MOTU MicroBook User manual

™
MicroBook
User Guide
1280 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Business voice: [phone]
Business fax: [phone]
Web site: www.motu.com
Tech support: www.motu.com/support

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE 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 FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF POWER PLUGS WHEN
INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO OR FROM A POWER SOURCE.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the MicroBook.
2. Retain instructions — The safety instructions and owner's manual should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the MOTU MicroBook 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 MicroBook from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
6. Power Sources — This MOTU MicroBook should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label.
7. 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 MicroBook.
8. Lightning — For added protection for the MOTU MicroBook during a lightning storm, unplug its power supply from any wall
outlets.This will prevent damage to the MOTU MicroBook due to lightning and power line surges.
9. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this MOTU MicroBook yourself as opening or removing covers will expose you to
dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
10. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug the MOTU MicroBook 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 MicroBook.
c. If the MOTU MicroBook has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the MOTU MicroBook does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If the MOTU MicroBook has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the MOTU MicroBook exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
11. 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.
12. Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU MicroBook, 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 supply, or power cables with wet hands.
CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE
SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED BYMANUFACTURER. DISPOSE OF USED
BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement
and Limited Warranty on Software
TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS 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 program solely for backup purposes.You
must reproduce and include the copyright notice on a label on any backup
copy.
YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to
others; (b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c)
provide use of the program in a computer service business, network, time-
sharing, multiple CPU or multiple user arrangement without the prior written
consent of MOTU; (d) translate, adapt, reverse engineer, decompile,
disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or related documentation
without the prior written consent of MOTU.
MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program
is 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 receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident,
abuse or misapplication of the product, then MOTU shall have no responsi-
bility to replace the disk(s) under this Limited Warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU
OF, AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO EVENT
SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR
LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS
WARRANTY GIVESYOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY
FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Update Policy
In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must register the
software at motu.com.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2010 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
TWO (2)YEARS 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 (617) 576-
2760 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 material for in shipment, and insure
the shipment for the value of the product. Please include your name,
address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and the original,
dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise
Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.
This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by
accident, abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the
written permission of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been
removed or defaced.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO (2) YEARS 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. No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is
authorized to make any modification, 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 REPRO-
GRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED
IN OR USED WITH MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or
liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
MOTU, AudioDesk, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are
trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.
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 interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television equipment reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the 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.

Contents
3
5 Quick Reference: MicroBook Front Panel
6 Quick Reference: MicroBook Rear Panel
7 Quick Reference: CueMix FX
9 About the MicroBook
13 Packing List and System Requirements
15 Installing the MicroBook Hardware
21 Installing the MicroBook Software
23 Mac OS X Audio Software
33 Windows Audio Software
39 CueMix FX
49 Troubleshooting
51 Mic Adapter Pin-outs
53 Index

Quick Reference: MicroBook Front Panel
2 31 4
1. Plug in your dynamic or condenser
mic here.If your mic cable has a standard male XLR connector,use the female XLR-to-TRS adapter included with your MicroBook. IMPORTANT:be sure to use the included adapter,or make sure that the adapter you use is wired as shown in Appendix B,“Mic Adapter Pin-outs” page (51). Use the on-screen CueMix FX software to engage the 20 dB pad and/or 48V phantom power (for a condenser mic),if necessary.
Make sure 48V power is
turned OFF BEFORE plugging anything in to the mic input.Only engage 48V power when a device
that requires it is plugged in. Never enable 48V power when a tip/sleeve (unbalanced) plug is connected to the mic input.
2. Plug in your guitar here using a
standard quarter-inch guitar cable.This input is designed with the high-impedance characteris- tics necessary to properly handle both passive and active guitar pickups.To make your guitar sound and“feel”even more like it is plugged directly into a actual guitar amplifier,consider using MOTU’s ZBox guitar impedance adapter (sold separately),which simply goes between your guitar cable and this input (no extra cable needed).
3. When this power LED flashes,it
means that the MicroBook has USB bus power and it is establish- ing communication with the computer.When the LED glows steadily,the MicroBook is ready to go.If the power LED continues to flash and never goes solid,see Appendix A,“Troubleshooting” page (49).
4. This is a standard eighth-inch
“stereo mini”headphone jack.Use the on-screen CueMix FX software mixer to control its level,indepen- dently from other output pairs.
For volume control,launch CueMix on yourcomputerandusethese
To obtain your product serial number,see “Obtain- ing your MicroBook serial number”on page 14.

1. The MicroBook is powered by its
USB connection to the computer.
2. This stereo,24-bit S/PDIF digital
output mirrors the Main Out.
3. This eighth-inch“stereo mini”
jack serves as an alternative input for Line Inputs 3-4.For example,you can plug in an iPod or CD player here,instead of using the quarter-inch jacks to
the right.DO NOT plug a cable into this mini jack at the same time as the quarter-inch jacks.
4. These two analog inputs are
balanced TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.These inputs (3-4) do not have mic pre-amps,so they are best used for synthesizers,drum machines,effects processors, and other devices with line level
signals (either -10 or +4).The CueMix FX software lets you adjust the input level for record- ing.If you use these quarter inch jacks,DO NOT plug a cable in to the stereo mini jack.
5. This eighth-inch“stereo mini”
jack serves as a stereo line level analog output that is completely independent from the Main Out (to the right).
6. These two balanced,quarter-
inch jacks serve as the Micro- Book’s main outputs.You can connect them to a set of powered studio monitors and then control the volume from MAIN volume control in the CueMix FX software.You can hear the output of your audio software on these Main Outs, and also use CueMix FX to monitor live MicroBook inputs.
Quick Reference: MicroBook Rear Panel
1 2 3 654

CHAPTER
7
Quick Reference: CueMix FX
Launch CueMix FX (in your Mac Applications folder or in the Windows Start menu
under Programs>MOTU>CueMix FX) to control the MicroBook. This chapter gives
you a quick overview. For further details, see chapter 7,“CueMix FX” (page 39).
1. Input settings include trim
level,mono/stereo toggle,EQ
and dynamics.For more input
settings (pad,phantom power,
etc.)clicktheFocus buttonand
go to the Channel tab.
2. The MicroBook provides five
different stereo mix busses.
Use the Mix tab to mix sources
(inputs,host computer audio,
etc.) for each mix bus.See
“The Mixes tab”on page 43.
3. Output settings include
choosing what you will hear
on each output (a mix bus,
inputs,host computer audio,
or a signal generator
),EQ,and dynamics.See the
next page,or “The Outputs
tab”on page 44 for more info.
4. Click a focus button (in the
Inputs,Outputs,or Mixes tabs)
to view individual channel
settings here in the Channel,
EQ and D
y
namics tabs.
5. Control the volume of the
MicroBook’s outputs here.
6. Assign outputs to the Monitor
group (via the buttons) and
control them all here.
7. Monitor Group metering.
8. Signal Generator tab provides
settings for white/pink noise
and a sine wave generator.
9. Meters for all ins/outs/busses.
651 32 4
789

8
1. Click the Outputs tab to access
settings for the MicroBooks
outputs.For example,you can
choose one of five different
mixes for each output.
2. Choose the audio source for
each output pair from these
menus.The MicroBook gives
you a lot of flexibility,as
shown in the menu to the
right.You can choose one of
the five mixes,which let you
mix inputs with computer
audio.Or you can choose an
input or computer audio
directly (the From Host
option).A mix can go to as
many outputs as you want.
Choosing Sine,White,or Pink
produces a sine wave or white/
pink noise from the Micro-
Book’s signal generator (item
8 on the previous page).
3. If you want to apply EQ or
dynamics processing to the
output,click here to enable it
and then adjust settings in the
channel section (4).
4. Adjust output settings in the
EQ and dynamics tabs here.In
the EQ tab,click the power icon
to enable an EQ band and then
either adjust its knobs or drag
its settings directly in the
graph above.
5. Use this menu to access the
sonogram waterfall,real time
FFT display,and other
diagnostic tools.See “Audio
analysis tools”on page 47.
1
2
4
3
5

CHAPTER
ABOUT THE MICROBOOK
9
1
About the MicroBook
Obtaining your MicroBook
serial number
The MicroBook holds its serial
number electronically in the unit
itself. To obtain the serial number,
follow the hardware and software
installation instructions in this
booklet, and then do the following:
1 Launch the CueMix FX software.
2 Choose Devices menu>
MicroBook> Setup.
Figure 1-1: The Setup window.
3 The serial number is shown at the
bottom of the Setup window, as
shown in Figure 1-1.
Overview
The MicroBook is a USB audio interface
for Mac and Windows with on-board
effects and mixing that offers four inputs
and eight outputs for recording and
playback at industry standard sample
rates of 44.1 or 48 kHz.All inputs and
outputs can be accessed simultaneously.
The MicroBook consists of a light and
small aluminum alloy-encased interface
that connects directly to a computer via a
standard USB cable.
The MicroBook offers the following main
features:
■ 4-input, 2-output bus-powered
“plug-and-play”USB audio interface for
Mac and Windows.
■ 4 x 8 physical input/output channels.
■ 10-bus digital mixer to route and mix
live inputs with live computer tracks.
■ Preamp-equipped mic input with
Precision Digital Trim™, 48V phantom
power, and 20 dB pad.
■ Guitar input with 20 dB pad and
Precision Digital Trim.
■ Stereo line level analog input on
balanced quarter-inch (TRS) or stereo
mini connectors.
■ Stereo line level analog main outs on
balanced quarter-inch (TRS) connectors.
■ Stereo eighth-inch“mini” line-level
out.

ABOUT THE MICROBOOK
10
■ S/PDIF digital out on RCA (duplicates
Main Out).
■ Headphone output on an eighth-inch
stereo “mini”jack with independent
volume control.
■ Operation on all analog and digital I/O
at standard sample rates of 44.1 or 48
kHz.
■ Digitally controlled analog trim for the
mic and guitar inputs.
■ Digital trim for all outputs.
■ CueMix™ FX no-latency mixing and
monitoring with EQ and dynamics
processing.
■ 7-band parametric EQ and
compression.
■ Test tone and white/pink noise
generator.
■ Advanced audio analysis software
tools, including FFT “waterfall” display,
oscilloscope, X-Y plot, and phase torch.
■ Compatible with all current and recent
generation Macs and PCs.
■ Mac and Windows drivers for across-
the-board compatibility with any audio
software.
■ Includes AudioDesk™ full-featured
audio workstation software for
Mac OS X, USB cable, and mic cable
adapter.
With a variety of I/O formats, dedicated
mic and guitar inputs, and no-latency
mixing and processing of live input, the
MicroBook is a complete, portable
“studio in a box” when used with a Mac
or Windows computer.
Precision Digital Trim™
The MicroBook’s mic and guitar inputs
are equipped with digitally controlled
analog trims with up to 51 dB and 32 dB
of boost, respectively, using the included
CueMix FX software for Mac OS X and
Windows. This allows you to fine-tune
trim settings for optimum levels.
Different trim configurations can then be
saved as files on disk for instant recall.
16-bit and 24-bit recording
The MicroBook 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
MicroBook’s inputs and outputs.
CueMix FX mixing and effects
All MicroBook inputs and outputs can be
routed to the on-board CueMix FX
10-bus (5 stereo) digital mixer driven by
hardware-based DSP. The mixer allows
you to apply no-latency EQ and
dynamics processing to inputs, outputs
or busses directly in the MicroBook
hardware, independent of the computer.
Input signals to the computer can be
recorded wet, dry, or dry with a wet
monitor mix (for musicians during
recording, for example).
Effects include parametric EQ and
compression/limiting. Standard
compression provides conventional
threshold, ratio, attack, release, trim, and

ABOUT THE MICROBOOK
11
knee controls. The 7-band parametric
EQ is modeled after British analog
console EQs, featuring four filter styles
(gain/Q profiles) to effectively cover a
wide range of audio material. Low-pass
and high-pass filters are also supplied
with slopes that range from 6 to 36 dB.
The MicroBook’s flexible effects
architecture allows you to apply EQ and
compression on every input and output.
Mac audio software
The MicroBook system includes a
standard Mac OS X CoreAudio driver for
multichannel I/O with any audio
application that supports CoreAudio,
such as the included AudioDesk software
and Digital Performer.
Windows audio software
The MicroBook ships with standard
Windows drivers that allow you to
record, edit, play back and mix your
MicroBook projects using your favorite
Windows audio software.

ABOUT THE MICROBOOK
12

CHAPTER
PACKING LIST AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
13
2
Packing List and System
Requirements
PACKING LIST
The MicroBook ships with the items
listed below. If any of these items are not
present in your MicroBook box when you
first open it, please immediately contact
your dealer or MOTU.
■ One MicroBook
■ One USB cable (Type A to Type B)
■ One mic cable plug adapter
■ One MicroBook Mac/Windows User
Guide
■ One cross-platform Universal Audio
Installer
disc
■ MicroBook product registration card
■ One peel-off sheet of rubber feet
MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The MicroBook system requires the
following Mac system:
■ PowerPC G4 1 GHz Power Mac or
faster CPU (including PowerPC G5 CPUs
and all Intel processor Macs)
■ At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM;
512 MB or more is recommended
■ Mac OS X version 10.5 or 10.6; 10.5.6
or later is required.
■ A large hard drive, preferably at least
100 GB
WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The MicroBook system requires the
following Windows system:
■ Pentium 4 1 GHz Pentium CPU (or
AMD equivalent) or faster
■ At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM;
512 MB or more is recommended
■ Windows 7 or Vista
■ A large hard drive, preferably at least
100 GB
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Please register your MicroBook today.
There are two ways to register.
■ Visit www.motu.com/register to
register online
OR
■ Fill out and mail the included product
registration card
As a registered user, you will be eligible to
receive technical support and
announcements about product
enhancements as soon as they become
available. Only registered users receive
these special update notices, so please
register today.
You need your MicroBook serial
number to register
To register your MicroBook, you need
your unit’s serial number. See “Obtaining
your MicroBook serial number” on
page 14.

PACKING LIST AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
14
Mac users: be sure to register
AudioDesk
If you are a Mac user, be sure to register
the included AudioDesk software, which
must be registered separately.You can do
so online at motu.com/register. Doing so
will allow you to be eligible to receive
technical support and announcements
about AudioDesk software
enhancements as soon as they become
available.
Thank you for taking the time to register
your new MOTU products!
OBTAINING YOUR MICROBOOK
SERIAL NUMBER
The MicroBook holds its serial number
electronically in the unit itself. To obtain
the serial number, follow the hardware
and software installation instructions in
the next two chapters, and then do the
following:
1 Launch CueMix FX.
2 Choose Devices menu> MicroBook>
Setup.
Figure 2-1: The Setup window.
3 The serial number is shown at the
bottom of the Setup window, as shown in
Figure 2-1.

CHAPTER
INSTALLING THE MICROBOOK HARDWARE
15
3
Installing the MicroBook
Hardware
OVERVIEW
Windows users:install the software first . . . . 15
Connect the MicroBook interface . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connect audio inputs and outputs. . . . . . . . . . 16
Bus power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A typical MicroBook setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
WINDOWS USERS: INSTALL THE
SOFTWARE FIRST
If you are using the MicroBook with a
Windows computer, installation goes
much more smoothly if you install the
MicroBook software before you connect
the MicroBook hardware. Proceed to
chapter 4,“Installing the MicroBook
Software”(page 21) first, and then return
to this chapter to then proceed with the
hardware installation.
CONNECT THE MICROBOOK
INTERFACE
1 Plug the MicroBook USB cable
(included) into a USB socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 3-1.
2 Plug the other end of the USB cable
into the MicroBook as shown in
Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Connecting the MicroBook to the
computer.

INSTALLING THE MICROBOOK HARDWARE
16
CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND
OUTPUTS
Here are a few things you should keep in
mind as you are making input and output
connections to other devices.
Mic input with preamp
Connect a dynamic or condenser
microphone to the mic input (Figure 3-2)
with a standard mic cable.If the cable has
a quarter-inch plug, connect it directly. If
it has a male XLR plug, use the female-
XLR-to-quarter-inch adapter included
with the MicroBook.
☛ The mic cable adapter supplied with
the MicroBook is wired specifically for
the MicroBook mic input,so do not use a
substitute, unless you are certain it is
wired as shown in Appendix B,“Mic
Adapter Pin-outs” page (51).
☛ Do not connect a +4 (line level) input
to the mic input (because it will overdrive
the preamp).
Phantom power
If you are connecting a condenser
microphone or other device that requires
48V phantom power, you can enable
phantom power for the mic input using
the MicroBook’s CueMix FX software
(Figure 3-4). See “Input settings” on
page 17.
☛ Make sure 48V power is
turned OFF
before plugging
anything in to the mic input.
Only engage 48V power
when a device that requires it is plugged
in. Never enable 48V power when a
tip/sleeve (unbalanced) plug is connected
to the mic input.
20 dB pad
If the input signal is still too hot with the
trim turned all the way down, engage the
20dB pad button in the CueMix FX
Channel tab (Figure 3-4). See “Input
settings” on page 17.
Guitar input
Plug in your guitar to the guitar input
(Figure 3-2). For ultra-realistic sound
and feel when producing guitar tones
with virtual guitar processing software
(amp modeling, cabinet modeling,
virtual effects pedals, etc.), consider
using MOTU’s ZBox guitar impedance
adapter (sold separately), which adds
proper impedance characteristics that
cannot be modeled in software.Visit
motu.com for details.
Line level inputs
The quarter-inch analog line level inputs
3-4 (Figure 3-3) are balanced (TRS)
connectors that can also accept an
unbalanced plug.Alternately, you can use
Figure 3-2: MicroBook front panel

INSTALLING THE MICROBOOK HARDWARE
17
the eighth-inch stereo mini plug for line
level input (from an iPod or other
source).
☛ Do not use the stereo mini input and
quarter-inch inputs at the same time. If
you are using the mini jack, unplug the
quarter-inch jacks. If you are using the
quarter-inch jacks, unplug the mini jack.
Trim
The mic and guitar inputs are equipped
with 51 dB and 32 dB (respectively) of
digitally controlled analog trim (boost).
The line inputs can also be trimmed.You
can adjust the trim level for each input in
the MicroBook’s CueMix FX software.
See “Input settings” on page 17.
Input metering while adjusting trim
In the CueMix FX software, use the long-
throw, horizontal input level meter at the
top of the channel settings section
(Figure 3-4) to calibrate the level.
Input settings
To access input channel settings such as
48V phantom power, pad and trim,
launch the MicroBook’s CueMix FX
software and follow this procedure:
1 Click the Inputs tab (as shown on
page 7).
2 Click the Focus button for the desired
input channel.
3 Click the Channel tab (Figure 3-4) to
access the channel’s input settings.
Figure 3-4: Input settings in CueMix FX.
Main outs
In a standard studio configuration, the
main outs (Figure 3-3) are intended for a
pair of studio monitors, but they can also
be used as outputs for any purpose. The
quarter-inch main outs are calibrated to
produce a +4 dBu line level output signal.
Line out
You can use the eighth-inch stereo mini
line out jack for output to desktop
speakers or any other line level
destination.
Figure 3-3: MicroBook back panel

INSTALLING THE MICROBOOK HARDWARE
18
Digital out
The S/PDIF RCA “digital out”connector
provides stereo digital audio output to
another device: the S/PDIF output always
mirrors the Main Outs.
BUS POWER
Bus power requirements
The MicroBook draws all the power it
needs from the USB bus connection to
the computer. However, the USB
connection to the computer must meet all
of the requirements discussed below.
USB adapter products must be powered
If you are using a USB adapter or hub (a
third-party product that supplies one or
more USB ports to your computer), it
must have direct access to a power
supply:
■ PCI USB cards — If you plan to
connect the MicroBook to a PCI card and
run the MicroBook under bus power, the
PCI card must have a direct connection
to the power supply harness inside your
computer. This is the same power supply
harness to which you connect internal
hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc.
■ PCMCIA, Cardbus or ExpressCard
slot adapters — If you plan to connect
the MicroBook to a PC card, Cardbus or
ExpressCard USB adapter (inserted in
the card slot in your laptop), it must
provide a powered connection and it
must also have its own power supply.
Most commonly, these types of products
have a DC power adapter that plugs into
an AC wall outlet.As you can see,
however, this situation does not allow for
remote battery operation, as the card
adapter requires AC.
Examples of bus- powered operation
Here are a few typical examples of bus-
powered MicroBook operation:
Bus power from a desktop computer
Your desktop computer is running off of
its usual AC power connection, and the
MicroBook draws power from the USB
cable connected to the computer. There
are no limits to running time.
Bus power from an AC-powered laptop
This scenario is identical to the desktop
situation described above: the laptop is
powered by AC, the MicroBook is
powered via the USB bus and there are no
limits to running time.
Bus power from a battery-powered
laptop
The laptop is being powered by its own
battery, and the MicroBook is being
powered by its USB connection to the
computer, so the laptop battery is
supplying power to both the laptop and
the MicroBook.This is the most compact
and portable operating scenario.
Running time is determined by the
capacity of the laptop battery. For
extended recording sessions, bring extra,
fully charged laptop batteries.

INSTALLING THE MICROBOOK HARDWARE
19
A TYPICAL MICROBOOK SETUP
Here is a typical MicroBook studio setup.
This rig can be operated without an
external mixer.All mixing and processing
can be done either in the MicroBook, in
the computer with audio software, or
both. During recording, you can use the
MicroBook’s CueMix™ FX mixer to
apply EQ and compression to what you
are recording and monitor it via the main
outs, headphone outs, or any other
output pair.You can control everything
from the included CueMix FX software.
Monitors
Figure 3-5: A typical MicroBook studio setup.
Computer
Mic
Guitar (with or without an amp)
Synthesizer
Home theater
system
Headphones

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20