... ............................ ............................ .................... 22 Application Examples............................ Examples ............................ ............................ ............................ .................... 23 Example: Studio Setup 1 ............................. ............................ ............................ .......... 23 Example: Studio Setup 2 ............................. ............................ ............................ .......... 25 Example: DJ Setup ............................ ............................ ............................ .................... 26 Example: lossless lossless Recording Recording of Playback Signals Signals (loop-back) (loop-back) ........................... .......... 27 Example: direct Playback of Phono Phono Inputs ............................ ............................ ............ 29 Example: direct direct analog Playback of the the Digital Input....................... Input....................... ............................. . 31 Retrofitting a DSP or Wavetable Wavetable Module......................... Module......................... ............................ ...................... 33 Interesting Information’s............................. Information’s ............................. ............................ ............................ ............... 34

PHASE X64 USB Manual

3

The RIAA Filter...............................................................................................................34 Brief Explanation Explanation about USB: the Ploytec Ploytec FMC™ Algorithm Algorithm ........................... .............. 34 Balanced Audio – fully-balanced fully-balanced versus quasi-balanced........................... quasi-balanced........................... .................... 35 Technical Data...................................................................................................................37 Block Diagram ............................ ............................. ............................ ............................ ..39

Safety Instructions Please only ever connect analogue audio connections when switched off, in order to protect the speaker membranes and your hearing against sudden sound level peaks. For digital devices, be sure to at least lower the volume on your playback equipment. Connecting the device to the USB port of your computer may also cause a noise—please turn down the volume of your playback system accordingly. The PHASE X64 USB System requires an USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection and will not work with USB 1.1 ports!

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Introduction We are pleased that you have chosen a Terrasoniq audio system for your musical endeavors and would like to congratulate you on your decision. With the PHASE X64 USB System, you've purchased a sophisticated product representing the state of the art of studio technology - and we're convinced this innovative development development will prove extremely useful to you in the coming years and, above all, provide you with a great deal of entertainment. We hope that this brochure is helpful to you while using the product. It is designed to illustrate technical relationships based on practical examples from the studio environment. However, it is designed not only for beginners, but also for those more advanced in this complex matter: professionals, too, will surely learn something new here and there. We hope you find this manual both informative and entertaining to read, and hope you find lots of pleasure in the PHASE X64 USB System. Your Terrasoniq Team

The widest Variety of Connecting Equipment. The PHASE X64 USB System is designed with a great variety of connecting options to ensure that you can connect it to your Mac, PC or notebook, and thus turn it into the t he central audio station of your home and project studio. With up to six simultaneously usable inputs (for example for your line device, microphone, guitar or LP record player), four line outputs, two MIDI interface, DSP-/Wavetableconnector and digital I/Os for a variety of uses, the PHASE X64 USB System offers sufficient connections in all directions. Selected AD/DA converter modules as well as a thoroughly thought-out circuit board design make the quality of your recordings crystal clear, and provide perfect playback capabilities for high-quality audio productions with audio resolutions of up to 24bit/96kHz. ►

For everything you need to know about connections, see



page 11. 11.

Nerve Center - the Software. As you know, a professional audio system is the heart of your day-to-day studio work with your PC or MAC. And despite the extensive routing options, the PHASE X64 USB software always provides you with a clear overview and depending on the complexity of your switching needs - remains transparent and intuitive. ►

For everything you need to know about the control panel, see



page 16. 16.

The drivers provided for the PHASE X64 USB System, too, leave nothing to be desired. Highly developed software architecture guarantees problem-free use with all modern Windows and Apple operating systems. The ASIO drivers, tried and tested in studios, allow the lowest possible latency between the software-based sound generation and audio output. ►

For the details on driver use, please turn to




page 20. 20.

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From unpacking the PHASE X64 USB to installing it Before connecting the PHASE X64 USB System to your computer, please take note of any special points pertaining to the configuration of your computer. Also refer to the manual of your computer and other studio peripheral devices for their settings. The installation should be trouble-free, especially on modern-equipped modern-equipped systems. If you still have difficulties, please review carefully the relevant chapter in this manual. If you are still having problems, please call our service hotline. The phone numbers and hours of the hotline can be found at the end of this documentation.

Scope of Delivery Start by making sure that the contents of the package are complete. The PHASE X64 USB System package should contain the following items: ■

1 x PHASE X64 USB device hardware.

■

1 x USB connector cable.

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1 x soft carrying case.

■

1 x installation and driver CD with software for Mac and PC.

■

1 x quick-reference guide incl. customer service and registration card.

Important Notes about Power Supply The PHASE X64 USB System generally can be operated from the USB port without the need for a power adapter. You should ensure, however, that the port you wish to use can provide the maximal USB power of 500mA. Normally, all computer USB interfaces and HUBs that provide their own power provide 500mA. If necessary, check the technical specifications of your computer or HUB to make sure. HUBs that are themselves supplied with power by the bus cable provide a maximum of 100mA per port, and therefore are not suitable for supplying power to the PHASE X64 USB System. In this case, you can use a common 9 Volt DC power adapter that can supply a direct current of 1000mA to power the PHASE X64 USB System (to be purchased separately). You will need to use an external power adapter anyway if you want to integrate an optional DSP or wavetable module. If you plan to build in such a module it is essential to read the regarding chapter of this manual on

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

page 33 ->Retrofitting a DSP or Wavetable Module.


Overview of Technology Before you install the PHASE X64 USB System, we want to tell you about one of its particular features, which make it different from “conventional” audio devices (such as PCI cards and on-board sound cards). The PHASE X64 USB System can be connected to your computer - Mac or PC - via a HiSpeed USB 2.0 connection, and then provides the inputs and outputs of audio and MIDI signals. The audio system is normally bus-powered, but it can also be powered by an optional power supply, if necessary. The PHASE X64 USB System provides a variety of highgrade inputs and outputs: 24bit Wolfson© converters for recording and playback with a sample rate of up to 96kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of up to 108dB(A). Even the headphone output is equipped with a separate amplifier stage and an analog volume control. The electronic design is based on 4-layer boards and guarantees highest performance and ultimate disturbing signal rejection – and it occupies very little space. All analog audio paths use separate high-grade amplifier circuits and the input and output signals can be mixed in real-time using analog summing stages before they are routed. For example, you can record your analog input signals, mix them with the output signals and play everything back simultaneously (direct-monitoring). Of course, the audio system had to pass a lot of technical tests, but we committed the final inspection to the ultimate measurement equipment, called the “human ear”. At this point we would like to thank all our studio testers, who encouraged us to evaluate certain facts from a different point of view (than the traditional textbook). But what would be the point of all this nice hardware without the right software? Audio and MIDI drivers are available for Windows PCs (XP, Vista and Win7) and Mac OS X. You can control all functions using the PHASE X64 USB control panel, which can be called up either as a standalone program, or - if possible integrated in your ASIO software. And last but not least, there are many invisible details behind the background: such as the ™

Ploytec FMC

(Fixed Master Clock) algorithm which ensures jitter-free audio data flow to

the USB. This doesn't only sound important, but actually also sounds really great because ™

FMC

can give you a quality of sound that the basic architecture of the USB cannot pro-

vide … actually ;-).


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Installation Windows XP, Vista und Windows 7 

After you have inserted the product CD, the Autostarter window will appear automatically. If this does not happen (it will depend on your Windows settings) you can launch the Autostarter manually by double-clicking on "Autorun.exe" (in the root directory of the CD). Now start the driver installation by clicking on the Software Installation button. Driver updates, which you have downloaded from the Musonik website

at a later time, are started from an unzipped archive with the file Setup.exe. 

Now follow the instructions on screen.



At the end of the copy process, the system usually have to be restarted - however you should first backup files and programs that are still running.



If you wish to uninstall the software, simply start the installation program again and select Remove installed drivers.



The PHASE X64 USB control panel can be found within the Windows System and Maintenance settings (by clicking the Start button and clicking Control Panel). Leave the category view to make the PHASE X64 USB control panel icon visible. On demand you can start the control panel from a different location (e.g. the Windows Desktop). To do so right-click and drag-and-drop the icon to the new location for making a shortcut. In addition the PHASE X64 USB control panel usually can be accessed within your ASIO host software (e.g. FL-Studio or Cubase).

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

After a successful driver installation, you should verify the correct condition of your Windows system. The Windows Device Manager presents an overview of installed and recognized hardware components of your computer.

The XP Device Manager after installation

Mac OS X 

Insert the supplied CD-ROM or download the latest version from the Musonik website. The CD contains the driver installation package as a DMG file PHASEX64USB _ _Vx.x.x.dmg in the folder PHASE X64 USB \ Driver & Control Panel \ MAC \.



Double-click on the DMG file to access the PHASEX64USB _V _ _Vx.x.x.mpkp installation file and start the t he driver installation by double-clicking.



The wizard for the necessary driver and software installation starts now. Simply follow the instructions on screen.


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

At the end of the copy process, the system may have to be restarted - you should therefore first backup files and programs that are still running.



After restarting the system, you can connect the PHASE X64 USB System and start using it.



The PHASE X64 USB control panel can be found within the folder Programs.



If you wish to uninstall the software, simply start the relevant PHASEX64USB _ _ _Driver _Remover program from the installation package.

Updating the Firmware Thanks to the advanced software technology: future changes to existing standards and new functions developed for the PHASE X64 USB System can be integrated simply by updating the device's “firmware”, without having to replace or change any hardware. In due time, updates will be available from the Musonik website provided as a small installation program.

PHASE X64 USB as System Audio Device If you want to use the PHASE X64 USB System not only in your audio applications, but also as the preferred audio device for Windows, simply open the Windows Control Panel, go to Sounds and Multimedia > Audio, and select the PHASE X64 USB audio driver as the Preferred Device for any or all system audio and MIDI functions. Then you can use the standard speaker icon in the Windows taskbar to adjust volume. For details on the mixer functions for your Windows operating system version, refer to the Microsoft Windows help on your system. Under OS X you can set the standard audio device within the System Preferences -> Sound.

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The Connections of the PHASE X64 USB System The PHASE X64 USB audio interface offers you numerous connections for connecting professional studio peripherals and hi-fi equipment. Following is a detailed overview of its technical and electrical characteristics:

Tip: make full use of the 24-bit support of up-to-date software applications and connected digital peripherals - even if you are planning to “just” release your production on CD and/or MP3 format. The additional sound quality is audibly worthwhile, both in the sum of the signals and, above all, during digital post-production.

Front Side

1. Mic/Line Gain. Controls the input gain of the signals connected to the Mic/Line combi jack (TRS and XLR). 2. HiZ/Line Gain. Controls the input gain of the signals connected to the HiZ/Line input jack (TRS). 3. +48V LED Display. Indicates, that 48V phantom power is supplied to the XLR pins of the microphone input for the operation of condenser microphones. microphones. 4. Clip LED Display. Indicates, that the signal is approaching the clipping threshold directly before the A/D input converters. All active channel 1 and 2 inputs are monitored. The LED starts blinking at about -1.5dB below maximum level. As the signal approaches the clipping threshold the LED blinks faster and lights steadily when the threshold has been reached. Reduce the signal level on the PHASE X64 USB System or on the external device, until the clipping LED only blinks at the highest peak levels. 5. Phones Volume. Controls the volume of the headphone output. 6. Phono/Aux Inputs. These RCA inputs can be connected to additional line sources or turntables. The jacks are assigned to input channels 1/2 and 3/4, i.e. up to 2 stereo sources can be connected.


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7. Grounding Terminal. Connect this terminal to the grounding cable of your turntable.

Tip: to eliminate AC hum, always connect the ground wire of the turntable to the grounding terminal. 8. Mic/Line Input. This combi jack accepts XLR and ¼“ TRS plugs. The XLR connector is permanently assigned to the microphone input stage and can be supplied with 48V phantom power. The XLR jack can be used with dynamic and condenser microphones. The TRS jack accepts line level signals. Set the Line/Mic selector switch of the PHASE X64 USB System accordingly. accordingly. Both of these balanced input options are monophonic and assigned to channel 1. Unbalanced mono TS plugs can also be connected. 9. HiZ/Line Input. This balanced ¼“ TRS jack is monophonic and assigned to input channel 2. It can be connected to line level sources as well as guitars. Electric guitars require a high-impedance input stage (HiZ), which can be activated using the appropriate selector switch on the device. Unbalanced mono TS plugs can also be connected. When HiZ is selected, the input accepts unbalanced signals of electric guitars (¼“ TS plugs).

Info: The discrete design of the HiZ stage uses FETs and other types of transistors which give the signal processing a very “analog” sound. The circuit has extremely high impedance which results in a very low pick-up charge. Signal clipping at the input stage will be smoothed out gently. 10. Phones. Connect this ¼“ TRS jack to stereo headphones with a minimum input impedance of 8 Ohms. You can use the switch on the side panel of the PHASE X64 USB System to select which output signals (channel 1/2 or 3/4) will be routed to the headphones. headphones.

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Back Side

1. Power. In most cases the PHASE X64 USB System will be bus-powered (via USB) and no external power supply will be required. You can connect a separate power supply (not included) to the Power jack, if necessary. For further details please refer to  page 6 -> Important Notice concerning Power Supplies. Characteristics of optional power supplies * ■

Type: linear or switching power supply, DC (direct current). Switching power supplies are recommended due to their much better power efficiency which reduces the amount of dissipated heat in the power supply and PHASE X64 USB System.

■

Connector: 5.5 x 2.1 mm

■

Polarity: positive (plus terminal in the center)

■

Minimum output current: 1000mA

■

Output voltage: 9V DC (direct current).

*Info: To retrofit a DSP or wavetable module, a power supply with a minimum output current of 1000mA must be used. Please also read the section “ Retrofitting a 33. DSP or Wavetable Module” on  page 33. 2. USB. This jack connects the PHASE X64 USB System to the USB 2.0 port of your computer or an interconnected hub. A suitable USB cable is included in the PHASE X64 USB System package. The maximum length of USB cables is 16 feet (5 meters). Only use high quality USB 2.0 compatible cables of sufficient gauge. If longer cables must be used, interconnect an active USB 2.0 hub. This kind of hub is usually available in computer stores. 3. MIDI. Connect these input and output jacks to external MIDI devices. In the driver software the MIDI jacks are assigned to MIDI port 1. Always connect MIDI OUT to MIDI IN and MIDI IN to MIDI OUT.


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4. Digital. These jacks are used for the transmission of digital signals in various formats, e.g. S/PDIF, AC3 or DTS. The digital output is assigned to playback channels 1/2 and the input is permanently connected to recording channels 5/6.

Tip: If possible, use specially shielded RCA cables (75 Ohm impedance) for transferring digital audio data, at least if it is important to have an absolutely clean, jitter-free signal flow (for example, when mastering). 5. Output Channels 3/4. The output jacks of the analog output channels 3/4 are connected to unbalanced RCA lines. Only use high quality RCA audio cables. 6. Inserts. These ¼“ TRS jacks are used to insert dynamic processors, e.g. compressors, limiters, channel strips etc., into the recording signal path after the Mic/Line (XLR/TRS) and HiZ/Line (TRS) inputs and before the A/D converters.

Tip: First use the gain controllers to increase the signal level until the clipping threshold is almost reached. Do not insert any external processors yet (or activate their bypass switches). When the level is just right, connect the insert effects and adjust the level on the external device until the clipping LEDs of the PHASE X64 USB System only blink at the highest peak levels. 7. Output Channels 1/2. The output jacks of the analog output channels 1/2 are connected to balanced ¼“ TRS lines. Unbalanced mono TS lines can also be used.

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Switches

1. 48V (Off – On). This switch enables/disables phantom power supply for the microphone input (XLR). 2. Ch. 1 (Line – Mic). Selects the microphone input (XLR) or line input (TRS) for use. 3. Ch. 2 (Line – HiZ). Use the Line setting for line signals and the HiZ setting for electric guitars. 4. Phones Ch. (1/2 – 3/4). Assigns the headphone output to analog outputs 1/2 or 3/4. 5. Ch. 1/2 (Aux – Phono). Selects, whether the RCA jacks of input channels 1/2 accept line level (Aux) or phono level signals. 6. Ch. 3/4 (Aux – Phono). Selects, whether the RCA jacks of input channels 3/4 accept line level (Aux) or phono level signals.

Signal Routing 7. This detailed wiring wiring diagram of the PHASE X64 X64 USB System shall give you a better understanding of the routing possibilities offered by the control panel and the hardware switches. For a larger “high resolution” version of this diagram please refer to 

page 39. 39.


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The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel The PHASE X64 USB control panel is - beside the drivers - by far the most important piece of software in the package. Here, depending on the requirements of each situation, you can have total control of the audio interface, control the monitoring and carry out system performance settings. To get a better understanding of the routing possibilities refer to the signal routing diagram on



page 39. 39.

Info: Layout and design of the Windows and OS X control panel are slightly different. Those differences will be highlighted in the manual.

The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel under Windows

Tip: When you move the mouse pointer over a button, its function will be explained in a text field on the lower margin of the control panel – Windows only!

The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel under OS X

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Input Channels 1/2 and 3/4. Before the signal reaches the analog/digital converters of recording channels 1/2 and 3/4 it passes through analog mixing stages (input mixer). Various signal sources can be routed to the two input mixers: 1. Mic-HiZ-Line connects the input channels Mic/Line (Ch. 1) and HiZ/Line (Ch. 2) to the input mixer. The options Mic/Line and HiZ/Line are preselected on the PHASE X64 USB System using the corresponding hardware switches.

2. Aux connects the RCA jacks (Ch. 1/2 or Ch. 3/4) to the corresponding input mixer. These inputs accept line level signals. Set the assigned hardware switch to Aux.

3. Phono connects the RCA jacks (Ch. 1/2 or Ch. 3/4) to the corresponding input mixer. This input accepts phono level signals (i.e. turntable signals). Set the assigned hardware switch to Phono.

Info: Phono signals must pass through RIAA filtering first. When you press the Phono button on the control panel, all additional input sources for channel 1/2 or 3/4 will be disabled. For additional information on the Phono input und RIAA filtering please refer to  page 31 -> The RIAA Filter. 4. Out 3/4 routes the output signals of channels 3/4 to the input mixer of channels 1/2. 5. Out 1/2 routes the output signals of channels 1/2 to the input mixer of channels 3/4.

Tip: The Out 1/2 and Out 3/4 buttons offer a lot of possibilities. For example, the Direct buttons can be used to record the input signals of channels 3/4 to channels

1/2 or to directly play them back. Or you can record playback channels 1/2 via input channels 3/4, e.g. to record internet radio programs. 6. DSP connects the output of an optional sound module, e.g. wavetable board, to the input mixer. For further information please refer to



page 33 -> Retrofitting a

DSP or Wavetable Module.


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Output Channels 1/2 and 3/4. Before the signal reaches output jacks 1/2 and 3/4 it passes through analog mixing stages (output mixer). At this point up to 3 sources can be added: 1. Playback connects the stereo output of the two digital/analog converters (channel 1/2 or 3/4 respectively) to the t he assigned output mixer. 2. Direct routes the input signals after the input mixers to the corresponding output mixer. This way the input signal can be monitored in real-time while the playback signal from your audio software can be mixed in and played back together with the input signals (direct monitoring). 3. DSP. The output of a retrofitted optional sound module can directly be mixed with the output 3/4 signals.

Mono. Furthermore the playback signal can be switched to mono. The buttons are located close to the corresponding playback playback buttons.

Mono > Direct. This special button affects channels 1/2 exclusively. It can only be enabled after the Mic-HiZ-Line and Direct buttons have been enabled and it will be disabled automatically as soon as one of these buttons is disabled. With the direct monitoring function enabled this button routes a MONO signal of the balanced inputs (Mic, HiZ or Line) to the output. Example: You want to record an electric guitar and a microphone and monitor these signals in real-time in your headphones. As you will remember, the microphone is assigned to channel 1 and the electric guitar is assigned to channel 2. In your headphones you will hear the microphone panned hard left and the electric guitar panned hard right, which can be pretty irritating. That’s when the Mono button comes in which plays back both signals on both sides while all the other playback signals (e.g. signals from an audio recording program) will remain stereo. This mono function does not affect the actual recording, of course. The microphone will be recorded on channel 1 and the electric guitar on channel 2. The Info button (Windows only!) opens another window, which displays system information. With OS X all displays and setting options are arranged in a single window. Digital Status and Digital Sync affect the digital input of the PHASE

X64 USB System.

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Digital Status internal: indicates that no (or no valid) external digital signal (S/PDIF) is received. If force internal has been selected, the status will always be internal.

external: a valid external digital signal has been detected and the PHASE X64 USB System has synchronized successfully to the external sample rate.

Digital Sync: in internal mode the PHASE X64 USB System always generates and uses its own clock. As soon as a valid signal has been detected at the digital input, the PHASE X64 USB System will synchronize to the external source. When force internal is checked, the PHASE X64 USB System will not synchronize automatically to

external sources. In this case the internal clock will always be used and the digital status will be displayed as internal.

Info: When the digital status of the PHASE X64 USB System is internal, the channel 1/2 playback signals are routed directly to recording channels 5/6. This way playback signals (e.g. radio programs) can be re-recorded without any degradation. For an example of use please refer to



page 27. 27.

Samplerate displays the current sample rate of the audio system. The sample rate is only displayed and cannot be switched manually – there is no need to do so anyway. The sample rate is provided automatically by the audio software „in charge“, although multiple programs using different sample rates can have access simultaneously. For more details please refer to



page 21. 21.

Info: Clock and sample rate have the same meaning. ASIO Latency. This option mainly affects audio software based on the ASIO standard. But system performance can be impaired by these settings even if ASIO functions are not accessed. If faults occur, e.g. drop-outs, increase the ASIO latency by sliding the switch into the slow direction. For a detailed description of the ASIO topic please refer to



page

21.. 21


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Windows Drivers The PHASE X64 USB System provides different drivers for different applications. The standard integration into your audio software strictly adheres to the WDM audio specification (MME and DirectSound etc.) defined by Microsoft. Almost all audio programs, e.g. Microsoft Media Player, are integrated via MME or DirectSound. In addition the PHASE X64 USB System features a very fast ASIO interface which facilitates optimized access of your professional audio software.

MME and DirectSound As mentioned before, the vast majority of Windows programs are based on MME or DirectSound. Some programs let you choose between MME or DirectSound, but normally audio programs simply use the Windows standard device ( Windows Control Panel > Sounds and Multimedia -> Audio). So you don’t have to worry which option

(MME or DirectSound) you should use. The audio programs currently in use will make the decision.

The Windows mixer manages everything and lets you adjust volume, pan, speaker setup etc - under MME or DirectSound. In addition the Windows mixer ensures that audio streams from multiple applications can be played back simultaneously (multi-client). This multi-client capability also allows audio data streams with different sample rates to be output simultaneously. The file which is called up first sets the sample frequency used for all data streams. Any data stream which is played back while the first file is still playing will be interpolated accordingly, while its pitch will not be altered. This kind of sample rate conversion or interpolation always involves signal degradation. So when you strive for maximum audio quality you must ensure that all running programs use the same sample rate. For example, before you transfer music at a sample rate of 44.1kHz to an external digital recorder, disable the Windows system sounds and close all programs except for the playback software.

Multi-Channel. If an audio device has more than one stereo input and output, there are basically two ways you can go: multi-device and multi-channel. Multi-device provides a separate driver for each stereo pair. Multi-channel manages all channels within a single device. Multi-channel represents a more modern approach, but this option must be supported by the audio programs used (e.g. software DVD-player). Since the PHASE X64 USB System uses multi-channel drivers, it is not possible to freely assign the hardware output channels as a standard device for audio (Windows system preferences). For example, when Windows Media Player plays back a stereo file, it will always access channels 1/2.

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ASIO Audio output in "music programs" should, if possible, be used via the ASIO driver. The ASIO driver can usually be selected within the audio settings of your audio program (Defaults, I/O Setup, etc). Wherever you select the ASIO for PHASE X64 USB dr iverr you can also call up the settings dialogue associated with the driver. Usually via a button such as ASIO Setup or in ASIO for PHASE X64 USB -> Settings.

ASIO Latency With the help of the PHASE X64 USB control panel you can set the "speed" of the audio processing. This really means that the lower the time set in milliseconds (ms), the faster a software can play back or record sounds. This behavior is also called latency. A low latency is especially important during live performances on software instruments or VST plug-ins via MIDI keyboards: the lower the latency, the "crisper" the sounds. But the opposite also applies ... if you hear a crackle or any other kind of background noise during playback you unfortunately have to increase the latency. In general, the higher the overall system load is, the more likely crackles and interruptions happen during audio playback and recording. As you can see, the "right" latency setting is always a question of trial and error. For more details about latency in interaction with the USB please refer to



page 34 ->

Brief Explanation about USB: the Ploytec FMC™ Algorithm.

Multi-Client Mode The audio driver of the PHASE X64 USB System can be addressed by multiple music programs simultaneously. The driver settings (ASIO, DirectSound or MME) used by the respective software programs are irrelevant. Furthermore the hardware can be addressed by multiple ASIO programs simultaneously, provided these programs have been set to the same sample rate. Be careful though: each program can utilize the maximum dynamic range (volume) of the PHASE X64 USB System. And if multiple programs output their signals simultaneously, clipping and distortion can occur. In this case the output levels of the music programs must be reduced accordingly. The ASIO support always uses the sample rate set in the audio project. If a WDM or MME application uses a different sample rate for playback, this sample rate will be converted in real-time to the ASIO rate. For serious audio productions, e.g. mastering, you should limit yourself to a single software program (e.g. FL-Studio, Cubase, etc.).


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MIDI A separate driver, which allows access to two independent ports (input and output respectively), is provided for playback and recording of MIDI information. Within the system theses ports are called PHASE X64 USB MIDI 1 and 2. Use them as required. MIDI Port 1 is assigned to the ports of the PHASE X64 USB System. MIDI Port 2 can communicate with internally retrofitted sound modules, e.g. wavetable boards.

Tip: MIDI files, which are played back using the Windows Media Player, can also be routed to external devices. Open the Sounds and Audio Devices tab in the Windows system control panel and set MIDI Music Playback to one of the above mentioned ports.

The MAC OS X Driver Audio output in "music programs" on the Mac is usually used via the OS X-internal CoreAudio system. CoreAudio offers a load of advantages and conveniences: for example, you can access a single audio interface using several programs at the same time – with low latencies. With Windows it is not usually possible to access the same audio hardware simultaneously using ASIO and WDM applications without further action, such as using Cubase together with Windows Mediaplayer. By the way, this doesn't mean that we haven't offered this functionality under Windows too! This feature nonetheless also has a disadvantage: disadvantage: as soon as several sources (programs) transmit your audio data with different sample rates - which happens, for example, if a short system message sounds at the same time as music plays - the data is mixed together. It happens unnoticed in real-time ... but a sharp ear inevitably picks it up as a permanent conversion of the sample rates! This is why the PHASE X64 USB System also offers a real ASIO driver for OS X, which you can use as an alternative to your music program (e.g. Logic). This hardware-like driver is only "capable" of a predefined sample rate - but it can do it "right". Usually you select the PHASE X64 USB ASIO driver via the audio settings dialogue of your music software, such as "Preferences" (command key + , ), "Defaults", "I/O Setup", etc. The ASIO driver appears under OS X as a "normal" CoreAudio device, so there is no visual difference from the standard. In addition, this bypass of the CoreAudio standard allows even better latencies!

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Application Examples Example: Studio Setup 1


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A condenser microphone is connected to the channel 1 XLR jack.

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The selector switch on the device is set to Mic and +48V phantom power is enabled.

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An electric guitar is connected to the channel 2 TRS jack and t he selector switch on the device is set to HiZ.

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A synthesizer is fed into input channels 3/4. In addition the synth is connected to the MIDI ports. On the device the selector switch for input channels 3/4 is set to Aux.

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On channels 1/2 limiters/compressors are inserted via the insert jacks which process the microphone and guitar signals prior to A/D conversion.

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A powered monitor system is connected to output channels 1 and 2. Output channels 1/2 or 3/4 can be monitored separately via the headphones jack.

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Mic-HiZ-Line (channel 1/2), Aux (channel 3/4), Playback (channel 1/2), Direct

and (Direct)-Mono are enabled in the control panel. ■

ASIO software, e.g. FL-Studio, Cubase, etc., is used for recording and playback. The ASIO for PHASE X64 USB driver is selected and software monitoring (direct monitoring of the inputs) is disabled.

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Microphone and electric guitar are played back in real-time through output channels 1/2 (Direct switch enabled) and both signals can be heard on both stereo sides (Mono switch enabled).

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When you start recording, the microphone will be recorded on channel 1, the guitar on channel 2 and the synth on channels 3/4. Simultaneous playback signals will be mixed and sent in stereo to the input monitoring.


Example: Studio Setup 2 In this studio example all signal sources, e.g. microphone, electric guitar, etc., are connected to a central mixer.


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The 4 analog outputs on the device are connected to the mixer’s line inputs.

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The 4 analog inputs on the device are connected to the mixer’s outputs, e.g. Direct Send or Aux Send.

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Example: DJ Setup

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The phono inputs are connected to two turntables. Their grounding cables are connected to the grounding terminal.

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The selector switches on the device are set to Phono.

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In the control panel both phono inputs are enabled and the signals are processed by RIAA filtering. For this reason the remaining input selector switches are disabled. Do not activate the Direct switch, as the phono signals would be played back directly without filtering. To monitor the t he phono inputs please use the corresponding corresponding monitoring functions of the ASIO software.

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Output channels 1 and 2 are connected to a powered monitor system. Output channels 1/2 or 3/4 can be monitored separately via the headphones jack.

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The connected MIDI controller keyboard plays a soft synthesizer or controls your DJ mixing software (e.g. Deckadance). Deckadance).

Example: lossless Recording of Playback Signals (loop-back) Playback signals from Windows Media Player shall be recorded using the included Windows audio editor Edison: ■

First the PHASE X64 USB System must be set up as the standard device for Windows.

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To avoid conflicts caused by differing sample rates, always open the ASIO software first (Edison, in this case).

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Run Edison and click the Options button.


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Select ASIO for PHASE X64 USB as audio device.

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The sample rate should match the sample rate of the Media Player’s file, to avoid sample rate conversion in the background. If necessary, first play back the file without ASIO (Edison closed) and check what sample rate is displayed in the control panel of the PHASE X64 USB System.

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Audio buffer size is for display purposes only.

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If noise or drop-outs occur, click show this devices’s control panel to open the PHASE X64 USB panel and set the ASIO latency to a higher value (slow).

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The Input channel mappings input selection must be set to Left -> In5 and Right -> In6.

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The setting of the output selection depends on your cable connections.

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If the playback output matches the output of the standard device set in the Windows operating system, the Mute Input button must be enabled in the Edison software (speaker symbol crossed out) to keep Edison from routing the input directly to the output.

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When you play back the Media Player file the level should be displayed on Edison’s level meter.

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Now you can start recording.

Annotation: Both stereo outputs can also be connected to the opposite input converter (Out 1/2 to In 3/4; Out 3/4 to In 1/2). Furthermore playback channels 1/2 can also be recorded on a purely digital level without having to pass through the DA/AD converters. If the digital status of the PHASE X64 USB System is internal, the digital input can be used for internal tasks and is connected automatically to playback channels 1/2. Since t he digital input is permanently assigned to recording channels 5/6, you will need suitable software (preferably ASIO under Windows) to access it.

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Example: direct Playback of Phono Inputs


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In the control panel one phono input is enabled and its signal passes through RIAA filtering. For this reason the remaining input selector switches are disabled. Do not activate the Direct switch, as the phono signal would be played back directly without filtering. To monitor the phono inputs please use the corresponding monitoring functions of the ASIO software, in this case Edison: ■

Run Edison and click the Options button.

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Select ASIO for PHASE X64 USB as audio device.

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Set the sample rate to the desired value, e.g. 44100Hz to burn an audio CD later on.

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If noise or drop-outs occur, click show this devices’s control panel to open the PHASE X64 USB panel and set the ASIO latency to a higher value (slow).

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The Input channel mappings input selection must be set to Left -> In1 and Right -> In2.

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The setting of the output selection depends on your cable connections.

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The Mute Input button must be disabled (speaker symbol is not crossed out).

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Now you can hear the phono signal and record it, if you like.

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Example: direct analog Playback of the Digital Input


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The digital interface of the PHASE X64 USB System is connected to a digital audio player/recorder (e.g. DAT, MiniDisk, etc.). If a valid S/PDIF signal is received at the digital input, the system will synchronize to this external source. Note: in the control panel the force internal function must be deselected.

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The digital input is assigned to recording channels 5 and 6. To directly monitor the signals through the analog outputs use the appropriate ASIO software, Edison in this case.

■

Run Edison and click the Options button. Select ASIO for PHASE X64 USB as audio device. Since the sample rate cannot be modified manually during external synchronization, the current sample rate will be displayed. If noise or drop-outs occur, click show this devices’s control panel to open the PHASE X64 USB panel and set ASIO latency to a higher value (slow). The Input In5 and Right ->

channel mappings input selection must be set to Left -> In6. The setting of the output selection depends on your cable

connections. The Mute Input button must be disabled (speaker symbol is not crossed out).

■ Now you can hear the digital input signal and record it, if you like.

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Retrofitting a DSP or Wavetable Wavetable Module The PHASE X64 USB System can be expanded with an optional DSP sound module. Although the connection complies with the wavetable board standard, we can only recommend the TerraTec Producer WaveXtable at the moment. The differences among wavetable boards as far as form factor and power consumption is concerned are simply too big. Do not try to retrofit a WaveXtable board yourself, as you will have to open the housing and doing so will void your warranty. Contact your dealer or Musonik GmbH before you buy the board and let them coordinate the installation. You will also need an external power supply with the following characteristics:


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Type: linear or switching power supply, DC (direct current). Switching power supplies are recommended due to their power efficiency which reduces the amount of dissipated heat in the power supply and PHASE X64 USB System.

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Connector: 5.5 x 2.1 mm

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Polarity: positive (plus terminal in the center)

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Minimum 1000mA

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Output voltage: 9V DC (direct current).

output

current:

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Interesting Information’s The RIAA Filter The audio signal is stored on a record as a pattern in the record's groove. This pattern is picked up mechanically by the turntable’s stylus, which converts the “audio data” pressed into the vinyl into a weak electrical signal. There are two different pickup systems: Moving Coil (MC) and Moving Magnet (MM or MD for magneto-dynamic). In MM systems a permanent magnet is moved within a coil; in MC systems the coil follows the movement of the record's groove within a permanent magnet. The advantage of MC systems is their lower moving mass, but they have the disadvantage of an output signal which is lower than that of MM systems by a factor of app. 10, making it more difficult to achieve a good S/N ratio. Both MM and MC systems are capable of outstanding musical reproduction, but in practice the first system is the more common one. Perhaps you've accidentally connected your turntable to the wrong input of your hi-fi amplifier at one time or another. You probably noticed that the signal was not only very quiet, but also distorted. The reason: as the deflection of the needle is limited to specific range, high frequencies (= low amplitude) are amplified and low frequencies (= high amplitude) are weakened on the record. The signal from the pickup must therefore be processed (filtered) before it can be used. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has defined a standard for the changes to the frequency ranges to ensure that all records can be played using the same filtering. The quality of the equalization process is thus an important factor in the overall quality of a phono preamplifier.

Brief Explanation about USB: the Ploytec FMC™ Algorithm For anyone who's interested, here is a bit more background information on the subject of audio & USB. Actually the beloved USB interface isn't best suited to audio data transmissions. If you take a closer look at the principle of this bus system (or more accurately, the architecture on which it is based), you quickly see that "studio quality" audio can't work like this for many reasons ... and the "Universal Serial Bus" - itself in its 2nd generation should be reserved for uncritical peripherals such as WebCams or IPods. But let's be fair: the USB shouldn't be condemned here and there are now numerous audio devices that can be recommended with a clear conscience for a daily dose of music enjoyment. We are purely talking about professional usage, and it’s not for nothing that many competitors - including ourselves for other products - are happily giving way to a standard called IEEE 1394, better known as FireWire. The reasons for this is quite complex: for a professional audio system it is important for the digital clock to be as stable as possible, even slight fluctuations (also called jitter) decrease the audio quality. With a stable hardware clock, the data flow from and to the driver is always constant. As audio applications can never retrieve or deliver 100% sample for sample at the time set by the hardware clock, buffers are used. By the way, the size of these buffers is set with the configurable ASIO latency. A too small buffer size can cause the buffer processed by the hardware not to be emptied or filled on time by the software and can therefore cause audible interruptions. On the other hand, if the buffer is too large, the software has to "wait" and the response time (latency)

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is slower, which has a negative impact during a live performance on a software synthesizer for example. The interaction between computer performance, buffer size and hardware clock is therefore a very sensitive issue and is a measure for a professional audio system. Now to the problem with USB: the transmission standard does not provide a clean timing control here. The individual data packets (frames and sub-frames) are transmitted with a timing of one millisecond, and this interval cannot be influenced or is reliable. Fluctuations of different sizes are unavoidableness and are also slightly different on every computer system. Many current systems compensate these fluctuations in such a way that the hardware clock is recovering, i.e. constantly runs faster and then slower. But this is only a workaround and while it is certainly acceptable for less professional systems, it does not help the audio quality in any case. This is where the Ploytec FMC™ (Fixed Master Clock) algorithm comes into play. It works both in the hardware firmware and in the driver. This absolutely guarantees that the hardware clock runs stable and that there are no interruptions and/or crackling noises on the driver side, despite very small buffer sizes. Of course we can't reveal the details of how this works here. But the fact is that with FMC™ the USB bus is now also available for professional audio systems.

Balanced Audio – fully-balanced versus quasi-balanced Here is a little background information about balanced lines: electrical connections, analog and digital, only work in a closed circuit. One send and return line should normally suffice. However, electrical lines are more or less prone to external interference. The longer the line is, the larger is the „attack surface“. Of course, lines can be shielded, but interference cannot be eliminated completely. For this reason a trick has to be used: balanced lines. Instead of one send conductor there are two. The first conductor carries the same signal as an unbalanced line and the second conductor also carries this signal, but its phase has been inverted (180 degrees out-of-phase). If distortion interspersion occurs, both active conductors are affected. At the end of the line a balanced receiver (differential amplifier) only amplifies the difference of both conductors which is the actual audio signal. Since there is no difference in the interference it will not be processed and passed on by the differential amplifier. The following diagram explains explains how it all works. To keep things simple we use a very simple signal: a sinus wave (all analog signals, from voice to violin, consist of a mixture of sinus waves – but that’s a different story ;-)).


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The diagram clearly shows, that distortion interspersion can be eliminated by balanced lines. First the transmitter must be able to generate an audio signal which is exactly 180 degrees out-of-phase, however. This is called fully-balanced. Since component differences, especially across a wide temperature range, play an important role, highquality and expensive hardware has to be used. And no matter how great the effort there will still be deviations which distort the signal to a certain extent. Another option are quasi-balanced lines which do not actively invert the audio signal. The additional

conductor carries capacitive decoupled ground instead. Interferences are eliminated completely, but the level of the difference signal is lower – and the higher the level the better the signal-to-noise ratio (S/NR). So you must decide which type of transmission is best for your type t ype of environment. Since the PHASE X64 USB System will mostly be used with cable lengths of up to 10 meters, we opted for a reasonable compromise and choose a quasi-balanced design for the output stages of channels 1 and 2.

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Technical Data ■

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed audio system.

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Power supply via USB (bus-powered) or optional external 9V DC power adapter (selfpowered).

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6 recording and 4 playback channels in total.

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Input channel 1 for microphone (XLR, balanced), balanced), line signal (¼“ TRS, balanced), phono- (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA, unbalanced).

■

■

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Microphone input adjustment range: -22dBu (62mVrms) to 7.4dBu (1.82Vrms). Input impedance: 12.7kOhm.

-

Line input adjustment range: -3.7dBu (0.51Vrms) to 9.7dBu (2.37Vrms). Input impedance: 9.9kOhm.

-

Phono input sensitivity: -28.5dBu (29mVrms) before RIAA filtering, -44.9dBu (4.4mVrms) after RIAA filtering. Input impedance: 47kOhm.

-

Aux input adjustment range: 8.6dBu (2.09Vrms). Input impedance: 10kOhm.

Input channel 2 for guitar (HiZ – ¼“/TS, unbalanced), unbalanced), line signal (¼“/TRS, balanced), phono (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA, unbalanced). -

HiZ input adjustment range: -17.6dBu (0.29Vrms) to 21.4dBu (9.1Vrms). Input sensitivity: 1.1MOhm.

-

For line, phono, aux sensitivity and impedance refer to input input channel 1.

Input channel 3 for phono- (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA, unbalanced). -

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Input channel 4 for phono (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA, unbalanced). -

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Output level: +5.4dBu (1.44Vrms). Impedance: 75Ohm.

Output channels 3 and 4 (cinch/RCA, unbalanced). unbalanced). -

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Output level and input sensitivity: -0.88dBu (0.7Vrms) max.

Output channels 1 and 2 (¼“/TRS, balanced). -

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Insert jacks for the input channels 1 and 2 (¼“/TRS, unbalanced). -

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Output level: +5.4dBu (1.44Vrms). Impedance: 10kOhm.

Headphone Headphone output with gain control and alternatively routing (hardware switch) to output channels 1/2 or 3/4. -

Power: 250mW at 8Ohm (approx.). For headphones with >/= 8 Ohm impedance.

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Digital interface (coax/RCA) for S/PDIF, AC3 or DTS formats.

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Switchable +48V phantom power for condenser microphones. microphones.

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HiZ input for guitar: discrete design build up with FETs and transistors.

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Input gain controls for the channels 1 and 2.

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Clipping LEDs for the input channels 1 and 2 (threshold: -1.5dB).

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MIDI interface (5-pin DIN).


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Additional internal MIDI port for optional DSP sound module.

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Wavetable connector for sound module expansion like GM/XG wavetable boards.

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Direct monitoring and playback summing (analogue mixing stage).

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Electronic auto mute for start-up noise rejection.

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Up to 24bit and 96kHz playback and recording resolution.

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2 x Wolfson© AD/DA converter with up to 108db(A) S/NR.

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Signal-to-noise Signal-to-noise ration A/D, measured*: 100dB (A) @ 48 kHz.

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Signal-to-noise Signal-to-noise ration D/A, measured*: 105dB (A) @ 48 kHz.

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Ploytec FMC™ (Fixed Master Clock) USB algorithm eliminates the SOF jitter.

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Low latency ASIO 2.0 und WDM drivers for Windows XP(32/64), Vista(32/64) and Windows7(32/64).

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Low latency HAL plug-in (ASIO like) driver for Mac OS X.

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Mac OS X CoreAudio and CoreMIDI support.

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Control panel for Windows and OS X.

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Current consumption: bus-powered: bus-powered: 480mA max, self-powered (with ext. power supply unit): 600mA max, self-powered (with ext. power supply unit and TerraTec WaveXtable): 860mA max.

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Dimensions: Dimensions: 146.5 x 46 x 185 [mm] (w/h/d).

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Weight: 0.95kg.

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Bundle software:

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Image-Line FL-Studio Express – Virtual Studio for Windows.

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Image-Line Deckadance LE – DJ DJ Mixing Mixing for Windows Windows and OS X. X.

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Image-Line Edison – Wave Editor for Windows.

System requirements: requirements: -

Windows PC running XP, Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit).

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Intel based Mac running OS X V10.4 or higher.

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USB 2.0 HI-Speed-Port. HI-Speed-Port.

* Audio measurements made with the Rohde & Schwarz UPL Audio Analyzer.

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Block Diagram


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Terrasoniq is a brand of MUSONIK GmbH Saarwerdenstr. 8a 40547 Düsseldorf Germany www.musonik.com

Technical hotline*: Tel.: +49 (0)7000 / 22 22 22 6 Mo. -> Fr. 16:00 -> 18:00 or [email protected] or [email protected]

*Rate/min depending on local charges .

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Phase x64 Usb Manual En

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