M-Audio MobilePre USB User manual

MobilePre USB
User’s Guide

Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start Guide is a very short, step-by-step guide to getting you
started right away at using your new M-Audio MobilePre USB.
Step 1: Run the Installer
Insert the included Install CD-ROM into your CD or DVD drive and
double-click the install program. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Depending on your operating system, you may be prompted to restart
your computer at the end of the installation procedure. If the installer
instructs you to restart, you must restart your computer.
Step 2: Connect the Audio Cables
Atypical system using the MobilePre USB has its two outputs connected
to a mixer or a pair of powered speakers. Connect a Microphone to the
Channel 1 XLR Input on the rear panel of the MobilePre USB.
Step 3: Connect the USB Cable
Connect the supplied USB cable to an open USB porton your computer.
Step 4: Test your Installation
Set your computer’s output to play out of the MobilePre USB and play and
audio file to test your connections. Launch an audio recording program,
arm one of the channels, and try recording some audio from a microphone
connected to the MobilePre USB’s inputs.
Still need more info? The following pages will walk you through the setup
and use of your MobilePre USB, in much greater detail.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MobilePre USB by M-Audio. MobilePre USB
is your audio upgrade for any PC or Macintosh computer*, utilizing the
convenience of your computer’s USB port—no tools, computer
disassembly, or power supply is needed; In fact, the MobilePre USB is also
class-compliant on Windows XP & Mac OS X 10.2.6 & higher, so no driver
installation is necessary—just Plug and Play.The MobilePre USB brings you
two high-quality line or microphone/instrument inputs and stereo outputs,
making it the perfect compact recording solution for any computer.
Please take the time to read this User Guide. It will tell you how to install
the MobilePre USB on your particular computer and instruct you on how
to get the most from your MobilePre USB audio interface.
*Must meet minimum system requirements
Package Contents
Your MobilePreUSB was carefullypacked at the factory, and the shipping
carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this
container in the unlikely event that you need to return your MobilePre
USB for service.
The following items are included with your MobilePre USB:
• MobilePre USB audio interface
• One (1) high-quality USB cable
• M-Audio Driver CD (includes driver installation software)
• Additional software installation CDs
• This Product Manual
• Warranty Card
Features of the MobilePre USB
• Portable 16-bit/48kHz audio upgrade for laptops and desktops
• Supports professional two-channel recording and playback
•Supports common sampling frequencies (see T
echnical Spec section)
• Extremely wide dynamic range and low signal-to-noise (see Technical
Spec section) for ultra-quiet, professional-quality recording
•Analog 1/4” unbalanced outputs for powered speakers or stereo receiver
• Completely USB-powered (no power supply required)
•Class-compliancy onWindows XP & Mac OS X (10.2.6 & higher) systems
•One-year warranty
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System Requirements
The MobilePre USB has been designed to work with Windows 98SE, ME,
2000, or XP and Mac OS 9.2.2 or OS X 10.1.5 and Jaguar (10.2.2). Specific
requirements include:
Windows PC:
Minimum Required—
• 350 MHz Pentium II
• 64MB RAM
• CD-ROM Drive
• Native USB 1.1 Port, on motherboard
• Windows® 98SE, 2000 (SP2), ME, or XP (SP1) Home or Pro (128 MB
RAM required for XP Pro)
Recommended—
• 700 MHz Pentium III
• 128MB RAM
• DVD-ROM Drive
• Windows 2000 (SP2) or XP (SP1) Home or Pro
Macintosh:
Minimum Required—
• Apple Macintosh® G3, 300MHz*; Apple Macintosh® G4, 350MHz*
• CD-ROM Drive
• Available built-in USB port
•Mac OS 9.2.2 or later with 128MB RAM; Mac OS X version 10.1.5,
10.2.6 or later with 256MB RAM
*CPU Accelerator cards not supported
Recommended—
• Apple Macintosh® G4, 500MHz*
• DVD-ROM Drive
• Mac OS X version 10.1.5, 10.2.6 or later with 512MB RAM
• Available built-in USB port
*CPU Accelerator cards not supported
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Software Setup
Your MobilePre USB comes with driver software that allows it to
communicate with your computer’s operating system: Windows or Mac
OS. Please skip to your computer’s operating system in this section and
follow those instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your MobilePre USB provides a USB connector
which accepts the standardUSB cable supplied with the unit. You
should install the software drivers, as described below, BEFORE
connecting the MobilePre USB to your computer. After installing the
included drivers, plug the “computer end” of the cable into your
computer’s USB port. When you are asked to connect your MobilePre
USB during the driver software installation, simply plug the “device
end” of the USB cable into your MobilePre USB (the “computer end”
and “device end” will be easily identifiable by their size and shape).
Windows XP
1. Place the M-Audio Drivers Software CD in your CD-ROM Drive.
2. Launch the MobilePre USB Installer.exe installation program.
3. The MobilePre USB install screen will appear. Click “Next” to continue.
4. Click “Continue Anyway” on the next screen.
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5. The CD performance enhancements page will then appear. Click
“Next.”
6. The installation program will now prompt you of a successful hardware
installation. Click “Finish” and restart your computer.
7. After restarting your computer, Windows will tell you that your
hardwarehas not passed Windows Logo testing. Go ahead and click
“ContinueAnyway,” to finish the installation.
8. Please refer to the HardwareInstallation section of this manual for
assistance in hooking up the MobilePre USB to your computer.
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Windows 2000
1. Place the M-Audio Drivers Software CD in your CD-ROM Drive.
2. Launch the MobilePre USB Installer.exe program.
3. Close all other running applications, as directed by the first screen
that appears.
4. Direct X 8.1 or greater must be installed on your computer. If this
software has not been previously installed, the installer program will
prompt you to do so.If you have been presented with this request, click
“Next” to install or upgrade Direct X now.
5. Your MobilePre USB must be disconnected from your computer’s USB
bus, before continuing (if you just finished installing Direct X, your
computer will have restarted, and a reminder to disconnect the
MobilePre USB will follow).If it is currently connected, disconnect it now.
6. The MobilePre USB install screen will now appear.Click“Next” to continue.
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7. Click “Yes” to continue.
8. Click “Next,” twice.
9. Click “Finish” on the next screen appearing.This will cause Windows to
restart your computer.
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10. You may now connect the MobilePre USB to your computer (refer to
the Hardware Installation section of this manual for instructions).
11. After your computer restarts, you will be prompted with a note about
“Digital Signature not found.” Click “Yes” to continue.
Windows ME
1. Place the M-Audio Drivers Software CD in your CD-ROM Drive.
2. Launch the MobilePre USB Installer.exe program.
3. Close all other running applications,as directed by the first screen that appears.
4. Direct X 8.1 or greater must be installed on your computer. If this
software has not been previously installed, the installer program will
prompt you to do so.If you have been presented with this request, click
“Next” to install or upgrade Direct X now.
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5. Your MobilePre USB must be disconnected from your computer’s USB
bus, before continuing (if you just finished installing Direct X, your
computer will have restarted, and a reminder to disconnect the
MobilePre USB will follow).If it is currently connected, disconnect it now.
6. The MobilePre USB install screen will now appear.Click“Next” to continue.
7. A screen appears that displays checked boxes for Digital Audio and
DMA transfer. Click “Next” to continue.
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8. The installation program will inform you of a successful hardware
installation. Click “Next.
9. This next screen explains that your computer nowneeds to be
restarted. Make sure that the box labeled,“Yes…” is checked,then click
“Finish” to continue restarting.
NOTE: If you un-check the boxlabeled,“Yes…” you will again, with a
newscreen, be prompted to restart. This is because DMA Mode has
been enabled.
10. You may now connect the MobilePre USB to your computer (refer to
the Hardware Installation section of this manual for instructions).
11. After your MobilePre USB has been connected and your computer has
finished restarting, installation will have been completed.
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Windows 98 SE
1. Place the M-Audio Drivers Software CD in your CD-ROM Drive and
double-click on the file named “MobilePre USB Installer.exe”.
2. Close all other running applications, as directed by the first screen
that appears.
3. Direct X 8.1 or greater must be installed on your computer. If this
software has not been previously installed, the installer program will do
this for you. If you have been prompted with this request, click “Next”
to install or upgrade Direct X now.
4. Your MobilePre USB must be disconnected from your computer’s USB
bus, before continuing (if you just finished installing Direct X, your
computer will have restarted, and a reminder to disconnect the
MobilePre USB will follow).If it is currently connected, disconnect it now.
5. The next screen will notify you that the necessary parameters for
Digital Audio CD and DVD playback need to be set in your operating
system. Leave these boxes checked and click,“Next.”
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6. The next screen shows that the drivers have been successfully installed.
Click “Next”
7. Windows will now tell you that your computer needs to be started.
Makesure that the “Yes” box is checked, and click “Finish.”
8. Once the computer has restarted and returned to the desktop,
connect the MobilePreUSB to your computer (refer to the Hardware
Installation section of this manual for instructions). Click “Next,” in the
screen that appears after this connection is made.
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9. Make sure “Search for the best driver for your device
(Recommended)” is selected and click “Next to continue.”
10. None of the option-boxes in the next screen need to be selected.Click
“Next,” to continue.
11. Make sure that the box for “The updated driver (Recommended) USB
Composite Device” is selected and click “Next,” to continue.
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12. Windows should have found a driver. Click “Next,” to continue.
13. Windows now will inform you that driver installation has been
completed. Click “Finish,” to complete the installation process.
MobilePre USB and the Windows Sound System
The MobilePre USB’s Windows Multimedia drivers will allow you to use
the MobilePre USB as your Windows system sound device. If the
MobilePre USB is the only audio device installed in your computer, then
Windows will “select” it automatically. Otherwise, you may need to tell
Windows to use the MobilePre USB.To check yourWindowsAudio setting
and select the MobilePreUSB:
1. Go to the Start menu, and then choose Control Panel.
2. Open “Sounds and Audio Devices,” then click the “Audio” tab.
3. Under “Sound playback,” the default device should say “MobilePre
USB.”If it does not say MobilePre USB, then drop down the list of
devices and select “MobilePre USB.”
4. Click Apply, then click Okay. Close your Control Panel—you’re done!
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Mac OS 9 Setup
1. Insert the MobilePre USB Drivers CD into your CD-ROM drive.
AutoRun will open the CD and allow you to view its contents.
2. Double click the “M-Audio MobilePre USB Installer.”
3. Click "Continue" at the M-Powered Screen.
4. Read the "Instructions for using M-Audio MobilePre USB." Click "Continue."
5. Select your install location, or simply choose the OS 9 boot drive
(which is the default). Click "Install" to continue.
6. Installation requires a restart of the computer.Click "Continue" to restart.
7. The next prompt states a similar message. Click "Restart" to reboot
the computer.
8. Plug the MobilePre USB into your computer’s USB Port.
9. Once the computer has restarted, select "Sound" in "Control Panels,"
then select the "Output" tab. Click on "M-Audio MobilePre USB" to
choose the MobilePre USB as your default output device.
Mac OS 9.2.2 Installation is now complete. Proceed to the next section,
“Hardware Installation”.
MobilePre USB and Apple Sound Manager
The Apple Sound Manager in OS 9 will allow you to select the MobilePre
USB as the system’saudio input and output device. To check your
computer’s audio output setting and select the MobilePre USB:
1. Open the Apple menu, then select“Sound” from the Control Panels list.
2. Under Output,select the“MobilePre USB” from the list of available devices.
3. Under Input, select the“MobilePre USB” from the list of available devices.
4. Close the Apple Sound control panel.You’re done!
Mac OS X Setup
1. Insert the MobilePre USB Drivers CD into your CD-ROM Driveand
open the CD to view its contents.
2. Double click "M-Audio MobilePre USB Installer.dmg" file. An Icon will
appear on your desktop marked "MobilePre USB."
3. Double click the "MobilePre USB" icon on your desktop.
4. Now double click on the "M-Audio MobilePre USB Installer.mpkg."
5. You will need your Administrator Password for the next step. If the
password window does not open automatically, click the lock icon in
the lower left corner of the window that states, “Click The Lock To
MakeChanges."
6. Enter your password and click "OK."
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7. The next window "Welcomes You..." to the installation process.
Click "Continue."
8. Select your OS X hard drive. Click "Continue."
9. When prompted, click "Upgrade" to continue.
10. When prompted, click "Continue Installation."
11. When prompted, click "Restart" to finish the installation.
12. After the computer has restarted, now plug the MobilePre USB into
your computer’s USB Port.
13. Go to "System Preferences" in the Apple Menu. Select the "Sound"
preference panel, and click the "Output" tab. Select "M-Audio MobilePre
USB" to choose the MobilePreUSB as your default output device.
Mac OS X Installation is now complete. Proceed to the next section,
“Hardware Installation”.
MobilePre USB and Mac OS X
Mac OS X will allow you to select the MobilePre USB as the system’s audio
output device. To check your computer’s audio output setting and select
the MobilePre USB:
1. Go to "System Preferences" in the Apple Menu.
2. Select the "Sound" preference panel, and click the "Output" tab.
3. Select "M-Audio MobilePre USB" to choose the MobilePre USB as your
default input and output device.
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Hardware Setup
Front Panel Features
The front panel of the MobilePre USB houses features providing the
following functions:
1. Channel 1 Inst/Line Input Jack:This 1/4” balanced connector
accepts an instrument or line level signal for Channel 1 of the
MobilePre USB. This input is ideal for recording guitar, bass or
synthesizer. If you are recording a stereo line-level source, plug the left
channel into Line Input 1 (on the front panel of the MobilePre USB) and
the right channel into Line Input 2 (on the rear panel).
2. Channel 1 Gain Knob: This control knob regulates the level of
the signal going from the Channel 1 Mic or Line input to your
computer.
3. Channel 1 Level LEDs: These twoLEDs show signal present and
clipping of Channel 1 of the MobilePre USB.You should adjust the Gain
control so that the signal present is on as much as possible but the Clip
LED does not come on.
4. Channel 2 Gain Knob: This control knob regulates the level of
the signal going from the Channel 2 Mic or Line input to your
computer.
5. Channel 2 Level Meter:These two LEDs show when input signal
into Channel 2 is present or clipping.You should adjust the Gain control
so that the signal present is as high as possible without lighting the the
Clip LED.
6. Headphone Output Jack: This 1/8” stereo jack plays back
outputs 1 and 2 through the Left and Right speakers of your
headphones.
7. Headphone Level Knob: This knob controls the level to the
Headphone Out
8. Phantom Power Switch: Press this switch button into the
In-position to send voltage to microphones which require phantom
power and are connected to XLR Mic Inputs 1 and 2.
9. Phantom Power Indicator: This LED lights when phantom
power is switched on.
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10. Power Indicator: This LED indicator lights when the
MobilePre USB is receiving power through its USB port.
Rear Panel Features
The rear panel of the MobilePre USB houses jacks providing the
following functions:
1. USB Jack: This jack connects the MobilePreUSB to your computer,
using a USB 1.1 (or higher) connection.
2. Stereo Line Output Jack: This jack outputs the same signal as
the Outputs 1 & 2 jacks described below, through a 1/8” stereo jack for
easy connection to many devices such as multimedia speakers and
MiniDisc recorders.
3. Output 1 and 2 Jacks: These unbalanced 1/4” jacks output the
signal which is output from your computer and should be connected
to a pair of powered speakers, a mixer or a stereo receiver.
4. Stereo Mic Input Jack: This 1/8” stereo mini jack accepts a mic
level signal from stereo microphones with 1/8” outputs. These
microphones may be of either the stereo dynamic or self-powered
stereo condenser type. Microphone with XLR output connectors
should instead be connected to the XLR Inputs described below.
5. Channel 2 Inst/Line Input Jack:This 1/4” balanced connector
accepts an instrument or line level signal for Channel 2 of the
MobilePre USB. This input is ideal for recording guitar, bass or
synthesizer. If you are recording a stereo line-level source, plug the left
channel into Line Input 1 (on the front panel of the MobilePre USB) and
the right channel into Line Input 2 (on the rear panel).
6. XLR Mic Input Channel 1 & 2 Jacks: These balanced, XLR
inputs accept a mic level signal for recording into your computer.
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USB Connection
The MobilePre USB communicates with your computer through a USB
port. It is also powered by the USB connection. Because of this, we
recommend that you plug the MobilePre USB into one of the built-in USB
ports on your computer, not through a keyboard connection or USB hub.
To connect your MobilePre USB, find the open jack of an unused USB port
on your computer and connect it to the MobilePre’s USB jack with the
included USB cable.This computers USB jacks will most often be located
on a rear panel and will probably be marked with a symbol looking
something like the one pictured here.
In Windows XP & Mac OS X (10.2.6 & higher), the MobilePre USB is
class-compliant, making driver installation optional—to begin using the
MobilePre USB, you may simply plug the unit into a USB port . However,
choosing to install the driver will allow the following added functionality:
Windows XP - Device Control Panel andASIO support with low-latency drivers
Mac OSX - Device Control Panel and Direct Monitor control with low-latency drivers
NOTE: For easiest setup, you should install the software drivers on
the included CD-ROM before connecting the USB cable to your
computer. This procedure is explained in the section of this manual
titled “Software Installation.”
Control Panel Setup
Once setup is complete, you can control most aspects of the MobilePre
USB using its control panel.To launch the control panel in your operating
system, check the following instructions:
Windows: You should see an M-Audio logo “M” installed on the right
side of your Windows taskbar. Double click on this logo, to launch the M-
Audio MobilePre USB Control Panel.
Mac OS 9: Following the driver software installation in Mac OS 9 and
restarting, the MobilePre USB Control Panel will be placed in your Apple
Control Panels folder. Open your Applications folder and select “M-Audio
MobilePre USB Settings.” This will launch the M-Audio MobilePre USB
Control Panel.This panel can also be launched through the ASIO control
panels within your ASIO applications.
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