Lynx LT-FW User manual

User Manual
Lynx Studio Technology, Inc.
www.lynxstudio.com
[email protected]
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www.interstage.dk
-pro audio with a smile

User Manual
Table of Contents
1Introduction.................................................................................................................3
1.1 Overview ................................................................................................................3
1.2 Features...................................................................................................................4
2Before you begin..........................................................................................................4
2.1 In the box................................................................................................................5
2.2 Operational requirements .......................................................................................5
3Nomenclature Used in this manual............................................................................7
4Warranty Registration................................................................................................7
5Installation Procedures...............................................................................................8
5.1 Multiple Aurora Configurations...........................................................................11
5.2 Clock Settings and Connections...........................................................................11
5.3 Installing the Driver and Aurora Remote Control Application............................12
6Getting Started ..........................................................................................................15
6.1 Windows Quick Audio Test.................................................................................15
6.2 Macintosh Quick Audio Test................................................................................17
7Aurora Remote Control Application Reference.....................................................19
7.1 Starting the Aurora Remote Control Application within Windows.....................19
7.2 Starting the Aurora Remote Control Application within OS X............................19
7.3 General Operation.................................................................................................19
8Using the LT-FW.......................................................................................................28
8.1 Channel Modes.....................................................................................................28
8.2 Application Setup.................................................................................................30
9Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................37
10 Support....................................................................................................................40
10.1 Lynx Website Support Resources.....................................................................40
10.2 Telephone Support ............................................................................................40
10.3 Registering your LT-FW...................................................................................40
10.4 Return Policy.....................................................................................................41
10.5 Locating the Serial Number of Your LT-FW....................................................41
11 License Agreement.................................................................................................41
12 Warranty Information...........................................................................................42
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1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the LT-FW™! We are proud to provide you with a reliable,
professional-quality product for your digital audio requirements.
This manual provides basic information to help you get started. Additional information is
available via our web site and email support. Please refer to Section 10, Support, at the end of
this manual for support contact information.
The LT-FW is an LSlot expansion interface that is designed to allow the Aurora professional
audio AD/DA converters to be used with IEEE-1394a FireWire equipped laptop and desktop
computers. The LT-FW can be used with Windows or Mac based systems, with a convenient
and easy-to-use software interface for setting parameters, managing volume levels, viewing
real-time meters, etc. Up to 32-channels of simultaneous I/O are possible with an Aurora 16,
and up to 16-channels with an Aurora 8.
1.1 Overview
The Aurora/LT-FW turns your computer into a powerful digital audio workstation, giving
you up to 16 channels of professional AES/EBU digital input and output and up to 16
channels of mastering quality analog inputs and outputs at sampling rates up to 192 kHz. The
included remote control application provides zero-latency monitoring, accurate metering,
adapter configuration and flexible routing capabilities. With support for WDM and ASIO on
Windows computers and Core Audio with OS X Macintosh computers, virtually all
professional audio applications can work with the LT-FW.
The LT-FW features two industry-standard IEEE-1394a FireWire ports, allowing up to two
LT-FW equipped Auroras to be daisy-chained off of a single FireWire connection.
Installation of the LT-FW into an Aurora is straightforward, as is the driver installation
routine (Please note that no driver install is required for OS X – native support is provided by
the operating system).
The Aurora Remote Control application includes an LT-FW control panel where important
parameters can be established, such as buffer size and channel mode. The LT-FW channel
modes allow different configurations of the interface, whereby I/O channel number and type
can be defined. This provides access to the physical I/O ports that are required, while
optimizing the amount of processing power that is required by the interface. For instance, an
Aurora 16 will consume less CPU power when used in an 8 or 16-channel configuration, as
opposed to a 32-channel configuration.
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1.2 Features
 Two FireWire 400 (IEEE-1394a) ports
 Up to 32 channels of analog and digital I/O at 96 kHz
 Up to 16 channels of analog and digital I/O at 192 kHz
 Works with Apple and Windows PCs, including laptops, with compatible FireWire ports
 Supports ASIO and WDM for Windows and CoreAudio for Mac OS X
 All relevant settings, such as sample rate selection, sync source selection, channel
routing, latency, and buffer size are enabled, controlled and monitored from the host
computer
 Full WDM implementation allows multiple channel support of 5.1 and 7.1 surround
playback formats
 The two FireWire connectors allow daisy chaining of LT-FW equipped Auroras
 Easily installed into Aurora
 Ideal for in-studio or remote recording applications
2 Before you begin
We recommend that you read through the entire manual to acquire an overview of the
installation procedure and use of the LT-FW. This manual will presume a working
knowledge of the Aurora converter. For additional information, please refer to the Aurora
User Manual.
It is also highly recommended that you have a good working knowledge of Windows and/or
Macintosh operating system basics and an understanding of computer hardware basics. This
information is widely available on the web and from various computer hardware and
software manufacturers.
We also strongly recommend you familiarize yourself with the basics of digital audio and
computer recording, and particularly with the basic functionality of your chosen audio
software. A solid grasp of the operational fundamentals of your Digital Audio Workstation
software and its user interface will go a long way toward enhancing your experience with the
LT-FW.
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2.1 In the box
The following items are included in your AES16 carton:
 LT-FW card in an antistatic bag
 One 6’ long 4-pin to 6-pin IEEE-1394a FireWire Cable
 One 6’ long 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE-1394a FireWire Cable
 Lynx Installation CD containing current drivers and this manual
 Warranty registration card
 Quick Start Guide
 ½” Standoff Post
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or Lynx at
http://www.lynxstudio.com.
2.2 Operational requirements
There are three essential elements that must be met for compatibility with the LT-FW:
1. The host computer must have a compatible and functional FireWire interface.
2. The host computer must meet the system requirements necessary for correct functioning
of the LT-FW.
3. The Aurora must have firmware revision 18 or above.
It also is important to note that most professional audio applications place significant
demands on your computer’s resources, and it is therefore recommended that you meet or
exceed the recommended system requirements for your Digital Audio Workstation software,
which will likely be greater than those listed for the LT-FW. Please refer to your audio
software’s documentation for more information.
2.2.1 FireWire Chipsets
The Aurora/LT-FW can be used with most OHCI compliant FireWire adapters and integrated
FireWire ports on laptop and desktop computers. It is a FW400 (IEEE-1394a) device, but
FW800 (IEEE-1394b) interfaces should also work with the appropriate adapter cable, as
backwards compatibility is integral to the IEEE-1394b specification.
2.2.2 Windows
Pentium III class computer or better
 64 MB RAM
 One OHCI compliant FW400 (IEEE-1394a) or FW800 (IEEE-1394b) port
 Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
 Windows 2000, Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit), Windows 2003 Server or Windows Vista
(32-bit or 64-bit)
NOTE: The LT-FW is not supported under Windows 95, 98 or ME.
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2.2.3 Macintosh
Apple Macintosh G4 or later
 64 MB RAM
 One OHCI compliant FW400 (IEEE-1394a) or FW800 (IEEE-1394b) port
 Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
 Macintosh OS X (10.4 or higher)
NOTE: The LT-FW is not supported under OS 9.
2.2.4 Insuring compatible firmware on the Aurora
The LT-FW requires your Aurora converter to have Firmware Version 18 or later. This
should be verified prior to installing and configuring the LT-FW card. To determine what
firmware revision your Aurora has installed, press the TRIM and POWER buttons at the
same time with the power to the Aurora off. If the LED flashes over the numbers 1 on the
input row & 8 on the output row or above (i.e. 1&8, 1&9, etc.) in the Aurora Meter Display,
then your unit is compatible with the LT-FW. If pressing Power and Trim does not cause
any LEDs to flash, causes a sequence lower than 18 to flash, or causes a single number to
flash, then your unit needs to be updated.
Updating the Aurora firmware to version 18 may require a Lynx AES16 PCI audio interface.
If your Aurora has firmware version 13, it can also be updated by an Apple Macintosh
running OS X via MIDI, or by a PC running Windows via MIDI or IrDA. The Aurora
firmware updater program and instructions for use are available for download from the Lynx
website at Support > Latest Driver Download. If your unit requires an AES16 to update
because it has rev 12 or earlier, and you do not have access to one, there are two options for
customers within the USA and Canada:
• Option 1: Send the Aurora and LT-FW to Lynx Studio Technology in California. We will
update the Aurora, install the LT-FW and do a full diagnostic test within one day of
receipt. It will be return shipped via 2-Day Air.
• Option 2: Lynx Studio Technology will loan you an AES16 for updating the firmware in
your Aurora. For more information on the procedure and any questions, contact
[email protected] or call [phone] extension 206.
If you are outside of the USA or Canada, please contact your local distributor for additional
firmware update options.
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3 Nomenclature Used in this manual
The following typographic conventions are used in this manual:
 ALL UPPER CASE TEXT refers to a specific parameter selection control (i.e. SYNC
SOURCE) or a cable connection.
 Text in quotation marks indicates a parameter selection value or menu option (i.e.
“EXT”).
Phrases, such as: Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology use the greater than symbol
(“>”) to indicate multiple menu options or mouse selections within a software control
context.
4 Warranty Registration
Lynx is committed to providing you with the best service possible. To help us serve you
better, please be sure to register your LT-FW using one of the following methods:
Fill out and mail the Warranty Registration Card included with your LT-FW.
Register on the web at: http://www.lynxstudio.com/support.html
Once you are registered you will automatically receive notifications of new products and
upgrades.
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5 Installation Procedures
1. Remove the AC power cord and take the top cover off of the Aurora. There are seven
large screws plus one small screw near the center of the front faceplate that holds the top
cover on.
2. Before installing the LT-FW card, you must change a jumper setting on the Aurora that
corrects the current draw for an Aurora with an LT-FW.
If you are updating a Rev A. Aurora, remove jumper W3 from the JP6 header on the
Aurora main board.
If you are updating a Rev B Aurora, slide switch 4 (labeled W4 on PCB) of SW1 to the
OFF position (towards back panel).
3. Remove the LSlot Expansion Port cover above the AES I/O Ports by removing the two
mounting screws. Set these two screws aside, as they will be used to secure the LT-FW
after installation.
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4. Remove the screw from the Aurora circuit board that is adjacent to the JP1 connector and
the white serial number/barcode label. Set the screw aside for reuse.
5. Install the standoff post (included with the LT-FW) in this same hole.
6. Grounding yourself to earth ground, remove the LT-FW from its protective static bag.
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7. Attach the multi-pin connector on the back edge of the LT-FW to the LSlot connector
(JP1) on the Aurora main board. When the LT-FW connector pins appear to be lined up
correctly with the Aurora LSlot connector, press gently until the connector snaps into
place. In some cases, the board may need to be gently flexed for the LSlot connector pins
to line up correctly with JP1 on the Aurora main board.
Use caution to insure that the pins line up as shown.
Incorrect installation could damage the unit.
8. Secure the LT-FW with three screws; one on the standoff and two from the back panel of
Aurora. Keep screws loose until the LT-FW is properly aligned, then tighten snugly, but
do not over tighten.
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9. Reinstall the Aurora top cover using the eight screws that had been removed in step 1. Do
not over tighten the small screw near the center of the front faceplate as it is easily
damaged.
10. Plug in and power up the Aurora using the front panel standby switch. You can see the
LT-FW from the slits in the Aurora top cover. If the green LED on the LT-FW lights up,
the installation was successful. If the LED does not light, unplug the Aurora and re-
mount the LT-FW, making sure that it is securely attached. Then plug in and power up
again. If the green LED still does not light, please contact Lynx Customer Support.
5.1 Multiple Aurora Configurations
It is possible to use multiple LT-FW equipped Auroras with a single FireWire port. Simply
daisy chain units with FireWire patch cables. Either of the two IEEE-1394a FireWire ports
can be used to connect to a host computer or to connect to other Auroras. It is important to
verify that all Auroras and LT-FWs have the same firmware revision. Please refer to Section
2.2.4 Insuring compatible firmware on the Aurora, for more information about updating the
Aurora firmware.
5.2 Clock Settings and Connections
Please see Section 2.6 Clock Settings and Connections, of the Aurora User Manual for
information about correct clocking of the Aurora within a digital audio system. When used
with an LT-FW, the SYNC SOURCE must be selected from within the Aurora Remote
Control application. The Aurora front panel controls are “locked out” when used with a
FireWire system.
5.2.1 Using the Internal Clock
We recommend using Internal as the SYNC SOURCE for the best clock performance.
When the Windows MME or DirectSound driver is used, the Aurora will not automatically
change to the sample rate of the audio being played. The desired sample rate should be
selected from the Aurora Remote Control application prior to initiating playback. If this is
not done, then the audio will be sample rate converted by the operating system, which can
result in degraded audio quality.
When ASIO is used, the sample rate will change automatically to reflect the rate of the
current project.
5.2.2 Using External / AES A / AES B Clock
The Aurora can slave to a master clock / house clock source via Word clock or via its AES
inputs. In this state, it is also important to verify that the clock source is operating at the same
sample rate as the audio being played, no matter what driver model is being used by the LT-
FW. See the Aurora manual for more information about these SYNC SOURCE choices.
PLEASE NOTE: When an external master clock source is used with an LT-FW equipped
Aurora, sample rate changes from the clock source can result in a loss of connectivity
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between the host computer and the LT-FW. In order to avoid this, it is CRITICAL that the
correct sequence is followed when changing sample rates is necessary.
For WDM applications under Windows, the desired sample rate should be selected in the
ARC Settings Page prior to changing the sample rate on the master clock source.
For ASIO (Windows) and Core Audio (OS X), one should launch the audio project or audio
file at the new rate, then change the rate on the master clock source to match. When the
project rate and Aurora rate do not match, audio play and record will not be possible and the
Aurora Remote Control application will not operate.
5.2.3 Using LSlot Clock
When an LT-FW equipped Aurora is used with a computer, it is possible to have the Aurora
slave to the clock generated by the computer via the FireWire interface. This would be the
case when LSLOT is selected as the SYNC SOURCE. As a general rule, we do not
recommend this clocking scheme. The clock signal generated by a FireWire adapter can be
very inaccurate. Although SynchroLock is capable of regenerating poor quality clock
sources, in many cases the FireWire-generated clock can fall outside of SynchroLock’s
usable range, and the Aurora sound quality will be adversely affected.
5.3 Installing the Driver and Aurora Remote Control Application
The Lynx Installation CD contains all driver files and utilities mentioned in the subsequent
installation steps, as well as the LT-FW manual, driver release notes and test files. If you do
not have a CD-ROM drive or need a more recent version, these files are available on our
website at http://www.lynxstudio.com/download.html.
If you have downloaded more recent drivers than those included on your Lynx Installation
CD, the following instructions can still be followed, just launch the driver install file from the
download rather than from the CD. If a previous driver version is present, it will
automatically be removed as part of the driver installation process.
5.3.1 Windows 2000, XP (32-bit or 64-bit), 2003 Server, or Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
1. Power on the Aurora. From the front panel, set the TO ANALOG OUT and TO
DIGITAL OUT parameters to “LSLOT”.
2. The LT-FW driver should be installed prior to connecting the Aurora to the computer.
Insert the Lynx Installation CD into your computer’s disk drive.
3. Locate the Windows\LT-FW folder on the CD. Double-click the
LTFWSetup.exe file.
4. When prompted, accept the default destination folder of C:\Lynx and click “Install”.
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5. Click “Next >” on the welcome screen
6. Accept the default destination folder for the driver files
7. Click “Next >”from the driver setup screen to start the installation process.
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8. At the next screen you’ll be prompted to disconnect and reconnect your devices. At this
point connect the appropriate FireWire cable between the Aurora and the FireWire port
on your computer. Make sure that the Aurora is powered on. Click “Next >”.
9. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It
is safe to disregard this warning and select “Continue Anyway.”
10. When the installation is finished, you can launch the Aurora Remote Control application.
For more information, see Section 7, Aurora Remote Control Application Reference.
5.3.2 OS X
1. The LT-FW uses the built-in FireWire audio driver in OSX. No additional driver
installation is required. Power on the Aurora. From the front panel, set the TO ANALOG
OUT and TO DIGITAL OUT parameters to “LSLOT”.
2. Simply connect the appropriate FireWire cable from the Aurora to the computer’s
FireWire port. The Aurora driver devices will immediately become available to Core
Audio applications.
3. To install the Aurora Remote Control application, locate the OS X/LT-FW folder on the
CD. Double-click the AuroraRemoteInstaller.pkg file. For more information, see Section
7, Aurora Remote Control Application Reference.
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6 Getting Started
With the LT-FW drivers and Aurora Remote Control application installed, the Aurora can
now be used with most popular third-party audio applications. However, it is a good practice
to verify that the installation was successful and test the Aurora with the following
procedure.
6.1 Windows Quick Audio Test
The installation of your LT-FW can be tested using the Aurora Remote Control application
and the Lynx Demo application included on the Lynx Installation CD. This is a quick way of
verifying that the interface is installed correctly and properly connected to your external
equipment.
1. Connect the Analog Outputs of the Aurora to monitoring equipment capable of delivering
an audio signal for listening via headphones or speakers. Depending on your external
equipment, you may be using the Lynx CBL-AOUT85 or a third party equivalent. Verify
that Analog Outs 1 & 2 of the Aurora are connected to your external equipment. These
are the outputs used for this test.
2. For this test we will set the Aurora on Internal as the clock source. To do so, launch the
Aurora Remote Control application. Click the Digital I/O and Settings tab. Make sure
that the SYNC SOURCE is set to “Internal”.
3. On the Digital I/O and Settings page of the ARC, verify that TO ANALOG OUT is set to
“LSlot In”.
4. Open the Lynx Demo application by clicking Start > All Programs > Lynx Studio
Technology > Lynx Demo, or locate Windows/Demo32.exe on the Lynx Installation CD
and double-click to run it. The Lynx Demo program should appear in the upper left
corner of your screen. Make certain that the Play Device is set to Lynx Aurora Analog
Out 1-8
5. Locate “SineWaveMinus16.wav” in the support folder of the Lynx Installation CD. Drag
the file to the computer’s desktop.
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6. In Lynx Demo, click “File” and navigate to the computer’s Desktop, then select
“SineWaveMinus16.wav” and click “Open.”
7. Click “Play.” You should see the progress bar move from left to right.
8. Launch the Aurora Remote Control application. Click the Analog I/O tab. Check for
meter activity for Analog Outputs 1&2. If you have speakers or headphones connected to
your destination device, you should be hearing audio as well.
If the test did not operate as described or you received any errors, please refer to Section 0,
Troubleshooting.
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6.2 Macintosh Quick Audio Test
The installation of your LT-FW can be tested using the Aurora Remote Control application
and the Bias Peak demo application included on the Lynx Installation CD. This is a quick
way of verifying that the interface is installed correctly and properly connected to your
external equipment.
1. Install the Bias Peak demo that is included in the “Demos” folder on the Lynx Installation
CD, by clicking on the peakTrial.sit file and following the installation instructions.
2. Locate “SineWaveMinus16.aif” in the “support” folder of Lynx Installation CD. Drag the
file to the computer’s desktop.
3. Connect the Analog Outputs of the Aurora to monitoring equipment capable of delivering
an audio signal for listening via headphones or speakers. Depending on your external
equipment, you may be using the Lynx CBL-AOUT85 or a third party equivalent. Verify
that Analog Outs 1 & 2 from the Aurora are connected to your external equipment. These
are the outputs used for this test.
4. For this test we will set the Aurora to Internal as the clock source. To do so, launch the
Aurora Remote Control application. Click the Digital I/O and Settings tab. Make sure
that the SYNC SOURCE is set to “Internal”.
5. Launch the Peak Demo application by clicking the Peak 4 icon in the OS X sidebar, or
use Finder to launch Peak. Peak will prompt you to open an audio file. Choose
“SineWaveMinus16.aif” on the desktop and click “Open”.
6. In Peak, click “Audio Out” from the Audio menu. Verify that there is a check next to
“CoreAudio…”
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7. Click “Hardware Settings…” from the Audio menu. Verify that the LynxLTFW appears
as the Output device. Click “OK”.
8. Click “Play” from the Peak transport. You should see meter activity and the counter
progressing.
9. Open the Lynx Aurora Remote Control application. Click the Analog I/O tab. Check for
meter activity for Analog Outputs 1&2. If you have speakers or headphones connected to
your destination device, you should be hearing audio as well.
If the test did not operate as described or you received any errors, please refer to Section 0,
Troubleshooting.
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7 Aurora Remote Control Application Reference
The Aurora Remote Control (ARC) application allows control of Aurora parameters from a
convenient software interface. It also provides accurate real-time metering for all inputs and
outputs, and allows driver parameters such as buffer size and channel mode to be set. The
ARC is automatically installed with the Windows driver setup program, and is a separate
install under OS X (see Section 5.3, Installing the Driver and Aurora Remote Control
Application).
7.1 Starting the Aurora Remote Control Application within Windows
Make sure that the Aurora is powered up, and that the Aurora is connected to the computer
by a FireWire cable. From the Start Menu, click Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology
> Aurora Remote Control.
7.2 Starting the Aurora Remote Control Application within OS X
Make sure that the Aurora is powered up, and that the Aurora is connected to the computer
by a FireWire cable. From Finder, click Applications >Aurora.
7.3 General Operation
The Aurora Remote Control Application allows the user to control output levels, route inputs
to outputs, establish and save parameters, and view accurate meters for inputs and outputs on
a connected Aurora. Parameter changes will be reflected both on the Aurora front panel and
within the software application.
Some parameters can be established identically from the software or front panel. Other
parameters have extended functionality through the software, particularly routing functions
and setting trim levels. When these functions are modified in the software, the Aurora front
panel will indicate this by illuminating all the LEDs for that function. For instance, the front
panel choices for the button labeled TO ANALOG OUT and TO DIGITAL OUT are
“ANALOG IN”, “AES IN” and “LSLOT IN”. When selecting a choice from the front panel,
the LED will be illuminated for the active selection. If custom routing is established in the
software, all three LEDs will illuminate.
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When the Aurora Remote Control application is run via the LT-FW FireWire connection, the
Aurora will enter a “lock-out” mode where some front panel controls will be disabled, and
control is restricted to the ARC software. The following table details which front panel
functions are impacted by “lock out” mode:
qSAMPLE RATE
This button will not be active. The current operating sample rate will be indicated by the
corresponding LED.
w SYNC SOURCE
This button will not be active. The LED for the sync source, which has been selected
from within the Aurora Remote Control application, will illuminate. When the
computer’s FireWire adapter is the clock master, then LSLOT will illuminate as the
SYNC SOURCE.
If no clock signal is available for the SYNC SOURCE selected, the LED for the selected
source will flash, and the Aurora will operate from its internal clock.
e SynchroLock
This LED will function normally. See the Aurora manual a description of SynchroLock.
SynchroLock may be disabled from the Aurora Remote Control application.
r TO ANALOG OUT
This button will not be active. For operation with the LT-FW, either LSLOT IN or
Remote Routing mode with LSLOT sources assigned should be selected with the ARC
application. LSLOT In routes play streams from the computer, via the FireWire port, to
the Aurora’s Analog outputs. If any custom routing is initiated from within the ARC
application, all three LEDs will be illuminated, indicating that this parameter is being
controlled remotely.
t TO DIGITAL OUT
This button will not be active. For operation with the LT-FW, either LSLOT IN or
Remote Routing mode with LSLOT sources assigned should be selected with the ARC
application. LSLOT In routes play streams from the computer, via the FireWire port, to
the Aurora’s Digital outputs. If any custom routing is initiated from within the ARC
application, all three LEDs will be illuminated, indicating that this parameter is being
controlled remotely.
y IR/MIDI
This LED will function normally. See the Aurora manual for information.
u Peak Meters
These LEDs will function normally. See the Aurora manual for information.
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