MARIAN SERAPH 8 User manual

SERAPH 8
SERAPH 8 MWX
User Manual

The SERAPH 8 conforms the following standards: EN 55022: 1998 + A1: 2000
+ A2: 2003; class A; EN 55024: 1998 + A1: 2000 + A2: 2003; class A; n order
for an installation of this product maintain compliance with the limits of a class
A device, shielded audio cables must be used, not longer than 50 cm. Attention:
This is a device of the class A and can cause interference to radio or television
reception within the residential area. The user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by suitable measures.
c
15th February 2013, v1.0 MARIAN
Hardware Design by MARIAN
All rights reserved. No part of this User’s Guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronically or mechanically, including photocopy, translation, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing from MARIAN. All trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
MARIAN is not liable for any damage to the software, hardware and data and costs resulting from it, which are caused by
improper handling or installation of the hardware.
Technical changes are reserved.

Contents
1 Welcome 1
2 Before you start ... 2
2.1 Features......................................... 2
2.2 Installation ....................................... 2
2.2.1 ScopeofSupply ................................ 2
2.2.2 Systemrequirements.............................. 2
2.2.3 Hardware and software installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2.4 Driver and firmware updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Anschl¨usse........................................ 4
3 Let’s start: Basics 6
3.1 Introduction....................................... 6
3.2 The SERAPH 8 in connection with digital devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2.1 Background................................... 6
3.2.2 Whatisaclock? ................................ 6
3.2.3 The rules of the digital audio world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 Let’s start: Play 8
4.1 Introduction....................................... 8
4.2 Using a media playback program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.3 Using an ASIO (multi-channel) music software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.4 Playback with the SERAPH 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.5 Editing the Sound of Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.6 Setting up a separate stereo headphone mix for a musician . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.7 Feeding an external effects device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5 Let’s start: Recording 13
5.1 Introduction....................................... 13
5.2 Using a media playback program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.3 Using an ASIO (multi-channel) music software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.4 Assignment in the SERAPH 8 routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 The SERAPH 8 in Detail: Mixing and Routing 15
6.1 Introduction....................................... 15
6.2 Operation of Mixer and Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.3 Viewoptions ...................................... 16
6.4 Snapshots........................................ 17
6.5 Setups.......................................... 17
6.6 Themixerindetail................................... 18
6.7 Theroutingindetail.................................. 21
7 The SERAPH 8 in Detail: System settings 22
7.1 Introduction....................................... 22
7.2 ClockStatusPanel................................... 23
7.3 Settings ......................................... 23
7.4 ASIODeviceSetup................................... 27
8 The SERAPH 8 in Detail: TDM SyncBus 28
8.1 Principles of the TDM SyncBus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.2 Examples the functionality of the TDM SyncBus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

9 Appendix 30
9.1 ServiceandSupport .................................. 30
9.2 Glossary......................................... 31
9.3 SpecialNotes ...................................... 33
9.3.1 Clock settings when using ASIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
9.3.2 Samplerate on record/playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
9.3.3 Different samplerates on record/playback via ASIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
9.3.4 Simultaneous playback on one device via ASIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
10 Technical Facts 35

1 Welcome
1 Welcome
The MARIAN team proudly presents to you the SERAPH 8, thanking you for your confidence.
A new abundance of functions while at the same time maintaining an intuitive handling -
these high expectations we try to meet in this product. In the SERAPH 8 you can see newest
technologies merging with long proven experience and development skills into a powerful DAW
(Digital Audio Workstation). What is there to discover?
Of course, poured in hardware, the new processing unit, with much affection called the
’BEAST’. This newly-developed DSP mixer is nothing less than a full-fledged digital mixer with
up to 48 channels, 8 mix sums and 192 EQs! Easily you create sub-mixes, that are perfect for
either headphone mixes or sending feeds to reverb units thanks to the pre/post switches. For
each of the full-parametric EQs, modeled in accordance to analogue prototypes, you can freely
decide on which sub-mix it is to be effective. EQ on the main mix but not on the headphone
mix or vice versa? With the mixer of the SERAPH 8 this is not a problem any more.
The special features of this system cannot only be found in a ’BEASTly power’, but also in
its flexibility. This workhorse tows a separate routing matrix allowing to send any signal to any
output or back to the input again. This includes even the playback signals of a user-software
and the sums of the DSP mixer, which can thus be easily re-recorded on the same computer
system or manipulated with the on-board EQs.
In a way this manual in your hand is kind of like a trainers whip to tame the fullness of the
functions of the BEAST and to make them fit to your daily tasks in the studio. The chapters
called ’Let’s start’ offer a quick introduction by explaining a simple playback and recording
process. But you can also get in-depth information in the chapters ’SERAPH 8 in detail’,
explaining all functions in detail and their relationship to each other. Finally, at the end of this
manual, you can find a small glossary that will help you to explain unfamiliar terms.
And now we hope you’ll enjoy trying out and getting to know your SERAPH 8! We are
confident that this sound system in domesticated form will be a partner in the realization of all
your music projects for years to come.
Your MARIAN Team
1

2 Before you start ...
2 Before you start ...
2.1 Features
Your SERAPH 8 is equipped with many useful functions. Here is a list of the features and
options:
3PCIe card with 8 analog in/outputs
32 MIDI I/O (MWX version only)
3WordClock I/O (MWX version only)
3The BEAST
?48 channel mixer, hardware-based, latency-free, 52 Bit
?192 high-precision analog-feel EQs (in each channel: 1x low shelf, 2x peak, 1x high
shelf)
?flexible and extensive mix, monitor, and routing functions
3Sample rates up to 192 kHz
3MARIAN SyncBus compatible and TDM SyncBus compatible
3Synchronization as clock master (Output internal clock to the SyncBus or the Wordclock
output )
3Synchronization as clock slave (retreive an external clock from Wordclock or SyncBus )
3Fail-safe firmware update technology (automatic recovery of the firmware in case of errors)
3Advanced multi-client drivers for WindowsTM32/64bit: 20001/XP/Vista/7 and Server
2003/2008/2010 and Mac OS X 10.4 to 10.7
3Driver support: MME, ASIO 2.22, GSIF 2.0, WDM Audio, Direct- Sound and MME as
well as Core Audio (Mac OS X) 3
2.2 Installation
2.2.1 Scope of Supply
After carefully opening the package of the SERAPH 8, please be sure to check if the following
components are to be found complete and undamaged:
31 x SERAPH 8 PCIe card
31 x sub-d breakout cable for 8 TRS or XLR in/outputs
31 x MIDI/WordClock Extender with connector cable (MWX version only)
31 x cable for MIDI Input/output (MWX version only)
31 x CD-ROM with driver software and manual
31 x Quick Start
2.2.2 System requirements
For the successful and correct operation of the SERAPH 8 your computer needs to meet the
following minimum requirements:
1only for 32bit WindowsTM
2On 32bit WindowsTMVersion: ASIO 2.1
3Please note, that the manual covers the explanation of WindowsTM specific operation, only.
2

2 Before you start ...
3PC: Intel Pentium or AMD processor with a clock frequency of 2 GHz and 1024 MB Ram;
Operating System WindowsTM32/64bit: 20004/XP/Vista/7 and Server 2003/2008/2010;
DirectX 9c
3MAC: PowerPC starting with G4, or Intel Prozessor with 1024MB Ram; Mac OS X 10.4
to 10.7
31 free expansion slots (one free PCIe slot)
3A free slot for the MIDI/WordClock Extender (MWX version only)
Please note that the system requirements may be higher depending on the operating system
and audio application used.
2.2.3 Hardware and software installation
In the brochure labeled ”Quick Start” you will find all the installation steps as a graphical guide.
If you still have any questions or in case that problems appear during the installation, please
contact our support service. You will find all the different ways to contact the support services
in the appendix of this manual.
2.2.4 Driver and firmware updates
In some cases, there is a driver update available for the SERAPH 8 in the download section of
the MARIAN homepage. It may include:
3Functional improvements of the driver and/or the user interface (s)
3Adjustments to new operating systems and/or their new components (updates and service
packs)
3Compatibility upgrades to audio applications and third-party applications
When performing a driver update please follow the instructions provided in the ’readme.htm’
file, which is part of the packed folder of the new driver files5.
Important: In the course of a driver update it may become necessary for the firmware of
the SERAPH 8 to be updated. Whether a firmware update is necessary or not, can only be
determined after an installation/update was performed. The firmware upgrade will then be
executed automatically and must finish with a reboot (Turn off and turn on) of the PC system.
The Fail-safe firmware update technology MARIAN protects the SERAPH 8 against errors,
which could occur due to the interruption of the update process, such as a power failure. If
normally this would result in a total malfunction of a system, the fail-safe technology ensures
that at the next initialization of the SERAPH 8 a core firmware is loaded. Thus the sound card
may again be detected correctly by a WindowsTMsystem.
Please note: Following a successful firmware update and after the restart of the system,
WindowsTM32/64bit: 20006/XP/Vista/7 and Server 2003/2008/2010will find a new hardware,
because the hardware ID of the SERAPH 8 may have changed due to the former update. As
the driver files are already installed, you must simply choose ”Install software automatically
(recommended)” when the WindowsTMhardware wizard appears.
4only for 32bit WindowsTM
5Even if the WindowsTM Explorer is capable of displaying compressed files – for installing the driver (update)
a full decompression is required!
6only for 32bit WindowsTM
3

2 Before you start ...
2.3 Anschl¨usse
SERAPH 8
MWX2 (optional)
Analog Sub-D
Connect here the provided breakout cable. Use balanced 1/4’ TRS plugs for connecting devices
with the in/outputs of the breakout cable.
TDM SyncBus
If other MARIAN sound systems with TDM SyncBus option are installed they may be connected
using a TDM SyncBus cable7. Other MARIAN sound systems with SyncBus option only, may
be connected via an adapter cable. Both cables can be ordered in the MARIAN webshop.
MWX2
Use the supplied ribbon cable to connect the optional MWX.
7Audio signals may only be exchanged between MARIAN TDM SyncBus compatible systems. Clock- and
start/stop synchronization is possible between all MARIAN systems.
4

2 Before you start ...
MIDI Sub-D
Using the included MIDI breakout cable 2 MIDI Inputs and 2 MIDI Outputs may be used.
WordClock
This connector is used to integrate the SERAPH 8 into a WordClock/SuperClock network. If
the SERAPH 8 is the last card in a chain of devices, then the WordClock termination has to be
activated in the settings of the SERAPH 8 manager.
5

3 Let’s start: Basics
3 Let’s start: Basics
In this chapter you will learn
3The fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing,
3To avoid problems/errors when connecting digital devices
3.1 Introduction
Besides analog connectors, the SERAPH 8 offers digital interfaces as well. For connecting other
devices this brings along some specialties. Basic rules (an output is connected to an input, and
vice versa) certainly do need not be explained here again. For digital audio signals, however,
the clock plays an important role. Following you will thus find some background notes and an
example setup for the correct wiring to external equipment8.
3.2 The SERAPH 8 in connection with digital
devices
3.2.1 Background
Between analog and digital audio signals, there is an essential difference: Analog audio signals
are continuous. Thus, for each possible moment, these signals can be measured, and at each
point of time it is possible to receive a specific measurement value. Digital audio signals however
consist of many individual values (samples), followed by each other with intervals of a specific
rate (sample rate). In this case it is not possible to obtain a measurement at any time, but only
as often as given by the sampling rate. Example: If the samplerate provides a value only every
second, it is not going to be possible to measure in between, e.g. at the time of half a second.
3.2.2 What is a clock?
There has to be something that governs at which moment a digital value may be send or received,
because this is essential for the accurate communication of digital devices. Precisely this is the
task of the clock. It is a pulse or rate generator. The rate, that the clock has, defines the
samplerate.
Let’s illustrate this with an example: Imagine an orchestra with a conductor in front. The
maestro raises and lowers the baton - he indicates the beat. The musicians now play fast or
slow depending on his guide9.
Thus the conductor is the clock and the speed with which the orchestra plays, that is the
samplerate.
What happens when an orchestra plays without the conductor? – Total Chaos! Every
musician could, depending on the personal mood play at a different speed - depending on
musical stile the result would sound more or less useful ...
The same problem exists for audio devices if they are connected without a proper
configuration of the digital clock10. Just like in the orchestra situation it must be defined
who is the Maestro (the master) and who are the performers (the slaves). Thus we can conclude
the following rules:
8In the chapter ’The SERAPH 8 in detail III: system settings’ you will find the clock setting of the manager of
the SERAPH 8 explained in detail. Additionally we recommend a look in the appendix for in depth understanding
9All conductors amongst the readers may excuse this crude simplification in favor for the appealing simplicity
of the example.
10Note: The clock is not depending on the transport of audio signals. That means a digital audio cable may
be used exclusively for synchronization purposes, without transporting audio signals.
6

3 Let’s start: Basics
3.2.3 The rules of the digital audio world
If two or more digital audio devices are connected, the following three simple rules apply:
3All devices must be synchronized with each other. (By the clock!)
3There can be only one! And only one device that sets the clock (the master). All other
devices must synchronize to the clock of the master and are therefore ’slaves’ 11
3Digital audio connections already include a clock signal (S/PDIF, ADAT, MADI or
AES/EBU). Alternatively, the synchronization may be accomplished by a WordClock or
super clock network. Within a compound of various digital audio devices though, the clock
must be the same at every point of the network.
11The only exceptions are devices with activated samplerate converters. They may exchange signals
independently of the clock of other devices. (as the SERAPH 8)
7

4 Let’s start: Play
4 Let’s start: Play
In this chapter you will learn how to
3Playback a signal with the SERAPH 8,
3Edit a signal with the functions of the mixer
3Create mixes of multiple signals for headphones or effect units
4.1 Introduction
In a recording studio there are a lot of cables going from the tape machine to the console in order
to play back previously recorded signals. In the same way you can think of your audio software
(the sequencer, etc.) being connected by many (virtual) wires to the SERAPH 8. With each of
these cables, in WindowsTMoperating systems called ’device’, two audio signals are transported.
In total there are 16 devices available, which transport each two signals to the SERAPH 8 using
a specific driver interface. The ’driver interface’ is like the type of audio cable used for the
transmission of the signals. For media players WindowsTMDirect Sound is the most often used
interface, while multi-channel music programs (sequencer etc.) make use of the ASIO interface.
The following is an explanation how to use each for playback with the SERAPH 8.
4.2 Using a media playback program12
WindowsTMXP
1. Within Windows, select <Start > < Control Panel > < Sounds and Audio Devices >
2. In the tab <Audio >for ’Sound Playback - Default device’ select ’SERAPH 8 1-2’
3. In the lower part of the window activate ’Use only default devices’
WindowsTMVista/7
1. Within WindowsTMselect <Start > < Control Panel > < Hardware and Sound > < Sound >
2. In the tab <Playback >select the device ’DAW Out 1-2’
3. In the lower part of the window activate ’Set Default’
4.3 Using an ASIO (multi-channel) music software13
1. Start the ASIO audio application
2. Open the audio settings of the software
3. Select the ’ASIO SERAPH 8’ driver
4. Near the selection for the ASIO driver the ASIO application often offers a button named
’configuration’ or ’Settings’. Click it to open the ASIO Device Setup.
12Preliminary note: If an ASIO audio application using the SERAPH 8 is already active, you must first ensure,
that devices are available for usage. It may be, that the ASIO application already uses all available devices and
that thus the playback via a media program is not possible. Deactivate all devices in the ASIO application,
which you wish to use for the media playback. A step-by-step procedure of how to do this you will find in
the following section ’Using and ASIO music software’. ASIO applications are always using the devices of the
SERAPH 8 exclusively.
13Preliminary note: If an ASIO audio application or media playback is already using devices of the SERAPH 8,
they are not available any longer and it may thus be, that when starting an ASIO application an error message
will occur. It will state, that the ’ASIO SERAPH 8 driver could not be started’ or similar. ASIO applications
are always using the devices of the SERAPH 8 exclusively.
8

4 Let’s start: Play
5. By default all devices of the SERAPH 8 are activated in the ’ASIO Device Setup’ and can
be used by the software. However you may also disable devices here, in order to use them
in a different audio application.
6. For certain audio applications it is necessary to assign the devices to ’busses’ or similar
in order to actually playback signals using these devices. For questions on this, please
consult the manual of the application.
4.4 Playback with the SERAPH 8
Now that the software sends one or more signals to the SERAPH 8, we must ensure that they
will be audible there. There are 2 ways to do this.
Option 1:
The signal can be made audible directly on a specific output.
1. Click on the SERAPH 8 manager in the task bar and
select ’Mixer’.
2. For a stereo signal, connect two channels with the link
button at the bottom of the 1. channel strip.
3. Choose ’DAW Out 1’ from the list at the top of the
channel strip for the left channel and ’DAW Out 2’ for
the right channel.
4. Navigate via the mixer or again through the manager icon
in the taskbar to the ’routing’.
5. In the section named ’OUTPUT’ choose the desired
output for playback. For a stereo signal connect two
channels with the link button at the bottom of the first
of the two channel strips.
6. From the device selection list choose ’DAW Out 1’ for the
left channel and ’DAW Out 2’ for the right channel.
9

4 Let’s start: Play
Option 2:
The signal may be mixed to other signals (of other applications) in the mixer of the
SERAPH 8 and then made audible as part of a mix sum on a specific output
1. Click on the SERAPH 8 manager in the task bar and select ’Mixer’
2. For a stereo signal connect two channels with the link button at the bottom of the 1.
channel strip.
3. Choose ’DAW Out 1’ from the list at the top of the channel strip for the left channel and
’DAW Out 2’ for the right channel. Turn the pan control for channel 1 to the far left and
for channel 2 to the far right.
4. The signal appears on the master sum of the mixer.
5. Navigate via the mixer or again through the manager icon in the taskbar to the ’routing’.
6. In the section named ’OUTPUT’ select the desired output for playback. For a stereo signal
connect two channels with the link button at the bottom of the 1. channel strip.
7. From the device selection list choose ’Master l’ for the left channel and ’Master R’ for the
right channel
As soon as the playback signal is in the Mixer of the SERAPH 8 you can use e.g. high quality
EQs to manipulate the sound. The calculation of these EQs is done by the BEAST in the
SERAPH 8 and therefore does not use any resources of your computer (except for some electrical
power).
10

4 Let’s start: Play
4.5 Editing the Sound of Signals
This is how you do it:
1. Choose the desired EQ, and activate it by clicking on one of the icons. Available are:
31x Low Shelf for processing the lower frequency band
32x peak for discreet interventions to specific frequencies/frequency ranges mostly in
the middle spectrum
31x High Shelf for processing the upper frequency band
2. With the control next to the display that shows an ’f’, set the desired frequency or
bandwidth on which or from where on the equalizer should become active14.
3. With the control next to the display that shows a ’G’, set the desired boost or cut of that
frequency or frequency band15.
4. With the control next to the display that shows a ’Q’, set the desired slope of the EQ.
For a peak EQ, it determines how wide the modified frequency band will be (low values
result in a broad band). For a shelf EQ it determines on how many octaves a reduction or
increase is to become active (low values result in a large number of octaves - that means,
a more gradual manipulation)
5. If the signal is to be made audibly directly on a specific output, you need to activate the
’EQ’ button for this output. If the signal is part of a mix sum (e.g. the master output),
the EQ button in the ’master’ section of this channel in the mixer must be activated.
4.6 Setting up a separate stereo headphone mix for
a musician
Suppose you are preparing a recording session and want the musicians to be able to listen to
themselves - but independent in all sound and volume aspects from the main mix that you hear
in the studio. This is how you do it:
1. In the output section of the routing combine the 2 outputs
to which the headphones or the headphone amplifier are
connected using the link button at the lower end of the
first of the two channel strips.
2. Choose ’HP L’ as source for the first output and ’HP R’
for the second output16.
3. In the mixer channel containing the playback signal,
activate the ’Pre’ switch near the knob ’HP’.
4. Slowly turn the knob ’HP’, so the signal of the channel
appears at the outputs of SERAPH 8 and thus on the
headphones.
14You may also use the numerical input field to enter values via the computer keyboard. See chapter: ’Operation
of mixer and routing’.
15For the low shelf EQ the frequencies below the chosen value are being edited, for the high shelf, the frequencies
above will be manipulated.
16’HP L’ means headphones left and ’HP R’ headphones right.
11

4 Let’s start: Play
5. Now you can change the monitor volume or put channels
in solo mode, without affecting the headphones. If
desired, you can make the EQs audible also on the
headphones. To do this simply activate the EQ switch
for ’HP L’17.
4.7 Feeding an external effects device
Suppose you want to add an effect to a playback signal in the way as it is done with professional
mixing consoles - partially and depending on the current channel volume. This is how you do
it:
1. In the routing choose ’AUX 1’ for one of the outputs.
2. Connect the input of the effects device to this output.
Also connect the output of the effects device to an input
of the SERAPH 8.
3. In the mixer channel strip containing the playback signal
disable, if necessary, the ’Pre’ switch for ’Aux 1’.
4. Slowly turning up the ’Aux 1’ knob, the signal of
the channel appears on the selected output of the
SERAPH 8 and thus at the input of your effect unit.
5. Now for one of the mixer channels, choose the input, to
which the effect unit is connected.
6. For a stereo signal use 2 adjacent channels and connect
them via the link button at the bottom of the first channel
strip.
7. The playback signal and the proportional effects signal
can now be mixed on e.g. the master sum. Note that for
the channel with the effect return signal you should not
turn up ’Aux 1’, otherwise a feedback is created18.
In the same way you can make the musicians headphone mix from the previous example more
pleasant. You could refine the input signal with e.g. a reverb effect. Leave ’Aux 1’ in the
’Pre’ mode, and open up ’HP’ control for the channels in which the signal from the effects
device arrives. Here, too, the ’Pre’ button needs to be enabled in order for the reverb to appear
constantly on the headphones and not be accidentally influenced by the studio main mix.
17There is no argument against having the same signal twice in 2 channels of the mixer. One channel is used
for the master mix, the other for the headphone mix. This way you could even set up different EQs for the
headphones and the main mix.
18A note for special effects: activate the EQ button for the effect path only (here: ’HP L’). Now you can change
the sound of the signal before it goes to the effect unit and without hearing this effect on the main sum.
12

5 Let’s start: Recording
5 Let’s start: Recording
In this chapter you will learn how to
3Record a signal with the SERAPH 8
3Record mixes of signals or individual signals from other software applications
5.1 Introduction
In a recording studio there are a lot of cables going from the console to the tape machine in order
to play back previously recorded signals. In the same way you can think of the SERAPH 8 being
connected by many (virtual) wires to the audio software (the sequencer, etc.). With each of these
cables, in WindowsTMoperating systems called ’device’, two audio signals are transported. In
total there are 16 devices available, which transport each two signals to the application using
a specific driver interface. The ’driver interface’ is like the type of audio cable used for the
transmission of the signals. For media players WindowsTMDirectSound is the most often used
interface, while multi-channel music programs (sequencer etc.) make use of the ASIO interface.
The following is an explanation how to use each, for recording with the SERAPH 8.
5.2 Using a media playback program19
WindowsTMXP
1. Within Windows, select <Start > < Control Panel > < Sounds and Audio Devices >
2. In the tab <Audio >for ’Sound Recording - Default device’ select ’SERAPH 8 1-2’
3. In the lower part of the window activate ’Use only default devices’
WindowsTMVista/7
1. Within WindowsTMselect <Start > < Control Panel > < Hardware and Sound > < Sound >
2. In the tab <Recording >select the device ’DAW In 1-2’
3. In the lower part of the window activate ’Set Default’
5.3 Using an ASIO (multi-channel) music software20
1. Start the ASIO audio application
2. Open the audio settings of the software
3. Select the ’ASIO SERAPH 8’ driver
4. Near the selection for the ASIO driver the ASIO application often offers a button named
’configuration’ or ’Settings’. Click it to open the ASIO Device Setup.
19Preliminary note: If an ASIO audio application using the SERAPH 8 is already active, you must first ensure,
that devices are available for usage. It may be, that the ASIO application already uses all available devices and
that thus the playback via a media program is not possible. Deactivate all devices in the ASIO application,
which you wish to use for the media playback. A step-by-step procedure of how to do this you will find in
the following section ’Using and ASIO music software’. ASIO applications are always using the devices of the
SERAPH 8 exclusively.
20Preliminary note: If an ASIO audio application or media playback is already using devices of the SERAPH 8,
they are not available any longer and it may thus be that when starting an ASIO application an error message
will occur. It will state, that the ’ASIO SERAPH 8 driver could not be started’ or similar. ASIO applications
are always using the devices of the SERAPH 8 exclusively.
13

5 Let’s start: Recording
5. By default all devices of the SERAPH 8 are activated in the ’ASIO Device Setup’ and can
be used by the software. However you may also disable devices here, in order to use them
in a different audio application.
6. For certain audio applications it is necessary to assign the devices to ’busses’ or similar
in order to actually playback signals using these devices. For questions on this, please
consult the manual of the application.
5.4 Assignment in the SERAPH 8 routing
In order for a specific signal to appear in the audio application with the device ’SERAPH 8 1-2’
the proper setting has to be done in the routing of the SERAPH 8.
1. Click on the SERAPH 8 Manager in the task bar and
select ’Routing’.
2. For ’DAW In 1’ and ’DAW In 2’ select the desired
recording signals from the mixer (input signals or mix
signals).
3. Connect the two channels with the link button at the
bottom of the 1st channel trip.
4. Adjust the recording level using the knob so that the
red LED never lights up. This must always be done if
a signal is to be recorded, which was edited with the filter
functions of the mixer.
14

6 The SERAPH 8 in Detail: Mixing and Routing
6 The SERAPH 8 in Detail: Mixing and Routing
In this chapter you will learn
3To understand in detail the signal flow of the BEAST
3Operating the Mixer and the Routing via mouse/keyboard and MIDI
3all function of all controls of Mixer and Routing
3Saving setups and snapshots for Total Recall
6.1 Introduction
The SERAPH 8 is more than ’just’ a sound card. It features a full-scale mixing console (mixer)
and a multi-functional Patchbay (Routing) - called BEAST. The BEAST is integrated21 in the
hardware of the SERAPH 8 thus avoiding any additional processing load for the host computer
and guaranteeing a nearly latency-free signal processing. It is controlled by a software that was
installed on your computer along with the driver. In the WindowsTMtaskbar you can find the
symbol for the SERAPH 8. With a simple mouse click on it, a context menu is opened. Select
’Mixer’ and ’Routing’. If several SERAPH 8 are installed, all entries are displayed according to
their number with ’nr. 1’, ’nr. 2’, etc.
All signals fed to the SERAPH 8 either through connected external cables or signals from a
software of the computer, and any signals that are to be played back with the SERAPH 8 pass
at some point the mixer and thus the routing. You can imagine this as follows:
1. A big multi-core with 32 cables passes from the operating system (one or more audio
applications on the computer) to the mixer of the SERAPH 8. These 32 playback signals
of the multi core are called ’DAW Out 1’ to ’DAW Out 32’.
2. From the routing of the SERAPH 8 to the operating system of the computer there is
another multi-core with 32 cables. These 32 recording signals, we call ’DAW In 1’ to
’DAW In 32’.
3. Furthermore, in the mixer all signals of all physical inputs are available. These signals of
the 8 analog inputs we therefore call ’INPUT 1’ to ’INPUT 8 ’. The signals of the TDM
SyncBus are available as ’TDM 1’ to ’TDM 8’
4. Signals leaving the SERAPH 8 by a routing to a specific physical output we call
’OUTPUT’. The SERAPH 8 has 16 outputs: 8 signals via analog outputs and 8 signals
via the TDM bus
In the chapters ’The Mixer in Detail’ and ’The Routing in detail’ you can find out how all the
signals can be processed and managed.
6.2 Operation of Mixer and Routing
Operation with keyboard and mouse
All elements of the mixer and the routing may be operated or moved by the computer mouse.
Knobs are opened/closed by circular movement of the mouse. The further the mouse is from
the center of the knob the finer the adjustment of the values will be. Alternatively the mouse
wheel can be used. While holding the <Ctrl>-key simultaneously, a fine adjustment can be
achieved. Holding the <shift>-key will coarse through the parameter. After double-clicking a
numeric field, the value of a knob may also be entered in dB via the computer keyboard. The
entry is confirmed with the Enter key.
21Proper security measures were undertaken to keep it this way.
15

6 The SERAPH 8 in Detail: Mixing and Routing
6.3 View options
In order to change the look of the mixer, single rows of control
elements may be shown or hidden in the ’Parts’ section. This
applies for rows 1-4 of the filter as well as all Aux-knobs.
Additionally for mixer and routing the window may be changed in
horizontal size. This happens in segments. Via the direction arrows
in the right lower corner of the mixer or the routing the displayed
section may be switched.
All these functions are very useful for e.g. saving precious
space on the computer screen, but also if you set up special
configurations with the knobs and wish to inhibit accidental changes
by intentionally hiding them. If several SERAPH 8 are installed,
the selection menu in the upper frame of the window allows calling
up the corresponding instance.
The lock symbol in the upper right of the window inhibits coverage
by other windows. Thereby mixer or routing will always be in the
foreground and visable.
In the lower left area there are three more function switches. ’Setup’
opens up a context menu that is equivalent to the menu opened
from SERAPH 8 symbol in the task bar. This again allows for fast
access to important functions and windows of the SERAPH 8 sound
system.
’Routing’ calls up the routing window. From there again you can
switch quickly to the mixer window via the ’mixer’ button. ’Status’
opens the clock status panel.
16