cymatic audio uTrack24 audiolan User manual

User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016

Table of Contents 2
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
Table of Contents
Table of Contents...........................................................................................................................................................2
1. WHAT’S IN THE BOX ...........................................................................................................................................3
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................................................................4
3. USAGE PRECAUTIONS.......................................................................................................................................5
4. LIMITED WARRANTY...........................................................................................................................................5
5. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................6
6. FEATURE LIST.....................................................................................................................................................7
7. FRONT PANEL .....................................................................................................................................................8
8. REAR PANEL......................................................................................................................................................10
9. USAGE: MIXER FOR LIVE CONCERT RECORDING........................................................................................13
10. USAGE: RECORDING SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS..............................................................................14
11. GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK .............................................................................15
11.1. Preparing the attached USB drive for recording.............................................................................................15
11.2. USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives.........................................................................................................15
11.3. Recording.......................................................................................................................................................16
11.4. Playback ........................................................................................................................................................16
11.4.1. File playback modes..............................................................................................................................16
11.4.2. Switching between different playback modes:.......................................................................................17
11.4.3. Playing Back Audio................................................................................................................................17
12.FILE FORMATS ..................................................................................................................................................19
13. SETTINGS BAR..................................................................................................................................................20
14. RECORD PAGE..................................................................................................................................................21
15. MIX PAGE...........................................................................................................................................................22
15.1. Saving Mixer Parameters:..............................................................................................................................23
15.1.1. In Recording..........................................................................................................................................23
15.1.2. In Playback............................................................................................................................................23
16. PLAY PAGE........................................................................................................................................................23
17. uTrack24 SETTINGS MENUS.............................................................................................................................25
17.1. Clock Source Menu........................................................................................................................................25
17.2. Footswitch Menu............................................................................................................................................26
17.3. Recording Menu.............................................................................................................................................26
17.4. Playback Menu ..............................................................................................................................................27
17.5. Sync Menu.....................................................................................................................................................28
17.6. Inputs.............................................................................................................................................................28
17.7. MADI..............................................................................................................................................................29

WHAT’S IN THE BOX 3
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
17.8. ADAT .............................................................................................................................................................30
17.9. AudioLan........................................................................................................................................................30
17.10. Utilities Menu..........................................................................................................................................31
17.11. Load Settings .........................................................................................................................................31
17.12. Save Settings.........................................................................................................................................31
18. USING THE uTrack24 AS A COMPUTER AUDIO INTERFACE.........................................................................32
18.1. Using the uTrack24 as an Audio Interface with Microsoft Windows...............................................................32
18.1.1. Minimum System Requirements............................................................................................................32
18.1.2. WDM and ASIO driver installation .........................................................................................................32
18.1.3. uTrack24 Control Panel for PC..............................................................................................................33
18.2. Using the uTrack24 as an Audio Interface with an OS X ...............................................................................38
18.2.1. Minimum System Requirements............................................................................................................38
18.3. Using the uTrack24 as an Audio Interface with an Apple® iPad® .................................................................39
18.3.1. Minimum System Requirements............................................................................................................39
18.4. Audio Interface Control Room Features.........................................................................................................39
19. UPDATING THE FIRMWARE OF uTrack24 .......................................................................................................40
19.1. Firmware update using a Network Connection (Windows & OS X)................................................................40
19.2. Firmware update using the USB connection (Windows & OS X) ...................................................................42
19.3. Firmware update using USB drive .................................................................................................................42
20. Legal Disclaimer..................................................................................................................................................43
1. WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Your uTrack24 comes with the following components:
uTrack24 unit
AC/DC power adapter, incl. UL and US power cables
19” rack ears (removable)
USB cable
Printed Quick Start Guide
Note: It is recommended to update your uTrack24 to the latest firmware, available at the Cymatic website, to avail the
latest features and capabilities we added to uTrack24. See the chapter Updating the firmware of uTrack24.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 4
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AC adapter
Be sure to use only the supplied 15 V DC, 1500 mA AC adapter, which is equipped with a “center-positive”
plug. The use of an adapter other than the specified type may damage the unit and could pose a safety
hazard.
Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter.
When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and do not pull at the
cable.
During lightning or when not using the unit for an extended period, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC
outlet.
Environment
To prevent the risk of fire, electric shock or malfunction, avoid using your uTrack24 in environments where it will be
exposed to:
Extreme temperatures
Heat sources
Excessive humidity or moisture
Excessive dust or sand
Excessive vibration or shock
Handling
Never place objects filled with liquids on the uTrack24, as this can cause electric shock.
Do not place an open flame source, such as a lighted candle, on the uTrack24 since this can cause fire.
The uTrack24 is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue pressure on the keys and other controls. Also
take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock or excessive pressure.
Take care that no foreign objects (coins, pins etc.) or liquids can enter the unit.
Connecting cables and input and output jacks
Always turn off the power to the uTrack24 and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting the power
source. Make sure to disconnect all connection cables and the power cord before moving the uTrack24.
Alterations
Do not open the case of the uTrack24, or attempt to modify the product in any way. Doing so will void the warranty.
There are no serviceable parts inside the unit.
Volume
Do not use the uTrack24 at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment.

USAGE PRECAUTIONS 5
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
3. USAGE PRECAUTIONS
Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the uTrack24 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of
electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from external interference. However, equipment that
is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the
uTrack24, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the
uTrack24 included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care
should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.
Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the uTrack24. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser,
wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface.
4. LIMITED WARRANTY
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information on Cymatic Audio’s Limited Warranty,
please see complete details online at www.cymaticaudio.com/warranty
This product complies with the European Union Council Directives and
Standards relating to Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC) and Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
This product is compliant with the EU Directive 2011/65/EU for the Restriction of
the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
No lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr+6), PBB or
PBDE is intentionally added to this device. Any traces of impurities of these
substances contained in the parts are below the RoHS specified threshold levels.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of 47
CFR of PART 15 limit for radiation and conduction emission relating to FCC rules
Part 15B: 2010.
A NOTE ABOUT DISPOSAL:
This product must be disposed in accordance with the local recycling regulations.
The crossed out wheeled bin symbol informs you that the product should not be
disposed of along with municipal waste and invites you to use the appropriate
separate take-back systems licensed for the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment (EEE).
CERTIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION 6
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
5. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Cymatic Audio uTrack24! The uTrack24 is three powerful products in one:
A 24-track solid-state audio recorder
A 24-track digital audio file player
A 24-input, 24-output computer audio interface
The uTrack24 records to and plays back from standard, off-the-shelf USB drives, while offering a large complement
of professional features. The display and dedicated front-panel hardware controls make it an intuitive and easy to
use device. Recording is never further away than a single push of the dedicated front panel “Record” button.
With the addition of the SYNC group feature, uTrack24 turns into a scalable recorder and player system, adding up to
up to 96 audio channels, or offering redundant channels and still keeping the simple and intuitive handling that you
already are familiar with.
Network / uRemote Control:
A network port allows for powerful control using the free uRemote software and app. In addition, the network port
enables synchronization of up to 4 units to create a powerful 96-channel recorder/player with single point of control,
either through the local controls of the master unit or through the uRemote app.
uTool
uTool is a free application provided by Cymatic Audio that greatly facilitates preparation and conversions between the
USB drive and your PC:
Conversion between uTrack24’s multi-channel and your PC’s standard mono wave files
Create playback content on your USB drive, including:
odefinition of every track’s output volume
ocreation of playlists

FEATURE LIST 7
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
6. FEATURE LIST
Allows connection of 24 channels of balanced input/output through 25-pin D-Sub connectors
Large, easy to use illuminated front panel transport buttons
Detailed LCD screen, dedicated menu buttons, and rotary push control allow for fast and intuitive adjustment
of various settings
Up to 24-bit resolution, 96 kHz sample rate
BNC Word Clock Input/Output allows integration into larger digital systems
Synchronization of up to 4 units over Ethernet, to create a 96-channel system
Ethernet connection allows comprehensive control of uTrack24 using uRemote software, available for iOS,
Android, OS X and Windows
Optional digital I/O cards offer 24x24 I/O in digital formats such as MADI, ADAT and AES67/AUDIOLAN
Scalable recorder/player adding upto 96 Channels with the sync group feature.
24-Channel Multitrack Recorder
Records directly to standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 drives, attached to convenient front-panel USB port
3-color input level metering per input channel, also works as 24-segment full scale meter
Internal DSP mixer offers stereo monitor mix of all 24 inputs through front-panel headphone output and the
two channel balanced output (main out) on the rear panel, with dedicated level controls. Adjust level,
panning, mute, and solo for all 24-inputs while enjoying detailed 24-segment hardware input/output
metering, all with no external mixer required!
Pre-recording feature sets the uTrack24 to constantly buffer a minimum of 3 seconds of the incoming audio
signal
24-Channel Multi-Track Player
Play back 24 tracks of audio, perfect for virtual sound checks or expanding live performances with individual
pre-recorded tracks
Gapless playback of multitrack songs in playlist when the song parameters (channel count, sample rate and
bit depth) are same between the songs. Gapless playback also happens in continuous and repeat all
playback mode
Pre-load feature loads a song into the buffers so that it can be started instantaneously on a button press.
Pre-load feature is active in playlists and when pre-recording is switched off. uTrack24 also preloads the
next song while the current song is in playback
Playback Standard MIDI files synchronized with audio file playback
Edit song order on the fly, during playback, directly from the front panel or with uRemote
Playback start and stop via optional footswitch
On the fly loop playback with mark-in/mark-out points allows for easy looping
uTool software allows you to easily create custom audio playlists, with features like set pause times between
songs or assign songs to be played back continuously

FRONT PANEL 8
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
7. FRONT PANEL
1. USB Host Port
This port allows connection of a standard, off-the-shelf USB drive. The uTrack24 records and plays back up to 24
tracks of audio to/from the connected USB drive. The uTrack24 supports USB drives up to 16TB.
2. Graphic Display
This LCD screen displays assorted useful information while recording and playing back audio, as well as when
working with the settings menus.
3. Encoder Wheel
Rotate the encoder wheel to adjust various settings; it also contains a “push” function, allowing it to work as button.
4. MENU/LOOP Button
Press the MENU/LOOP button to bring up the uTrack24 settings menus, allowing various adjustments to the
products’ settings. In playback mode, this button helps to setup the playback loop.
5. BACK Button
Press the BACK button to navigate backwards through the menu tree until reaching the home screen.
6. BROWSE Button
Switch the BROWSER screen on and off. In the BROWSER screen you navigate the files on the attached USB drive
and select them for playback. Long press brings you instantly to the top directory level (root).
7. Skip Back/Forward Buttons
During playback, press the skip back/skip forward buttons to navigate among saved markers in an audio take
(recording). When playing back a playlist, press the buttons to navigate among the different songs in the playlist.
When recording, press these buttons to add a new marker at the current timeline location.
8. STOP Button
Press to stop a current recording or playback. Long press in any state will send out a MIDI panic reset.
9. PLAY Button
Press the PLAY button to begin playback of the currently loaded audio project.
When recording, press the PLAY button to add a new marker at the current timeline location.
10. RECORD Button
Press the RECORD button to begin a new recording without losing a sample. The uTrack24 is always ready to start a
new recording as soon as the RECORD button is pressed.
Note: The transport buttons are lit whenever they are active. In SYNC mode, most buttons on slave units are not
active and hence not lit up.

FRONT PANEL 9
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
11. Meters
The 24 separate LED meters display the signal strength for incoming signals during recording and display outgoing
signals during playback. The meter LEDs work in two different ways:
When recording or playing back audio, the 24 separate LEDs represent the input/output levels of channels
1-24. Each channel’s LED illuminates in three separate colors, acting as a 3-segment meter:
oGreen: -40dB
oYellow: -10dB
oRed: Overload
When working with the monitor mixer for recording or playback, the meter bridge operates as a single, 24-
segment input/output meter for the currently selected channel. Click the rotary button to open the monitor
mixer settings.
12. Main Output Volume Control
Rotate to adjust the listening level of the rear panel’s main outputs, which carry the stereo signal of the monitor mixer
(standalone recorder/player mode) or outputs 1-2 of your DAW software (Computer Audio Interface).
13. Headphone Volume Control
Rotate to adjust the listening volume level of the front panel headphone output, which offers the same signal path as
the main outputs.
14. Headphone Connector
Connect a pair of headphones to listen to the onboard monitor mix or channels 1-2 of your DAW software.
15. Footswitch Connector
Connect a standard two-position footswitch to this connector for hands-free operation of various functions. For
specifics, see “footswitch” in the menus section of this document.

REAR PANEL 10
User Manual
uTrack24
May 2016
8. REAR PANEL
1. Option Card Slot
The uTrack24 can be fitted with an optional 24-input, 24-output option card that provides an alternate audio I/O path
from the onboard analog I/O. The first currently available card is a MADI I/O card; more flavors of digital I/O will be
available in the future.
This option brings a powerful level of flexibility to the uTrack24, allowing you to:
Expand the unit with 24 channels of digital I/O, and then use that I/O with your own A/D and D/A converters
of choice.
Add a digital I/O format to the uTrack24 that allows 24x24 channels of networked audio, allowing the unit to
conveniently integrate into large setups with a single cable.
Allows the use of external clock from the Digital I/O card to be used in the uTrack24.
2. Analog Outputs 1-24
These 24 outputs carry 24 channels of audio either from:
A multi-track audio project from a USB drive connected to the front panel USB port
A multitrack DAW session running on a computer connected to the rear panel USB port
3. Analog Inputs 1-24
Connect the 24 separate audio signals that you wish to record to these inputs; the 24 separate audio signals can then
be recorded to either:
A USB drive connected to the front panel USB port
DAW software running on a computer connected to the rear panel USB port
Both the analog inputs and outputs operate at balanced line level, +20dB, and are configured as three separate, 8-
channel, 25-pin D-subminiature connectors. The D-sub connectors are wired to the “Tascam Standard” as shown
below.