MOTU 896HD User manual

™
MOTU 896HD
User’s Guide for Windows
1280 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Business voice: [phone]
Business fax: [phone]
Te chnical support: [phone]
Te ch support fax: [phone]
Te ch supp o r t e m a i l : [e-mail]
We b s i t e : www.motu.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
WARNING:TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERSTO TOUCHTHE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVINGTHE PLUGTO OR FROMTHE OUTLET.
WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDEDTHE MOTU 896HD COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
The MOTU 896HD is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong, approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association.
This plug requires a mating three-conductor grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below.
If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU 896HD is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER THE GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below
and always connect the grounding lug to a known ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician replace the TWO prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong outlet. An
adapter as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.
WARNING:THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROMTHE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A
PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE PROPERLY GROUNDED.
If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE: The adapter illustrated is for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong
receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which
will accept the MOTU 896HD plug.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the MOTU 896HD.
2. Retain instructions - The safety instructions and owner's manual should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the MOTU 896HD and in the owner's manual should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning - Unplug the MOTU 896HD from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
7. Power Sources - This MOTU 896HD should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your location, consult your local power company.
8. Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them.Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the MOTU 896HD.
9. Lightning - For added protection for the MOTU 896HD during a lightning storm, unplug it from the wall outlet.This will prevent damage to the MOTU 896HD due to lightning and power line surges.
10. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this MOTU 896HD yourself as opening or removing covers will expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
11. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug the MOTU 896HD from the computer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.
a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the MOTU 896HD.
c. If the MOTU 896HD has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the MOTU 896HD does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If the MOTU 896HD has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the MOTU 896HD exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
12. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
13. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU 896HD, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.
ENVIRONMENT
Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)
AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE
Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug.
INPUT
Line Voltage: 100 - 120 volts AC, RMS (US and Japan) or 220 - 250 volts AC, RMS (Europe). Frequency: 47 - 63 Hz single phase.Power: 7 watts maximum.
CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED BYMANUFAC-
TURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
3-prong plug
Grounding prong
Properly grounded 3-prong outlet
Grounding lug
Screw
3-prong plug
Adapter
Make sure this is connected to a
known ground.
Two-prong receptacle
Figure A Figure B

III
Contents
5
Quick Reference: 896HD
Front Panel
6
Quick Reference: 896HD Rear
Panel
7
Quick Reference:
MOTU FireWire Audio
Console
9
About the 896HD
13
Packing List and
Windows System
Requirements
15
IMPORTANT! Run the 896HD
Software Installer First
17
Installing the 896HD
Hardware
35
MOTU FireWire Audio
Console
43
Cubase, Nuendo and Other
ASIO Software
53 Sonar and other WDM
Software
59
Reducing Monitoring
Latency
65
CueMix Console
73
Performance Tips &
Troubleshooting

IV
About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software
TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USETHIS PRODUCT:carefully read all the
terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you when
you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
trademark, and trade-secret laws.Your right to use the program and the
documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.
Reminder of the terms of your license
This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms.The actual
license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software.
That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to
all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is
incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the
click-wrap agreement prevail.
YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer
the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the
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YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others;
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the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
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recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your
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Limited Warranty.
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AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
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WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
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Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2003 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means
whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.
Limited Warranty on Hardware
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of NINETY (90) DAYS
from the date of original retail purchase.This warranty applies only to hardware
products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written
statements.
If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number.No service will be performed on
any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138.You must use the product’s original packing
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abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission
of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.
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MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
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extension, or addition to this warranty.
MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
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This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
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user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the following measures:
• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional
assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.
WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

0
Quick Reference: 896HD Front Panel
This is a standard quarter- inch stereo headphone jack.From the factory, it matches the signal going to the main outs.However, via software,you can program it to serve as its own independent output.
The MOTU 896HD provides four independent mix buses.Via the included CueMix Console software, these four busses can be programmed to mix any combination of the 896HD’s 18 inputs to any output pair of your choosing.The MONITOR LEVEL knob lets you control the volume of each mix from the front panel.Push the knob repeat- edly to cycle among the four different mixes (1,2,3 or 4).When you do so,the analog input meters (1-4) show the current volume setting,with the red clip light illuminated over the bus you are currently adjusting when you turn the knob.The programmable meter bank provides live metering for each bus.
This toggle switch provides phantom power for a condensermicplugged into this input.Up is on.
These 10-segment level meters are dedicated to the 896HD’s eight analog inputs.The top red‘over’LED lights up when the signal reaches full scale—for even just one sample—and remains illuminated until you clear it in the software.The second ‘over’ LED below only lights up momentarily so that you can continue to adjust level even after clipping has just occurred. These level meters can also show you the current volume setting for the 896HD’s four on-board mix busses.To view the bus volume settings,push the MONITOR LEVEL knob.
These lights indicate the global sample rate at which the MOTU 896HD is operating.Use the MOTU FireWire Audio Console to set the sample rate or to choose an external clock source,from which the sample rate will be set.When no sample clock is currently present,these lights flash.For example,if you’ve set the MOTU 896HD to slave to an exter- nal clock,such as ADAT,but there is no clock signal currently being detected,these lights will flash.
FireWire is a“plug-and-play”proto-
col.That means that you can turn off the MOTU 896HD and turn it back on (or even unplug it) without restarting your computer.Keep in mind,however, that if you wish to change the MOTU 896HD’s settings in the MOTU FireWire Audio Console,the MOTU 896HD needs to be plugged in and switched on.
These eight trim knobs provide gain adjustment within a range of about 42dB for each analog input (when the 3-way switch on the rear panel is set to either MIC or LINE.If the 3-way switch is set to +4/FIXED,the corresponding front-panel trim pots is bypassed).Because each input also has a microphone preamp,you can plug just about anything into them:a microphone,a guitar, a synth — you name it. For a microphone or unamplified instrument pickup, set the rear-panel 3-way switch to MIC,plug in your mic (XLR or quarter-inch plug) flip on 48V phantom power (if necessary) and use the trim knob as needed to adjust the level. For -10dB (unbalanced) inputs (like synths) or +4 (balanced) signals,set the rear panel 3-way switch to LINE and use the trim knob to adjust the level.You can use either an XLR or quarter-inch plug.(Note:the complete trim range,from all the way down with the MIC setting to all the way up with the LINE setting is around 55dB total.The MIC setting provides a 40dB range (approximately -37dBu to +5dBu) and the LINE setting offers a 30dB range (approximately -16dBu to +15dBu) with some overlap between them.) If you have +4 inputs for which you’d like to maintain unity gain (for levels up to +18dBu),set the rear-panel 3-way switch to +4/FIXED.You can use either an XLR or quarter-inch plug.
Connect a standard foot switch here for hands-free punch-in and punch-out during recording.For details about how to set this up,see “Enable Pedal”on page 39.
If the toggle switch is down,the volume knob affects the headphone out (and the main outs operate at a fixed volume).If the toggle switch is up,the volume knob controls the main outs and the headphone out.Analog input meters 7-8 display the current headphone (7) and main out (8) volume setting as you turn the volume knob.Push the volume knob to cycle through the various settings for the programmable meters (both the 8-channel bank and the stereo AES/EBU meters).
This bank of level meters can be programmed to display one of three different banks:analog output, ADAT optical input,or ADAT optical output.Use the MOTU FireWire Audio Console to choose which bank you’d like to view with these meters.The LEDs to the left show which bank you are currently monitoring. These meters can also provide stereo output meter- ing for the 896HD’s on-board mix busses (by press- ing the MONITOR LEVEL knob).
The light that is illuminated here tells you which bank (analog in,ADAT in, or ADAT out) you are monitoring with the programmable meter bank to the right.
These meters display the level for the 896HD’s main outs.
These meters can be programmed to display either AES/EBU input or output.Use the MOTU FireWire Audio Console to choose.The LEDs to the right indicate what you are currently monitoring.

0
Quick Reference: 896HD Rear Panel
These AES/EBU connectors can handle any supported sample rate up to 96 kHz,and they are also equipped with a sample rate converter so you can input or output at a different rate than the 896HD.For details,see “Syncing AES/EBU devices”on page 28.At the 4x sample rates,(176.4 and 192kHz),AES/EBU is disabled.
These two XLR jacks serve as the MOTU 896HD’s main analog outputs.You can connect them to a set of powered studio monitors and then control the volume from the front panelVolume knob. At the 4x sample rates (176.4 or 192kHz),these jacks always mirror the headphone output.
These eight analog inputs are Neutrik™ combo connectors that accept either an XLR plug or a quarter-inch plug.They have 24-bit,64x oversampling converters.Each input is equipped with a 3-way input level switch with three settings: LINE:Use this setting for +4dB or -10dB inputs,such as synthesizers or consumer audio equipment.Adjust the input level as needed with the corresponding front panelTrim control and level meter for this input.This setting offers a trim range of around 30dB (approximately -16dBu to +15dBu). +4 / FIXED:Use this setting for +4 balanced inputs for which you do not wish to modify the gain.This position disengages the front panel trim knob.This setting also provides slightly more attenuation than the LINE setting,allowing levels up to +18dBu. MIC:This setting feeds the input signal (XLR or quarter-inch) to the built-in preamp for additional gain.Use it for any microphone or unamplified instrument pickup.Engage phantom power for condenser mics with the front-panel 48V switch (up is on).Use the corresponding front-panel trim knob and level meter to adjust the input level as needed.This setting offers a trim range of around 40dB (approximately -37dBu to +5dBu).
The MOTU 896HD’s eight analog outputs are XLR connectors with +4 / -10 switchable output (600 Ohm impedance).They are equipped with 24-bit,128x oversampling enhanced multibit A/D converters capable of 192kHz recording.
Use the word clock input and output for digital transfers with devices that cannot slave to the clock supplied by their digital I/O connection with the 896HD.
If you are using the MOTU 896HD with an ADAT,use this standard ADAT SYNC INPUT to connect the MOTU 896HD to the end of your ADAT sync chain.For example,if you have three ADATs,chain the ADATs in the usual fashion (SYNC OUT to SYNC IN,etc.),and then connect the last ADAT’s SYNC OUT to this SYNC IN.This connection allows you to make sample-accurate audio transfers between AudioDesk (or other sample-accurate software) and the ADATs.If you have a MOTU MIDI Timepiece AV or Digital Timepiece, make it the master of the ADAT SYNC chain so that you can control everything from AudioDesk (or your other MIDI Machine Control compatible software).
The 896HD power supply is switchablebetween 110Vand 220V operation.It should already be set to the proper voltage for your country,but you can check the setting and adjust it if necessary with the red switch just to the left of this power cord receptacle (on the side of the metal chassis).
These ADAT optical digital I/O connectors can be connected either to an ADAT or any ADAT- compatible“lightpipe”device (such as a digital mixer).ADAT optical supplies eight channels of 24-bit digital I/O at 44.1 or 48kHz. It carries 4 channels of 24-bit digital I/O at 88.2 or 96kHz.(it is disabled at the 4x sample rates.)
Connect the MOTU 896HD to the computer here using the standard 1394 FireWire cable provided with your MOTU 896HD. Use the extra FireWire port to daisy-chain up to four 896HD’s to a single FireWire bus.You can also connect a MOTU 828, FireWire hard drive or other FireWire device.For details,see “Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces”on page 33.

CHAPTER
7
Quick Reference:
MOTU FireWire Audio Console
Check this option if the audio software you
are using with the 896HD does not support
Windows WDM drivers and instead only
supports legacy MME (Wave) drivers.When
checked, this option makes all of the 896HD
inputs and outputs available to legacy Wave-
driver compatible audio software.
Determines the clock source for your 896HD.
If you’re just using the analog ins and outs,
set this to‘Internal’.The other settings are
for digital transfers via AES/EBU or external
synchronization via the ADAT SYNC in port.
Enables or disables the 896HD’s
ADAT optical I/O.Turning them off
frees up FireWire bandwidth.
Choose the global sample rate
for the system here.
Provides several options for the
MOTU 896HD’s AES/EBU sample
rate conversion.See,“Syncing
AES/EBU devices”on page 28.
This menu lets you choose what you will hear
from the headphone jack.To mirror the main
outs,choose Main Outs. Or you can mirror any
other output pair.To hear the phones as their
own independent output,choose Phones.
Click the tabs to access general
MOTU FireWire interface settings
or settings specific to the 896HD
(or other connected interface.)
Choosing a smaller setting here
reduces the delay you may hear
when listening to live input that
you are running through effects
plug-ins in your software.But
lower settings also increase the
strain on your computer.For
details,see “Samples Per Buffer”
on page 38.
Click the 896HD tab to access
these settings.
If you have a foot switch connected to the
896HD, these settings let you map the foot
switch to any computer keyboard key for
both the up and down position.For details
about how to set this up,see “Enable Pedal”
on page 39.
This option should always be left
on (checked).There are only a few
rare cases in which you would
want to turn it off.For details,
refer to the MOTU tech support
database at www.motu.com.
There are several ways to access these settings:
■From the Windows Start menu,choose Programs>MOTU>MOTU
FireWire Audio Console.
■From within Cubase SX,go to the Device Setup window and click
the Control Panel button.
■From within other applications,refer to their documentation.
How to access these settings
Lets you choose what to monitor with the
896HD’s programmable front panel meters.
If you are running the 896HD interface at a 2x
or 4x sample rate (88.2 to 192kHz),this
option appears at the bottom of the interface
settings.It lets you choose a word clock
output rate that either matches the global
sample rate (e.g.192kHz) or forces a word
clock output rate of either 44.1 or 48kHz.
Takes the interface off line.Inputs and
outputs are not available to audio applica-
tions,and bandwidth on the FireWire bus is
relinquished,freeing it up for other devices.
The Clip Hold Time controls how
long the top-most red LED
remains illuminated after
clipping.Choose ‘Infinite’if you
want to be able to clear the LED
from Digital Performer.The Peak
HoldTime controls how long the
highest illuminated LED remains
lit before going dark.

8

CHAPTER
9
1
About the 896HD
OVERVIEW
The 896HD is a computer-based hard disk
recording system for Mac OS and Windows that
provides 18 separate inputs and 22 separate
outputs (at 44.1 or 48kHz), including separate
main outs and headphone out.All inputs and
outputs can be accessed simultaneously. The
896HD consists of a standard 19-inch, double-
space, rack-mountable I/O unit that connects
directly to a computer via a standard IEEE 1394
FireWire™ cable. The 896HD offers the following:
■ Operation at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192 kHz
■ Eight 24-bit analog outputs individually
switchable between +4 and -10dB operation
■ Eight 24-bit analog inputs equipped with
Neutrik “combo” jacks and independent 3-way
level switch for MIC, LINE or +4/FIXED inputs
■ Eight-channel ADAT optical digital I/O
■ AES/EBU with sample rate conversion
■ Tw o e x t r a a na lo g main outs
■ Eight mic preamps (one on each input)
■ Independent 48V phantom power for each input
■ Independent front-panel trim for each input
■ Sample-accurate ADAT sync input
■ Wo rd c l o c k i n put and output
■ Two FireWire jacks for chaining multiple units
■ Foot switch input for hands-free punch-in/out
■ Front-panel Headphone jack
■ Main volume knob (for headphone + main outs)
■ CueMix™ DSP no-latency monitoring
■ 10-segment LED level meters for each input
■ 10-segment programmable LEDs for analog
output, ADAT input or ADAT output
■ 10-segment programmable LEDs for AES/EBU
input or output
■ Switchable power supply (110V or 220V)
With a variety of I/O formats, mic preamps, no-
latency monitoring of live input and synchroni-
zation capabilities, the 896HD is a complete,
portable“studio in a box” when used with a
Macintosh or Windows computer. A WDM driver
is included for audio applications running under
Windows Me/2000/XP. Also included is an ASIO
driver for multi-channel operation with any
Windows audio software that supports ASIO
drivers. The 896HD’s GSIF driver provides low-
latency multi-channel I/O with Tascam
GigaSampler™ (and the other Giga family
products).
THE 896HD I/O REAR PANEL
The 896HD rear panel has the following
connectors:
■ Eight 24-bit XLR analog outputs,each equipped
with an independent 2-way output level switch (+4
or -10dB)
■ Eight 24-bit Neutrik “combo” (XLR + balanced
quarter-inch) analog inputs, each equipped with
an independent 3-way level switch (MIC, LINE,
+4/FIXED), mic preamp, front-panel 48V
phantom power switch, and front-panel trim knob
■ One set of ADAT optical‘light pipe’ connectors
(8 channels of ADAT optical input and output at
44.1/48kHz and 4 channels at 88.2/96kHz)
■ AES/EBU input and output

ABOUT THE 896HD
10
■ Two XLR m ain analog outputs with volume
knob (on the front panel)
■ One 9-pin ADAT SYNC IN connector
■ BNC word clock input and output
■ Two 1394 FireWire jacks
18 inputs and 22 outputs
All 896HD inputs and outputs can be used simulta-
neously, for a total of 18 inputs and 22 outputs at
44.1/48kHz:
All inputs and outputs are discrete. In other words,
using the main outs does not“steal” an output pair
from the bank of eight XLR analog outputs. The
same is true for the headphone outs.
The ADAT optical ports provide 4 channels of I/O
at 88.2 or 96kHz. They are disabled at the 4x
sample rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
The headphone output can operate as an
independent output pair, or it can mirror any other
896HD output pair, such as the main outs.
Analog
All 10 analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit
192kHz, 64x oversampling A/D converters.All 12
analog outputs have 24-bit 128x oversampling D/A
converters.All audio is carried to the computer in a
24-bit data stream. Each output can be individually
switched between either +4 or -10dB operation.
Each input can be individually set to one of three
input levels: MIC (feeds the mic preamp and
includes front-panel trim and switchable 48V
phantom power), LINE (for -10dB inputs with
front-panel trim) and +4/FIXED (for +4 “hot”
inputs for which no gain adjustment in the 896HD
is desired).
Mic preamps
All eight analog inputs are equipped with a mic
preamp on a Neutrik™ combo-style connector that
accepts either an XLR or quarter-inch plug.
Defeatable 48V phantom power is supplied by a
front panel switch. In addition, each input has its
own trim knob, which provides a trim range of
approximately 40dB.
Main Outs
The main outs are equipped with 24-bit 192kHz
128x oversampling D/A converters and serve as
independent outputs for the computer or for the
896HD’s on-board CueMix DSP mixes. The main
out volume can be controlled with the front panel
volume knob (when the switch is in the
Main Outs
+ Phones
position).
Optical
The 896HD optical jacks support the industry
standard ADAT optical format, which provides
eight channels of 24-bit digital audio at either 44.1
or 48 kHz, and four channels at 88.2 or 96kHz.
AES/EBU with sample rate conversion
The 896HD rear panel provides a standard AES/
EBU digital input and output that supports digital
I/O at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. In addition, input
or output can be sample-rate converted to any of
these sample rates in situations that call for a
different rate than the 896HD’s global sample rate.
The AES/EBU jacks are disabled at the 4x sample
rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
ADAT sync: sample-accurate synchronization
The 896HD’s standard 9-pin ADAT SYNC IN
connector provides sample-accurate synchroni-
zation with all Alesis ADAT tape decks connected
Connection Input Output
24-bit 192kHz XLR analog 8 8
24-bit 192kHz XLR main outputs - stereo
Headphone output - stereo
ADAT optical digital (at 44.1 or 48kHz) 8 8
AES/EBU 24-bit 96kHz digital stereo stereo
Total 18 22

ABOUT THE 896HD
11
to the system—or any device that supports the
ADAT sync format. For example, if you digitally
transfer a single track of material from an ADAT
via light pipe into audio workstation software on
the computer, and then transfer the track back to
the ADAT, it will be recorded exactly at its original
location, down to the sample.
Word clock
The 896HD provides standard word clock that can
slave to any supported sample rate. In addition,
word clock can resolve to and generate“high” and
“low” sample rates. For example, if the 896HD
global sample rate is set to 96 kHz, the word clock
input can resolve to a“low” rate of 48 kHz.
Similarly,when the 896HD is operating at 192 kHz,
the MOTU FireWire Audio Console lets you
choose a word clock output rate of 48 kHz (the
Force 44.1/48kHz setting).
Punch in/out
The quarter-inch Punch in/out jack accepts a
standard foot switch.When you push the foot
switch, the 896HD triggers a programmable
keystroke on the computer keyboard. For example,
with MOTU’s Digital Performer audio sequencer
software, the foot switch triggers the 3 key on the
numeric keypad, which toggles recording in
Digital Performer. Therefore, pressing the foot
switch is the same as pressing the 3 key.The 896HD
Control Panel software lets you program any
keystroke you wish.
1394 FireWire
The two 1394 FireWire jacks accept a standard
IEEE 1394 FireWire cable to connect the 896HD to
a FireWire-equipped Macintosh or Windows
computer. The second jack can be used to daisy
chain multiple interfaces — up to four MOTU
FireWire interfaces — on a single FireWire bus. It
can also be used to connect other FireWire devices
without the need for a FireWire hub.
THE 896HD FRONT PANEL
Headphone output and main volume control
The MOTU 896HD front panel includes a quarter-
inch stereo headphone output jack and volume
knob. From the factory, the headphone output
matches the main stereo outs.An accompanying
switch allows you to control the volume of the
phones only (down) or both the phones and the
main outs (up). The headphone output can also
operate as its own independent output pair, or it
can mirror any other 896HD output pair, such as
the AES/EBU output. Use the MOTU FireWire
Console to choose the desired headphone output.
CueMix™ DSP no-latency monitoring
The MOTU 896HD provides CueMix™ DSP no-
latency monitoring,which can mix all inputs to any
output pair. At samples rates up to 96kHz, four
such mixes can be independently programmed
and simultaneously operated.At the 4x sample
rates (176.4 or 192kHz), two CueMix DSP mixes
are supported.
Input trim knobs and phantom power switch
The front-panel input trim knobs provide
independent trim for the eight analog inputs. The
phantom power switch for each input provides 48V
phantom power. Up is on; down is off.
Metering
The front panel of the MOTU 896HD displays two
eight-channel banks of 10-segment ladder LEDs.
The left-hand bank always shows the eight analog
inputs. The right-hand bank shows one of three
different banks, which you can specify in the
MOTU FireWire Audio Console software: Analog
out, ADAT input, or ADAT output. A status LED to
the left shows which bank you are currently
viewing. These two banks also provide metering
for the four CueMix DSP monitor mixes (when the
front-panel MONITOR LEVEL knob is pressed
and/or turned).

ABOUT THE 896HD
12
The 896HD front panel also displays stereo meters
for the main analog outs and AES/EBU. The AES/
EBU meters can display either input or output as
specified in the MOTU FireWire Audio Console
software.A status LED to the right shows whether
you are viewing input or output.
16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING
The 896HD system handles all data with a 24-bit
signal path, regardless of the I/O format.You can
record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at
any supported sample rate via any of the 896HD’s
analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio
files can be recorded with any compatible host
application that supports 24-bit recording.
HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE
The 896HD system ships with a standard WDM
Windows driver that allows you to record, edit,
play back and mix your 896HD projects using your
favorite Windows audio software.A standard GSIF
driver is also included for operation with Tascam
GigaStudio.
The 896HD also includes a Windows ASIO driver
for multi-channel compatibility with any audio
application that supports ASIO drivers.
A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM
Regardless of what software you use with the
896HD, the host computer determines the number
of tracks the software can record and play simulta-
neously, as well as the amount of real-time effects
processing you can apply to your mix.A faster
computer with more RAM and faster hard drives
will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time
effects than a slower computer with less RAM and
slower hard drives. Today’s fastest computers can
typically play as many as 72 tracks or more.

CHAPTER
13
2
Packing List and
Windows System Requirements
PACKING LIST
The 896HD ships with the items listed below. If any
of these items are not present in your 896HD box
when you first open it, please immediately contact
your dealer or MOTU.
■ One 896HD I/O rack unit
■ One 1394 “FireWire” cable
■ Power cord
■ One 896HD Mac/Windows manual
■ One AudioDesk OS 9/OS X“Flipbook” Manual
■ One cross-platform CD-ROM
■ Product registration card
WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The 896HD system requires the following
Windows system:
■ A 500 MHz Pentium-based PC compatible or
faster equipped with at least one FireWire port
■ A Pentium III processor or faster is
recommended
■ At least 128MB (megabytes) of RAM (64MB or
more is recommended)
■ Windows Me, 2000 or XP
■ A large hard drive (preferably at least 20GB)
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Please send in the registration card included with
your 896HD system.As a registered user, you will
be eligible to receive on-line technical support
email and announcements about product
enhancements as soon as they become available.
Only registered users receive these special update
notices, so please, complete and mail this
registration card!
Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!

PACKING LIST AND WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
14

CHAPTER
15
3
IMPORTANT! Run the 896HD
Software Installer First
OVERVIEW
Install the 896HD software first! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the 896HD software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MOTU FireWire Audio Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ASIO MOTU FireWire Audio Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The MOTU FireWire audio WDM driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MOTU GSIF FireWire driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CueMix Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INSTALL THE 896HD SOFTWARE FIRST!
Before you connect the 896HD audio interface to
your computer and turn it on, insert the 896HD
software CD and run the 896HD Software Installer.
This ensures that all the 896HD components are
properly installed in your system.
If Windows asks you to locate the drivers
If you’ve already connected the 896HD to your
computer and switched it on, Windows probably
issued an alert notifying you that the 896HD
requires drivers, followed by another window
asking you to locate the drivers on disk. If this
happens:
1 Cancel the driver search.
2 Switch off the 896HD.
3 Run the 896HD Software Installer as instructed
in the next section.
INSTALLING THE 896HD SOFTWARE
To install the 896HD software, insert the MOTU
Audio CD-ROM and follow the directions it gives
you on your computer screen.The 896HD ships
with the following software and drivers for
Windows Me, 2000 and XP:
Software
component Purpose
MOTU FireWire
Audio Console
Provides access to all of the settings in the
896HD hardware.
ASIO MOTU
FireWire Audio
Driver
Allows Cubase or other ASIO-compliant
software to do multi-channel input and
output with the 896HD.
MOTU FireWire
WDM Driver
Allows any WDM-driver compatible
audio software to do multichannel input
and output with the 896HD.
MOTU FireWire
GSIF Driver
Allows you to use your 896HD with Tas-
cam GigaStudio.
FireWire CueMix
Console
Gives you complete control over the
896HD’s CueMix DSP feature, which pro-
vides no-latency monitoring of live
inputs.

IMPORTANT! RUN THE 896HD SOFTWARE INSTALLER FIRST
16
MOTU FIREWIRE AUDIO CONSOLE
The MOTU FireWire Audio Console (available in
the Start menu) gives you access to all of the
settings in the 896HD,such as the clock source and
sample rate. For complete details, see chapter 5,
“MOTU FireWire Audio Console” (page 35).
Figure 3-1: The MOTU FireWire Audio Console gives you access to all
of the settings in the 896HD hardware.
ASIO MOTU FIREWIRE AUDIO DRIVER
ASIO stands for Audio Streaming Input and Output .
TheASIO MOTU FireWire driver allows 896HD to
provide multi-channel input and output for
Steinberg’s Cubase VST software, or any other
audio application that supports ASIO drivers.
The ASIO MOTU FireWire driver is installed by
the 896HD Software Installer and properly
registered with Windows, so you don’t need to be
concerned about its installation or location.
For details about using Cubase VST with the
896HD, see chapter 6,“Cubase, Nuendo and Other
ASIO Software” (page 43).
THE MOTU FIREWIRE AUDIO WDM DRIVER
The MOTU FireWireAudio WDM driver provides
standard multi-channel input and output for audio
applications running under Windows Me, 2000 or
XP. See chapter 7,“Sonar and other WDM
Software” (page 53) for details.
The MOTU FireWire Audio installer CD installs
the MOTU FireWire Audio WDM for you.
MOTU GSIF FIREWIRE DRIVER
The MOTU GSIF FireWire Driver allows you to
access the 896HD as an audio interface for Tascam
GigaStudio and related products. The GSIF driver
features low-latency multi-channel performance.
CUEMIX CONSOLE
This program provides a mixing console that gives
you control over the 896HD’s no-latency CueMix
DSP features. For details, see chapter 9,“CueMix
Console” (page 65).

CHAPTER
17
4
Installing the 896HD Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the 896HD:
Connect the 896HD interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connect the 896HD to the computer.
Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Make optical and analog connections as desired.
Connect a foot switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connect a footswitch to trigger any keystroke.
A typical 896HD setup (no mixer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.
Using the 896HD with a mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
An example setup for a mixer-based studio.
Making sync connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
If you need to resolve the 896HD with other
devices, make the necessary sync connections.
Do you need a synchronizer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Sample-accurate sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sample-accurate ADAT sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sample-accurate ADAT sync with no synchronizer . . 25
Syncing to video and/or SMPTE time code. . . . . . . . . . . 26
Syncing optical devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Syncing AES/EBU devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Syncing word clock devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Syncing large systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces . . . . . 33
CONNECT THE 896HD INTERFACE
1 Plug one end of the 896HD FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 4-1.
2 Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
896HD I/O as shown below in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1: Connecting the 896HD to the computer.

INSTALLING THE 896HD HARDWARE
18
CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The 896HD audio interface has the following audio
input and output connectors:
■ 8 XLR analog outputs
■ 8 Neutrik™ XLR/quarter-inch analog inputs
■ 2 XLR main outs
■ AES/EBU input/output
■ ADAT optical input/output
Analog inputs
The 896HD analog inputs are Neutrik combo
connectors that accept either a male XLR plug or a
quarter-inch plug.You can use either type of plug,
regardless of whether it is a mic, synth,or whatever.
Set the 3-way input level switch as follows:
For a microphone or unamplified instrument
pickup, set the rear-panel 3-way switch to MIC,
plug in your mic (XLR or quarter-inch plug), flip
on 48V phantom power (if necessary) and use the
trim knob as needed to adjust the level.
For -10dB (unbalanced) inputs (like synths) or +4
(balanced) signals that may need to be boosted, set
the rear panel 3-way switch to LINE and use the
trim knob to adjust the level.Yo u c a n u s e either an
XLR or quarter-inch plug. (Note: the complete
trim range, from all the way down with the MIC
setting to all the way up with the LINE setting is
around 55dB total. The MIC setting provides a
40dB range and the LINE setting offers a 30dB
range with some overlap between them.)
If you have +4 inputs for which you’d like to
maintain unity gain, set the 3-way switch to +4/
FIXED. Use either an XLR or quarter-inch plug.
Analog outputs
Connect an XLR cable and set the desired output
level with the 2-way level switch (+4 or -10dB).
ADAT optical
Use standard ADAT optical cables. Reminder:
optical goes OUT to IN and IN to OUT, like MIDI.
AES/EBU
Connect standard AES/EBU input and output. 2x
sample rates (88.2 & 96 kHz) are supported; 4x
samples rates (176.4 or 192kHz) are not supported.
Main outs
When the 896HD is operating at any sample rate
up to 96kHz, the main outputs serve as a separate,
independent output pair.The main out volume can
be controlled by the main volume knob on the
front panel (when the switch is up). In a typical
studio, the main outs are intended for a pair of
monitors. However, if you are using the 896HD in
other ways, such as in a live performance situation,
you could use the main outs for stage monitors or
for some other purpose.
Using an external mixer
The 896HD can be used with or without a mixer,as
shown on the following pages. In Figure 4-3 (no
mixer), all mixing and effects processing occurs in
the audio software running on the computer. If
you’d like to use external mixing, see “Using the
896HD with a mixer” on page 20.
Figure 4-2: the 896HD rear panel.

INSTALLING THE 896HD HARDWARE
19
CONNECT A FOOT SWITCH
If you would like to use a foot switch with your
896HD, connect it to the PUNCH IN/OUT jack.
See “Quick Reference: MOTU FireWire Audio
Console” on page 7 for information about how to
program the foot switch to trigger any computer
keystroke you wish.
A TYPICAL 896HD SETUP (NO MIXER)
Here is a typical 896HD studio setup. This rig can
be operated without an external mixer. All mixing
and processing can be done in the computer with
audio software. During recording, you can use the
896HD’s CueMix™ DSP no-latency monitoring to
listen to what you are recording via the main outs,
headphone outs, or any other output pair. You can
control monitoring from the included CueMix
Console software.
Figure 4-3: A typical 896HD studio setup.
Pedal jack (on front panel)
mic
PC
ADAT
AES/EBU
DAT deck
ADAT optical quarter-inch analog outs
synthesizer
monitors
guitar
(with or without amp)
quarter-inch analog outs
synths, samplers, effects units, etc.
sends to
FX unit
(in rack
below)
headphones
Headphone jack (on front panel)
FireWire
otheroutputs
(stage
monitors,
etc.)
foot switch

INSTALLING THE 896HD HARDWARE
20
USING THE 896HD WITH A MIXER
While there are many ways to use the 896HD with
an external mixer, typically the 896HD serves as a
multi-channel “pipeline” between the mixer and
the computer. If your mixer is analog, connect the
analog section of the 896HD to your mixer. If your
mixer is digital, and it has ADAT optical I/O, you
can connect them optically as shown below in
Figure 4-4. Add more 896HD’s for additional
banks of eight-channel I/O. The 896HD’s available
analog and AES/EBU inputs and outputs can serve
as an extension to the mixer I/O, but then you will
probably find yourself mixing in two places: the
mixer and the computer.A word of advice: if you
would like to use the 896HD with an external
mixer, use the mixer for mixing. Trying to mix
large multitrack projects in two places can become
very cumbersome very quickly.
digital mixer
ADAT optical
synthesizers
synths,samplers,etc.
Figure 4-4: Using the 896HD with a digital mixer.
FireWire
8-channel digital I/O
PC