Amarra MINI Computer Music Player User manual

™
MINI
AMARRA 2.1.1
User Manual

Thank you!
Thank you for purchasing the Amarra MINI Computer Music Player. You are
about to enjoy the ultradelity sound of Amarra. Designed to work with your Apple™
MacIntosh Computer and with iTunes, Amarra MINI provides a seamless integration
for high resolution music playback.
The Amarra Team
Sonic Studio, LLC
330 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Suite A San Anselmo, CA USA 94960-2552
phone: [phone]
www.amarraaudio.com
AMARRA MINI 2.1.1 User Manual December 2010
1. Contents:
This document details the installation of AMARRA MINI and its associated software:
1. Amarra MINI Package Contents..................................................... .............pg 2
2. Amarra MINI System Requirements..........................................................pg 2-3
3. Authorizing Amarra MINI................................................................................pg 3-5
Authorizing Amarra MINI Using an iLok Smart Key
Authorizing Amarra MINI Using an License File
4. Installing Amarra MINI........................................................................................pg 6-7
Uninstalling Amarra MINI
5. Launching And Using Amarra MINI.............................................................pg 7-8
6. Using Amarra MINI and iTunes.....................................................................pg 9-14
7. Registering Your Amarra MINI Software...................................................pg 15
8. Troubleshooting Guide.........................................................................................pg 16-20
9. Support.........................................................................................................................pg 21
The Amarra MINI installer will install the following items on to your Macintosh Computer:
 •AmarraMINI2.1ComputerMusicPlayer
 •AmarraMINIiTunesPlugin
 •AmarraMINIFLACcomponents
 •PACEiLokextension
 •AmarraMINIDocumentation
Page #2
Amarra MINI: User Manual

Page #3
Amarra MINI: User Manual
2. Minimum System Requirements:
Computer:
 •IntelbasedMacwith10.5.x,or10.6.x
NOTE:G5/PPCsupportedforuncompressedlesonly
 •RAM:3GBRAMminimum,4GBormorepreferred
 •USBportforiLOKsecuritykey(ifusinganiLok)
Peripheral FireWire Adaptors supported:
 •OHCIcompliantPCCard,PCIcard,ExpressCardorPCIecard
Software:
 •MacOSX10.5.xor10.6.xandaboverecommended
NOTE:10.4.Xsupportedforuncompressedlesonly
 •AMARRA MINI
 •iTunes
We recommend a fresh install of the operating system on a clean disc.This can
prevent problems later on.
Wealsohighlyrecommendthatyourcomputerbeusedexclusivelyformusic
playback.Email,webbrowsers,screensharingandotherapplicationscanallaffect
performance.
NotethatUSBhubs,audiooropticaldiscperipheralsaregenerallynotsupported.
3. Authorizing Amarra MINI
AmarraMINIisprotectedwithPACE’sAnti-PiracyInterLokcopyprotection.
Authorization is done using an iLok smart key or through an Interlok License
File. Please read the appropriate section for more information.
3.1 Authorizing Amarra MINI using an iLok Smart
Key
Your iLok should come ready to use and you
shouldonlyneedtoinstalltheiLOKextension
on your computer. There may be occasions when you need to
setup an iLOK for new options or for replacement. Please ask your dealer for
more information.
  PACEInterLok(iLok):
 (Yoursmaybeadifferentcolor)

NOTE: Protect your iLok! This is really your Amarra MINI product and if lost
or stolen, can not be replaced without purchasing another Amarra MINI license.
PACEoffersawarrantyforreplacinglostorstoleniLokscalled‘ZeroDown-
time’.ThisprogramenablesiLokownerstoimmediatelyreplacelicensesin
case an iLock is broken, lost or stolen. Benets of covering an iLok include:
 • Immediatereplacementoflicensesintheeventofdisaster
 • Prioritysupportduringreplacementevent
 • Peaceofmind
Contact your dealer, Sonic Studio, or log in to your iLok account for more infor-
mationonZeroDowntime.
Replacement / New iLOK:
If your iLok is new and needs to be authorized. Please request authorization
from Sonic Studio for your iLok USB Smart Key, visit:
http://www.sonicstudio.com/register
Completing the form will generate an authorization request.We will then
place a license for Amarra MINI in your iLok account. Please ll out the form
completely to avoid delay in authorization.
3.2 Authorizing Amarra MINI using a License File
The process begins with running Amarra MINI and generating an Interlok Li-
censeRequestle.ThisissenttoSonicStudioandanInterlokLicenseFile(ilf)
is returned.The Interlok License File is then installed on your computer.
NOTE: Interlok License Files are Locked to a single computer.A License
File can not be transferred.
1. Run Amarra MINI
      SelectAuthorize.
4.0 Installing Amarra MINI
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #4

2. If you have an iLok you can license the software by selecting the check
box.
•GenerateandSavetheLicenseRequestFile.
•Choosethe“SaveLicenseRequest”button.
•Specifyafolderandsavethele.
After Saving the License Request File send it to suppor[email protected].
You will receive a reply from Sonic Studio with your Interlok License File -
Please keep this Safe!!
•InstalltheLicenseFile
•RunAmarraMINIwhenyoureceiveyourLicenseFilefromSonicStudio
•Choose“ReadLicense”andselecttheAmarra_MINI_2.1_ilfleyoureceive
andchooseNextandyouwillseethenishdialog.
Success! Select the Finish button to complete authorization.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #5

      SelectContinue.
•Amarra MINI application is installed into the Applications folder.
It is installed here: ~/Applications/Amarra MINI 2.1
•TheAmarraiTunesPluginfacilitatestheinteractionbetweenAmarra
and iTunes. It is installed here: ~ /Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-ins/
•TheiLokExtensionsarerequiredtousetheiLokUSBSecuritykey.
 TheiLokextensionisinstalledonyourbootvolume.
•Amarra MINI installs the FLAC components required for FLAC les.
They are installed here: ~/Library/Components/
Click Install.
(Youwillbepromptedforyourpasswordandthesoftwarewillbeinstalled.)
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #6

Success!
SelecttheClosebuttontoquittheAMARRAMINI installer.
4.1 Uninstalling Amarra MINI
TouninstallAmarraMINIandremovealllespleaserunthe“Uninstall
Amarra MINI.app”.Thiswillremovetheapplication,iTunesplug-in,FLAC
component,andPACEextensions.Youmaybepromptedforyourpassword.
5. Launching and Using Amarra MINI
Open the Applications folder on your Mac, locate the AMARRA MINI folder.
This folder contains the AMARRA MINI application as well as documentation
andanExtrasfolder.
AMARRAMINI folder and the AMARRAMINI application.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #7

NOTE:
Double clicking on the Amarra MINI icon launches Amarra MINI and
iTunes.
6.0. Amarra MINI Interface Module
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Tip: You can change the Hardware Sample Rate by
Control Click on the Sample Rate Display.
Page #8
Tip: Use the Arrow keys to adjust the volume..
Use the Option-Arrow key for ne adjustment.
1. Amarra/iTunes Indicator
Indicates playback status:
Blue = Amarra is playing
Orange = iTunes is playing
8. Transport Controls
The Previous Track, Play/
Pause, and Next Track
buttons. are located here.
2. Amarra EQ
Fine tune your sound
with the high quality
AmarraEQ.
1
2
3
4
5
4. Playlist Button
The Playlist Window is
where tracks can be loaded
and played.
5. Tracks
This displays the list of
tracks loaded in the current
Playlist.
3. Memory Playback
This enables Memory
Loading for playback.
The Memory Used is
displayed to the left of
the Time Display.
6
8
6.Task Bar Controls
These buttons control
•AddingFilestoPlaylist
•Optionsforplayingtracks:
-StopAtEnd
- Repeat Playlist
-AddNextTracks
•LinkforiTuneswindow

6.1. Using Amarra MINI and iTunes
Amarra MINIrunsalongsideApple’siTunesprogram.Thisallowsyouto
manage and access all your music through the main iTunes Music Library or
through custom iTunes Playlists.
As shown below, Amarra MINI occupies the area to the left of your iTunes
window:
AMARRA MINI and iTunes.
You can use iTunes like you always have, select the songs / playlists and play.
Amarra MINI follows what you do in iTunes and takes over playback when-
ever a full resolution uncompressed AIFF or WAV le ranging from 44.1-96
kHzsamplerate(16-24bits)isplayed.
Amarra MINI also supports ALAC, AAC, MP3 and most compressed formats,
including FLAC. Amarra MINI can not play proctected AAC les.
To create custom playlists for high resolution music, follow the Help menu
instructions in iTunes.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #9

  •LocatetheAmarra MINI.app icon.
  •Clickonceandholdtheiconthendragtothedock.
  •TheDockforyoursystemwillappear.
  •Place(drop)theAmarra MINI icon and release on the dock.
  •YoucanmoveitslocationwithintheDocklater.
NOTE:
When you launch iTunes, Amarra MINI will automatically launch. Like-
wise, when iTunes quits Amarra MINI will be shutdown. In iTunes under Visual
Plugin there is an Options menu command which can be used to disable the
auto launch / quit feature.
6.2. Using Playlists with Amarra MINI
Amarra MINI allows you to load and create playlists from les in your iTunes
library as well as les loaded from the Finder.
•SelectthePlaylistasasourcebyclickingonthePLAYLISTbutton.
•AddlesusingtheMenuCommandsorPlaylistCommandbutton
You can also Drag and Drop les from the Finder or from iTunes.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #10

WhenloadingconsecutivetracksAmarrawillalsoautomaticallyreloadthenext
trackswhenthePlaylistisattheend.Thisfeaturewillloadthenext20tracksand
continue playing. Click the button off to disable the auto loading.
6.2.2 Managing Amarra Playlists
There are also menu commands available for adding les from the Finder.
Amarra MINI Playlist commands
Open Playlist :: Open a previoulsy saved Playlist.
Save Playlist :: Save a Playlist to the Finder.
Open Tracks From iTunes :: Adds a selection of tracks from iTunes.
Open Tracks From Finder :: Add les to a Playlist from Finder.
Clear Playlist :: This command clears all the tracks from the Playlist.With
tracks loaded into a Playlist the Tracks button will turn Green and the tracks
will be shown in the Tracks Popup Menu. You can select a Track using the
popup menu.
Playlist Tracks List
HINT: Install a shortcut for Amarra MINI on your Dock.:
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #11

6.3. FLAC Conversion and Playback
Amarra MINI supports conversion routines for FLAC as well as playing back
nativeFLACdirectly.UsingtheFLACconversionroutinesundertheFILE
menu it is possible to convert FLAC les to AIFF and to add them to iTunes
automatically.
ToplayFLAClesspecifyusethe“OpenTracksFromFinder”command.The
FLAC les will be added to a playlist.
TIP:
Save your FLAC Albums as a Playlist for easy playback.
: Convert FLAC File to AIFF
This command Albums a built-in FLAC to AIFF conversion.You will be
prompted for the les to convert and for a destination folder to store the
converted les. You will also be asked whether you would like to add the
les to iTunes after they are converted.
:: Convert FLAC Folder to AIFF
This command provides a built-in FLAC to AIFF conversion.You will be
prompted for a folder to convert and for a destination folder to store the
converted les. You will also be asked whether you would like to add the
les to iTunes after they are converted.
Once you launch a FLAC conversion you can follow its progress using the
Amarra Background Manager Window.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #12

6.4. Amarra Background Manager
The Background Manager is used to perform Sample Rate Conversion and
monitor the status of FLAC conversion.
Amarra MINI comes with a high quality Sample Rate Conversion. Sample
Rate Conversion preserves pitch and duration of the original sound le
and will create a new soundle with the desired sample rate. Amarra MINI
supports the ability to convert a le to a variety of sample rates from 44100
-96000hz.AnadditionalQualityeldisprovidedaswell.Ahigherqualitywill
take a longer time to process.
There are different areas to this window, each is described below.
:: SOUNDFILES
TheADDFILESbuttoncanbeusedtoaddlestobesamplerateconverted.
You can drag AIFF or WAV les into this window. Information on the le will
be displayed in the INFO eld.You can set a destination folder or use the
default folder which is set to the same folder as the original le.
:: PROCESSING
Once les are added you can start the Sample Rate conversion using the
Executebutton.Theprogresswillbeshownalongwiththenameofthe
destination le.
Page #13
Amarra MINI: User Manual

Page #14
Amarra Mini: Quick-Start Manual
6.5. Amarra MINI Preferences
This section presents an overview of the Amarra MINI Preferences.
Amarra MINIprovidesabuilt-inTriangularDither(TPDF)thatcanbeusedto
adjust the dither processing for audio playback. If Dither is enabled then the
output of Amarra will be dithered to the setting of the Output Wordlength
specied. This can be useful for providing the a better sound when Gain is
usedorifyourDAConlysupportsalimitedwordlength(16or20bits).
NOTE:
When the Output Wordlength is set to 24 bits the dither will be
“disabled”iftheGainhasnotbeenmodied(atfullvolume).OncetheGainis
adjusted then dither is re-enabled.
Amarra MINI: User Manual

Page #15
7. Registering Your Amarra MINI Software
In order to receive warranty service, you must register your product with
Sonic Studio.This may be done at any time with proof-of-purchase.
We strongly recommend that you register with Sonic Studio as soon as
you purchase your unit. This will ensure the best possible support for your
purchase.
1.Your product will be registered with us.
Registration is used as proof of ownership if your product is ever lost or
stolen.
2. Sonic Studio updates Amarra MINI software on a regular basis.
This allows us to keep you informed of updates as they become available.
Please register your Amarra MINI software using our automated registration
Web page at:
http://www.sonicstudio.com/register
Alternatively, our mail address is:
Amarra Software registration
Sonic Studio, LLC
330 Sir Frances Drake Blvd
Suite A
San Anselmo, CA USA
94960-2552
Phone: [phone]
 Fax1-775-330-8923
If you encounter issues using Amarra MINI please refer to the information
below for assistance. If none of these steps address your problem please
contact your dealer or Sonic Studio support for more help.
7.1 Upgrades to Amarra
The policy for upgrading from Amarra MINI to Amarra is the difference in
price. Please contact Sonic Studio or local Amarra representative for ordering
information.
Amarra MINI: User Manual

Page #16
Amarra Mini: Quick-Start Manual
6.5. Amarra MINI Preferences
This section presents an overview of the Amarra MINI Preferences.
6.5.1 Launch Settings
Launch/QuitiTunes:Whenselected,launchesandquitsiTuneswhenAmarra
Junior launches or quits.
Hide On Launch:When selected, hides Amarra Junior after it launches.
LinkiTunes:Whenselected,linksordocksAmarraJuniornexttotheiTunes
window.
Link Remote:When selected, the Amarra Playlist can be used with the Apple
Remote(oriTunes)andwillautomaticallyfollow(asAmarramodedoes).
6.5.2 Playback Settings
Bypass Compressed Files:When selected, Amarra MINI skips playing com-
pressed les. This is recommended for older Macs and operating systems.
Tracks To Load: selects the number of track that are loaded when using a
Playlist with Add Consecutive Tracks.
Memory Amount: The amount of Random Access Memory or R.A.M. that is
allocated for Cache playback..
6.5.3 Dither Settings
Auto-Dither: When selected, automatically enables dither when the volume
control of Amarra MINI is reduced.
Amarra MINI provides 2 types of dither that can be used to adjust the dither
processing for audio playback. If Dither is enabled, then the output of Amarra
will be dithered to the setting of the output wordlength specied. This will
generally provide better sound when the volume control in Amarra MINI is
used or if your DAC only supports a limited word length (16 or 20 bits for
example).
Amarra MINI: User Manual

Page #17
1. Dither Type – Shaped PDF: This radio button selects Sonic
Studio’s proprietary spectrally shaped, triangular PDF (prob-
ability density function) redithering.
2. Dither Type – MBIT+: This radio button selects iZotope’s
proprietary psychoacoustic MBIT+ redithering.
Word Length: this selector determines the nal word length, either 16. 20
or 24 bits. In general, dither should be enabled to ensure linear output when
Amarra Junior’s volume is reduced.
NOTE:: When the Output Wordlength is set to 24 bits the dither
will be “disabled” if the Gain has not been modied (at full volume).
Once the Gain is adjusted then dither is re-enabled.
For more information on dither, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dither#Digital_audio
6.5.4 Processing Settings
Full Sonic EQ: This feature is disabled in Amarra Junior.
Pure Gain: “Pure Gain” is a preference for calculating gain coefcients when
using the volume control. This refers to how Amarra MINI handles Gain
Settings.
• “Pure Gain” uses an algorithm which is more efcient.
• It also means some gain values will not be exactly what is
typed. For example -6.0 would really be -6.00133
Hard Limit: Hard Limit refers to how gain is processed. It’s most useful for
compressed music.
• This has to do with how the oating point values are
handled after decoding.
• The maximum 24 bit value is really 0.99999989
• In Core Audio the maximum oating point value is 1.0
• Values in between this can cause distortion.
• This preference can improve the sound of compressed les.
Amarra MINI: User Manual

8. Troubleshooting Guide
Basic Macintosh Setup Tips
iTunes:
  •DisabletheCrossfadeSongspreferenceiniTunes
  •DisabletheSoundEnhancerpreferenceiniTunes
  •DisabletheSoundCheckpreferenceiniTunes
EnergyPreferences:
  •DisableSleepandotherEnergysavingPreferences.
Security:
  •DisableInfrared
 Spotlight:
  •DisableSpotlight
TimeMachine:
  •DisableTimeMachineonyourmediadrives.
Folder Actions:
  •DisableAllFolderActions
 •Werecommendafreshinstalloftheoperatingonacleandisc.
 •Wealsohighlyrecommendthatyourcomputerbeusedexclusivelyfor
music playback, and that all unecessary devices be disabled.
 •Email,webbrowsers,screensharingandotherapplicationscaneffect
performance.
See below for answers to common issues.
Issue: AmarracannotndiLOK.
Amarra MINI does not nd an iLOK, or nds an iLOK without a valid Amarra
license.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #18

Solution:
  •InsertaniLOKwithavalidAmarra license on it.
  •MakesuretheiLOKextensionforAmarra is installed.
  •PleaserefertheAmarraStartupGuideformoreinformation.
Issue: Amarra MINI operates in demo mode.
Solution:
  •Amarra MINI requires a license to operate
Issue: How to set up a remote volume
Amarra does not support streaming of remote songs.
Amarra requires that all volumes be mounted on the computer as a
shared volume.
Solution:
 •MounttheremotevolumewithRead/WriteAccessonyourlocal
  Macintosh-UsetheNetwork(Cmd-K)tolocateandmountthe
remote volume
 •IniTunesusedtheAddtoLibrarycommandtoaddthesongsfromthe
Mounted Volume
 •MounttheremotevolumewithRead/WriteAccessonyourlocal
Macintosh
Issue: Audio Clicking or Ticking Sound.
Solution (3 parts):
 •DisableSpotlight(addvolumestotheSpotlightPrivacyPreference)
 1)OpenSystemPreferencesandlocatetheSpotlightPreference
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #19

 2)SelectthePrivacyTabandaddallyourmediadrives
Solution:
 •DisableNetworkSharedAccess.
 1)OpenSystemPreferencesandlocatetheSharingPreference
 2)DisbaleWebSharing,RemoteLoginandRemoteManagement.
Please note for support the Remote Management preference
may be required.
Amarra MINI: User Manual
Page #20