TerraTec PHASE 88 Rack User manual

TERRATEC PRODUCER/PHASE 88
English Manual
Version 1.0, last revised: Oktober 2003

CE Declaration
We:
TerraTec Electronic GmbH, Herrenpfad 38, D-41334 Nettetal, Germany
hereby declare that the product:
PHASE 88,
to which this declaration refers is in compliance with the following standards or
standardizing documents:
EN 50013, EN 50022, EN 60065
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
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 document. 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 document are the registered property of their
respective owners.
©TerraTec®Electronic GmbH, 1994-2003. All rights reserved (17.10.03).
2 PHASE 88 (English)

Contents
Welcome!........................................................................................................................5
From unpacking the PHASE 88 to installing it. ................................................................ 7
Scope of delivery. ........................................................................................................ 7
The setup - Short and simple for busy professionals. .................................................. 8
Notes for Windows users: ........................................................................................ 8
Notes for Macintosh users:....................................................................................... 8
Structure of the PHASE 88 PCI card. ........................................................................ 10
PHASE 88 breakout box ............................................................................................ 11
Installation of the PHASE PCI card - step by step. .................................................... 12
Driver installation in Windows. ................................................................................... 14
Driver installation under Windows 98 SE................................................................ 14
Driver installation under Windows Me. ................................................................... 15
Installation under Windows 2000............................................................................ 15
Installation under Windows XP............................................................................... 16
Driver installation for Macintosh OS X. ...................................................................... 18
The connections of the PHASE 88 audio system. ......................................................... 19
Analog outputs........................................................................................................... 19
Analog inputs............................................................................................................. 20
Digital interface (S/PDIF, RAW, AC3)........................................................................ 21
MIDI interface. ........................................................................................................... 22
The drives (Windows operating system)........................................................................ 23
The Wave driver. ....................................................................................................... 23
The ASIO driver......................................................................................................... 23
The GSIF driver. ........................................................................................................ 24
The MIDI driver. ......................................................................................................... 24
In detail - special properties of the drivers. ................................................................ 25
32-bit data transfer................................................................................................. 25
DirectSound & WDM. ............................................................................................. 25
WDM sample rate (SR) interpolation...................................................................... 26
WDM kernel streaming........................................................................................... 26
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The MAC OS X drivers. .................................................................................................27
The Control Panel..........................................................................................................28
Analog Inputs .............................................................................................................29
Digital Mixer. ..............................................................................................................30
Settings. .....................................................................................................................31
The About page. ........................................................................................................34
The PHASE 88 Control Panel in the Windows taskbar...............................................35
Managing scenes and cascaded cards (Windows only). ............................................36
ASIO Control Panel (Windows only)...........................................................................36
GSIF/ASIO multi-client............................................................................................37
Card(s) used for ASIO. ...........................................................................................37
Colors (Windows only). ..............................................................................................37
Additional tips on using the Control Panel. .................................................................38
Cascading and internal synchronization.........................................................................39
Tips, tricks & things worth knowing................................................................................41
Multiple audio cards in a single system. .....................................................................41
About IRQs and other interrupts.................................................................................42
Always with the beat - digital synchronization.............................................................45
Dolby AC3 and DTS. ..................................................................................................46
Useful information about digital cables (optical waveguides and AES/EBU)...............46
Appendix A - Technical Data .........................................................................................47
4 PHASE 88 (English)

Welcome!
We are pleased that you have chosen a TerraTec Producer Audio Interface for your
musical endeavors and would like to congratulate you on your decision. With the PHASE
88 Audio System, you've purchased a sophisticated product representing the state of the
art of studio technology - and we're convinced this innovative development will prove
extremely useful to you in the coming years and, above all, provide you with a great deal
of entertainment.
We hope that this brochure is helpful to you while using the product. It is designed to
illustrate technical relationships based on practical examples from the studio environment.
However, it is designed not only for beginners, but also for those more advanced in this
complex matter: Ambitious professionals, too, will surely learn something new here and
there.
We hope you find this manual both informative and entertaining to read, and hope you
find lots of pleasure in the PHASE 88 audio system.
Sincerely,Your TerraTec Producer Team
Here's an overview of what you can expect to find when you unpack the box:
Connection options and sound.The PHASE 88 audio system features a range of
professional connection options, which predestine it to become the tonal hub of your
home or project studio. The finest convertor elements and a well-thought-out mother-
board design allow crystal-clear recording and the reproduction of high-resolution 5.1/7.1
Surround productions.
PHASE 88 (English) 5

The included 5¼" breakout box contains modern 24-bit converter modules with a resolu-
tion of up to 96 kHz. This gives the system a signal-noise ratio of as much as 109 dB(A)
at the analog outputs!
With a really “tight” MIDI interface and a variety of usable digital I/Os the PHASE 88 audio
system also has enough connections in all directions.
►For everything you need to know about connections, see Üpage 19.
Complex routing - very easy.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 the extensive routing options, the PHASE software always provides you with a
clear overview and- depending on the complexity of your switching needs- remains
transparent and intuitive.
►For everything you need to know about the PHASE control panel, see Üpage 28.
The drivers provided for the PHASE 88 System, too, leave nothing to be desired. A
highly developed software architecture guarantees problem-free use with all modern
Windows and Apple operating systems.
The ASIO drivers - thoroughly proven throughout years of application and often used as a
reference - allow the lowest possible latency between the software and audio interfaces.
►For all about driver usage see Üpage 23 (Windows) and Üpage 27 (MAC OS).
6 PHASE 88 (English)

From unpacking the PHASE 88 to installing it.
Before installing the PCI card into your computer and running cables to the PHASE 88
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 PHASE 88 System package should contain the following items:
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PHASE 88 PCI card
PHASE 88 breakout box
Internal/external adapter card
Rubber feet
Set of screws
External link cable (4m)
Internal link cable
EWS®connect sync cable
PHASE CD-ROM (driver and software)
This manual
Service request form
Registration documents
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.
PHASE 88 (English) 7

The setup - Short and simple for busy professionals.
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Before installing the PCI card, please check the Sync-In and Sync-Out connections
(EWS®Connect) on the PCI card. If you do not have any other TerraTec PCI systems
with EWS®Connect connections in your computer, the following applies:
Sync-In (CN1) - the jumper must be positioned at 1-2;
Sync Out (CN2) - this connection remains free.
If you have other TerraTec PCI systems with EWS®-Connect connectors in your
computer, and want to synchronize them, please first read the chapter entitled
“Cascading and internal synchronization.” (Üpage 39)
The PHASE 88 Audio Interface is a PCI card with bus-mastering support. Please
choose a slot that is as far away from the graphics card(s) and SCSI/RAID controllers
as possible - usually as close to the “bottom” as possible in most installations. You
should keep in mind that the S/PDIF connections and the heavy connecting cables
hang down, and when the breakout box is installed in the front of the computer re-
member the audio and MIDI wiring.
You will need one (1) IRQ (for additional IRQ tips see Üpage 42). If you want to
install multiple audio systems of the TerraTec range, you can do this in Windows
without difficulty - all PCI cards operate in IRQ-sharing mode (please note the details
on cascading here (Üpage 39).
The driver installation in Windows (98SE to XP) follows the established defaults set by
the operating system manufacturer. You can find the drivers on the accompanying
CD-ROM or on the Internet at www.terratec.com in the SUPPORT area.
Notes for Windows users:
The drivers have not been certified by Microsoft. You will receive a warning to this
effect in Windows 2000 and XP, which you can safely ignore. You can continue the
installation without concern.
Like the drivers, the PHASE Control Panel must also be installed. Functionality of the
card is not provided using the standard Windows Mixer. Open the installation via the
CD-ROM autostarter (or don't forget to download the control panel when you are
downloading the drivers in the Internet).
The WDM audio drivers can be selected in the applications as usual. ASIO drivers are
available in compatible programs; WDM kernel streaming is “not visible” (i.e. it is al-
ways available for applications and cannot be selected explicitly). The buffer sizes are
configured in the PHASE Control Panel.
Notes for Macintosh users:
The PHASE 88 system is shipped with driver support for MAC OS 10 (OS X). In the
OS10 version, we recommend the Apple operating system update called “Jaguar”
(current version 10.2.6). A version update, which can be obtained for an extra charge,
contains some improvements specially geared towards audio applications.
8 PHASE 88 (English)

n The audio and MIDI connection using OS 10(X) is built exclusively on the OS10 core
audio/MIDI concept.
n Multiple cards cannot be cascaded under the MAC OS at present.
PHASE 88 (English) 9

Structure of the PHASE 88 PCI card.
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1. Digital output (S/PDIF and RAW data)
2. Digital input (S/PDIF and RAW data)
3. Connection for breakout box (external)
4. Connection for breakout box (internal)
5. Sync-IN connection for cascading (5-pin, the jumper must remain set on the master
card!)
6. Sync-OUT connection for cascading (3-pin)
7. Jumper for selection of S/PDIF source (only in connection with a PHASE 88 rack or
Mic 2/8 module)
10 PHASE 88 (English)

PHASE 88 breakout box
The PHASE 88 audio system includes a module with 8 analog inputs and outputs (I/Os)
and two MIDI sockets. It includes high-quality 24-bit A/D-D/A converters and can be
installed in the front of your computer or externally. With the metal shielding of the
housing you usually don't need to worry about “catching” any interference noises when
you install the module. You will probably place the breakout box externally, e.g. to have it
near the mixing console or synthesizer or just because it looks attractive.
Note: The breakout box must not be disconnected from the card
while it is operating! This may destroy it in some circumstances.
PHASE 88 (English) 11

Installation of the PHASE PCI card - step by step.
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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
unplug the cord from the AC socket.
Remove the housing cover from your computer or open it.
If you want to use the breakout box internally, select a free bay on the front of the
computer. You may need to remove the CE-compliant metal cover with suitable tools.
Please be very careful if you do this, because sharp edges can cause severe inju-
ries… .
Tip: select a bay that is under a CD/DVD drive. Otherwise sus-
pended cables will interfere every time you change media.
Connect the flat cable for the internal connection with the aid of the adapter plate on
the breakout box and slide it carefully into the bay. Fasten the module with the screws
(always use the serrated washers for a secure electrical connection between the
module and the computer case).
If you wish to cascade multiple PHASE PCI cards, you should connect the sync cable
now. It is a very fiddly operation if it is done after the PCI card has been inserted into
place. For more useful tips see Üpage 39.
Select a free PCI expansion slot that if possible does not share an IRQ with any other
slot (for more information see the appendix Üpage 42), if necessary remove the
screw that retains the slot cover and remove the cover. Should it be necessary to
break a cover out of the case, do so with care to avoid injury.
To ensure the optimal function of your system, 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. To do so, place one hand on a
metal part of the computer case while picking the card up by the edges.
This will ensure that your body is completely discharged (no joke) of static electricity
via your computer, so that no damage is done to the card.
Please do not touch the components on the card.
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 exactly in line. If they
are not, you could do damage to the audio card or your computer's motherboard.
12 PHASE 88 (English)

n Fasten the card in place using the screw you removed earlier from the slot cover (if
there was one).
n After switching the system on and booting it, you can now install the drivers (see
Üpage 14 for Windows, Üpage 18 for MAC OS X).
PHASE 88 (English) 13

Driver installation in Windows.
The PHASE 88 system is shipped with drivers for the Windows 98SE, Windows ME,
Windows 2000, Windows XP and MAC OS10 x operating systems. Windows 95/98/NT 4
as well as MAC OS9.x are not supported. You should therefore determine which operat-
ing 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.
In the following driver installation descriptions, <CD> stands for the drive letter of the CD-
ROM drive containing the PHASE driver CD.
Driver installation under Windows 98 SE.
1. Boot your computer after installing the PHASE 88 PCI card.
2. During the boot-up process, 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. Check the “Specify a location” box and enter the path to the driver on the CD.
<CD>:\PHASE 88\Driver\Windows\. Otherwise you can also select the path to
the drivers for your PHASE 88 PCI system with the mouse by clicking on “Browse”.
Confirm by clicking “Next”.
5. In the last 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 PHASE 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 PHASE 88 control panel can be installed easily
using the autorun option(<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs.
The control panel application is also easy to remove from your system. To do so, open
the “Add/Remove Programs” dialog from the Control Panel. Search for the program to be
deleted, select it and click “Change/Remove”.
After a successful driver installation, you should verify that your Windows 98SE system is
functioning properly. The Device Manager presents an overview of hardware components
installed and recognized on your computer. The Device Manager can be found in the
Control Panel under “System”.
14 PHASE 88 (English)

Driver installation under Windows Me.
1. Boot your computer after installing the PHASE 88 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 (Ad-
vanced)” and confirm with “Next”.
3. Now activate the “Specify a location:” checkbox and enter the path <CD>:\PHASE
88\Driver\Windows\. Confirm by clicking “Next”. Alternatively, you can change to
the respective directory by clicking on “Browse...”.
4. The hardware wizard will now search for the AudioSystem PHASE 88 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 PHASE 88 control panel can be installed easily
using the autorun option (<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs.
The control panel application is also easy to remove from your system. To do so, open
the “Add/Remove Programs” dialog from the Control Panel. Search for the program to be
deleted, select it and click “Change/Remove”.
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.
Installation under Windows 2000.
1. Boot your computer after installing the PHASE 88 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 PHASE 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 “Multimedia
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
“Multimedia Audio Controller” on the CD-ROM
(<CD>:PHASE 88\driver\Windows). Click “Next” to start the installation.
6. The following dialog box will now appear as the installation is continued:
PHASE 88 (English) 15

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 PHASE 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 PHASE 88 control panel can be installed easily
using the autorun option (<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs.
The control panel application is also easy to remove from your system. To do so, open
the “Add/Remove Programs” dialog from the Control Panel. Search for the program to be
deleted, select it and click “Change/Remove”.
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.
Installation under Windows XP.
1. Boot your computer after installing the PHASE 88 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 PHASE CD-
16 PHASE 88 (English)

ROM now. Finally enable the checkbox “Install software from a specific source [for
advanced users]” and confirm with “Next”.
3. In the next window enable the checkbox “Search removable media (diskette, CD,...)”
and confirm with “Next”.
4. The following dialog box will now appear as the installation is continued:
5. This is no cause for alarm. Click “Continue Anyway” to continue. The installation will
now be executed.
6. 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 PHASE 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 PHASE 88 control panel can be installed easily
using the autorun option (<CD>:\autorun.exe).
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the various bundled software programs.
The control panel application is also easy to remove from your system. To do so, open
the “Add/Remove Programs” dialog from the Control Panel. Search for the program to be
deleted, select it and click “Change/Remove”.
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
PHASE 88 (English) 17

on the Control Panel under “System” > “Hardware”. Then click the “Device Manager”
button.
Driver installation for Macintosh OS X.
In the OS10 version, we recommend the Apple operating system update called “Jaguar”
(current version 10.2.6). A version update, which can be obtained for an extra charge,
contains some improvements specially geared towards audio applications. The system
requirements are OS10.1 or higher. Furthermore, in order to install the drivers, you must
have administrator rights on the system.
To install the PHASE 88 MAC OS X-driver and the Control Panel application, start the
install program from the directory <CD>:\PHASE 88\Driver\MAC\ of the PHASE 88
product CD. For identification, enter your name and your OS X password. During
installation, you will be asked for the target drive; select the desired target drive. Follow
the instructions of the installer and complete the installation by rebooting your system.
After restarting the system, you can select the PHASE 88 Control Panel from the directory
Macintosh HD -> Programs.
18 PHASE 88 (English)

The connections of the PHASE 88 audio system.
The PHASE 88 audio interface offers you numerous connections for connecting profes-
sional studio peripherals. Following is a detailed overview of its technical and electrical
characteristics:
Analog outputs.
The analog outputs of the PHASE 88 operate with music-
compatible line levels of either -10dBV (typically 0.56Vrms) or
+4dBu (typically 2.1Vrms). Here, you can connect a mixing card,
active speakers, or amplifiers.
The PHASE 88 system has eight high-quality analog outputs (labeled on the breakout box
as OUTPUTS), which can be independently addressed. The terminals are cinch connec-
tors and are always shown in pairs on the driver side and in the PHASE Control Panel
(i.e. 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8). Of course, you can also control the channels separately (in mono).
However, you will usually control the volumes from within the audio software application
you use.
The output level of all channels can be globally switched between -10dBV and +4dBu in
the PHASE Control Panel under “Settings”.
Practical tip: Make full use of the 24-bit support of up-to-date
software applications and connected digital peripherals - even if
you are planning to “just” release your production on CD. The
additional sound quality is audibly worthwhile, both in the sum of
the signals and, above all, during digital post-production.
PHASE 88 (English) 19

Analog inputs.
The sensitivity of the line inputs on the PHASE 88 audio system
can be adjusted individually. They can be switched from -10 dBV
(typically 0.55Vrms) to +4 dBu (typically 2.1Vrms) and a gain
controller is also available for complete usage of the 24-bit con-
verter.
The PHASE 88 system has eight high-quality analog inputs (labeled on the breakout box
as INPUTS), which can be independently addressed. The terminals are cinch connectors
and are always shown in pairs on the driver side (i.e. 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8).
The input sensitivity of the channels can be switched separately between -10dBV and
+4dBu in the PHASE Control Panel under “Analog Inputs”. -10 dBV is very common in
home studios (at this level the signals are relatively quiet and the input compensates for
this with a higher sensitivity). +4 dBu is generally used professionally (the devices have
enough power and therefore the system input is less sensitive).
If the level of a device that you have connected to the front module is too low, you can
increase the signal in 0.5 dB steps with the controllers in the PHASE Control Panel.
The pixel LED, the sensitivity of which can be adjusted (0, -1, -2, -3dB), displays any
potential overcontrol.
In the drivers as well as in the PHASE Control Panel, the inputs are viewed as a stereo
pair. As a rule, you can also combine the two channels for mono use in common audio
editors.
Practical tip: While recording, try to achieve as high a recording
level as possible to benefit best from the wide dynamic range of
the 24-bit converter. As a rule of thumb for good recordings, al-
ways take the following into account: a clean “take” is much more
valuable than the best plug-in for later sound correction.
20 PHASE 88 (English)