TerraTec EWS MIC8 User manual

English Manual
Version: 1/30/05

CE Declaration
We:
TerraTec Electronic GmbH, Herrenpfad 38, D-41334 Nettetal, Germany
hereby declare that the products:
AudioSystem EWS MIC 2 and AudioSystem EWS MIC 8
to which this declaration refers are in compliance with the following standards or stan-
dardizing documents:
1. EN 55022 Class B
2. EN 55024
3. EN 60065
The following are the stipulated operating and environmental conditions for said compli-
ance:
residential, business and commercial environments and small-company environments.
This declaration is based on:
Test report(s) of the EMC testing laboratory
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and shall not be deemed as a warranty by the
seller. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality, suitability or accuracy of this docu-
ment. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the contents of this document and/or the associated products
at any time without the provision of prior notice to specific persons or organizations. The manufacturer shall not be
held liable for damages of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product or its documentation,
even if the possibility of such damage is known. The information in this document is subject to copyright. All rights
are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the
express written permission of the copyright holders. Product and brand names contained in this document are used
for identification purposes only. All registered trademarks, product designations or brand names used in this docu-
ment are the registered property of their respective owners.
©TerraTec®Electronic GmbH, 1994 - 2005. All rights reserved (30.01.05).
2 EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English)

Contents
From opening the package to installation. ....................................................................... 7
Applications....................................................................................................................8
The setup—Short and simple for busy professionals ..................................................... 9
Notes for Windows users ............................................................................................ 9
Notes for Macintosh users .......................................................................................... 9
Windows installation—step by step ............................................................................... 10
Which operating system?............................................................................................. 10
Installing the EWS MIC 2/8 FW driver in Windows XP................................................. 10
The EWS MIC 2/8 FW as a system audio device (Windows)....................................... 12
Updating the firmware (Windows) ................................................................................ 13
Mac installation—step by step....................................................................................... 14
Which operating system?............................................................................................. 14
Installing the EWS MIC 2/8 FW driver in OS X ............................................................ 14
The EWS MIC 2/8 FW as a system audio device (Mac OS X) ..................................... 14
Updating the firmware (Mac OS X) .............................................................................. 14
The FireWire™ connection............................................................................................ 15
The EWS 19" module.................................................................................................... 16
The rear panel. ......................................................................................................... 16
The front panel. ........................................................................................................19
The Windows drivers..................................................................................................... 21
The WDM audio driver. ................................................................................................ 21
Windows default device for playback ........................................................................21
Surround playback—analog and digital (AC3/DTS) .................................................. 21
DirectSound and MME .............................................................................................. 22
WDM sample rate interpolation................................................................................. 22
WDM kernel streaming ............................................................................................. 22
The ASIO driver ........................................................................................................... 23
The Gigastudio (GSIF) driver ....................................................................................... 24
Multi-client applications ................................................................................................ 25
The MIDI drivers .......................................................................................................... 26
The Mac OS X drivers................................................................................................... 27
The EWS MIC 2/8 FW Control Panel ............................................................................ 28
EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English) 3

The hardware digital mixer ........................................................................................28
Master Clock .............................................................................................................31
The “Digital Out” selection field .................................................................................31
The ASIO ControlPanel.............................................................................................32
Color settings ............................................................................................................32
Scenes and stand-alone mode..................................................................................33
Info............................................................................................................................34
Tips, tricks & things worth knowing................................................................................35
Always right on time—digital synchronization............................................................35
Useful information about digital cables (optical waveguides and AES/EBU)..............35
Always right on time—digital synchronization. ..............................................................36
Dolby AC3 and DTS. .................................................................................................36
Useful information about digital cables (optical waveguides and AES/EBU).................37
Technical data. ..............................................................................................................38
19" module ................................................................................................................38
FireWire™ Interface..................................................................................................39
Software....................................................................................................................39
PC system requirements ...........................................................................................40
PC system recommendation .....................................................................................40
Mac system requirements .........................................................................................40
Mac system recommendation....................................................................................40
Measurements:..............................................................................................................41
D/A Conversion - WavePlay at 48 kHz......................................................................41
D/A Conversion – WavePlay at 96 kHz .....................................................................41
A / D Conversion – WaveRec at 48 kHz Sample-Rate ..............................................41
A / D Conversion – WaveRec at 96 kHz Sample-Rate ..............................................41
Microphone Input – A/D Conversion at 44,1 kHz .......................................................41
Appendix........................................................................................................................44
Block diagram: EWS MIC2 analog section ...................................................................44
Block diagram: EWS MIC8 analog section ...................................................................45
4 EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English)

Safety note.
When connecting analog devices, ensure that the power is off to protect your hear-
ing from sudden peaks. For digital devices, be sure to at least lower the volume on
your playback equipment.
Welcome!
We're pleased that you have chosen a TerraTec AudioSystem and would like to congratu-
late you on this decision. You've purchased a sophisticated product representing the state
of the art of studio technology, and we're convinced that our product will prove extremely
useful to you in the coming years and provide you with a great deal of entertainment.
This manual describes the FireWire™ versions of the EWS MIC2 and MIC8 AudioSys-
tems. It covers the correct use of the systems in complete detail, and provides practical
tips so that you can get started as soon as possible. But first, here's a quick overview:
Connection versatility—with a system.
The EWS MIC2 and MIC8 19" modules feature a range of professional connector options
that predestine them to become the audiophile hub of your home or project studio.
ä For everything you need to know about audio connections, see page 16.
Choice preamps—made by SPL.
When it came to selecting microphone preamps, years of experience and our desire for
the best possible audio quality made our choice an easy one: SPL. Important parts of the
sophisticated analog circuitry were developed in cooperation with SPL's engineers for a
sound as clear as glass—and which doesn't stop dead at the XLR connector, as is often
the case.
Nerve center—the software.
As you know, a professional audio system is no sound card for wild-eyed gamers, but the
heart of your day-to-day studio work with your PC. And despite its extensive routing op-
tions, the EWS software gives you a clear overview at all times and—depending on the
complexity of your switching needs—stays transparent and intuitive.
ä For everything you need to know about the EWS ControlPanel, see page 28.
Pure performance—the drivers.
The selection of drivers for the EWS MIC series leaves nothing to be desired. A highly
developed software architecture guarantees problem-free use with all modern Windows
and Apple operating systems.
EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English) 5

The ASIO and GSIF (GigaStudio) drivers—thoroughly proven throughout years of studio
application—allow the lowest possible latency between the (software-based) sound gen-
eration and output/inputs.
ä For the details on driver use, please turn to page 21.
We hope you enjoy your work with the EWS MIC system and would like to suggest that
you browse this hopefully entertaining manual when you get the chance. In addition to the
important information about its technology, we have outlined a number of typical applica-
tions as well as tips and tricks wherever appropriate. We're convinced that even experi-
enced users will profit from this guide.
Thanks for your attention—and here's to your creativity.
...your TerraTec Team
6 EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English)

From opening the package to installation.
Safety note:
Please ensure that the power is off before setting up analog audio connections to
protect your speakers—and your hearing—from sudden peaks. For digital devices,
be sure to at least lower the volume on your playback equipment. Connecting the
device to the FireWire™ port of your computer may also cause a noise—please
turn down the volume of your playback system accordingly.
Before running cables to the EWS MIC FireWire™ audio system, take note of any special
points pertaining to the configuration of your computer. Also refer to the manual of your
computer and other studio peripheral devices for their settings.
If you follow the instructions, the installation should run without any problems. If you still
have difficulties, please review carefully the relevant chapter in this manual.
Our service hotline team will be happy to help you if you have any other questions about
the product. The phone numbers can be found in the Appendix of this documentation.
Scope of delivery.
Start by making sure that the contents of the package are complete.
The scope of delivery of the EWS MIC2 FW and EWS MIC8 FW AudioSystems includes
at least the following:
19" MIC2 or MIC8 rack module·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
splitter cable with MIDI and WordClock sockets
4 m IEEE 1394 cable (6-pin to 6-pin)
IEEE 1394 FireWire™ adapter (4-pin/6-pin)
WordClock T adapter
WordClock terminator
customer service card
registration card with the serial number
this manual
Besonic Premium Account
Please return the enclosed registration card to us at the earliest possible opportunity or
register online at http://www.terratec.com/register.htm. This is important for support
and hotline services.
EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English) 7

Applications.
Stand-alone mode. The EWS MIC 2 FW and MIC 8 FW AudioSystems can be used
stand-alone, i.e. without a connection to a computer:
For use as a simple but high-quality microphone preamp (in conjunction with a mixer,
for example) simply connect your microphones to the inputs on the rear of the mod-
ule. Enable phantom power if needed and connect the outputs of the MIC module to
the LINE inputs of your mixer or tape deck. For a description of how to connect inputs,
outputs or the integrated digital mixer, please see “Scenes and stand-alone mode”.
With studio devices or PCI cards (Mac or PC) with ADAT interfaces. The EWS MIC2
and MIC8 AudioSystems can also be used as pure AD/DA converters on any ADAT inter-
face. These can be found (in some cases as optional extras) on devices such as
digital mixers·
·
·
·
hardware multitrack recorders
synthesizers and samplers
computers with suitable PCI cards.
In this case, connect line devices or microphones to the inputs of the MIC module and
transfer the signals to the recorder (EWS MIC2/8 ADAT optical OUT to ADAT-device-IN)
using optical waveguides (not included). Ensure that the optical output of the MIC module
is not set to S/PDIF (see page 16). You must also select the desired sampler rate (44.1 or
48kHz). A switch is also available for this function (see page 16).
Conversely, digital signals from an ADAT can also be converted and output as a high-
quality analog signal. Connect the optical output of the ADAT (OUT, lit when a signal
is present) to the appropriate input of the module. The sampler rate is determined by
the ADAT player. No further settings are required; the format will be identified auto-
matically.
Note:
The correct ADAT firmware must be loaded in order to use the ADAT functionality
of the EWS MIC system. By default, the EWS MIC system comes with a 96kHz-
capable operating system. This firmware does not support ADAT. For information
on installing an operating system with ADAT support, please see “Updating the
firmware (Windows)”.
8 EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English)

With Macs & PCs with FireWire™ interfaces. The EWS MIC2 FW and MIC8 FW audio
systems feature integrated IEEE1394 FireWire™ interface boards. The integrated Fire-
Wire™ system supports a wide range of routings that would not be possible in stand-
alone use or in combination with ADAT interfaces from other manufacturers. Multiple
EWS MIC 2/8 FW systems cannot be used on the same PC or Mac.
The setup—Short and simple for busy professionals
The driver installation in Windows XP (and higher) follows the established defaults
set by the operating system manufacturer. You can find the drivers on the accom-
panying CD-ROM or on the Internet at www.terratec.com/ in the SUPPORT a-
rea.
·
Notes for Windows users
The drivers have not been certified by Microsoft. You will receive a warning to this
effect in Windows, which you can safely ignore. You can continue the installa-
tion without concern. If you are prompted to connect to Windows Internet Up-
date (XP SP2 or higher), continue the installation without updating.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
After installing the drivers, open the “Device Manager” and check for yellow ex-
clamation marks.
The EWS MIC 2/8 FW Control Panel is automatically installed together with the
drivers. The functionality of the audio system is restricted when using the standard
Windows Mixer. The EWS MIC 2/8 FW Control Panel provides access to the au-
dio system's full range of functions.
The WDM audio drivers can be selected in the applications as usual. ASIO and
GSIF (GigaStudio) drivers are available in compatible programs; WDM kernel
streaming is “not visible” i.e. it is always available for applications and cannot be
selected explicitly. The buffer sizes are configured in the EWS MIC 2/8 FW Con-
trol Panel.
The device driver of the EWS MIC 2/8 FW FireWire™ system now features full
multi-client support. For more information on this topic, see page Ü25.
Multiple systems cannot be cascaded at present.
Notes for Macintosh users
The EWS MIC 2/8 FW system is shipped with driver support for Apple Mac OS 10
(OS X). OS X version 10.3.6 or higher is required when using the audio system.
The audio and MIDI connection using OS 10(X) is built exclusively on the OS10
core audio/MIDI concept.
Multiple cards cannot be cascaded at present.
EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English) 9

Windows installation—step by step
Please perform the following steps in the stated order. Do not connect the EWS
MIC 2/8 FW module to the computer until instructed to do so.
Which operating system?
The EWS MIC 2/8 FW can be used only under Windows XP (Home and Professional
editions). Older Windows versions are not supported. Please ensure that you have ap-
plied the current service packs and updates to your Windows installation (Service Pack 1
or higher).
Installing the EWS MIC 2/8 FW driver in Windows XP
1. Before you start, ensure that your Windows XP version is up to date. Right-click the
“My Computer” icon and choose “Properties” from the context menu. Service Pack 1
(SP1) or higher must be installed on your computer. If it is not, please contact Micro-
soft (www.microsoft.com) to obtain an update for your system. The service pack is
generally free of charge.
2. Ensure that the EWS MIC 2/8 FW system is connected to an AC power outlet, but do
not connect it to the FireWire™ port on your computer at this point. Insert the included
product CD and wait for the autorun application to launch. If the autorun application on
the CD does not launch automatically, start the application manually by double-
clicking “Autorun.exe” in the root folder of the CD. Click the “EWS MIC 2/8
FW Installation” button in the autorun application to install the EWS MIC 2/8 FW driver
and Control Panel in your operating system.
3. Follow the instructions of the installation program for the remainder of the installation
process. You can disregard the following safety warning without concern. Click “Con-
tinue Anyway” to continue.
10 EWS MIC 2/8 FW (English)