cymatic audio uTrack 24 User manual

USER‘S MANUAL
Firmware Version 2746
July 2015
Firmware Version 2746

USER‘S MANUAL
2
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS....................................................................................................4
1.1. AC adapter operation ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2. Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3. Handling ............................................................................................................................................ 4
1.4. Connecting cables and input and output jacks ................................................................................. 4
1.5. Alterations ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.6. Volume .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2. USAGE PRECAUTIONS .....................................................................................................6
2.1. Electrical interference ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.2. Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................ 6
3. LIMITED WARRANTY.........................................................................................................6
4. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................7
5. UPDATING YOUR UTRACK24 TO THE LATEST FIRMWARE ..........................................7
6. UTRACK24 FEATURE LIST................................................................................................8
7. WHAT’S IN THE BOX..........................................................................................................9
8. HOW TO USE THIS USER’S MANUAL ..............................................................................9
9. UTRACK24 FRONT PANEL..............................................................................................10
10. UTRACK24 REAR PANEL................................................................................................12
11. USING THE UTRACK24 WITH A MIXER TO RECORD A LIVE CONCERT....................15
12. USING THE UTRACK24 WITH A RECORDING SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS ....16
13. GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK ...........................................17
13.1. Preparing the attached USB drive for recording..............................................................................17
13.2. USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives.......................................................................................... 18
13. 2.1. USB Hard Drive.................................................................................................................................................18
13.2.2. USB Flash Drive................................................................................................................................................18
13.2.3. Auto-Detection of USB Drive Type ...................................................................................................................18
13.3. Starting a Recording ....................................................................................................................... 19
13.4. 24-Channel Input Metering ............................................................................................................. 20
13.5. Adding Markers............................................................................................................................... 20
13.6. Gapless Recording ......................................................................................................................... 20
13.7. Playing Back Audio ......................................................................................................................... 20
13.8. Autoplay on Startup ........................................................................................................................ 20
13.9. Looping Playback between In and Out Points ................................................................................ 21
13.10. MIDI File Playback .......................................................................................................................... 22

USER‘S MANUAL
3
14. UTRACK24 FILE FORMATS.............................................................................................23
15. UTRACK24 FILE PLAYBACK MODES .............................................................................25
15 .1. Multitrack Mode............................................................................................................................... 25
15.2. Stereo Mode.................................................................................................................................... 25
15.3. Default Mode................................................................................................................................... 25
16. SETTINGS BAR ................................................................................................................26
17. RECORD PAGE ................................................................................................................28
18. MIX PAGE .........................................................................................................................29
19. LOADING AUDIO FILES FOR PLAYBACK .......................................................................31
20. PL AY PAGE .......................................................................................................................33
21. PLAYLIST SCREEN ..........................................................................................................35
22. UTRACK24 SYSTEM MENUS ..........................................................................................36
22.1. Clock Source Menu......................................................................................................................... 36
22.2. Footswitch Menu............................................................................................................................. 37
22.3. Recording Menu.............................................................................................................................. 38
22.4. Playback Menu................................................................................................................................ 39
22.5. Inputs .............................................................................................................................................. 40
22.6. MADI ............................................................................................................................................... 40
22.7. Utilities Menu .................................................................................................................................. 42
22.8. Load Settings .................................................................................................................................. 43
22.9. Save Settings .................................................................................................................................. 43
23. USING THE UTRACK24 AS A COMPUTER AUDIO INTERFACE...................................44
23.1. Using the uTrack24 as an Audio Interface with Microsoft Windows ............................................... 44
23.1.1. Minimum System Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 44
23.1.2. WDM and ASIO driver installation ................................................................................................................... 44
23.1.3. uTrack24 Control Panel for PC......................................................................................................................... 45
23.2. Using the uTrack24 as an Audio Interface with an OS X .................................................................51
23.2.1. Minimum System Requirements .......................................................................................................................51
23.2.2. Driver Installation ..............................................................................................................................................51
23.3. Using the uTrack24 as an Audio Interface with an Apple® iPad®.................................................. 52
23.3.1. Minimum System requirements ........................................................................................................................52
23.3.2. Driver Installation ..............................................................................................................................................52
23.4. Audio Interface Control Room Features ......................................................................................... 52
24. UPDATING THE FIRMWARE OF YOUR UTRACK24 ......................................................53
24.1. Firmware update using the USB connection (Windows & OS X) ................................................... 53
24.2. Firmware update using a Network Connection (Windows & OX S)................................................ 53
25. LEGAL DISCLAIMER........................................................................................................56

USER‘S MANUAL
4SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.1. AC adapter operation
Be sure to use only an AC adapter, which supplies 15 VDC, 1000 mA and is equipped with a
“center plus” plug. The use of an adapter other than the specied type may damage the unit and
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
plug 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.
1.2. Environment
To prevent the risk of re, electric shock or malfunction, avoid using your uTrack24 in environments
where it will be exposed to:
• Extreme temperatures
• Heat sources such as radiators or stoves
• High humidity or moisture
• Excessive dust or sand
• Excessive vibration or shock
1.3. Handling
Never place objects lled with liquids, such as vases, on the uTrack24 since this can cause
electric shock. Do not place naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, on the uTrack24
since this can cause re. 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 or pins etc.) or liquids can enter
the unit.
1.4. Connecting cables and input and output jacks
You should always turn off the power to the uTrack24 and all other equipment before connecting
or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all connection cables and the power
cord before moving the uTrack24.

USER‘S MANUAL
5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.5. Alterations
Never open the case of the uTrack24 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can
result in damage to the unit.
1.6. Volume
Do not use the uTrack24 at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment.
CERTIFICATIONS
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
specied 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.

USER‘S MANUAL
6USAGE PRECAUTIONS
2. USAGE PRECAUTIONS
2.1. 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.
2.2. Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the Live Recorder 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 nish or damage the surface. Please keep this manual in a convenient place
for future reference.
3. 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

USER‘S MANUAL
7
INTRODUCTION
4. 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 le player
• A 24-input, 24-output computer audio interface
Never before has such a powerful combination of features been available at such an affordable
price, and in such a compact footprint. The uTrack24 records to and plays back from standard,
off-the-shelf USB drives, while offering a large complement of professional features.
With its large detailed display and generous complement of dedicated front-panel hardware
controls, operation is extremely intuitive and straightforward. Recording is never further away
than a single push of the dedicated front panel “Record” button.
The uTrack24 is also ready for the future; a dedicated expansion slot allows for alternate audio I/O
to be added, while a network port allows for powerful control using our free uRemote software.
5. UPDATING YOUR UTRACK24 TO THE
LATEST FIRMWARE
The uTrack24 also offers user-installable rmware upgrades, so that new features and capabilities
may be added in the future. This user’s manual’s information is specic to Firmware build 2746,
which your uTrack24 may not have come installed with.
The 2746 rmware build adds some news features to the unit and also adds compatibility with the
uRemote remote control software.
Download the latest uTrack24 rmware at www.cymaticaudio.com/downloads then follow
the steps on the rmware le’s accompanying instructions to install the new rmware on your
uTrack 24.

USER‘S MANUAL
8UTRACK24 FEATURE LIST
6. UTRACK24 FEATURE LIST
24-Channel Multitrack Recorder
• Allows connection of 24 channels of balanced input/output through 25-pin D-Sub connectors
• Optional digital I/O card offers 24x24 I/O in digital formats such as MADI
• Up to 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate
• Records directly to standard USB drives, attached to convenient front-panel USB port
• 3-color input level metering per input channel, also works as 24-segment full scale meter
• Large, easy to use illuminated front panel transport buttons
• Internal DSP mixer offers stereo monitor mix of all 24 inputs through front-panel headphone
output and rear panel monitor outputs, 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!
• Synchronize two uTrack24 recorders for a total track count of 48 tracks *
• Playback Standard MIDI les synchronized with audio le playback
• BNC Word Clock Input/Output allows integration into larger digital systems
• Large, detailed LCD screen, dedicated menu buttons, and rotary push control allow for fast
and intuitive adjustment of various settings
• RJ-45 Network connection allows comprehensive control of uTrack24 using uRemote
software, available for iPhone, iPad, OS X and Windows. For more information on uRemote,
please visit www.cymaticaudio.com
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
• Synchronized Play back of Standard MIDI Files
• Edit song order on the y, during playback, directly from the front panel
• Playback start and stop via optional footswitch
• On the y loop playback and mark-in/mark-out points allows for easy looping
• Free downloadable playlist editor allows you to easily create custom audio playlists, with
customization capabilities such as:
○ Assigning an audio le’s output channel
○Creating set lists
○Set pause times between songs
○Assigning continuous play between songs
24-input, 24-output Computer Audio Interface
• Dedicated control room and headphone outputs with individual hardware level controls
• 24-bit/96kHz support
• Compatible with OSX, Windows, and iOS

USER‘S MANUAL
9
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
7. WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Your uTrack24 comes with the following materials:
• uTrack 24
• AC/DC Power Adapter and power cable
• Removable Rack Ears
• USB Cable
• Printed Quick Start Guide
8. HOW TO USE THIS USER’S MANUAL
• This document is the full user’s manual for the uTrack24. Refer to it for the most
comprehensive information about the uTrack24 and all of its operations.
• A printed “Quick Start Guide” is included in the box. Refer to the quick start guide for a
concise how-to lesson on getting started with the product.
• The uTrack24 works with free downloadable software named “uTool”, that allows you to
convert the uTrack24’s multi-channel broadcast wave les into standard mono wave les.
Download uTool and its user’s manual at www.cymaticaudio.com/downloads.
• The uTrack24 can be controlled by the free-of-charge uRemote software, which allows you
to control your device and view its functions using a large color screen of your iPhone, iPad,
or laptop/desktop computer. Full documentation for uRemote is available www.cymaticaudio.
com/downloads.

USER‘S MANUAL
10 UTRACK24 FRONT PANEL
9. UTRACK24 FRONT PANEL
1
2
3 4 7 8 9 10 12 13 14
11 156
5
1. USB 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 uTrack supports USB
drives from sizes ranging from 2GB to 16TB.
2. Front Panel Display
This monochrome 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. When playing back audio, this button helps to setup the
playback loop.
5. BACK Button
Press the BACK button to navigate backwards through the menu trees. Pushing it multiple times
will return you to the home screen.
6. BROWSE Button
Press the BROWSE button to switch the BROWSER screen on/off. In the BROWSER screen you
can navigate the les on the attached USB drive and select them for playback.
Long press the BROWSE button to instantly go to the root (top) level of the le directory on the
attached hard drive.
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.
8. STOP Button
Press the STOP button to stop a current recording, or to stop the unit from playing back audio.
9. PLAY Button
Press the PLAY button to begin playback of the currently loaded audio project. When recording,
each press of the PLAY button will add a new marker at the current timeline location.

USER‘S MANUAL
11
UTRACK24 FRONT PANEL
1
2
3 4 7 8 9 10 12 13 14
11 156
5
10. RECORD Button
Press the RECORD button to begin a new recording. The uTrack24 is always ready to start a new
recording as soon as the RECORD button is pressed.
!NOTE: when the uTrack24 is neither playing back nor in playlist-mode, it will automatically switch
to “pre-recording” mode. This means that it will constantly buffer a minimum of 2.7 seconds
(depending on the number of recorded channels, sample rate and resolution) of the incoming
audio signal and write this audio data to the recorded le once you have pressed the record
button.
This means that if you do not remember to press RECORD until the band actually starts playing,
you will still have all of the rst song’s audio recorded as long as you press RECORD within a few
moments of the downbeat of the rst song.
In short; the uTrack24 allows you to capture the whole performance, even if you pressed the
RECORD button a few seconds too late!
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:
○Green: -30dB
○Yellow: -6dB
○Red: Overload
• When working with the onboard monitor mixer for recording or playback, the meter bridge
operates as a single, 24-segment input/output meter for the currently selected channel
(“channel focus mode”).
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 onboard monitor mixer (standalone recorder/player mode) or outputs 1-2 of your DAW
software (Computer Audio Interface).
13. Headphone Volume Control
Rotate this control 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. The uTrack24’s onboard headphone amplier outputs a strong, clean signal to the
connected headphones.
15. Footswitch Connector
Connect a standard two-position footswitch to this connector for hands-free operation of various
functions. For specics, see “footswitch” in the menus section of this document.

USER‘S MANUAL
12 UTRACK24 REAR PANEL
10. UTRACK24 REAR PANEL
main out
wordclock
sync
1
out
in
2
out
in
OUTPUT
17 - 24
INPUT
17 - 24
OUTPUT
9-16
INPUT
9-16
OUTPUT
1-8
INPUT
1-8
usb
network
12vdc
uTrack
24
midi out
1
3
2
4
7
8
9
10
11
6
5
1. Option Card Slot
The uTrack24 can be tted with an optional 24-input, 24-output option card that provides an
alternate audio I/O path from the onboard analog I/O. The rst currently available card is a MADI
I/O card; more avors of digital I/O will be available in the future.
This option brings a powerful level of exibility 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.
2. Analog Outputs 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
3. Analog Inputs 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
Both the analog inputs and outputs operate at balanced line level, +20dB, and are congured as
three separate, 8-channel, 25-pin D-subminiature connectors. The D-sub connectors are wired
to the “Tascam Standard” as shown below.
G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H
H = HOT • C = COLD • G = GROUND
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

USER‘S MANUAL
13
UTRACK24 REAR PANEL
main out
wordclock
sync
1
out
in
2
out
in
OUTPUT
17 - 24
INPUT
17 - 24
OUTPUT
9-16
INPUT
9-16
OUTPUT
1-8
INPUT
1-8
usb
network
12vdc
uTrack
24
midi out
1
3
2
4
7
8
9
10
11
6
5
4. Main Outputs
The main outputs carry a two-channel signal that can be sourced from either:
• The stereo output of the onboard 24-channel monitor mixer. In this scenario, the main
outputs allow you to monitor a stereo mix of the 24 input or output channels, on a pair of
connected monitor speakers.
• Output channels 1-2 of your favorite DAW software. In this scenario, the main outputs allow
you to monitor a stereo mix of your DAW session, when using the uTrack24 as a computer
audio interface in a recording studio.
The main outputs are balanced ¼” tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connectors, operating at +4dB.
5. Word Clock Input
The uTrack24 can be “slaved” to an external word clock signal by connecting it to the BNC word
clock input. This allows the uTrack24 to be properly integrated into a larger complement of digital
audio equipment, where the clock signals of all connected equipment need to be synchronized.
Adjust the uTrack24’s “Word Clock” menu to congure it to slave to an incoming external clock,
as opposed to running on its own internal clock. The settings bar at the top of the LCD screen will
indicate whether the uTrack24 is using an internal or external clock signal.
6. Word Clock Output
This connector outputs a standard digital word clock signal, running at the sample rate that the
uTrack24 is currently set to. The word clock output is useful when you want to use the uTrack24
as a “clock master” and wish to slave other digital equipment to its internal clock signal.
7. Synchronization Input/Output Connectors (Not Yet Available in Current Firmware)
These are used to synchronize multiple uTrack24 units into a larger, 48-track recording system.
8. MIDI Output Connector
The MIDI output connector outputs MIDI data from a SMF (Standard MIDI File) that resides in the
same folder as a project’s audio les.
This allows the uTrack24 to output MIDI data to a software synthesizer, MIDI controlled lighting
system, effects switching system, etc., synchronized and in time with audio data that is played
out of the uTrack24’s audio outputs.
9. USB Connector
The rear panel USB computer connects to the USB port of a Windows or OS X computer, as well
as to the USB port of an iPad camera connection accessory. Upon doing so, the uTrack24 acts
as a 24-input, 24-output computer audio interface.
The ability to record 24 separate audio inputs to your favorite DAW allows you to record a large
musical ensemble while still keeping each player and instrument separated, for maximum
exibility.
The 24 separate outputs allow for great exibility in routing outputs from a DAW session, such
as sending many separate headphone mixes to an external headphone amplier, or sending 24
separate channels of audio to an external analog mixer, for “mixing out of the box”.

USER‘S MANUAL
14 UTRACK24 REAR PANEL
main out
wordclock
sync
1
out
in
2
out
in
OUTPUT
17 - 24
INPUT
17 - 24
OUTPUT
9-16
INPUT
9-16
OUTPUT
1-8
INPUT
1-8
usb
network
12vdc
uTrack
24
midi out
1
3
2
4
7
8
9
10
11
6
5
10. Network Connector
This RJ-45 connector allows connection of the uTrack24 to a standard Ethernet network. The
network connection can be used for two different functions:
• Updating the uTrack24’s rmware over a network connection
• Controlling the uTrack24 from the free uRemote software, running on an iPhone, iPad, or
Windows/OS X computer that is connected to the same local area network
11. Power Connector
Connect the included external power supply to this connector. Do not connect any other power
supply except the one that was supplied with your uTrack24.
Note that the uTrack24 does not contain an “on/off” power switch; this is by design, as it reduces
the possibility of accidentally shutting down the unit during a critical recording from pressing a
power switch.
As long as the power supply connector is attached and connected to a wall-power source, the
uTrack24 will always be powered on.

USER‘S MANUAL
15
USING THE UTRACK24 WITH A MIXER TO RECORD A LIVE CONCERT
11. USING THE UTRACK24 WITH A MIXER TO
RECORD A LIVE CONCERT
Mixer Direct
Outputs
Mixer Line
Inputs
24-Channel
Analog Mixer
uTrack24
Outputs uTrack24
Stereo Headphones
The uTrack24 is the perfect tool for capturing 24 individual tracks of a live concert, which can then
be imported into your DAW software of choice. The physical connections work as follows:
• Connect 24 balanced, direct outs of an analog mixer to the analog inputs of the uTrack24
• Connect a pair of headphones to the uTrack24’s front panel phones jack, or a set of monitors
to the rear panel main output; You can monitor and adjust an onboard stereo mix of the
24-track recording, without the hassle, expense, and cabling of connecting an outboard
monitor mixer.
• At the same time, the uTrack24 allows you to play back 24 channels of multi-track audio
back into the live sound console, perfect for performing a “virtual sound check” using
recordings of previous performances, or for expanding live performers with individual pre-
recorded tracks.
• Connect the analog outputs of the uTrack24 to the line inputs of the mixer. The FOH operator
can switch to the mixer channel’s line inputs to monitor the uTrack24’s 24 channels of
playback.

USER‘S MANUAL
16 USING THE UTRACK24 WITH A RECORDING SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS
12. USING THE UTRACK24 WITH A RECORDING
SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS
24-Channel
Splitter Snake
(3) 8-Channel
Microphone
Préamplifiers
Stereo
Headphones
uTrack24
Stereo
Powered
Monitors
In some instances, you may wish to use the uTrack24 in a higher end remote recording setup,
with a dedicated recording split of the stage snake (as opposed to the mixer’s direct outputs).
In this case, the connections would work as follows:
• The stage microphone signals are connected to a microphone splitter containing a
dedicated split of recorder outputs
• Connect the recorder outputs (mic level signals) to the inputs of the microphone
preampliers
• Connect the line level outputs of the microphone preamps to the analog inputs of the
uTrack 24
• Connect a pair of headphones to the front panel phones jack, to monitor a stereo mix of the
uTrack24’s multi-track recording
• If you are working in an acoustically separated space from the musicians themselves, you
can also connect a pair of powered monitors to the uTrack’s rear panel main outputs. This
will allow you to monitor the onboard stereo mix on a pair of powered monitors speakers and
also adjust the monitoring volume using the front panel volume control

USER‘S MANUAL
17
GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
13. GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND
PL AYBACK
13.1. Preparing the attached USB drive for recording
The uTrack24 records 24 separate tracks of 24-bit audio, directly to any off-the-shelf USB drive;
No computer required! The attached USB drive must be formatted in the “Fat32” format.
! In order to ensure that the USB drive is optimally formatted for audio recording, it highly advised
that you format the attached USB drive using the uTrack24’s “Format USB Drive” menu function.
To do so, press MENU, scroll to “UTILITIES”, then press the encoder to select “Format USB
Drive”. After verifying you want to do so, you will see the following screen:
When formatting has completed, you will see this screen:
If no drive is connected and you attempt to use the format command, you will see this message:
! NOTE: As there are many different ways and systems to format drives, we STRONGLY SUGGEST
you format your USB storage with the uTrack24’s format menu BEFORE recording. This will
ensure that your storage is formatted in an optimal way for recording.
Using your own computer to format the USB drive for recording may lead to a decrease in storage
performance and/or loss of audio!!
! NOTE: All existing data and partitions on the drive will be lost when formatting.

USER‘S MANUAL
18 GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
13.2. USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives
When recording audio with the uTrack24 and a connected USB drive, it is important to understand
the difference between the two key types of USB drives available in the marketplace
13.2.1. USB Hard Drive
A USB hard drive is a traditional “moving parts” hard drive that records its data on spinning
platters. This is the recommended type of USB drive to use with the uTrack24, as its data read/
write speeds are the most reliable and consistent
You are free to use two different types of USB hard drives with the uTrack24:
13.2.2. USB Flash Drive
A USB Flash drive is a USB drive that uses ash memory and contains no moving parts. Examples
of a USB ash drive would be:
• USB “thumb drives” or “keychain drives”, small in size and available in capacities of 4GB
through 128 GB.
• USB “Solid State Drives” (aka SSD), commonly houses in a 2.5” drive enclosure and
commanding a price premium. Common sizes include 120 Gigabytes through 1 Terabyte.
It is NOT recommended to use the uTrack24 with either of the above two types of USB ash
drives; the nature of these drives results in them offering unreliable read/write speeds. Although
they can offer very fast AVERAGE data read/write speeds, they are subject to occasional pauses
in data writing. This is not practical for a device like the uTrack24 that needs to constantly write a
data stream to the attached disk in order to avoid dropouts.
13.2.3. Auto-Detection of USB Drive Type
When a USB drive is attached to the front panel USB port, the attached drive is mounted and
then the uTrack24 optimizes itself for reading and writing the drive. With large drives it may take
around half a minute to complete this process.
• The default recording parameters for the uTrack24 are 24 tracks, 24-bit, 48 kHz.
• A USB hard drive is most often fast enough to handle these settings with no dropouts
whatsoever. It is still recommended to always perform a test recording the length of your
planned recording, using the same drive you will use at the event.
• If the drive reports itself as a USB ash drive, the uTrack24 will additionally show a warning
screen which alerts you that dropouts may occur with this type of USB drive

USER‘S MANUAL
19
GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
• The uTrack24 then automatically sets the recording parameters to a lower value of 16-bit, 16
tracks, in case they were preset to higher values.
These settings require less data throughput from the attached drive, and are thus more likely
to work correctly with a ash drive. You are still free to then change the recording settings
using the RECORDING menu, but again you should perform a long test recording to make
sure the USB drive you plan to use is sufciently fast.
In summary, to have condence that your recordings will be 100% dropout free, each and every
time, follows these steps:
• Use a USB hard drive; do NOT use a USB ash drive
• Format the attached drive using the uTrack24 format utility, do NOT format the drive using
your computer
• Perform a test recording using your planned USB hard drive, making sure the test recording
is as long, or longer than the event you plan to record. Check that you do not see any
dropouts reported on the recording page at the end of the recording, and that you do not
see a dropouts log le in the take folder of the USB drive, when you mount the drive on your
computer.
• Always re-format the USB hard drive, using the uTrack24 format utility, each and every time
you record a new event. Although this is technically not required, it reduces the chance of
cluttering up your hard drive with multiple recordings from different dates, and causing disk
fragmentation.
As long as you do not see any dropouts during your test recording, and you reformat your drive on
the uTrack24 before the real recording, your recordings should be error free each and every time.
Since the read/write speed of a freshly formatted USB hard drive is a consistent and known
quantity that never changes (unlike a USB ash drive), you can be condent that the real recording
will occur exactly as the test recording did.
13.3. Starting a Recording
The uTrack24 defaults to the following settings for a recording:
• 24 tracks
• 24-bit
• 48 kHz
To change any of the above settings, navigate to the RECORDING menu. See section “uTrack24
System Menus” for more details.
To begin a recording, simply press the front panel RECORD button. The uTrack24 will immediately
begin writing the audio from its internal buffers to the attached USB drive. The screen will switch
to the RECORD screen. For the rst two seconds, the number of active recording channels
are displayed on the screen and the corresponding channel LEDs will blink. The screen then
continues with showing the recording time.
When the uTrack24 is neither playing back nor in playlist-mode, it will automatically operate
in “pre-recording” mode. This means that it will constantly buffer a minimum of 2.7 seconds
(depending on the number of recorded channels, sample rate and resolution) of the incoming
audio signal and write this audio data to the recorded le once have pressed the record button.

USER‘S MANUAL
20 GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
13.4. 24-Channel Input Metering
The front panel of the uTrack24 contains 24 separate LEDs; each one serves as an individual
3-color input level meter for the corresponding record channel.
This allows you to monitor the incoming signal level for each track, and adjust the output level of
the signal source accordingly.
13.5. Adding Markers
During recording the uTrack24 allows you to add up to 99 “markers” per take. Markers are
locational references that help you remember different spots in the recording (song 1, song 2,
verse, chorus, etc.)
To add a new marker while a recording is taking place, press the PLAY button. A new marker will
be created and the “Markers” eld on the screen will increment by one digit.
If supported by your DAW, these markers will be visible in the DAW session after you have
imported your les. The markers can also be used to split your recordings at the marker points
when using the WavTool to copy the recording from your USB device.
13.6. Gapless Recording
Pressing the RECORD button while recording creates a new take without losing a sample. The
recording parameters of the new take are the same as the previous take. Further, these tracks
can be played back gaplessly inside a playlist.
13.7. Playing Back Audio
To playback a take you have just recorded, simply press the front panel PLAY button.
To navigate to a different take on the attached USB drive, you can either:
• Use the skip back and skip forward buttons, or the rotary encoder, to navigate among the
available different takes
• Press the BROWSE button, use the encoder to navigate to the folder that contains the audio
data and then select the specic take you wish to load for playback
13.8. Autoplay on Startup
The uTrack24 has the ability to automatically playback a playlist upon powering up.
This feature can be very useful when the uTrack24 is used in installed sound setups where a
certain playlist should always be playing when the device is on.
To do so using the Playlist Editor:
• Create your desired playlist
• Check the ‘Autoplay on device boot-up’ checkbox below the Playlist Name eld