swissonic USB Studio D Mk. II User manual

Operating Manual
English … page 2
Benutzerhandbuch
Deutsch … Seite 20

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover or rear panel of
this unit. No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose this appliance to rain
or moisture.
SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in
the Operating Instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2004 Swissonic
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the
express written permission of Swissonic.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 4
2. Installation ........................................................................................................................ 5
3. Rear Panel Connections................................................................................................... 6
3.1 GND Ground Pin Connector.............................................................................................. 6
3.2 Coaxial S/PDIF In- and Outputs ........................................................................................ 6
3.3 USB Connector .................................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Optical S/PDIF In- and Outputs......................................................................................... 7
3.5 L&R Stereo Unbalanced & Balanced Audio Outputs........................................................ 7
3.6 L&R Stereo RCA Record Input and Outputs..................................................................... 7
3.7 Inserts (2x).......................................................................................................................... 8
4. Front Panel Connections & Control Knobs/Switches................................................... 9
4.1 XLR Microphone Input Controls (2 x) .............................................................................. 9
4.2 Stereo Line Input Controls (2 x) ........................................................................................ 9
4.3 Phono Input Controls ....................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Stereo Headphone Amplifiers (2 x) ................................................................................. 10
4.5 Master Volume................................................................................................................. 11
4.6 Power Switch ................................................................................................................... 11
5. Driver Installation .......................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP .................................................................................... 12
5.2 Mac OS X......................................................................................................................... 12
6. Application Guide .......................................................................................................... 13
6.1 The purpose of the USB Studio D Mk. II ........................................................................ 13
6.2 Usage as a recording interface ......................................................................................... 13
6.3 Usage as a standard mixer (standalone) ........................................................................... 14
6.4 Usage with common audio applications........................................................................... 14
7. Specifications ..................................................................................................................17
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1. Introduction
The new Swissonic USB Studio D Mk. II is the perfect solution in every home recording
environment. The unique and extremly flexible 24bit USB audio interface provides various
analog in- and outputs: 2 microphone inputs (balanced inputs with switchable phantom
power, peak lights, gain control and inserts), 4 mono (2 stereo) adjustable line level inputs, 2
stereo turntable (Phono) / CD (Line) inputs with level control, unbalanced and balanced stereo
outputs and 2 adjustable headphone outputs. In addition the USB Studio D Mk. II provides
digital S/PDIF in- and outputs with both coaxial RCA and optical TOSLink connectors.
The USB interface connects the USB Studio D Mk. II to your favourite recording software
running under Microsoft Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000 / XP (ASIO support) or Apple Mac OS
X (CoreAudio support). Each input source can be enabled for recording with your favourite
recording software. There's no need for a soundcard anymore – clever!
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2. Installation
Your USB Studio D Mk. II was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was
designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you
carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which
may have occurred in transit.
Rack Mounting
The USB Studio D Mk. II fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space. Be sure that there is
enough air space around the unit for cooling. As to avoid overheating, please do not place the
unit on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers.
Main Voltage
The USB Studio D Mk. II has a professional internal power supply thus eliminating the use of
external power adapters.
Before you connect the unit to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage matches the
voltage required by the unit!
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3. Rear Panel Connections
Please read the following to learn more about rear panel connections and their functions.
3.1 GND Ground Pin Connector
The ground pin connector allows for connection of your turntable grounding wire.
Please refer to your turntable manual for information regarding ground connections.
3.2 Coaxial S/PDIF In- and Outputs
There are two RCA connectors for coaxial S/PDIF connection.
These connectors allow you to connect S/PDIF devices such DAT recorders or digital mixers
with coaxial cables to the USB Studio D Mk. II.
3.3 USB Connector
The USB connector connects the USB Studio D Mk. II to the computer.
You can use the supplied standard USB cable that connects the unit to your PC or Macintosh
system.
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3.4 Optical S/PDIF In- and Outputs
There are two TOSLink connectors for optical S/PDIF connection.
These connectors allow you to connect S/PDIF devices such MD recorders or digital mixers
with optical cables to the USB Studio D Mk. II.
3.5 L&R Stereo Unbalanced & Balanced Audio Outputs
The USB Studio D Mk. II provides two types of analog output connections for you to connect
to your monitoring device, unbalanced & balanced.
These are to connect to your active monitor speakers, amplifier, or additional mixer device for
you to listen to the output from the USB Studio D Mk. II.
This output signal carries the source signal from any/all of the inputs on the front of the USB
Studio D Mk. II, or a mixed signal including the inputs on the front of the USB Studio D Mk.
II and a source from the the REC inputs on the rear panel.
3.6 L&R Stereo RCA Record Input and Outputs
Use standard stereo RCA cables to connect the REC inputs and outputs to a possible
additional (optional) recording device of choice.
This could be a DAT or MD recorder for example. The REC outputs (L&R) connect to the
inputs of your chosen recording device, while the REC inputs are used for the return signal
from your recording devices outputs. You can use the REC Inputs and Outputs as alternative
to the USB interface when you want to use the USB Studio D Mk. II without a computer. The
REC outputs will always send out the same signal that is recorded with the computer via the
USB audio interface.
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3.7 Inserts (2x)
There are two TRS Insert connectors for the two microphone preamps.
Inserts are optionally used to process the analog input signal in an external effect processor
before it is sent to the computer via USB. You may be familiar with the concept of inserts,
many standard mixing desks have inserts for example. If you never heard of effect inserts
before, you might be a bit confused – don’t worry, inserts are a very nice addition to this
product.
As mentioned, inserts allow you to use the microphone preamps of the USB Studio D Mk. II
for incoming signals, then run the signal through external hardware effects (e.g. a
compressor/limiter) before the signal is sent to the computer. In order to use the inserts, you
need a so-called "insert-cable", sometimes called "Y-cable", with a 1/4" TRS connector on
one and and two 1/4" mono connectors on the two other ends. If you have trouble to find such
a cable, contact your music retailer – they will certainly be able to help you. The TRS
connector gets plugged into the insert connector of the specific channel (1 or 2) of the USB
Studio D Mk. II. The 1/4" connector that is connected to the "tip" of the TRS connector gets
connected into the input of your effect processor. The 1/4" connector that is connected to the
"ring" of the TRS connector gets connected to the output of your effect processor (the
"sleeve" carries ground). So, every 1/4" insert connector is used for both, 'sending' and
'receiving' the signal. You need only one "insert-cable" per channel.
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4. Front Panel Connections & Control Knobs/Switches
The USB Studio D Mk. II has a multitude of audio connections and controls on the front
panel. Please read the following information to understand these connections.
4.1 XLR Microphone Input Controls (2 x)
Independent (2 x) rotary gain controls, switchable Phantom power, peak lights, and a
record/monitor enable switch.
This is where you can connect up to two microphones, control their input gain, and choose
either to monitor the signal directly to your main outputs for monitoring, or to send the source
to the REC outputs and subsequently to your computer via USB.
Connect a microphone using a standard XLR type microphone cable and turn up the volume
knob to an acceptable level. If your microphone is a condenser microphone that requires
phantom power, depress the DC48V switch to enable power to your mic.
The REC switch directs the microphone source signal to the USB interface and allows you to
record the signal with your computer when in the drepessed position. In that case, the signal
also will be sent to the REC output on the rear panel. When in the non-depressed position the
signal is routed to the main outputs on the rear panel for live input monitoring.
The peak light illuminates to indicate when the mic pre-amp is over-driven with excessive
input signal. If illuminated, reduce the volume to avoid distortion of your microphone signal.
4.2 Stereo Line Input Controls (2 x)
Independent (2 x) rotary volume controls, -20dB pad, and a record/monitor enable switch.
This is where you can connect up to two stereo (L&R) line level devices (keyboards, sound
modules, etc.), control their input gain, and choose either to monitor the signal directly to
your main outputs for monitoring, or to send the source to the REC outputs and subsequently
to your computer via USB.
Connect your stereo (L&R) line level device with a standard 1/4” audio cables and turn up the
volume knob to an acceptable level.
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A -20dB PAD switch is provided to reduce the input gain on very high input signals. If your
signal is distorting, depress the -20dB switch to adjust to a more suitable level.
The REC switch directs the line level source signal to the USB interface and allows you to
record the signal with your computer when in the drepessed position. In that case, the signal
also will be sent to the REC output on the rear panel. When in the non-depressed position the
signal is routed to the main outputs on the rear panel for live input monitoring.
4.3 Phono Input Controls
Independent (2 x) rotary volume controls, line/phono switch, and a record/monitor enable
switch.
This is where you can connect up to two stereo phono/line level devices, control their input
gain, and choose either to monitor the signal directly to your main outputs for monitoring, or
to send the source to the REC outputs and subsequently to your computer via USB.
Connect your stereo (L&R) phone/line level device with a standard RCA audio cables and
turn up the volume knob to an acceptable level.
A line/phono switch is provided for each stereo pair of inputs which toggles the use of the
inputs as either a fully operational RIAA phono pre-amp or as standard RCA line level inputs.
The REC switch directs the phono/line level source signal to the USB interface and allows
you to record the signal with your computer when in the drepessed position. In that case, the
signal also will be sent to the REC output on the rear panel. When in the non-depressed
position the signal is routed to the main outputs on the rear panel for live input monitoring.
4.4 Stereo Headphone Amplifiers (2 x)
Independent (2 x) rotary monitor volume controls, and MIX/REC switch.
This is where you can connect up to two stereo headphones, control their volume, and choose
either to monitor the full monitor mix of your signals from both the front panel inputs and the
REC inputs together, or just the REC input signal from the rear panel (only what you are
recording). The MIX/REC switch toggles the monitor mode of the headphone amplifiers.
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4.5 Master Volume
The master volume controls the main output level to the main outputs on the rear panel.
It does not effect the volume of the signal that you are recording via USB.
4.6 Power Switch
Power On/Off switch.
This is where you enable the unit for use.
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5. Driver Installation
The USB Studio D Mk. II works as professional USB recording device with Microsoft
Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000 / XP and Apple Mac OS X. You can use the unit with any
modern audio application after driver installation and initial setup. Please follow the
instructions in this chapter.
5.1 Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP
Note: It is not recommended to connect the USB Studio D Mk. II before you install the driver.
Step 1
Under Windows 98SE or ME, you can launch the installer for the driver by launching
"Setup98ME.exe" from the included driver CD. Under Windows 2000 and XP, you need to
launch "Setup.exe" (make sure your are logged in as Administrator or with equivalent rights).
Step 2
Select your language.
Step 3
Click on "Install the driver".
Step 4
Agree to the terms of license for the driver.
Step 5
Now the installer does its job. Please follow the instructions on screen. You will be prompted
to connect your USB Studio D Mk. II to the computer. If the unit is already plugged in you
will be prompted to unplug it and then replug it again.
Step 6
There's some Windows popping up and disappearing again during installation, that's normal
Windows Plug & Play behaviour.
5.2 Mac OS X
Because of the excellent USB audio support in Mac OS X (from version 10.2 and above), you
do not need to install a special driver to use the USB Studio D Mk. II under Mac OS X. Just
connect the unit via USB after you have turned on the power and you are ready to use it.
To control the features of the USB Studio D Mk. II, you need to install the control panel
software from the supplied CD-ROM. Just copy the MacOSX_Driver archive file from the
supplied CD to a folder of your choice on your local hard disk. Now uncompress it and copy
the included control panel application to any folder you want.
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6. Application Guide
This chapter gives you an overview of typical applications for the USB Studio D Mk. II.
6.1 The purpose of the USB Studio D Mk. II
Nowadays, the computer is the hub of the home recording studio. There are many reasons for
this including ease of editing, clarity, digital transfer to CD etc. Traditionally, most computer
soundcards do not offer professional connectivity for microphones, turntables and the like. A
professional audio interface is required to provide these features. In the case of the turntables,
a seperate phono pre-amp is also required to record your analog vinyl records to your PC for
CD transfer. The USB Studio D Mk. II has been designed to cator for many of these needs.
The USB Studio D Mk. II provides a solution for users needing to connect a multitude of
different devices including condenser microphones which require phantom power, turntables,
keyboards, sound modules and even 2 sets of headphones for monitoring to any 2ch recording
device. This includes the computer, DAT recorders, MD recorders, etc.
With its professional 24bit USB audio interface, the USB Studio D Mk. II connects directly to
your computer, eliminating the need for an additional soundcard. Any modern computer has a
USB interface, from normal desktop systems to laptop / notebook computers. This allows you
to use the USB Studio D Mk. II even away from your home studio "on the road" if required.
6.2 Usage as a recording interface
In this example we will record an input from a microphone to the computer.
Step 1
Ensure you have connected the USB Studio D Mk. II via USB to your computer and that the
driver is installed as explained in chapter 5.
Step 2
Connect your microphone to one of the microphone connections on the front of the USB
Studio D Mk. II and increase the gain control to an acceptable level. See section 4.1 of this
manual.
Step 3
Depress the REC switch on the front panel of the USB Studio D Mk. II for the microphone
channel you are using to send the signal to the USB interface to your computer. This will
allow you to record the signal in your audio application.
Adjust the gain control on the microphone to the correct level desired. You should take note
of the input level meters of your recording software to make sure that you are recording at an
acceptable value.
Step 4
Engage recording in your favoite audio software to capture the signal from your microphone.
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Note: To monitor your signal, simply listen to your monitor speakers (ensure they are
connected correctly as described in section 3.5) or headphones connected to the front panel of
the USB Studio D Mk. II (as described in section 4.4).
6.3 Usage as a standard mixer (standalone)
The USB Studio D Mk. II is extremely simple to operate as a standard mixer, even without
computer connection.
Step 1
Simply connect all your input devices to the appropriate connections on the front panel.
Step 2
Adjust the gain controls on the desired input signals to your desired level.
Step 3
Monitor the results from your speakers or headphones (check section 3.5 and 4.4).
6.4 Usage with common audio applications
Cubase SX/SL or Nuendo
When you use the USB Studio D Mk. II in ASIO compatible applications under Windows
such as Cubase SX / SL or Nuendo from Steinberg, you need to select the ASIO driver of the
unit inside the VST Multitrack setup dialog. The following screen shot shows Nuendo,
although it will look similar in other ASIO compatible applications:
If you click on Control Panel, you can change the hardware options and the buffer size
(which equals the latency) of the ASIO driver.
The Cubase SX / SL and Nuendo setup under Mac OS X is similar although you cannot call
the Control Panel from within the application (you need to launch that separatly if required).
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Wavelab
When you use the USB Studio D Mk. II in MME compatible applications under Windows
such as Wavelab from Steinberg (or any other MME compatible application), you can select
the in- and output device somewhere in the audio settings inside the application.
Just select USB Audio Device for both recording and playback. In Wavelab, you can reach the
dialog shown above via Preferences > Audio Card.
Logic
Logic is the leading multichannel recording application under Mac OS X. It uses the
CoreAudio standard as most Mac OS X audio applications for recording and playback.
Launch Logic. After the software has been loaded, call Audio > Audio Hardware & Drivers
from the menu. The dialog that is displayed above will appear now. Make sure Core Audio is
checked. In the Driver selection box, you can select the driver. Please select the USB device
here. By default, Logic works with 16bit recording and playback resolution which is OK for
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normal home recording. If you want to use 24bit resolution, make sure to check the box 20/24
Bit Recording.
Peak
Peak from BIAS is the leading stereo audio editor under Mac OS X. To use the USB Studio D
Mk. II in Peak, launch Peak and go to Audio > Sound Out and verify that CoreAudio is
selected. Go to Audio > Hardware Settings and select the USB Studio D Mk. II as your input
and output device. Now go to Audio>Record Settings>Device and Sample Format – you can
use the menu to select your bit depth, sample rate and other input settings.
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7. Specifications
Audio Inputs
- Connectors 1/4" jack TRS Balanced, XLR Balanced
- RCA Unbalaced
- Impedance 47k Ohms / 600Ohm
- Min Sensitivity -20dB
- Peak input level +16dB
Headphone Outputs
- Connectors 1/4" jack
- Type Stereo, 1V RMS @ 32 Ohm
Stereo Line Mixer Outputs
- Connectors 1/4" Jack Unbalanced
- Impedance 47K / -10dB
- Max. output level +2dB (peak level +18.5 dB)
XLR Balanced Outputs
- Connectors XLR
- Type balanced
- Min. output impedance 600Ohms
- Max. output level 0dB (peak level +18.5dB)
Dist, Freq, S/N Ratio & Crosstalk
- Frequency response 20Hz~20kHz, 0dB~-2B
- Distortion 0.008%
- S/N Ratio better than 74dB
- Crosstalk rejection >80dB@1kHz;-20dB input
Function Controls
- Volume per channel variable
USB Audio Interface
- supported samplerates: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
- ADC: AKM, 24bit, 64x Oversampling, 100dB(A) dynamic range, 100dB(A) S/N ratio
- DAC: AKM, 24bit, 128x Oversampling, 110dB(A) dynamic range, 110dB(A) S/N ratio
Digital I/O Interface
- 24bit Digital I/O with samplerate converter
- supported samplerates: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
- samplerate converter: 128dB dynamic range
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Power Supply
- Mains voltages USA/Canada ~ 120 V AC, 60 Hz
- Europe ~ 230 V AC, 50 Hz
- U.K./Australia ~ 240 V AC, 50 Hz
- General export model ~ 100-120 V AC, ~ 200-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
- Power consumption 11.5VA
- Fuse 100-120 V AC: 630 mA (slow-blow)
- 200-220 V AC: 315 mA (slow-blow)
- Mains connection Standard IEC receptacle
Physical
- Dimension 1 3/4" (44.5 mm) * 19" (482.6 mm) * 8 1/2" (217 mm)
- Net weight approx. 3.25 kg
Note: modifications may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice.
Specifications and appearance may differ from those listed or shown.
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SICHERHEITSHINWEIS
ACHTUNG: Entfernen Sie nie die Front- oder Rückabdeckung des Gerätes zur Vemeidung
eines Stromschlages. Es befinden sich keine Teile innerhalb des Gerätes die vom Benutzer
gewartet werden müßten. Zu Wartungszwecken wenden Sie sich immer an Fachpersonal.
WARNHINWEIS: Setzen Sie dieses Gerät nie Feuchtigkeit oder Nässe aus!
INSTANDHALTUNG: Versuchen Sie nie selbständig das Gerät zu warten, folgen Sie immer
den Anweisungen der Betriebsanleitung. Alle weiteren Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen sollten
immer von qualifiziertem Fachpersonal getätigt werden.
ALLE RECHTE VORBEHALTEN © 2004 Swissonic
Die Informationen die in dieser Anleitung enthalten sind können ohne Ankündigung
abgeändert werden. Diese Anleitung darf nicht kopiert oder vervielfältigt werden, weder
elektronisch noch mechanisch, z.B. fotokopiert oder aufgenommen, ohne ausdrückliche,
schriftliche Genehmigung der Firma Swissonic.
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