cymatic audio uTrack 24 User manual

USER‘S MANUAL
Firmware Build 2469
April 2015
Firmware Version 2469

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 ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.6. Volume .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2. USAGE PRECAUTIONS .....................................................................................................5
2.1. Electrical interference ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3. LIMITED WARRANTY.........................................................................................................5
4. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................6
5. UPDATING YOUR UTRACK 24 TO THE LATEST FIRMWARE .........................................6
6. UTRACK 24 FEATURE LIST...............................................................................................6
7. WHAT’S IN THE BOX..........................................................................................................7
8. HOW TO USE THIS USER’S MANUAL ..............................................................................7
9. UTRACK 24 FRONT PANEL...............................................................................................8
10. UTRACK 24 REAR PANEL ...............................................................................................10
11. USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A MIXER TO RECORD A LIVE CONCERT...................12
12. USING THE UTRACK 24 WITH A RECORDING SPLIT/OUTBOARD MIC PREAMPS ...13
13. GETTING STARTED WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK ...........................................14
13.1. Preparing the attached USB drive for recording ............................................................................. 14
13.2. USB Hard Drives vs. USB Flash Drives.......................................................................................... 14
13. 2.1. USB Hard Drive.................................................................................................................................................14
13.2.2. USB Flash Drive................................................................................................................................................15
13.2.3. Auto-Detection of USB Drive Type ...................................................................................................................15
13.3. Starting a Recording ....................................................................................................................... 16
13.4. Pre-Recording Mode....................................................................................................................... 16
13.5. 24-Channel Input Metering ............................................................................................................. 16
13.6. Adding Markers............................................................................................................................... 16
13.7. Gapless Recording ..........................................................................................................................17
13.8. Playing Back Audio .........................................................................................................................17
13.9. Instant Playback...............................................................................................................................17
13.10. Autoplay on Startup .........................................................................................................................17
13.11. Looping Playback between In and Out Points ................................................................................ 18

USER‘S MANUAL
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14. UTRACK 24 FILE FORMATS............................................................................................19
15. UTRACK 24 FILE PLAYBACK MODES ............................................................................20
15 .1. Multitrack Mode............................................................................................................................... 20
15.2. Stereo Mode.................................................................................................................................... 20
15.3. Default Mode................................................................................................................................... 21
16. SETTINGS BAR ................................................................................................................22
17. RECORD PAGE ................................................................................................................24
18. MIX PAGE .........................................................................................................................24
19. LOADING AUDIO FILES FOR PLAYBACK .......................................................................26
20. PL AY PAGE .......................................................................................................................27
21. PLAYLIST SCREEN ..........................................................................................................28
22. UTRACK 24 SYSTEM MENUS .........................................................................................29
22.1. Clock Source Menu......................................................................................................................... 29
22.2. Footswitch Menu ............................................................................................................................. 30
22.3. Recording Menu.............................................................................................................................. 30
22.4. Playback Menu................................................................................................................................ 31
22.5. Utilities Menu .................................................................................................................................. 32
22.6. Load Settings .................................................................................................................................. 32
22.7. Save Settings .................................................................................................................................. 32
23. USING THE UTRACK 24 AS A COMPUTER AUDIO INTERFACE..................................33
23.1. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with Microsoft Windows .............................................. 33
23.1.1. Minimum System Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 33
23.1.2. WDM and ASIO driver installation ................................................................................................................... 33
23.1.3. uTrack 24 / Control Panel for PC...................................................................................................................... 33
23.2. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with an OS X ............................................................... 40
23.2.1. Minimum System Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 40
23.2.2. Driver Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 40
23.3. Using the uTrack 24 as an Audio Interface with an Apple® iPad®..................................................41
23.3.1. Minimum System requirements ........................................................................................................................41
23.3.2. Driver Installation ..............................................................................................................................................41
23.4. Control Room Features....................................................................................................................41
24. UPDATING THE FIRMWARE OF YOUR UTRACK 24 .....................................................41
24.1. Firmware update using the USB connection (PC only)....................................................................41
24.2. Firmware update using a Network Connection (PC & Mac) ........................................................... 42
25. LEGAL DISCLAIMER........................................................................................................45

USER‘S MANUAL
4SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.1. AC adapter operation
Be sure to use only an AC adapter, which supplies 12 V DC, 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 uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24 since this can cause
electric shock. Do not place naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, on the uTrack 24
since this can cause re. The uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24.
1.5. Alterations
Never open the case of the uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24 at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment.

USER‘S MANUAL
5
USAGE PRECAUTIONS
2. USAGE PRECAUTIONS
2.1. Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24, as the possibility of
interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the uTrack 24
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 uTrack 24. 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
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
6INTRODUCTION
4. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Cymatic Audio uTrack 24! The uTrack 24 is three powerful
products in one:
• A 24-track solid-state 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 uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24 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 alternate control mechanisms.
5. UPDATING YOUR UTRACK 24 TO THE LATEST FIRMWARE
The uTrack 24 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 2469,
which your uTrack 24 may not have come installed with.
The 2469 rmware build adds some news features to the unit and also adds compatibility with the
uRemote remote control software.
Download the latest uTrack 24 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.
6. UTRACK 24 FEATURE LIST
24-Channel Multitrack Recorder
• Allows connection of 24 channels of balanced input/output through 25-pin D-Sub connectors
• Alternate format 24x24 audio I/O using future optional digital expansion modules
• Up to 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate
• Records directly to standard USB drives, attached to convenient front-panel USB port
• 3-segment hardware input 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 uTrack 24 recorders for a total track count of 48 tracks *
• 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 uTrack 24 using uRemote
software, available for iPhone, iPad, OS X and Windows. For more information on uRemote,
please visit www.cymaticaudio.com
* Available in future rmware update

USER‘S MANUAL
7
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
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
7. WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Your uTrack 24 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. Refer to it for the most comprehensive information
about the uTrack 24 and all of its operations.
• An 8-page 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 uTrack 24 works with free downloadable software named “WavTool”, that allows you to
convert the uTrack 24’s multi-channel broadcast wave les into standard mono wave les.
Download the WavTool and its user’s manual at www.cymaticaudio.com/downloads
• The uTrack 24 also works with the free downloadable playlist editor software which allows
you to create custom playlist that can be played back on the uTrack 24. Download the
Playlist Editor and its user’s manual at www.cymaticaudio.com/downloads
• The uTrack 24 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
* Available in future rmware update

USER‘S MANUAL
8UTRACK 24 FRONT PANEL
9. UTRACK 24 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 uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24 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.
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
9
UTRACK 24 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 uTrack 24 is always ready to start a new
recording as soon as the RECORD button is pressed.
! Note: when the uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24’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
10 UTRACK 24 REAR PANEL
10. UTRACK 24 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 (Not Yet Functional in version 1.0 Firmware)
The uTrack 24 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.
This option brings a powerful level of exibility to the uTrack 24, 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 uTrack 24 that allows 24x24 channels of networked audio,
allowing the unit to conveniently integrate into large setups with a single cable.
For details of which specic Digital I/O Option cards will be available, please visit
www.cymaticaudio.com
2. 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
3. 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
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
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 uTrack 24 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 uTrack 24 can be “slaved” to an external word clock signal by connecting it to the BNC word
clock input. This allows the uTrack 24 to be properly integrated into a larger complement of digital
audio equipment, where the clock signals of all connected equipment need to be synchronized.