TerraTec EWS MIC8 User manual

English Manual
Version: 11.11.02

2 MIC 2/8 (English)
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 standardiz-
ing documents:
1. EN 55022 Class B
2. EN 55024
The following are the stipulated operating and environmental conditions for said compliance:
residential, business and commercial environments and small-company environments.
This declaration is based on:
Test report(s) of the EMC testing laboratory
In most cases, the designations used in this manual for software and hardware are also registered trademarks and
are thus subject to the relevant regulations.
©TerraTec®Electronic GmbH, 1994-2002. All rights reserved (11.11.02).
Meticulous care has been exercised in the preparation of all text passages and illustrations in this manual. TerraTec
Electronic GmbH and its authors, however, accept no liability, legal or otherwise, for any errors or the consequences
of such errors. We reserve the right to technical modifications.
All text passages in this documentation are copyrighted. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be
reproduced in any form whatsoever, by photography, microfilming or other process or rendered into a lan-
guage/form usable by computers without the prior, written consent of the authors. All rights for use and propaga-
tion by presentation, radio and television are also reserved.

MIC 2/8 (English) 3
Contents
From opening the package to installation. .............................................................................7
Setups - Short and to the point for busy pros....................................................................... 8
The following is a brief description of the PCI card installation for experienced users.......... 9
Important notes for EWS88 MT owners............................................................................10
Installation of the EWS PCI card - step by step.................................................................10
Installing the driver software. .............................................................................................12
Driver installation under Windows 98 SE.........................................................................12
Driver installation under Windows Me.............................................................................13
Installation under Windows 2000. .................................................................................. 15
Installation under Windows XP........................................................................................ 17
The EWS 19" module............................................................................................................19
The rear panel. ................................................................................................................19
The front panel................................................................................................................21
The connectors of the PCI card.............................................................................................23
The drivers. ........................................................................................................................25
The Wave driver. .............................................................................................................25
The System-OUT driver. ...................................................................................................25
The ASIO driver. ............................................................................................................. 26
The GSIF driver. ...............................................................................................................27
The MIDI driver................................................................................................................27
In detail - special properties of the drivers. .................................................................... 28
32-bit data transfer. ....................................................................................................... 28
DirectSound & WDM....................................................................................................... 28
WDM sample rate (SR) interpolation. ............................................................................. 29
WDM kernel streaming. .................................................................................................. 29
The ControlPanel. ...............................................................................................................29
The “Digital Mixer” page.................................................................................................... 30
The “Settings” page. .......................................................................................................... 31
Wave playback/record mode. .........................................................................................34
The “Settings Mic2/8” page. ..............................................................................................34
Signal routing of the EWS MIC8(2)+ systems ..................................................................... 36

4 MIC 2/8 (English)
The mixer icon on the Windows taskbar............................................................................. 37
Multiple card mode and managing cascaded cards........................................................ 38
ASIO & GSIF.................................................................................................................... 39
Cascading of multiple EWS systems and synchronization............................................... 39
Practical section.................................................................................................................. 43
Sample applications.......................................................................................................... 43
Set A - Studio recording.................................................................................................. 43
Setup B - Live recording without a PC. ............................................................................ 44
Set C - The PC as a digital mixer...................................................................................... 45
Multiple audio cards in a single system. ............................................................................ 46
Always right on time - digital synchronization. ................................................................... 46
Useful information about digital cables (optical waveguides and AES/EBU). ..................... 47
Appendix ............................................................................................................................ 48
Block diagram: EWS MIC2 analog section .......................................................................... 48
Block diagram: EWS MIC8 analog section .......................................................................... 49
Technical Details ...............................................................................................................50
EWS MIC2 / MIC8 ........................................................................................................... 50
EWS88 Version 2.0 PCI card ............................................................................................51
Service at TerraTec..............................................................................................................55
Hotline, Mailbox, Internet................................................................................................55

MIC 2/8 (English) 5
Safety note.
Please ensure that all analog devices are turned off before plugging them in. This will protect
you from any possible - albeit weak - electrical shocks, as well as protecting your speakers
and your hearing from sudden peaks. For digital devices, be sure to at least reduce the vol-
ume of your playback equipment.
Welcome!
We're pleased that you have chosen a TerraTec AudioSystem and would like to congratulate
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 EWS MIC2 and MIC8 AudioSystems, as well as their “Plus” versions
(+) including PCI cards. It covers the correct use of the systems in complete detail, and pro-
vides 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.
If you have purchased the Plus version of the MIC2 or MIC8, even more options are available
on the included PCI card: additional S/PDIF connections (coaxial), as well as a range of con-
nectors for internal PC peripherals. The killer feature: a dedicated analog output that lets you
play the system sounds of the operating system - without disturbing your musical work!
ä For everything you need to know about audio connections, see page 19.
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 sophis-
ticated 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.
ä For everything you need to know about audio quality, please turn to page 50.
Nerve center - the software.
As you know, a professional AudioSystem 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 options,
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 29.

6 MIC 2/8 (English)
Pure performance - the drivers.
The selection of drivers for the EWS MIC series leaves nothing to be desired. Our sophisti-
cated software architecture based on Microsoft's WDM technology guarantees the trouble-
free deployment of the card in all modern Microsoft Windows operating systems.
The thoroughly proven ASIO drivers have often been used as a reference and guarantee the
lowest possible latency between the software-based sound generation and audio output. And
support for the GSIF model provides performance levels in TASCAM's GigaStudio that makes
many hardware synths look pale.
ä For the details on driver use, please turn to page 25.
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 impor-
tant information about its technology, we have outlined a number of typical applications as
well as tips and tricks wherever appropriate. We're convinced that even experienced users will
profit from this guide.
Thanks for your attention and here's to your creativity.
...your TerraTec Team

MIC 2/8 (English) 7
From opening the package to installation.
Before installing the AudioSystem or the PCI card of the Plus version, please 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.
Please observe the following instructions to ensure a trouble-free installation. If difficulties
arise nevertheless, please reread the relevant chapter in this manual carefully.
If you are still having problems, please call our service hotline. The phone numbers and hours
of the hotline 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 and EWS MIC8 AudioSystems includes at least the
following:
· 1 19" MIC2 or MIC8 rack module
· 1 splitter cable with MIDI and WordClock sockets
· WordClock T adapter
· WordClock terminator
· 1 customer service card
· 1 registration card with the serial number
· This manual
The scope of delivery of the EWS MIC2+ and EWS MIC8+ AudioSystems also includes:
· 1 PCI card, type EWS88 MT 2.0 or higher
· 1 connector cable, rack module to EWS88 PCI card (4 m)
· 1 thin sync cable to internally connect multiple EWS88 boards
· 1 installation and driver CD with software for EWS88 MT 2.0 or higher.
Please return the enclosed registration card to us at the earliest possible opportunity or regis-
ter online at http://www.terratec.com/register.htm. This is important for support
and hotline services.

8 MIC 2/8 (English)
Setups - Short and to the point for busy pros.
Stand-alone mode. The EWS MIC2 and MIC8 AudioSystems can be used stand-alone, i.e.
without a connection to a computer:
1. 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 module. Enable phantom power if needed (see page 21) and connect the MIC
outputs to the LINE inputs of your mixer or tape deck.
2. The modules can also be connected directly to an ADAT device such as an ADAT
multitrack recorder. In this case, connect line devices or microphones to the in-
puts of the MIC module and transfer the signals to the recorder (EWS MIC2/8 ADAT
optical OUT to ADAT unit IN) using optical waveguides (not included). Ensure that
the optical output of the MIC module is not set to S/PDIF (see page 19). You must
also select the desired sampler rate (44.1 or 48 kHz). A switch is also available for
this function (see page 19).
3. 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 de-
termined by the ADAT player. No further settings are required; the format will be
identified automatically.
In conjunction with Macs or PCs, or with studio devices with ADAT interfaces. The EWS MIC2
and MIC8 AudioSystems can also be used as pure AD/DA converters on any ADAT interface.
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.
The EWS MIC modules do not need to be configured for playback, as the configuration essen-
tially corresponds to the scenarios 2 and 3 above (MIC module as an alternative converter for
ADATs). The installation of TerraTec software is also not required when using the modules
with a Mac or PC (this also applies in conjunction with an already-installed AudioSystem
EWS88 D, the TerraTec ADAT interface). However, please note the instructions on synchroniza-
tion and switching of the optical output on page 46.
EWS MIC2+ and EWS MIC8+: with PC using the included PCI card. The AudioSystems EWS
MIC2+ and MIC8+ are supplied with an EWS88 MT Version 2.0 (or higher) PCI card. The sys-
tem-specific PCI card supports a wide range of routings that would not be possible in stand-
alone use or in combination with ADAT interfaces from other manufacturers. Before you install
the EWS88 MT PCI card, check the CN1 and JP1 jumpers on the card. If you would like to use
the digital input (coax) on the PCI card, set JP1 and CN1 to 1 and 2 respectively. To use the

MIC 2/8 (English) 9
digital interfaces of the MIC module (ADAT, S/PDIF or WordClock), set the JP1 and CN1 jumpers
to 2 and 3 respectively.
Operation with additional EWS systems. An EWS88 MT PCI card can be used with up to three
further EWS88 MT/D systems in the same computer. A maximum of one EWS88 MT can be
used together with a maximum of one EWX 24/96 or a maximum of one DMX 6fire. For infor-
mation on synchronizing multiple PCI systems, please refer to Chapter “Multiple audio cards
in a single system.” starting on page 46.
The following is a brief description of the PCI card installation for experi-
enced users.
· The AudioSystem EWS88 MT is a PCI card with busmastering support. Please choose a
slot which is far away from the graphics card(s) or SCSI/RAID controllers i.e. as far close to
the “bottom” as possible in most installations. Also keep in mind that the heavy connec-
tor cable and various audio cables (S/PDIF, System-OUT) will be dangling from the back of
the card.
· A special cable (4 m) is included to connect the 19" EWS MIC2 or MIC8 module. The power
supply is not realized via this cable. Please ensure that all screws are securely tightened.
Ensure that the computer and the EWS MIC module are switched off before plugging or
unplugging the 4 Meter connector cable.
· You will need one (1) IRQ. Installing multiple audio systems of the TerraTec EWS family is
no problem - the cards will run in IRQ-sharing mode.
· You will also need a number of free address ranges (generally no problem).
· The driver installation under Windows (98SE to XP) follows the Microsoft guidelines. The
drivers can be found on the included CD-ROM. Important note: The drivers have not yet
been certified by Microsoft. You will receive a warning to this effect in Windows 2000 and
XP which you can ignore. Continue the installation.
· After installing the drivers, open the Device Manager and check for yellow exclamation
marks. If you find any, you can usually solve the problem by repeating the installation ac-
cording to the instructions. Please also read the FAQ (frequently asked questions) on the
product CD for other suggested solutions.

10 MIC 2/8 (English)
· After the drivers have been installed, install the software. You can start the installation
using the autostart function of the CD, for example. You must install the EWS Control-
Panel. The full functionality cannot be controlled using the Windows Standard Mixer.
· The WDM audio drivers can be selected in the applications as usual. ASIO or GSIF (GigaS-
tudio) drivers are available in compatible programs; WDM kernel streaming is “not visi-
ble” (i.e. it is always available for applications and cannot be selected explicitly). The re-
spective buffer sizes can be configured in the EWS ControlPanel (not to be confused with
the Windows Control Panel).
Important notes for EWS88 MT owners.
If you are already using an AudioSystem EWS88 MT and are now the proud owner of an EWS
MIC2 or MIC8 module, please observe the following points:
· It is not possible to use the 5¼" module of the EWS88 MT and the new 19" module at the
same time on only one PCI card. Parallel connection of the modules can damage them.
DAMAGE OF THIS KIND IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY!
· Please also note that cards with a board version 2.0 or later must be used to ensure trou-
ble-free operation with an EWS MIC module. In the event that you have an older board
version (this information can be found on the component side of the board, near the
edge) please contact TerraTec technical support BEFORE INSTALLING (see page 55). A
board version 2.0 or later is required when using 4 meter cables.
· EWS Control Panel. Be sure to install the latest version of the EWS ControlPanel software
(1.03.35.12X or later) as earlier versions do not support the enhanced routing options of
the MIC module.
· The EWS ControlPanel will automatically recognize the replacement of the 5¼" front mod-
ule with a 19" MIC module. As the input gains can be adjusted directly using pots on the
module itself, the mixer-side analog input levels are superfluous.
Installation of the EWS PCI card - step by step.
· Switch off your PC and all connected peripheral devices such as your printer and monitor.
Leave the AC cable connected for the time being, so that your computer is still grounded.
· Touch the metal chassis at the rear of the PC to ground and to discharge static. Now un-
plug the cord from the AC socket.
· Remove the cover from the case of your PC.
· Look for a free PCI expansion slot, remove the screw holding the slot blanking plate (if
present) and remove the plate. Should it be necessary to break a plate out of the case, do
so with great care to avoid injury.
· Check the jumpers of the card as described on page 8.

MIC 2/8 (English) 11
· To ensure the optimal function of your AudioSystem, look for an expansion slot that is not
immediately next to an already-installed card. Some cards, such as video or SCSI/RAID
adapters, can send out signals which can interfere with the sound card.
We also recommend a slot as close to the bottom of the computer as possible, as you can
/ must connect several cables directly to the card itself. Due to certain physical properties
of our planet, it is very likely that these cables will dangle downward. ;-)
· Carefully remove the PCI card from its packaging. Pick it up by the edges with one hand
while your other hand is resting on the metal of the PC case. This will ensure that your
body is completely discharged (no joke) via your computer without affecting the card.
Please do not touch the components of the board.
· First, connect the internal cables (e.g. from the CD drive or other EWS cards). For further
information on the various connections, please see page 23.
· Align the audio card so that the strip with the golden connector pins is located exactly
over the PCI slot.
· Insert the card into the slot. You might have to press the card firmly into the slot to make
good contact. Take care to ensure that the contacts are precisely in line in order to avoid
damaging the audio card or the motherboard in your PC.
· Secure the card with the screw from the slot blanking plate (these screws are generally
also included with PC cases).
· Switch on and boot the computer to continue with the driver installation.

12 MIC 2/8 (English)
Installing the driver software.
The AudioSystem EWS MIC8(2)+ (including PCI card) currently comes with drivers for Windows
98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4 are
not supported. You should therefore determine which operating system you are using before
installing the card. For information on your operating system and its version number, please
check the “System” dialog in the Windows control panel.
Driver support for Apple Macintosh computers (OS9 and OSX) was in development as this
manual went to print. Please check the TerraTec website from time to time for drivers as they
become available.
In the following driver installation descriptions, <CD> stands for the drive letter of the CD-ROM
drive containing the driver CD of the AudioSystem EWS MIC8(2) +.
Driver installation under Windows 98 SE.
1. Boot your computer after installing the EWS88 MT PCI card.
2. During the boot, the Windows hardware wizard will identify the new hardware as a
“PCI Multimedia Audio Device”. Confirm by clicking “Next”.
3. The hardware wizard will ask you how you would like to continue. Select the “Search
for the best driver for my device (Recommended)” item and confirm with “Next”.
4. Select the checkbox “Specify a location” and enter the path to the driver on the CD.
<CD>:\Driver\. Alternatively, you can also select the path to the best driver of your
EWS88 MT PCI card using the mouse by clicking “Browse...”. Confirm by clicking
“Next”.
5. In the final window, the hardware wizard will report that the driver software has been
installed successfully. Close the wizard by clicking “Finish”.
If contrary to all expectations a request should appear for you to perform some action and you
are not sure about it, then pressing the Enter key is generally a safe action.
If Windows requests a second driver file, please refer to the aforementioned directory on the
EWS MIC8 (2)+ CD-ROM. It is also possible (e.g. if this is the first sound card installation in
your system) that some additional Windows extensions have to be installed. Please have your
Windows CD ready for this purpose.
After successful driver installation, the additional bundled software can be added easily us-
ing the autorun option(<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs. A par-
ticular bundled software can also easily be removed from your system. For this purpose, call
up “Control Panel -> Software” and locate the programs to be removed. Select these and click
“Add/Remove Programs...”.

MIC 2/8 (English) 13
Installed drivers should look like this.
After a successful driver installation, you should verify the correct condition of your Windows
98SE system. The Device Manager presents an overview of installed and recognized hardware
components of your computer. The Device Manager can be found on the Control Panel under
“System.”
If everything is correctly set up, the window should look like this. The figure shows the expanded view of
the “Sound, video and game controllers” branch. To obtain this view, simply click the “+” symbol on the
left side.
Driver installation under Windows Me.
1. Boot your computer after installing the EWS88 MT PCI card.
2. During the boot, the Windows hardware wizard will identify the new hardware as a
“PCI Multimedia Audio Device”. Select here “Specify the location of the driver” and
confirm with “Next”.
3. Activate now the checkbox “Specify a location:”, and enter the path
<CD>:\Driver\. Confirm by clicking “Next”. Alternatively, you can change to the re-
spective directory by clicking on “Browse...”.
4. The hardware wizard will now search for the AudioSystem EWS88 MT driver and will
display the location of the driver. Confirm by clicking “Next".
5. In the final window, the hardware wizard will report that the driver software has been
installed successfully. Close the wizard by clicking “Finish”.
After successful driver installation, the additional bundled software can be added easily us-
ing the autorun option(<CD>:\autorun.exe).

14 MIC 2/8 (English)
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs. A par-
ticular bundled software can also easily be removed from your system. For this purpose, call
up “Control Panel -> Software” and locate the programs to be removed. Select the various
programs and click “Add/Remove Programs...”.
Installed drivers should look like this.
After a successful driver installation, you should verify the correct condition of your Windows
ME system. The Device Manager presents an overview of installed and recognized hardware
components of your computer. The Device Manager can be found on the Control Panel under
“System” > “Hardware”. Then click the “Device Manager” button.
If everything is correctly set up, the window should look like this. The figure shows the expanded view of
the “Sound, video and game controllers” branch. To obtain this view, simply click the “+” symbol on the
left side.

MIC 2/8 (English) 15
Installation under Windows 2000.
1. Boot your computer after installing the EWS88 MT PCI card.
2. During the boot, the Windows hardware wizard will identify the new hardware as a
“Multimedia Audio Controller”. Confirm by clicking “Next”.
3. Mark the “Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)” checkbox and
insert the EWS product CD if you have not done so already. Click “Next”.
4. The hardware wizard will now inform you that it will search for drivers for a “Multime-
dia Audio Controller”. Activate the checkbox “CD-ROM drives” and confirm with
“Next”.
5. The hardware wizard will now indicate that it has found a suitable driver for the “Mul-
timedia Audio Controller” on the CD-ROM (<CD>:\driver\). Click “Next” to start
the installation.
6. The following dialog box may appear at this point or later in the installation:
This is no cause for alarm. Click “Yes” to continue. The installation will now be executed.
If contrary to all expectations an additional request should appear for you to perform some
action and you are not sure about it, then pressing the Enter key is generally a safe action.
If Windows requests a second driver file, please refer to the aforementioned directory on the
EWS MIC8 (2)+ CD-ROM. It is also possible (e.g. if this is the first sound card installation in
your system) that some additional Windows extensions have to be installed. Please have your
Windows CD ready for this purpose.
After successful driver installation, the additional bundled software can be added easily us-
ing the autorun option(<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs. A par-
ticular bundled software can also easily be removed from your system. For this purpose, call

16 MIC 2/8 (English)
up “Control Panel -> Software” and locate the programs to be removed. Select the various
programs and click “Add/Remove Programs...”.
Installed drivers should look like this.
After a successful driver installation, you should verify the correct condition of your Windows
2000 system. The Device Manager presents an overview of installed and recognized hardware
components of your computer. The Device Manager can be found on the Control Panel under
“System” > “Hardware”. Then click the “Device Manager” button.
If everything is correctly set up, the window should look like this. The figure shows the expanded view of
the “Sound, video and game controllers” branch. To obtain this view, simply click the “+” symbol on the
left side.

MIC 2/8 (English) 17
Installation under Windows XP.
1. Boot your computer after installing the EWS88 MT PCI card.
2. During the boot, the Windows hardware wizard will identify the new hardware as a
“Multimedia Audio Controller”. If you have not done so already, insert the EWS
MIC8(2)+ product CD-ROM now. Next, mark the “Install the software automatically
[Recommended]” checkbox and click “Next”.
3. The hardware wizard will now inform you that it will search for drivers for a “Multime-
dia Audio Controller”.
4. The following dialog box may appear at this point or later in the installation:
This is no cause for alarm. Click “Yes” to continue. The installation will now be exe-
cuted.
5. In the final window, the hardware wizard will report that the driver software has been
installed successfully. Close the wizard by clicking “Finish”.
If contrary to all expectations an additional request should appear for you to perform some
action and you are not sure about it, then pressing the Enter key is generally a safe action.
If Windows requests a second driver file, please refer to the aforementioned directory on the
EWS MIC8(2)+ CD-ROM. It is also possible (e.g. if this is the first sound card installation in
your system) that some additional Windows extensions have to be installed. Please have your
Windows CD ready for this purpose.
After successful driver installation, the additional bundled software can be added easily us-
ing the autorun option(<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs. A par-
ticular bundled software can also easily be removed from your system. For this purpose, call
up “Control Panel -> Software” and locate the programs to be removed. Select the various
programs and click “Add/Remove Programs...”.

18 MIC 2/8 (English)
Installed drivers should look like this.
After a successful driver installation, you should verify the correct condition of your Windows
XP system. The Device Manager presents an overview of installed and recognized hardware
components of your computer. The Device Manager can be found on the Control Panel under
“System” > “Hardware”. Then click the “Device Manager” button.
If everything is correctly set up, the window should look like this. The figure shows the expanded view of
the “Sound, video and game controllers” branch. To obtain this view, simply click the “+” symbol on the
left side.

MIC 2/8 (English) 19
The EWS 19" module.
A full range of connections in only one 19" rack height unit (1U) - that's the heart of the EWS
MIC system. On the following pages we will be covering the purpose of the individual connec-
tors and controls in detail. For typical sample applications, please turn to page 43.
The rear panel.
A full range of connections in only one 19" rack height unit.
1) Analog inputs. Eight balanced inputs can used with XLR or jack connectors. If one channel
includes a microphone pre-amp the XLR connector is hard-wired to the microphon section
while the TRS connector is hard-wired to the line/instrument input. The sockets on the
front panel of the module can be used as an alternative to the inputs 7 and 8. This dis-
ables the signal path of the rear sockets.
Tip: it is not necessary to remove cables plugged into connectors 7 and 8 on the rear
panel when using the sockets on the front panel.
2) Analog outputs. The eight balanced outputs are suitable for jack connectors. Activating
the direct routing on the front panel will send any input signals directly to the appropriate
output (see below).
3) MIDI / WordClock interface. Connect the included adapter cable with two MIDI inputs (IN)
and outputs (OUT) here. Two BNC sockets are also available here for WordClock input and
output.
4) WordClock LED. If a signal is present at the WordClock input, the LED lights and the EWS
MIC module switches completely to WordClock operation if it is being run in stand-alone
mode (without a computer). It does not matter in this case whether the clock signal is
valid. The LED therefore is not a status indicator (in the sense of “synchronization OK”).
5) ADAT & S/PDIF. Both interfaces (IN and OUT) can be equipped with optical waveguides
(not included) as needed. Devices can also be combined - for example ADAT and DAT re-
corders. A signal conversion, if needed, can be selected in the EWS ControlPanel software
(see page 29) if the module is connected to a computer. When cabling digital equipment,
always verify the synchronization (master/slave). For further information, please see page
39.
In stand-alone operation, incoming ADAT signals (IN) are converted digital-analog (D/A)
and can be picked up at the analog outputs of the module - depending on their channel
assignment (1 to 8).

20 MIC 2/8 (English)
Conversely, all analog input signals are present at the ADAT-OUT when the unit is in
stand-alone mode. Gain controllers, phase setting and filters are upstream to ensure an
optimal signal prior to the analog-digital conversion.
If you are using your EWS MIC module with a computer, please note the wide range of
routing options which are described in detail in the chapter covering the EWS Control-
Panel starting on page 29.
6) To-Host interface. To take full advantage of an EWS MIC module with a PC, it must be
connected to a type EWS88 MT PCI card (version 2.0 or higher) with the included special
cable (only part of the EWS MIC2/8 + version). This card is included with the EWS MIC2+
and EWS MIC8+ products. Please ensure that the connector strips are firmly screwed onto
the 19" module and PCI card, as the weight of the cable can otherwise cause it to come
unplugged.
7) Switch: digital clock 44.1 or 48 kHz. If you are using a stand-alone EWS MIC module, i.e.
without a computer (as a microphone preamp or ADAT converter, for example) use this
switch to set the sampler rate for all digital interfaces working in master mode. For de-
tailed information on digital synchronization, please turn to page 39.
8) Switch: ADAT or S/PDIF. This switch refers to the signal format to be present at the optical
output when in stand-alone mode. When set to S/PDIF, both channels (7 and 8) are con-
verted and output digitally (in other words: the eight channels are not mixed).
9) Switch: +4 / -10 dB. Globally adjusts the level of the analog outputs to your existing stu-
dio equipment.
10) Switch: Ground Lift. Activate “Ground Lift”, to separate the signal ground from the unit
ground. This can be used to avoid undesirable hum pickup. It is better to eliminate the
source of the hum, however, as activating the ground lift can reduce the signal-to-noise
ratio.
11) AC power. Connect the included AC power cable. Please note: external power is required
even if the device is connected to a computer (PCI card), as the device is not supplied
with power via the data cable in the same way as some USB devices or the AudioSystem
EWS88 MT. The integrated power unit automatically detects the power applied (110
volt/60 Hz or 230 volt/50 Hz).
12) AC power switch. Turns the power on and off.