Aardvark Direct Pro Q10 User manual

Aardvark USA
202 East Washington Suite 306
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Web: http://www.aardvark-pro.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
Voice: 734-665-8899
Fax: [phone]

MANUAL REVISION 1.5

Q10 OWNERS MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
WHAT’S INCLUDED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
INSTALLING THE DIRECT PRO Q10 INTERFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS XP/2000 DRIVER & CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
MACINTOSH OS X DRIVER & CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
WINDOWS 95 DRIVER & CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
WINDOWS 98 DRIVER & CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
INTERFACE OVERVIEW
FRONT PANEL
ANALOG COMBO INPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF SPECIFIC INPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
PHANTOM POWER BUTTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
E.F.R.™ HI-Z GUITAR BUTTONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
MONITOR VOLUME KNOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
HEADPHONE VOLUME KNOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
HEADPHONE JACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
REAR PANEL
ANALOG OUTPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
MONITOR OUTPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
S/PDIF DIGITAL INPUTS/OUTPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
MIDI INPUTS/OUTPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
HOST ATTACHMENT AND PCI HOST CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
INSERTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Q10 SOFTWARE CONTROL
CONTROL PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
INPUT CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
PLAYBACK CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
ROUTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
PRESETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
ADVANCED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
RECORDING SOFTWARE QUICKSTART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
TROUBLESHOOTING
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
SOFTWARE SPECIFIC TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
CONFIGURING WINDOWS FOR AUDIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
USING MULTIPLE Q10s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

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Q10 INTRODUCTION
WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL
WORLD OF COMPUTER RECORDING
THE AARDVARK STORY
Aardvark has over a decade’s worth of experience in designing
digital audio master clocks that make the world’s best recording
studios sound even better. We’ve incorporated that expertise
into the new Direct Pro Series to give you all the quality of a
professional studio, at a fraction of the cost. Our premium sound
quality and user–friendly features will change the way you make
music and will give you the easy-to-use professional studio
you’ve always wanted. We know you'll enjoy being a part of the
Direct Pro Series revolution.
THE Q10 REVOLUTION
The powerful Q10 is the pinnacle of the Direct Pro Series and
brings a fresh new approach to computer recording. Its unique 8
XLR mic inputs and mixer-like monitoring features allow you to
professionally record 10 channels direct-to-disk, without needing
a mixer. Even if you don't need all 8 mic preamps at once, the
flexible XLR / 1/4” connectors can be cleverly used as 1/4” line
inputs. This allows studios with analog mixers to easily take
advantage of Aardvark's legendary low-jitter clocks and premium
A/D converters for enhanced stereo imaging and sonic clarity. As
an added bonus for guitarists, we added 2 warm sounding,
proprietary E.F.R.™ guitar preamps. With the Q10, Aardvark
continues to break down the barriers of traditional audio
interfaces. It will elegantly integrate your audio software with
your studio and dramatically expand the capabilities of your
workstation.
DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

The Direct Pro Q10 box should contain all of the following items:
1- Direct Pro Q10 PCI host card
Connects directly to the motherboard of your computer
1- Direct Pro Q10 Interface Box
1- 6’ shielded 25-pin cable
1- Direct Pro Driver CD--ROM
 1- Digital Audio Software CD--ROM
1- Direct Pro Q10 Manual
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or
Aardvark Customer Support at:
E-mail: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class
A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed
to provide a reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
Q10 BOX CONTENTS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
This
product
complies
with
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

1. Please unplug you computer before connecting or disconnecting the Direct Pro Q10
interface box and PCI host card. Connecting or disconnecting the hardware with electricity
present will cause physical damage to the Direct Pro Q10 or your computer. It’s best to
disconnect the power cable completely before proceeding. If you are unfamiliar with
installation of computer peripherals, please seek assistance from a qualified computer
technician. Aardvark will not be held responsible nor liable for damages resulting from
improper installation.
2. Remove the cover from your computer. Most computers have a series of screws on the
back of the case that keeps the cover in place.
3. Choose an empty PCI slot. It will look like
the PCI slots shown to the right.
4. Remove the small outer cover from the
chosen PCI slot .This cover will likely be
held in place by a screw. Ground yourself by
touching an empty slot on the computer ’s
metal chassis.
5. Gently align the Direct Pro Q10 PCI Host
Card with the chosen PCI slot and press it
slowly but firmly into place. It should be
seated tightly, with the metal connection
bracket matching up perfectly through the
hole in the back of the computer.
6. Use the screw from the small outer cover
to lock the Direct Pro Q10 Host Card in
place while providing maximum grounding.
7. Replace the computer ’s cover.
8. Connect one end of the 6-ft shielded cable to the 25 pin connector on the Direct Pro Q10
Host Card, and the other end on the back of the Direct Pro Q10 interface box labelled To
Host. Tighten the screws to assure a firm connection and maximum grounding for the
Direct Pro Q10 system. For Proper installation, the breakout box must be connected to the
PCI host card.
9 .Avoid putting the Direct Pro Q10 interface box near your computer or TV screen. This may
cause interference and degrade the quality of the audio.
10. Keep analog cables connected to the Direct Pro Q10 away from power cords and
monitors.
11. Reconnect the computer’s power supply, then turn on the computer. The Direct Pro Q10
system is completely powered by your computer. Because of this, you must never detach
the shielded interface cable without first turning off the computer,
otherwise, damage will occur.
12. Once you’ve physically installed the Q10, move on to the installation
instructions for your operating system:
• For Windows XP/2000 users, proceed to page 4
• For Macintosh users, proceed to page 6
• For Windows 95 users, proceed to page 8
• For Windows 98/ME users, proceed to page 10
Q10 PCI HOST INTERFACE CARD
INSTALLING THE DIRECT PRO
Q10 INTERFACE
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS XP/2000 DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
1. Before installing the drivers/control panel, make
sure the Aardvark PCI card is physically installed,
and the Q10 breakout box is attached to the PCI
card via the 25-pin cable. Once this is verified,
power up the computer.
2. When windows starts, the "found new
hardware" wizard will likely appear. Cancel out of
this and proceed into windows.
3. Put the Aardvark Driver CD in your CD-ROM
drive. Once the CD is in the drive, one of three
things may occur, depending on your Windows
setup.
- If the contents of the CD appear on screen,
enter the XP 2K folder, then double click
SetupXP2K.EXE (this file may appear without EXE
at the end, but it's still the correct file)
- If a Window appears, asking what you would
like to do with the contents of the CD, choose
"Open Folder to View files". Enter the XP 2K folder,
then double click SetupXP2K.EXE (this file may
appear without EXE at the end, but it's still the
correct file)
- If Windows does not respond when the CD
is placed in the drive, go to MY COMPUTER, and
select the CD-ROM drive that contains the
Aardvark CD. Enter the XP 2K folder, then double
click SetupXP2K.EXE (this file may appear without
EXE at the end, but it's still the correct file)
4. Double clicking SetupXP2K will start the
installer. A message will appear, asking if
you want to proceed with the installation. Click
NEXT.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS XP/2000 DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
5. You will be asked what directory the drivers should
install in. Stick with the default folder and click NEXT to
proceed
6. A final verification will appear, showting you the location
where the files will be installed. Click NEXT to proceed
7. A warning message may appear regarding Windows
logo testing. Don't let Microsoft scare you! Click
CONTINUE ANYWAY to proceed. If a second warning
appears, simply click CONTINUE ANYWAY again
8. Finally, the installer will ask you to reboot the computer.
Click FINISH to reboot. Once you have rebooted, the
Aardvark drivers and control panel will be installed on your
computer.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
MAC OSX DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
1. Once the hardware is physically
installed on your computer, plug the
computer back in and power up.
2. Put the Macintosh Driver/Control
panel CD in the CD drive. On most
machines, the contents of the CD will
automatically appear. If the CD
contents don’t appear automatically, go
to Finder and have it view the contents
of the CD.
3. Double click "AARKHOST.dmg" on the
CD then double click "Q10_install.pkg"
to start the installer
4. The installer will begin with the
“Welcome to the Aardvark CoreAudio
Installer” screen. Click CONTINUE
5. Next, a “Read Me” section will
appear with information regarding the
driver you’re about to install. Click
CONTINUE
6. You will then be asked to select the
destination of the software you’re about
to install. Choose your main hard drive
and click CONTINUE to proceed.
7. You will then be asked to verify that
you would like to perform a
basic installation on the destination you
just selected. Click INSTALL to continue.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
MAC OSX DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
8. An AUTHENTICATE screen will appear, requesting a
name and password.
If these values are already filled in, click OK to proceed.
If they are not filled in, enter the same name and
password of whomever has admin privileges on the
OS. Click OK to proceed.
9. The installer will inform you that the computer must
be restarted when the installation is done.
Click CONTINUE INSTALLATION to proceed.
10.The computer will then restart. When the restart is
complete, the Q10 drivers and control panel will be
installed.
11.To access the Q10 control panel, browse the main
hard drive, choose the
Applications folder, then the Aardvark Control Panels
Sub folder. A file named Q10 is located in this folder.
Double click it to access the Q10 control panel.
12.To verify that OSX recognizes the Q10 driver, go to
SYSTEM PREFERENCES |
SOUND, and on the INPUT and OUTPUT tabs, Direct
Pro Q10 should be an available option.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS 95 DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
1. When Windows restarts, it will
automatically detect the card you installed.
Since it is a PCI card, it will identify itself as
a “Plug and Play” device.
Windows will indicate detecting the
hardware with these dialogs:
2. Insert the Driver CD-ROM packaged with
the Direct Pro Q10 , and click Next. The
Following dialog should appear:
3. Click Next. Windows may now ask for
the location of the drivers. If this is the
case, specify the CD-ROM drive (usually
D:). Otherwise, simply click Next again.
Windows will copy the files from the Direct
Pro Q10 CD-ROM.
4. When the files have been copied,
Windows will ask to restart the computer.
This is because the files just installed will
not take effect until the next time Windows
is loaded. Click NO, since you will restart
the computer after completing the Direct
Pro Q10 software installation in the next
section.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

☛
Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS 95 DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
5. Once Windows has finished loading, the Direct
Pro Q10 Control Panel installation program may
appear automatically. If not, go to My Computer,
find your CD-ROM drive, and click the setup.exe
icon.
6. Click Next when you see the welcome screen:
7. Setup will allow you to select the Destination
Directory. Otherwise, it will put the Direct Pro Q10
software and drivers in the “C:\Program Files\Aark
manager” directory. If you would like the files
elsewhere, simply type the new destination or
select Browse to put the files in another directory.
8. Click the Next button to continue. The Ready to
Install!! Dialog should now appear. Click Next again
to begin installation.
9. When the installation is complete, a new folder
for the Direct Pro Q10 Control Panel application will
reside in the destination directory, and a shortcut
will automatically appear on the desktop for easy
access.
10. You must now turn your computer off for the
changes to take place. Instead of restarting, select
Shut Down from the Start Menu/Shut down menu.
If you choose restart the installation will not be compete, and you will have to
repeat this process!
NOTE: Always turn off your monitors or speakers when rebooting! The
speakers may pop during startup, causing potential damage!
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS 98 DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
1. When Windows restarts, it should
automatically detect the card you installed.
Since it is a PCI card, it will identify itself as
a “Plug and Play” device.
Windows will indicate detecting the new
hardware with these dialogs:
2. Click Next then select the option Search
for the best driver for your device, then
click Next again.
3. Insert the driver CD-ROM that came
with the Direct Pro Q10. Place a check
mark beside CD-ROM drive by clicking on
it. All other boxes must be cleared. Click
Next.
4. Windows will now locate the Direct Pro
Q10 driver software. Click Next to begin
installation. Windows will copy the files
from the Direct Pro Q10 driver CD-ROM.
5. When the installation is complete, you
must press Finish to exit the setup.
Windows will ask to restart the computer.
This is because the files you just installed
will not take effect until the next time
Windows is loaded. Click NO, since you
will restart the computer after installing the
Direct Pro Q10 Control Panel software in
the next section.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

☛
Q10 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
WINDOWS 98 DRIVER &
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
6. IF the welcome screen does not automatically
appear, run Setup.exe from your CD-ROM. This can
be done from Windows by opening your CD-ROM
drive (usually D: ) in My Computer and double
clicking the Setup.exe icon.
7. Click Next when you see the Welcome Screen.
8. Setup will allow you to select the Destination
Directory. Otherwise, it will put the Direct Pro Q10
software and drivers in the C:\Program Files\Aark
Manager Control Panel directory. If you would like
the files elsewhere, simply type the new
destination or select Browse to put the files in
another directory.
9. Click the Next button to continue. The Ready to
Install!! Dialog should now appear. Click Next again
to begin installation.
10. When the installation is complete, a new folder
for the Direct Pro Q10 Control Panel application will
reside in the destination directory, and a shortcut
will automatically appear on the desktop for easy
access.
11. You must now turn your computer off for the
change to take place. Instead of restarting, select
Shut Down from the Start Menu/Shut down menu.
If you choose restart the installation will not be compete, and you will have to
repeat this process!
NOTE: Always turn off your monitors or speakers when rebooting! Often, the
speakers will pop during startup, causing potential damage!
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

!
Q10 FRONT PANEL
ANALOG COMBO INPUTS
The Q10 has eight analog inputs located on the front of the interface
box. (An additional S/PDIF digital input is located on the back, we’ll get
to that later)
The inputs are designed to accept either 1/4” line level signals, such as
the output of mixers, synthesizer, and drum machine, or direct
connection of XLR Microphones.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect XLR line level outputs to the Q10.
• The 1/4 " inputs accept both balanced (+4dBu) and unbalanced
(-10dBv) signals. The Q10 control panel allows you to configure each
input to accommodate balanced or unbalanced, allowing use of
balanced and unbalanced gear at the same time.
• The XLR inputs are designed specifically for use with microphones.
Some line level devices such as mixers or synthesizers have XLR
outputs. The Q10 XLR inputs are not intended for use with these
devices, and potential damage can occur. The XLR inputs will work
with any microphone.
NOTE: You may use any combination of 1/4” line level or XLR mic for
any of the 8 inputs.
Each DIRECT PRO Q10 input is mono. If you want to connect a stereo
device such as a synthesizer or CD player, you must use two inputs.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

☛
• Analog inputs 1 - 4 are equipped to provide 48v phantom power.
Phantom power is activated by pressing the Phantom button on the
front panel. Phantom power is used with condensers and other
powered microphones. If you are not sure your microphone needs
phantom power, simply try the microphone with and without the
phantom enabled. A powered microphone will become more
responsive, while a non-powered mic will not be affected. There is no
risk of damage if a non-powered mic is plugged into an XLR jack with
phantom power.
• Inputs 1 - 4 also have independent effects inserts. Effects inserts
allow outboard effects to be applied to signals that have already gone
through our preamp. This is especially useful for applying
compression, limiting, or EQ to a pre-amplified mic, prior to it being
recorded. More on using these inserts later in the manual.
• Inputs 7 and 8 can be used for direct guitar recording By pressing in
either one of the Hi-Z guitar buttons, you enable input 7 and/or 8 as a
direct guitar input. This allows you to connect a guitar, bass or other
Hi-Z sound source without the need for a DI (direct) box or preamp.
Armed with Aardvarks exclusive E.F.R.™ technology these inputs yield
a vibrant, natural sound quality. If you are recording through a guitar
amp, or using a cab simulator like the Line 6 POD, E.F.R. is probably
unnecessary. E.F.R. is designed for guitars plugged directly into the
Q10. If you’re unsure as to whether E.F.R. is right for your guitar
setup, simply try it out and use your ears to decide.
NOTE: Although inputs 1-4 provide phantom power and effects inserts,
and inputs 7-8 provide direct guitar inputs, they do not have to be used
this way. They can also be used for standard XLR microphone and 1/4"
line operation.
Q10 FRONT PANEL
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
OF SPECIFIC INPUTS
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

!
Q10 FRONT PANEL
PHANTOM POWER BUTTON
Pressing this button will light its corresponding LED, and send phantom
power to mics connected to XLR inputs 1-4. Phantom power is needed for
powered microphones like condenser mics. As long as XLR mics or 1/4" line
level devices are connected to inputs 1-4, it is fine to use the Phantom
power.
IMPORTANT: The phantom power does not affect any of the 1/4”
line inputs.
Q10 FRONT PANEL
E.F.R™ HI-Z GUITAR BUTTONS
These enable E.F.R.™ for inputs 7 and/or 8, which allows you to plug a guitar directly into
these inputs!
Inputs 7 and 8 can be used for direct guitar recording by pressing the guitar buttons (the two
buttons on the right with the little guitar drawings next to them). There are separate buttons
for inputs 7 and 8. No preamps, DI boxes or pedals needed. Just plug the guitar right into the
Q10! This is done using Aardvark’s exclusive E.F.R.™ (Enhanced Frequency Response).
technology. E.F.R.™ optimizes for direct guitar recording by altering the impedance and
frequency response of the input. The end result is a warm, rich tone that will sound great in
your mix, accompanied by the convenience of direct recording.
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DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL

Q10 FRONT PANEL
MONITOR VOLUME KNOB
HEADPHONE VOLUME KNOB
HEADPHONE JACK
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• The monitor Volume Knob: This controls the volume of the Monitor L
and Monitor R outputs on the back of the Q10. Allowing you to adjust
the monitor levels from the front of the Q10
• Headphone Volume Knob: This controls the volume of the headphone
jack.
• Headphone Jack: This is where to plug in your headphones. We
recommend using headphones with an impedance of 160 Ohms or
less. The headphone jack also comes in handy if the only speakers
you have are PC speakers with one 1/8" connection. Simply connect a
stereo 1/8" to 1/4" adapter, and plug the speakers into the headphone
jack!
DIRECT PRO Q10
OWNERS MANUAL