8pre - Hi-Fi System MOTU - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Audio Interface / Mic Preamp / ADAT Converter
Form Factor	1U Rack-mountable
Dimensions (approx)	19 x 1.75 x 8 inches (48.3 x 4.4 x 20.3 cm)
Weight (approx)	5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Power Requirements	AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 7 W
Analog Inputs	8 x Combo XLR/TRS (mic/instrument) with preamps, 48V phantom power, -20 dB pad
Analog Outputs	2 x TRS main outputs (balanced), 1 x stereo headphone (1/4")
Digital I/O	2 x ADAT optical (8 channels in/out up to 96 kHz), MIDI In/Out
Computer Connectivity	2 x 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394)
Sample Rates	44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit
AD Converter	24-bit, 64x oversampling
DA Converter	24-bit, 128x oversampling
Mic Preamp Gain	Approximately 40 dB via front-panel trim knobs
Features	CueMix DSP no-latency monitoring, on-board SMPTE synchronization, AudioDesk workstation software included
Headphone Output	Independent or mirror of main outs, controlled by front-panel volume knob
Metering	5-segment LED input meters for each analog channel, status LEDs for mode and clock
Clock Sources	Internal, ADAT Optical, SMPTE, Mac built-in
Operating Temperature	10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)
Compatible OS	Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, Windows (via separate driver)
Minimum System Requirements	G3/300 MHz Mac, 256 MB RAM, FireWire port, 20 GB hard drive
Included Software	MOTU Audio Setup, CueMix Console, SMPTE Setup, AudioDesk
Cleaning	Unplug, clean with dry cloth only; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners
Safety	Read safety guide; do not expose to rain/moisture; use grounded outlet; no user-serviceable parts
Spare Parts and Repairability	Refer servicing to qualified personnel; use manufacturer-specified replacement parts; warranty 90 days

Frequently Asked Questions - 8pre MOTU

How do I connect the MOTU 8pre to my Mac?

Use the included 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. Connect one end to the 8pre's FireWire port and the other to your Mac's FireWire port. Install the MOTU FireWire Audio driver from the included CD or download from motu.com. Then launch MOTU Audio Setup to configure settings.

Can I use the 8pre as a standalone converter without a computer?

Yes. When not connected to a computer via FireWire, the 8pre operates as an analog-to-digital converter. Connect its optical output to another device with ADAT optical input (e.g., another MOTU interface). The analog inputs are routed directly to optical output channels. Set the clock source via the front-panel volume knob (press and hold 3 seconds to enter clock setting mode).

How do I reduce monitoring latency when using the 8pre with software like Digital Performer?

Use the 8pre's CueMix DSP no-latency monitoring to monitor live inputs through the 8pre hardware directly, bypassing the computer. Configure CueMix via the MOTU CueMix Console software. Alternatively, reduce the Buffer Size in your host software (e.g., in DP: Setup > Configure Audio System > Configure Hardware Driver) to lower latency, but this may increase CPU load.

How do I enable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones?

On the front panel, locate the 48V switch for the corresponding input channel. Push the switch up to enable phantom power. Ensure your microphone is connected via XLR before enabling. The switch is individual per channel.

How do I synchronize the 8pre to an external digital device via ADAT optical?

Connect the optical cable from the master device's output to the 8pre's optical input (top row for 44.1/48 kHz, both rows for 88.2/96 kHz). In MOTU Audio Setup, set the Clock Source to 'ADAT Optical'. Ensure the sample rate matches. The 8pre always resolves to the top row optical input.

What is CueMix DSP and how do I use it?

CueMix DSP provides no-latency monitoring of live inputs through the 8pre hardware. You can create up to four independent monitor mixes using the MOTU CueMix Console software. Each mix can combine live inputs and playback from the computer with individual level and pan control.

Can I use the headphone output independently from the main outs?

Yes. In MOTU Audio Setup, under the 8pre tab, set the 'Phones' menu to 'Phones 1-2' instead of 'Main Out 1-2'. This makes the headphone jack an independent output pair, which appears as Phones 1-2 in your host software.

How do I update the firmware on the 8pre?

The 8pre firmware is updated via the MOTU Audio Setup software. Check motu.com for the latest driver package. During installation, the installer may update the firmware automatically. Manual firmware updates are not typically required; the driver includes the firmware.

I hear no sound from the 8pre. What should I check?

First, ensure the 8pre is powered on and the FireWire cable is securely connected. Check that the host software has selected the 8pre as the audio device (e.g., in Digital Performer: Setup > Configure Audio System > Configure Hardware Driver). Verify that analog inputs have signal (check front-panel meters). For output, ensure main outs are connected and volume knob is turned up (press to toggle between headphone and main out control). Also check clock source settings.

How do I register my MOTU 8pre to receive support?

Register online at www.motu.com/registration or fill out the included product registration card and mail it to MOTU. Registration entitles you to technical support and software update notifications. Also register AudioDesk separately using the keycode in the AudioDesk manual.

USER MANUAL 8pre MOTU

User's Guide for Mac OS X

MOTU

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: [phone]

Business fax: [phone]

Technical support: [phone]

Tech support fax: [phone]

Tech support email: [e-mail]

Web site: www.motu.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

CAUTION! READ THIS SAFETY GUIDE BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION OR OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

HAZARDOUS VOLAGES: CONTACT MAY CAUSE ELECTRIC SHOCK OR BURN. TURN OFF UNIT BEFORE SERVICING.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.

WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU 8pre COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

The MOTU 8pre is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong, approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association. This plug requires a mating three-conductor grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below. If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU 8pre is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER THE GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below and always connect the grounding lug to a known ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician replace the TWO prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong outlet. An adapter as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.

Figure A Figure B

WARNING: THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROM THE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE PROPERLY GROUNDED.

If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE: The adapter illustrated is for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which will accept the MOTU 8pre plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read these instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the 8pre.

2. Keep these instructions. These safety instructions and the 8pre owner's manual should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed all warnings. All warnings on the 8pre and in the owner's manual should be adhered to.

4. Follow all Instructions. All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Do not use the 8pre near water.

6. Cleaning - Unplug the 8pre from the computer and clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

7. Ventilation - Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Heat - Do not install the 8pre near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus (including an amplifier) that produces heat.

9. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.

10. Grounding - Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult and electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11. Power cord - Protect the 8pre power cord from being walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the 8pre.

12. Power switch - Install the 8pre so that the power switch can be accessed and operated at all times.

13. Disconnect - The main plug is considered to be the disconnect device for the 8pre and shall remain readily operable.

14. Accessories - Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

15. Placement - Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the 8pre. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart'apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

16. Surge protection - Unplug the 8pre during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

17. Servicing - Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the 8pre has been damaged in any way, such as when a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the 8pre, the 8pre has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

18. Power Sources - Refer to the manufacturer's operating instructions for power requirements. Be advised that different operating voltages may require the use of a different line cord and/or attachment plug.

19. Installation - Do not install the 8pre in an unventilated rack, or directly above heat-producing equipment such as power amplifiers. Observe the maximum ambient operating temperature listed below.

20. Power amplifiers- Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit's connectors.

21. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

22. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU 8pre, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.

ENVIRONMENT

Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE

Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug. Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not place objects containing liquids on it.

AC INPUT

100 - 240VAC \~ • 50 / 60Hz • 7 Watts.

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and Limited Warranty on Software

TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the terms and conditions of the "click-wrap" license agreement presented to you when you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. ("MOTU") owns both this program and its documentation. Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright, trademark, and trade-secret laws. Your right to use the program and the documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license agreement.

Reminder of the terms of your license

This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms. The actual license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software. That license agreement is a contract, and clicking "Accept" binds you and MOTU to all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the click-wrap agreement prevail.

YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the program solely for backup purposes. You must reproduce and include the copyright notice on a label on any backup copy.

YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others; (b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c) provide use of the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate, adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.

MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s) under this Limited Warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF, AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Update Policy

In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return the attached Mark of the Unicom Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2006 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.

Limited Warranty on Hardware

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research ("MOTU/S&S") warrant this equipment against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of NINETY (90) DAYS from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty applies only to hardware products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written statements.

If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number. No service will be performed on any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138. You must use the product's original packing material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product. Please include your name, address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.

This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident, abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification, extension, or addition to this warranty.

MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Digital Performer, AudioDesk, MOTU, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the following measures:

• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
  • Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
  If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.

WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Contents

5 Quick Reference: 8pre Front Panel
6 Quick Reference: 8pre Rear Panel
7 Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup
9 About the 8pre
13 Packing List and Macintosh System Requirements
15 Installing the 8pre Hardware
21 Installing the 8pre Mac OS X Software
25 MOTU Audio Setup
29 Front Panel Settings
31 Digital Performer
35 AudioDesk
39 Other Mac OS X Audio Software
45 Reducing Monitoring Latency
51 MOTU CueMix Console
59 MOTU SMPTE Setup
65 Troubleshooting
67 Index

Quick Reference: 8pre Front Panel

1. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack. From the factory, its output matches the main outs on the rear panel. But it can be programmed to mirror any other (optical) output pair. It can even be programmed to serve as its own independent output. Use the volume knob above to control its level.
2. These eight trim knobs provide approximately 40 dB of gain for both the lo-Z XLR mic input and the hi-Z TRS guitar/instrument input. Both inputs have preamps, so you can plug just about anything into them: a microphone, a guitar, a synth. Use the trim knob and the analog input level meters over in the metering section to calibrate the input signal level. The meters cover both the TRS and XLR input.
3. The 48V phantom power switches provide phantom power for condenser microphones. Down is off; up is on.
4. Flip the PAD switch down to apply a -20 dB reduction in level. Flip it up to disengage the pad.
   volume. The middle row of green LEDs (third from the bottom) performance a similar role for the main out volume adjustment.
5. When the 8pre is connected to computer via FireWire, and the computer is turned on, the 8pre functions as an audio interface. When the computer is off or not connected, the 8pre functions as a digital-to-analog converter. The Interface and Converter LEDs indicate which mode the 8pre is in.
6. The CLOCK LEDs indicate the current clock source and sample rate. Choose 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz to operate the 8pre under its own internal clock at the chosen sample rate. To resolve the 8pre to another digital audio device via connection to its optical input, choose either optical in 1x (for 44.1 or 48 kHz) or optical in 2x (for 88.2 or 96 kHz). If you are resolving to optical at 2x, choose Type II for MOTU products or Type I for third-party products, as described earlier in item number 2.
   ■ Push in and hold the knob for 3 seconds to enter a mode where you can change the clock source. In this mode, the CLOCK LED flashes, turn the knob to change the clock mode. Push it again to exit clock mode.
   ■ Push and hold the knob for 5 seconds to enter a mode where you can change 2x optical input and output (88.2 or 96kHz) to Type I (for 2x optical connection to SMUX-compatible products) or Type II (for 2x optical connection to MOTU products). The bottom LED in the "1" or "2" column flashes. Turn the volume knob to switch between Type I and II, respectively.
7. These eight 5-segment meters show input signal level for the mic/instrument XLR/combo inputs on the rear panel. When you turn the volume knob, which is a digital rotary encoder, the row of amber LEDs, second from the top, provides general feedback regarding the headphone level as you turn the knob. The scale goes from left to right, where all LEDs are illuminated at full headphone
8. Each analog input has individual front panel controls, including an input gain (trim) knob (approximately 40 dB of gain), 48 volt phantom power on/off switch is on) and -20 dB pad switch (down is engaged).
9. The VOLUME knob is a rotary encoder that can be pushed as well as turned:
10. Turn it to adjust headphone volume. In the LED section to the right, the row of amber LEDs, second from the top, provides general feedback regarding the headphone level as you turn the knob.
11. Push in the knob twice (so that it clicks two times) and then turn it to adjust the volume of the main outs on the rear panel. In the LED section to the right, the middle row of green LEDs, third from the bottom, provides general feedback regarding the headphone level as you turn the knob.

Quick Reference: 8pre Rear Panel

1. These two balanced, quarter-inch jacks serve as the 8pre's
   main outputs. You can connect them to a set of powered studio monitors and then control the volume from the front
   panel volume knob. To hear disk tracks in your audio software on these main outs, assign the disk tracks (and master fader)
   to these main outs (Main Out 1-2). You can also use CueMix DSP to monitor live 8pre inputs here as well.
2. These eight XLR/TRS combo jack accepts either a mic cable or
   a cable with a quarter-inch plug. Both the low-impedance
   XLR jack and the high-impedance TRS jack are equipped with 40 dB of front-panel trim control. Each XLR (mic) input can be
   supplied with 48V phantom power or -20 dB pad via its corresponding front-panel switches.
   When the 8pre is operating at the 1x sample rates (44.1 or 48
   kHz), the optical output in the bottom row mirrors the 8-channel optical output in the top row, allowing you to send
   the 8pre optical output to two different destinations in your studio, if needed.
3. Connect a MIDI device here using standard MIDI cables.
   Connect the 8pre's MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port on the other device. Conversely, connect the 8pre's MIDI IN port to
   the MIDI OUT port on the other device. You can connect differ-
   ent devices to each port, such as a controller device to the IN port and a sound module to the OUT port. You can also daisy-
   chain MIDI devices, but be sure to manage their MIDI channels (so that they don't receive or transmit on the same
   channel).
4. Connect the 8pre to the computer here using the standard
   1394 FireWire cable provided with your 8pre. Use the second FireWire port to daisy-chain up to four MOTU FireWire audio
   interfaces to a single FireWire bus. You can also connect other
   FireWire devices to daisy-chain them to the computer, with the computer serving as the Firewire host.
5. The two ADAT optical ("lightpipe") ports in the top row
   provide eight channels of digital input and output at 44.1 and 48 kHz. At the 2x sample rates (88.2 or 96 kHz), the top row
   provides channels 1-4 (in and out) and the bottom row provides channels 5-8 (in and out). When operating the
   optical ports at a 2x sample rate, be sure to choose either Type I or Type II operation, as explained in item 2. on the previous
   page.
   When the 8pre is connected to a computer, these optical ports provide digital input and output to and from the computer.
   When the 8pre is not connected directly to a computer (via
   When the opre is not connected directly to a computer (the FireWire), the optical input is disabled and the eight optical output channels mirror any incoming signal on the 8pre's
   eight XLR/TRS combo jack analog inputs. By connecting the 8pre to another device, such as another ADAT-optical
   opre to another device, such as another ADAT-optical equipped interface or a digital mixer, you add an additional
   eight infic inputs to your system.
   When the 8pre is slaving to its optical input, it resolves to the input in the top row, even when operating at the 2x sample

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

CHAPTER 1 About the 8pre

OVERVIEW

The 8pre is and audio interface that can operate in two general modes: as a FireWire audio interface or as an analog-to-digital converter.

With a standard 19-inch, single-space, rack-mountable I/O form factor, the 8pre connects directly to a computer via a standard FireWire cable or to another interface via an ADAT optical cable.

As a FireWire audio interface, the 8pre is a complete computer-based hard disk recording system for Mac OS X and Windows that offers eight high-quality mic inputs and at any standard sample rate up to 96kHz, plus one bank of ADAT optical digital I/O that provides 8 channels of digital I/O at any sample rate up to 96 kHz. At 88.2 or 96 kHz, a second bank of dedicated ADAT optical jacks provide input and output on channels 5-8.

When the 8pre is not connected to a computer via FireWire, it operates as an analog-to-digital converter. By connecting the 8pre's optical ports to another audio interface, digital mixer or other digital audio system that supports 8-channel ADAT optical I/O, the 8pre becomes as an 8-channel analog to optical expansion interface that adds eight high-quality mic inputs to the system.

The 8pre offers the following features:

■ Eight 24-bit analog combo XLR/TRS mic/instrument inputs with preamps, each equipped with individually switchable 20 dB pad and 48V phantom power
■ Two 24-bit analog TRS main outputs

■ Eight-channel ADAT optical digital I/O at sample rates up to 96 kHz
■ MIDI I/O
■ On-board SMPTE synchronization
■ Headphone jack
■ Main volume knob (for headphone + main outs)
■ Front-panel 5-segment input meters
■ Front-panel mode and clock status LEDs
■ No-latency analog to digital conversion from the eight analog inputs to the eight ADAT optical digital outputs

With its XLR/TRS combo jack inputs, mic preamps, no-latency monitoring of live input and synchronization capabilities, the 8pre is a complete, portable “studio in a box” when used with a Macintosh or Windows computer. The 8pre system includes AudioDesk™, full-featured audio workstation software for Mac OS that supports both 16-bit and 24-bit recording.

THE 8PRE I/O REAR PANEL

The 8pre rear panel has the following connectors:

■ Two gold-plated, balanced +4dB quarter-inch (TRS) analog outputs (with 24-bit 96kHz converters)
■ Eight 24-bit analog combo XLR/TRS mic/instrument inputs with preamps, each equipped with individually switchable 20 dB pad, 48V phantom power and 24-bit 96kHz converters
■ Two sets of ADAT optical 'light pipe' connectors (8 channels of ADAT optical I/O at all supported sample rates)
■ MIDI IN and MIDI OUT

■ Two 6-pin FireWire jacks

16 inputs and 12 outputs

When operating as a FireWire audio interface, all 8pre inputs and outputs can be used simultaneously, for a total of 16 inputs and 12 outputs:

Connection Input Output

Mic preamps 24-bit 96kHz on XLR/TRS combo 8 -

Main outputs 24-bit 96kHz on bal/unbal TRS - stereo

Headphone output - stereo

ADAT optical digital (from 44.1 up to 96 kHz) 8 8

Total 16 12

All inputs and outputs are discrete. In other words, using a mic input does not “steal” an input from the ADAT optical I/O bank. The same is true for the headphone outs and the main outs.

The two banks of ADAT optical ports provide eight channels of input and output at 88.2 or 96 kHz. The upper bank provides channels 1-4 and the lower bank provides channels 5-8.

The headphone output can operate as an independent output pair, or it can mirror any other 8pre output pair, such as the main outs.

Mic inputs with 48V phantom power

Eight rear-panel combo (XLR/TRS) jacks with preamps, phantom power and 20 dB pad let you to connect a microphone, guitar or any quarter-inch input. The XLR jack serves as a low-impedance mic input, and the TRS jack serves as a high-impedance guitar/instrument input. Dedicated front-panel trim knobs allow you to adjust each input independently. Defeatable 48V phantom power and 20dB pad are supplied by convenient front panel switches.

Converters

All eight analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit 96kHz, 64x oversampling A/D converters. The main outs have 24-bit 128x oversampling D/A converters. All audio is carried to the computer in a 24-bit data stream.

Main Outs

The main outs are equipped with 24-bit 128x oversampling D/A converters and serve as independent outputs for the computer. The main outputs are on balanced TRS +4dB quarter-inch jacks. Both of these jacks can also accept unbalanced plugs.

Optical

The 8pre provides two banks of optical “lightpipe” jacks that support the ADAT optical digital I/O format. At 44.1 or 48 kHz, the upper bank provides eight channels of 24-bit digital audio, and the lower bank simply mirrors all 8 channels of the upper bank.

At 88.2 or 96 kHz, the upper bank handles channels 1-4 and the lower bank handles channels 5-8 via the industry Standard S/MUX (“Type I”) protocol for third-party product or MOTU’s own “Type II” protocol for connecting the 8pre optically to any MOTU audio interface. For details, see “Setting the 2x optical mode” on page 29.

MIDI I/O

The 8pre's standard MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks supply 16 channels of MIDI I/O to and from the computer via the 8pre's FireWire connection. Timing accuracy can be sample-accurate with host software that supports it.

1394 FireWire

The two 1394 FireWire jacks accept a standard IEEE 1394 FireWire cable to connect the 8pre to a FireWire-equipped Macintosh or Windows computer. The second jack can be used to daisy chain multiple interfaces — up to four MOTU

FireWire interfaces — on a single FireWire bus. It can also be used to connect other FireWire devices without the need for a FireWire hub.

On-board SMPTE synchronization

The 8pre can resolve directly to SMPTE time code via any analog input, without a separate synchronizer. The 8pre provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub-frame accuracy.

The included MOTU SMPTE Setup ^™ software provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer. Like CueMix DSP, the synchronization features are cross-platform and compatible with all audio sequencer software that supports the ASIO2 sample-accurate sync protocol.

THE 8PRE FRONT PANEL

Preamp trims, 48V phantom power and pad

The 8pre front panel provides convenient, individual trim control, 48-volt phantom power switch and 20 dB pad switch for each analog input.

Headphone output and main volume control

The 8pre front panel includes a quarter-inch stereo headphone output jack and volume knob. The volume knob also controls the rear-panel main outs. Push the knob to toggle between them.

Metering section

The front panel of the 8pre displays input metering. The five-segment input meters provide dedicated multi-segment metering for their respective analog inputs.

The Mode lights indicate whether the interface is currently operating as a FireWire audio interface or an analog-to-optical converter.

The Clock lights indicate the global sample rate and clock source.

16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING

The 8pre system handles all data with a 24-bit signal path, regardless of the I/O format. You can record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at any supported sample rate via any of the 8pre's analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio files can be recorded with any compatible host application that supports 24-bit recording.

AUDIODESK

AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio workstation software package included with the 8pre system (for Macintosh only). AudioDesk provides multi-channel waveform editing, automated virtual mixing, graphic editing of ramp automation, real-time effects plug-ins with 32-bit floating point processing, crossfades, support for many third-party audio plug-ins, background processing of file-based operations, sample-accurate editing and placement of audio, and more.

DIGITAL PERFORMER

The 8pre system is fully integrated with MOTU's award-winning Digital Performer audio sequencer software package.

OTHER HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE

The 8pre system includes a standard Mac OS X CoreAudio driver for multichannel I/O with any audio application that supports CoreAudio.

A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM

Regardless of what software you use with the 8pre, the host computer determines the number of tracks the software can record and play simultaneously, as well as the amount of real-time effects processing you can apply to your mix. A faster computer with more RAM and faster hard drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time effects than a slower computer with less RAM and slower hard drives. Today's fastest computers can typically play as many as 72 tracks or more.

Standard third-party high-performance hard drive solutions can also help you achieve higher track counts.

CHAPTER 2 Packing List and Macintosh System Requirements

PACKING LIST

The 8pre ships with the items listed below. If any of these items are not present in your 8pre box when you first open it, please immediately contact your dealer or MOTU.

■ One 8pre I/O rack unit
■ One set of removable rack ears
■ One 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 "FireWire" cable
■ Power cord
■ One 8pre Mac/Windows manual
■ One AudioDesk Manual
■ One cross-platform CD-ROM
■ Product registration card

MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The 8pre system requires the following Macintosh system:

■ A G3/300Mhz Power Macintosh or faster equipped with at least one FireWire port
■ At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM (512 MB or more is recommended)
■ Mac OS X (version 10.3.9 or later)
■ A large hard drive (preferably at least 20 GB)

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

Please register your 8pre today. There are two ways to register.

■ Visit www.motu.com to register online OR
■ Fill out and mail the included product registration card

As a registered user, you will be eligible to receive technical support and announcements about product enhancements as soon as they become available. Only registered users receive these special update notices, so please register today.

Be sure to do the same for the included AudioDesk software, which must be registered separately. You can do so online or by filling out and mailing the included software registration card found at the beginning of your AudioDesk manual. Please be sure to register AudioDesk as well, so that you will be eligible to receive technical support and announcements about AudioDesk software enhancements as soon as they become available.

Thank you for taking the time to register your new MOTU products!

CHAPTER 3 Installing the 8pre Hardware

OVERVIEW

Here's an overview for installing the 8pre:

Connect the 8pre to your computer .... 15

Connect the 8pre to the computer.

Connect audio inputs and outputs 16

Make optical and analog connections as desired.

Connect MIDI gear 17

Connect a controller, synth or control surface.

Operating the 8pre as an interface.... 18

An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.

Operating the 8pre as a converter.... 19

An example setup for a mixer-based studio.

Syncing optical devices 20

CONNECT THE 8PRE TO YOUR COMPUTER

1 Plug one end of the 8pre FireWire cable (included) into the FireWire socket on the computer as shown below in Figure 3-1.

2 Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the 8pre I/O as shown below in Figure 3-1.

Close-up of a computer interface showing an inserted port with Ethernet ports and a USB cable (no visible text or symbols)

Figure 3-1: Connecting the 8pre to the computer.

CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The 8pre audio interface has the following audio input and output connectors:

■ 8 combo XLR/quarter-inch analog mic/guitar/instrument inputs
■ 2 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch TRS main outs
■ 2 pair of ADAT optical (“Lightpipe”) in/out

Here are a few things you should keep in mind as you are making these connections to other devices.

Mic/guitar/instrument inputs

Connect a microphone, guitar or other similar instrument to any XLR/quarter-inch combo jack input on the rear panel. If your microphone requires phantom power, move the 48V phantom power switch on the front panel to the up position (enabled). Use the trim knobs on the front panel to adjust the input level as needed for each input. The trim knob provides approximately 40 dB of gain. Use the input level meters on the front panel (labeled Analog In) to calibrate the level. These meters register for both the XLR and TRS input.

If a line level signal is still too hot with the trim turned all the way down, engage (flip down) the 20dB pad switch on the front panel.

Main outs

The main outputs serve as independent outputs. The main out volume is controlled by the volume knob on the front panel. Push the knob to toggle between phone and main out volume control. In a standard studio configuration, the main outs are intended for a pair of studio monitors, but they can also be used as additional outputs for any purpose.

Optical

The 8pre provides 8-channel digital input and output at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. The 8pre rear panel provides two sets of ADAT optical (“lightpipe”) connectors: an top row and a bottom row.

Reminder: optical goes OUT to IN and IN to OUT. Input and output are independent. For example, you could connect ADAT optical input from your digital mixer and connect the output to an audio interface connected to your computer.

Optical operation at 44.1 or 48 kHz

When connected to an ADAT “lightpipe” compatible device, the two optical connectors in the top row provide eight channels of digital input and output at 44.1 and 48 kHz.

In addition, when operating the 8pre at a 1x sample rate (either 44.1 or 48 kHz), optical output is duplicated on the second (lower) optical output. This lets you send the 8pre's 8-channel ADAT optical output to two separate destinations in your studio, if needed.

Optical operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz

When operating the 8pre at the 2x sample rates (88.2 or 96 kHz), the top row of optical connectors provides channels 1-4 (in and out) and the bottom row provides channels 5-8 (in and out) when connected to another optical device that supports 88.2/96 kHz optical sample rates.

When operating the optical ports at a 2x sample rate, be sure to choose either Type I or Type II operation, as explained in “Setting the 2x optical mode” on page 29.

Using optical I/O when operating the 8pre as an audio interface

When the 8pre is connected to a computer (Figure 3-4 on page 18), these optical ports provide digital input and output to and from the computer.

Using optical I/O to operate the 8pre as an 8-channel expander

When the 8pre is not connected directly to a computer via FireWire, the optical input is disabled and the eight optical output channels mirror any incoming signal on the 8pre's eight XLR/TRS

combo jack analog inputs. By connecting the 8pre optical output to another device, such as another ADAT-optical equipped interface or a digital mixer, you add an additional eight mic inputs to your system, as demonstrated in Figure 3-5 on page 19. This can be done at any sample rate up to 96 kHz.

To set the sample rate (or clock mode) when operating as an 8-channel optical expander, see “Setting the clock source in converter mode” on page 29.

CONNECT MIDI GEAR

Connect your MIDI device's MIDI IN jack to the 8pre's MIDI OUT jack (Connection A below). Conversely, connect the MIDI device's MIDI OUT jack to the 8pre's MIDI IN jack (Connection B).

graph TD
    A["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI OUT| B["MIDI Device"]
    C["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| D["MIDI Device"]
    E["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI OUT| F["MIDI Device"]
    G["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| H["MIDI Device"]
    I["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| J["MIDI Device"]
    K["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| L["MIDI Device"]
    M["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| N["MIDI Device"]
    O["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| P["MIDI Device"]
    Q["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| R["MIDI Device"]
    S["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| T["MIDI Device"]
    U["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| V["MIDI Device"]
    W["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| X["MIDI Device"]
    Y["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| Z["MIDI Device"]
    AA["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AB["MIDI Device"]
    AC["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AD["MIDI Device"]
    AE["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AF["MIDI Device"]
    AG["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AH["MIDI Device"]
    AI["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AJ["MIDI Device"]
    AK["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AL["MIDI Device"]
    AM["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AN["MIDI Device"]
    AO["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AP["MIDI Device"]
    AQ["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AR["MIDI Device"]
    AS["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AT["MIDI Device"]
    AU["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AV["MIDI Device"]
    AW["8 pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI IN| AX["MIDI Device"]
    AY["8 pre rear panel"] --> AZ["MIDI OUT"]
    BA["8 pre rear panel"] --> BB["MIDI OUT"]

Figure 3-2: Connecting a MIDI device to the 8pre.

One-way MIDI connections

MIDI devices that do not receive MIDI data, such as a dedicated keyboard controller, guitar controller, or drum pad, only need Connection B shown in Figure 3-2. Similarly, devices that never send data, such as a sound module, only need Connection A. Make both connections for any device that needs to both send and receive MIDI data.

Connecting additional gear with MIDI THRUs

If you need to connect several pieces of MIDI gear, run a MIDI cable from the MIDI THRU of a device already connected to the 8pre to the MIDI IN on the additional device as shown below in Figure 3-3. The two devices then share the 8pre's MIDI OUT port. This means that they share the same set of 16 MIDI channels, too, so try to do this with devices that receive on only one MIDI channel (such as effects modules) so their receive channels don't conflict with one another.

graph TD
    A["8pre rear panel"] -->|MIDI OUT| B["MIDI IN"]
    B --> C["MIDI Device"]
    C --> D["MIDI THRU"]
    D --> E["MIDI cable"]
    E --> F["MIDI IN"]
    F --> G["Additional device"]

Figure 3-3: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.

OPERATING THE 8pre AS AN INTERFACE

Here is a typical studio setup for using the 8pre as an audio interface. All mixing and processing can be done in the computer with audio software.

During recording, you can use the 8pre's CueMix™

DSP no-latency monitoring to listen to what you are recording via the main outs, headphone outs, or any other output pair. You can control monitoring from the included MOTU CueMix Console software.

graph TD
    A["headphones"] --> B["8pre front panel"]
    C["Mac"] --> D["8pre back panel"]
    E["mic"] --> F["microphone"]
    G["guitar (with or without an amp)"] --> H["Qwen"]
    I["synthesizer"] --> J["MIDI IN/OUT"]
    K["optical In"] --> L["FireWire"]
    M["optical Out"] --> N["Digital mixer"]
    O["monitors"] --> P["microphone"]
    Q["other inputs (mics, guitars, etc.)"] --> R["microphone"]

Figure 3-4: A typical 8pre studio setup.

OPERATING THE 8pre AS A CONVERTER

As explained earlier in “Using optical I/O to operate the 8pre as an 8-channel expander” on page 16, the 8pre can serve as an 8-channel analog-to-digital converter when disconnected from the computer and instead connected to another device equipped with an ADAT optical input. For example, you could connect the 8pre optical output to the optical input on a MOTU audio interface, such as the 828, 828mkII, Traveler, 896, 896HD or UltraLite. The 8pre then serves as an 8-channel expander that adds an additional 8 mic inputs to the interface. The benefit of connecting the 8pre in this manner (instead of as another FireWire interface) is that you can seamlessly integrate the 8pre's inputs into the on-board no-latency CueMix monitor mixing in the interface, since the 8pre's inputs are fed into CueMix via the interface's optical inputs.

If the device to which you are connecting the 8pre supports 2x optical sample rates (88.2 or 96 kHz), you'll need to use both banks of connectors as discussed in "Optical operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz" on page 16.

graph TD
    A["Mac"] --> B["828mkII-USB (UltraFast USB 2 audio interface)"]
    B --> C["8pre rear panel"]
    C --> D["synthesizer"]
    C --> E["mic"]
    C --> F["guitar (with or without an amp)"]
    C --> G["quarter-inch analog outs"]
    C --> H["ADAT optical In"]
    C --> I["ADAT optical Out"]
    B --> J["USB2"]
    C --> K["Other inputs (mics, guitars, etc.)"]

Figure 3-5: Using the 8pre as an optical converter.

SYNCING OPTICAL DEVICES

The word optical is our short-hand way of referring to any device that connects to the 8pre via an optical cable. An example is an audio interface with optical connectors on it. There are many other devices that fall into this category, including digital mixers, digital effects processors, synthesizers and many more.

When connecting optical devices, make sure that their digital audio clock is phase-locked (in sync with) the 8pre. There are two ways to do this:

■ Slave the optical device to the 8pre
■ Slave the 8pre to the optical device

Two banks of optical

The 8pre has two banks of optical connectors: a top row and a bottom row:

Figure 3-7: Two optical banks.

When you are operating at the 1x sample rates (44.1 or 48 kHz), use the top two connectors.

When you are operating at the 2x sample rates, (88.2 or 96 kHz), use both sets of connectors. The top row provides channels 1-4 and the bottom row provides channels 5-8, as indicated by the blue labeling on the rear panel (Figure 3-7).

Setting the clock source

In ADAT optical clock mode (as demonstrated in the right-hand diagram below), the 8pre always resolves to the optical input in the top row, even during 88.2 or 96 kHz operation. So be sure to connect the device that is the ADAT optical clock master to the 8pre's optical input in the top row.

Optical bank mirroring

When the 8pre is operating at the 1x sample rates (44.1 or 48 kHz), the optical output in the bottom row mirrors the 8-channel optical output in the top row.

graph TD
    A["8pre Clock Source setting = Internal, or any clock source setting except Optical. The optical device slaves to the 8pre (via its optical cable connection)."] --> B["ADAT Optical OUT"]
    B --> C["ADAT Optical IN"]
    D["With this setup, in MOTU Audio Setup, choose the Optical clock source setting. The 8pre slaves to the optical device via their optical cable connection."] --> E["ADAT Optical OUT"]
    E --> F["ADAT Optical IN"]
    G["Audio interface or other optical device"] --> H["8pre Clock Source setting = optical"]

Figure 3-6: Two setups for synchronizing an optical device with the 8pre.

CHAPTER 4 Installing the 8pre Mac OS X Software

OVERVIEW

Software installation for Mac OS X 21

MOTU CueMix Console 23

AudioDesk workstation software 23

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR MAC OS X

Install the 8pre software as follows:

1 Insert the MOTU Audio Installer disc and launch the installer.

2 Follow the directions that the installer gives you.

What does the OS X installer do?

The installer checks the computer to make sure it satisfies the minimum system requirements for your MOTU interface. If so, the installer proceeds with the OS X installation. Drivers are installed, along with MOTU Audio Setup, MOTU CueMix Console, and several other applications, summarized in the following table:

The 8pre CoreAudio driver

CoreAudio is a term that refers to the software technology built into Mac OS X that provides all of its standardized audio features. More specifically, we use CoreAudio to refer to Mac OS X's standard audio driver model. A CoreAudio driver allows the 8pre to establish audio input and output with any Mac OS X CoreAudio-compatible software.

Once the 8pre's CoreAudio driver has been successfully installed (by the installer), and you have chosen it for use in your host audio software, the 8pre will appear as a choice for audio inputs and outputs in your software.

All MOTU audio hardware, including our PCI systems, Firewire interfaces and USB interfaces, ship with CoreAudio drivers that allow them to operate successfully with virtually all Mac OS X audio software.

Software component Location Purpose For more information

MOTU FireWire Audio driver.kext /System/Library/ Extensions		Provides 8pre multi-channel audio input and output with all Mac OS X audio software	“The 8pre CoreAudio driver” on page 21
MOTU MIDI driver.kext /System/Library/ Extensions		Provides 8pre MIDI input and output for all Mac OS X MIDI software	“CoreMIDI and Audio MIDI Setup” on page 22
MOTU MIDI driver.plugin /System/Library/ Audio/MIDI Drivers		Provides 8pre MIDI input and output for all Mac OS X MIDI software	“CoreMIDI and Audio MIDI Setup” on page 22
MOTU Audio Setup Applications folder	Provides access to all of the settings in the 8pre and other MOTU interfaces. Required for 8pre operation.		chapter 5, “MOTU Audio Setup” (page 25)
MOTU CueMix Console	Applications folder	Gives you complete control over the 8pre’s CueMix DSP feature, which provides no-latency monitoring and mixing of live inputs through your 8pre system.	chapter 11, “MOTU Cue-Mix Console” (page 51)
MOTU SMPTE Setup	Applications folder	Provides access to the 8pre system’s SMPTE time code sync features.	chapter 12, “MOTU SMPTE Setup” (page 59)
AudioDesk	Applications folder	Provides complete multi-track recording, mixing and processing. Optional.	AudioDesk User Guide
AudioDesk Demo Project	Anywhere you want	Provides a multi-track mix that you can open, play, and mix in AudioDesk. Optional.	AudioDesk User Guide

CoreMIDI and Audio MIDI Setup

CoreMIDI is the “under-the-hood” portion of Mac OS X that handles MIDI services for MIDI hardware and software. CoreMIDI provides many universal MIDI system management features, including MIDI communication between your 8pre interface and all CoreMIDI compatible software.

Audio MIDI Setup is a utility included with Mac OS X that allows you to configure your 8pre interface for use with all CoreMIDI compatible applications. Audio MIDI Setup provides:

■ A “virtual” studio on your Mac that graphically represents your MIDI hardware setup and that is shared by all CoreMIDI-compatible programs
■ A simple, intuitive list of your MIDI devices whenever you need it in any CoreMIDI-compatible program

Launching Audio MIDI Setup

1 Make sure your 8pre interface is connected and turned on.

2 Launch the Audio MIDI Setup utility.

This can usually be found in /Applications/ Utilities. If it has been moved, just search for Audio MIDI Setup.

3 Confirm that the MIDI interface is present in the MIDI Devices tab of Audio MIDI Setup.

If the interfaces does not appear, or if it is grayed out, check your cable connections and click Rescan MIDI.

Figure 4-1: The 8pre interface as it appears in the MIDI tab of Audio MIDI Setup.

Connecting MIDI devices to the 8pre

Once your 8pre interface appears in Audio MIDI Setup, you are ready to add devices, indicate how they are connected, and identify properties they may have for particular purposes. This information is shared with all CoreMIDI compatible applications.

To add a device in Audio MIDI Setup:

1 Click Add Device.

Figure 4-2: Adding a MIDI device.

2 Drag on its input and output arrows to draw connections to the 8pre that match its physical connection.

graph TD
    A["Sound module"] --> B["Rise"]
    C["new external device"] --> B
    D["Add Device"] --> B
    E["Remove Device"] --> B
    F["Remove Mask"] --> B
    G["Test Setup"] --> B

Figure 4-3: Connecting devices to the 8pre. In this example, a controller keyboard is connected to the 8pre's MIDI IN, and a sound module is connected to the 8pre MIDI OUT.

3 Double-click the device to make settings, such as input and output channels, that further describe the device.

Figure 4-4: Device settings.

4 Repeat the above steps for each MIDI device connected to the interface.

5 When you are finished, quit Audio MIDI Setup.

Your configuration is automatically saved as the default configuration, and it is shared with all CoreMIDI-compatible software.

MOTU CUEMIX CONSOLE

This program provides a mixing console that gives you control over the 8pre's no-latency CueMix DSP features. For details, see chapter 11, "MOTU CueMix Console" (page 51).

AUDIODESK WORKSTATION SOFTWARE

The MOTU audio installer places AudioDesk in the Applications folder.

AudioDesk is an advanced workstation software package for the 8pre that lets you record, edit, mix, process, bounce and master multi-track digital audio recording projects. Advanced features include real-time 32-bit effects processing, sample-accurate synchronization with ADATs, 24-bit recording, and much more. See the AudioDesk manual included with your 8pre for details.

Figure 4-5: AudioDesk for Mac OS X.

CHAPTER 5 MOTU Audio Setup

OVERVIEW

Accessing the 8pre settings.... 25

'8pre' tab Settings.... 26

Sample Rate 26

Clock Source 26

Default Stereo Input/Output.... 27

Optical input/output.... 27

Phones....28

'General' tab settings 28

Enable Pedal.... 28

Launch MOTU Audio Setup when hardware becomes available 28

Edit Channel Names 28

ACCESSING THE 8PRE SETTINGS

There are several ways to access MOTU Audio Setup settings:

■ Click the MOTU Audio Setup icon in the dock
■ Press on the MOTU Audio Setup dock icon to open the menu shown below, or control-click it to open the menu immediately

■From within AudioDesk™ or Digital Performer™, choose Setup menu>Configure Audio System>Configure Hardware Driver (Note: this dialog only provides access to basic settings such as sample rate and clock source. For access to all settings, use one of the techniques above.)
■In Cubase SX or Nuendo, open the Device Setup window, click VST Audiobay and choose MOTU Audio from the Master ASIO Driver menu. Then click the MOTU Audio item in the list and click the Control Panel button.

8pre tab settings

The 8pre tab provides settings that apply to a specific 8pre interface. If you have several 8pres (or other MOTU audio interfaces) connected, you'll see a separate tab for each one.

General tab settings

The General tab provides settings that apply globally to all connected MOTU interfaces.

'8PRE' TAB SETTINGS

Sample Rate

Choose the desired Sample Rate for recording and playback. The 8pre can operate at 44.1 (the standard rate for compact disc audio), 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz. Make absolutely sure that all of the devices connected digitally to the 8pre match the 8pre's sample rate. Also make sure that your Digital Timepiece, MIDI Timepiece AV or other digital audio synchronizer matches it as well.

- Mismatched sample rates cause distortion and crackling. If you hear this sort of thing, check the sample rate settings in your hardware and here in MOTU Audio Setup.

Clock Source

The Clock Source determines the digital audio clock that the 8pre will use as its time base. The following sections briefly discuss each clock source setting.

Internal

Use the Internal setting when you want the 8pre to operate under its own digital audio clock. For example, you may be in a situation where all you are doing is playing tracks off hard disk in your digital audio software on the computer. In a situation like this, you most often don't need to reference an external clock of any kind.

ADAT optical

The ADAT optical clock source setting refers to the clock provided by the 8pre's optical input, when it is connected to an ADAT optical device. This setting can be used to slave the 8pre directly to the optical input connection. In this scenario, the ADAT Optical clock source setting lets you slave the 8pre to the other device via its digital connection to the 8pre.

The 8pre has two banks of optical connectors: a top row (for 8-channel operation at 44.1 or 48 kHz) and a bottom row (for channels 5-8 at 88.2 or

Figure 5-1: MOTU Audio Setup gives you access to all of the settings in the 8pre hardware.

96 kHz). In ADAT optical clock mode, the 8pre always resolves to the optical input in the top row, even during 88.2 or 96 kHz operation. So be sure to connect the ADAT optical clock master to the optical input in the top row.

If the ADAT Optical setting does not appear in the menu, it means that the 8pre's optical input is currently turned off. Choose the ADAT optical format from the Optical input menu (Figure 5-1 on page 26).

For further details about this setting, see “Syncing optical devices” on page 20.

SMPTE

Choose this setting to resolve the 8pre directly to SMPTE time code (LTC) being received via any analog input. For details, see chapter 12, "MOTU SMPTE Setup" (page 59).

Macintosh built-in

Choose this setting to resolve the 8pre to your Mac's built-in audio. Doing so will ensure that audio streams playing back from or recorded by the 8pre will not drift apart from audio streams simultaneously played or recorded by the Mac's built-in mic, speakers or audio output.

Other audio devices (drivers)

The MOTU FireWire Audio Driver has the ability to resolve to other Core Audio drivers. Doing so will ensure that audio streams playing back from or recorded by the 8pre will not drift apart from audio streams simultaneously played or recorded by the other devices.

Default Stereo Input/Output

In the System Preferences window, Mac OS X lets you choose third-party hardware such as the 8pre for your Macintosh sound input and output. The system input and output can be used for alert sounds and general audio I/O for applications like iTunes, iMovie, etc.

Figure 5-2: The Mac OS X sound preferences let you use the 8pre for general stereo audio input and output for your Mac.

The Default Stereo Input and Default Stereo Output settings in MOTU Audio Setup (Figure 5-1 on page 26) let you specify the stereo input and output on the 8pre to be used when it is chosen as the audio I/O device in the system preferences.

Optical input/output

The Optical input and Optical output settings let you enable or disable the optical ports. For example, when operating the 8pre as an audio interface, you can conserve FireWire bus bandwidth by disabling the optical ports when they are not in use. This frees up the FireWire bus for other devices that may also be connected to the bus (such as additional interfaces).

Phones

The Phones setting lets you choose what you will hear from the headphone jack. Choose Main Outs 1-2 if you'd like the headphone output to match the main outs. Choose Phones 1-2 if you would like the headphones to serve as their own independent output, which you can access as an independent output destination in your host audio software and as an output destination for the four on-board CueMix DSP mix busses.

'GENERAL' TAB SETTINGS

Enable Pedal

This setting applies to other MOTU FireWire audio interfaces, but it does not apply to the 8pre.

Launch MOTU Audio Setup when hardware becomes available

Check this option if you would like the MOTU Audio Setup icon to appear in the application dock as soon as a MOTU interface is detected (switched on, plugged in, etc.)

Edit Channel Names

Click the Edit Channel Names button to open the Channel Names window (Figure 5-3). This window lets you edit the names of the 8pre inputs and outputs, as they appear in your host audio software. For example, when you click on a menu that displays the 8pre inputs (or outputs), you will see the names you specify in this window (e.g. "vocal mic", "lead guitar", etc.), instead of the default generic names ("Analog 1", "Analog 2", etc.)

Not all Mac OS X audio software supports channel names. If not, you'll see generic port names in your host audio software.

Figure 5-3: The Edit Channel Names window.

Figure 5-4: 8pre channel names as they appear in Digital Performer.

CHAPTER 6 Front Panel Settings

OVERVIEW

The VOLUME knob is a rotary encoder that can be pushed as well as turned. By pushing it repeatedly, or by pushing and holding it in for varying amounts of time, you can adjust several 8pre settings as described in the following sections.

Figure 6-1: The VOLUME knob is a push-button rotary encoder.

Except where noted, all of the features described in this chapter are available when the 8pre is operating as either an audio interface or an optical converter.

ADJUSTING HEADPHONE VOLUME

Turn the VOLUME knob to adjust headphone volume. In the Analog In LED section to the right, the row of amber LEDs, second from the top, provides general feedback regarding the headphone level as you turn the knob.

Figure 6-2: When you adjust headphone volume, the amber row of LEDs (second from the top) provides feedback as you turn the rotary encoder.

ADJUSTING MAIN OUT VOLUME

Push in the knob twice (so that it clicks two times) and then turn it to adjust the volume of the main outs on the rear panel. In the LED section to the right, the middle row of green LEDs, third from the bottom, provides general feedback regarding the headphone level as you turn the knob.

Figure 6-3: When you adjust main out volume, the top-most green row of LEDs, third from the bottom, provides feedback as you turn the rotary encoder.

SETTING THE 2X OPTICAL MODE

Push and hold the knob for 5 seconds to enter a mode where you can change 2x optical input and output (88.2 or 96kHz) to Type I (for 2x optical connection to SMUX-compatible products) or Type II (for 2x optical connection to MOTU products). The bottom LED in the "1" or "2" column flashes. Turn the volume knob to switch between Type I and II, respectively.

Figure 6-4: Setting the optical mode.

SETTING THE CLOCK SOURCE IN CONVERTER MODE

When the 8pre is operating as an optical converter (when it is not connected to a computer via Firewire), push in and hold the VOLUME knob for 3 seconds to enter a mode where you can change the clock source. In this mode, the CLOCK LED

flashes, turn the knob to change the clock mode. Push it again to confirm the current clock setting exit clock mode.

CHAPTER 7 Digital Performer

OVERVIEW

This chapter provides a brief overview of Digital Performer's basic I/O and synchronization operation with the 8pre hardware.

Setting up your system 31

The 8pre settings....31

Be sure you have enough voices 32

Trimming the mic/instrument inputs 32

Working with 8pre inputs and outputs .... 33

24-bit operation....33

MIDI I/O via the 8pre MIDI ports .... 33

Processing live inputs with plug-ins 33

Syncing to SMPTE time code.... 33

Exchanging projects with AudioDesk.... 33

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

As described in chapter 4, “Installing the 8pre Mac OS X Software” (page 21), the Digital Performer and MOTU 8pre software installers will properly install and update everything for you.

If you are using a MIDI Timepiece AV or Digital Timepiece for synchronization, be sure they are present in Audio MIDI setup.

THE 8PRE SETTINGS

Choose the 8pre as your audio input output device by choosing Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver from the Setup menu. This window shows some of the 8pre settings, such as sample rate and clock source, but to access all of the 8pre settings, open MOTU Audio Setup, as shown in Figure 5-1 on page 26.

Figure 7-1: Choose Setup menu> Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver to open the dialog shown above and access the 8pre CoreAudio driver. To access the rest of the 8pre settings, open MOTU Audio Setup.

For complete details about the 8pre settings, see chapter 5, "MOTU Audio Setup" (page 25). The following sections provide a brief explanation of each 8pre setting for use with Digital Performer.

Sample rate

Choose the desired overall sample rate for the 8pre system and Digital Performer. Newly recorded audio in Digital Performer will have this sample

rate. Imported audio or soundbites in existing files that do not match this sample rate will be displayed in the Soundbites window with a red 'X' on its move handle to indicate that it cannot be played.

Clock Source

This setting is very important because it determines which audio clock the 8pre will follow.

If you do not have any digital audio connections to your 8pre (you are using the analog inputs and outputs only), and you will not be slaving Digital Performer to external SMPTE time code, choose Internal.

If you have digital audio devices connected to the 8pre, or if you are not sure about the clock source of your setup, be sure to read “Syncing optical devices” on page 20 and “Clock Source” on page 26.

If you are slaving the 8pre and Digital Performer to SMPTE time code via the 8pre itself, choose SMPTE and follow the directions in “Setting up for SMPTE time code sync” on page 62.

Buffer Size

The Buffer Size setting can be used to reduce the delay — or monitoring latency — that you hear when live audio is patched through your 8pre hardware and Digital Performer. For example, you might have MIDI instruments, samplers, microphones, and so on connected to the analog inputs of the 8pre. If so, you will often be mixing their live input with audio material recorded in Digital Performer. See chapter 10, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 45) for complete details.

Optical input and output

To make a 8pre optical input or output available in Digital Performer, choose ADAT from the optical input and/or output menu. If you won't be using the optical connectors, turn them off. Note: this settings can only be accessed in the MOTU Audio Setup application.

Phones

This 8pre setting lets you choose what you'll hear from the headphone jack. For example, if you choose Main Outs 1-2, the headphones will duplicate the main outs. Or you can choose any other output pair. If you choose Phones, this setting makes the headphone jack serve as its own independent output pair. As a result, you'll see Phones 1-2 as an additional audio destination in Digital Performer's audio output menus. Note: this settings can only be accessed in the MOTU Audio Setup application.

BE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH VOICES

If you are using Digital Performer 5.0 or higher, you can skip this section, as DP5 provides automatic voice allocation.

If you are using Digital Performer 4.61 or earlier, go to the Setup menu and choose Configure Audio System >Configure Studio Settings. Then check to make sure you have enough mono and stereo audio voices to cover the 16 channels of input and 12 channels of output provided by your 8pre — although the number of channels may depend on how your 8pre is configured:

■ 8 channels for analog input and output

■ Zero or 8 channels for optical, depending on whether you have optical turned on or off

For example, if you are using analog only, you only need 8 voices. If you are using analog and optical, you need 16 voices.

TRIMMING THE MIC/INSTRUMENT INPUTS

The 8pre mic/instrument inputs provide trim knobs on the front panel. To calibrate an audio input:

1 Record-enable a track in Digital Performer.
2 Choose the desired 8pre mic input for the track.
3 Open the Audio Monitor or Meter Bridge window.
4 As you feed signal to the input, adjust the input's corresponding trim knob on the front panel of the 8pre until peaks in the level meter are as high as possible without clipping (hitting zero dB).

WORKING WITH 8PRE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

Once you've enabled the MOTU FireWire Audio driver as explained earlier in “The 8pre settings” on page 31, 8pre audio inputs and outputs will appear in Digital Performer's audio input and output menus. If you don't see the optical inputs and/or outputs, check MOTU Audio Setup to make sure they are turned on. If you don't plan to use the optical input or output, turn it off to conserve computer bandwidth.

Phones 1-2

If you've chosen to treat the 8pre headphones as an independent output, you'll see Phones 1-2 in Digital Performer's output menus. Audio tracks assigned to this output pair will be heard on the headphone jack only. For further explanation, see "Phones" on page 28.

Mix1 1-2

In Digital Performer's audio input menus, you'll see an 8pre input called Mix1 1-2. This input source delivers the output of CueMix DSP "MIX1" (the first mix bus of the four on-board no-latency monitor mixes in the 8pre) back to your computer. This input serves, for example, as a convenient way for you to record the 8pre's MIX1 monitor mix back into Digital Performer (for reference and archiving purposes). Further, if you are sending audio from Digital Performer to the same output pair as MIX1, you can choose to either include or exclude the audio from the computer in the stream being sent back to Digital Performer. For details on how to do this, see “Mix1 Return Includes Computer” on page 55.

Warning: the Mix1 1-2 input can cause feedback loops! DO NOT assign this input to a track that shares the same 8pre output pair as MIX1.

24-BIT OPERATION

Your 8pre hardware fully supports Digital Performer's 24-bit recording capabilities, including both analog and digital 24-bit recording. If you would like to record and play back 24-bit audio files, go to the Setup menu, choose Configure Audio System> Sample Format, and choose 24-bit recording as the sample format. This setting is saved with the Digital Performer project.

MIDI I/O VIA THE 8PRE MIDI PORTS

Once you've followed the procedure for enabling the 8pre's MIDI features as explained in "Software installation for Mac OS X" on page 21, the 8pre MIDI ports will appear as a input source and output destination in Digital Performer's MIDI I/O menus.

PROCESSING LIVE INPUTS WITH PLUG-INS

If you patch a live input (such as MIDI synthesizer) through a plug-in effect in Digital Performer, you might hear a slight delay. There are several ways to reduce this delay. For details, see chapter 10, "Reducing Monitoring Latency" (page 45).

SYNCING TO SMPTE TIME CODE

Digital Performer can run under its own transport control or slave to SMPTE time code via the 8pre. For details, see “Resolving DP or AudioDesk to SMPTE time code” on page 63.

EXCHANGING PROJECTS WITH AUDIODESK

Digital Performer can exchange projects with AudioDesk. To open an AudioDesk project in Digital Performer, open it in same way you would a

DP project. To export a project to AudioDesk, use DP's Save As command and choose the AudioDesk 2.0 file format.

CHAPTER 8 AudioDesk

OVERVIEW

This chapter provides a brief overview of AudioDesk's basic I/O and synchronization operation with the 8pre hardware. For complete information about all of AudioDesk's powerful workstation features, see the AudioDesk manual included with your MOTU 8pre system.

Setting up your system 35

The 8pre settings....35

Be sure you have enough voices 36

24-bit operation 37

MIDI I/O via the 8pre MIDI ports .... 37

Processing live inputs through plug-ins 37

Syncing to SMPTE time code.... 37

Exchanging projects with Digital performer ..... 37

AudioDesk and MIDI sequencing 38

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

As described in chapter 4, “Installing the 8pre Mac OS X Software” (page 21), the AudioDesk and MOTU 8pre software installers will properly install and update everything for you.

If you are using a MIDI Timepiece AV or Digital Timepiece for synchronization, be sure they are present in Audio MIDI setup.

THE 8PRE SETTINGS

Choose the 8pre as your audio input output device by choosing Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver from the Setup menu. This window shows some of the 8pre settings, such as sample rate and clock source, but to access all of the 8pre settings, open MOTU Audio Setup, as shown in Figure 5-1 on page 26.

Figure 8-1: Choose Setup menu> Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver to open the dialog shown above and access the 8pre CoreAudio driver. To access the rest of the 8pre settings, open MOTU Audio Setup.

For complete details about the 8pre settings, see chapter 5, "MOTU Audio Setup" (page 25). The following sections provide a brief explanation of each 8pre setting for use with AudioDesk.

Sample rate

Choose the desired overall sample rate for the 8pre system and AudioDesk. Newly recorded audio in AudioDesk will have this sample rate. Imported audio or soundbites in existing files that do not match this sample rate will be displayed in the Soundbites window with a red 'X' on its move handle to indicate that it cannot be played.

Clock Source

This setting is very important because it determines which audio clock the 8pre will follow.

If you do not have any digital audio connections to your 8pre (you are using the analog inputs and outputs only), and you will not be slaving AudioDesk to external SMPTE time code, choose Internal.

If you have digital audio devices connected to the 8pre, or if you are not sure about the clock source of your setup, be sure to read “Syncing optical devices” on page 20 and “Clock Source” on page 26.

If you are slaving the 8pre and AudioDesk to SMPTE time code via the 8pre itself, choose SMPTE and follow the directions in “Setting up for SMPTE time code sync” on page 62.

Buffer Size

The Buffer Size setting can be used to reduce the delay — or monitoring latency — that you hear when live audio is patched through your 8pre hardware and AudioDesk. For example, you might have MIDI instruments, samplers, microphones, and so on connected to the analog inputs of the 8pre. If so, you will often be mixing their live input with audio material recorded in AudioDesk. See chapter 10, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 45) for complete details.

Optical input and output

To make a 8pre optical input or output available in AudioDesk, choose ADAT from the optical input and/or output menu. If you won't be using the optical connectors, turn them off. Note: this settings can only be accessed in the MOTU Audio Setup application.

Phones

This 8pre setting lets you choose what you'll hear from the headphone jack. For example, if you choose Main Outs 1-2, the headphones will duplicate the main outs. Or you can choose any other output pair. If you choose Phones, this setting makes the headphone jack serve as its own independent output pair. As a result, you'll see Phones 1-2 as an additional audio destination in AudioDesk's audio output menus. Note: this settings can only be accessed in the MOTU Audio Setup application.

BE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH VOICES

Go to the Setup menu and choose Configure Audio System> Configure Studio Size. Then check to make sure you have enough mono and stereo audio voices to cover the 16 channels of input and 12 channels of output provided by your 8pre — although the number of channels may depend on how your 8pre is configured:

■ 8 channels for analog input and output
■ Zero or 8 channels for optical, depending on whether you have optical turned on or off

For example, if you are using analog only, you only need 8 voices. If you are using analog and optical, you need 16 voices.

TRIMMING THE MIC/INSTRUMENT INPUTS

The 8pre mic/instrument inputs provide trim knobs on the front panel. To calibrate an audio input:

1 Record-enable a track in AudioDesk.

2 Choose the desired 8pre mic input for the track.

3 Open the Audio Monitor window.

4 As you feed signal to the input, adjust the input's corresponding trim knob on the front panel of the 8pre until peaks in the level meter are as high as possible without clipping (hitting zero dB).

WORKING WITH 8PRE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

Once you've enabled the MOTU FireWire Audio driver as explained earlier in "The 8pre settings" on page 35, 8pre audio inputs and outputs will appear in AudioDesk's audio input and output menus. If you don't see the optical inputs and/or outputs, check MOTU Audio Setup to make sure they are turned on. If you don't plan to use the optical input or output, turn it off to conserve computer bandwidth.

Phones 1-2

If you've chosen to treat the 8pre headphones as an independent output, you'll see Phones 1-2 in AudioDesk's output menus. Audio tracks assigned to this output pair will be heard on the headphone jack only. For further explanation, see "Phones" on page 36.

Mix1 1-2

In AudioDesk's audio input menus, you'll see an 8pre input called Mix1 1-2. This input source delivers the output of CueMix DSP "MIX1" (the first mix bus of the four on-board no-latency monitor mixes in the 8pre) back to your computer. This input serves, for example, as a convenient way for you to record the 8pre's MIX1 monitor mix back into AudioDesk (for reference and archiving purposes). Further, if you are sending audio from AudioDesk to the same output pair as MIX1, you can choose to either include or exclude the audio from the computer in the stream being sent back to AudioDesk. For details on how to do this, see "Mix1 Return Includes Computer" on page 55.

Warning: the Mix1 1-2 input can cause feedback loops! DO NOT assign this input to a track that shares the same 8pre output pair as MIX1.

24-BIT OPERATION

Your 8pre hardware fully supports AudioDesk's 24-bit recording capabilities, including both analog and digital 24-bit recording. If you would like to record and play back 24-bit audio files, go to the Setup menu, choose Configure Audio System> Sample Format, and choose 24-bit recording as the sample format. This setting is saved with the AudioDesk project.

MIDI I/O VIA THE 8PRE MIDI PORTS

Once you've followed the procedure for enabling the 8pre's MIDI features as explained in "Software installation for Mac OS X" on page 21, the 8pre MIDI ports will appear as a input source and output destination in AudioDesk's MIDI I/O menus.

PROCESSING LIVE INPUTS THROUGH PLUG-INS

If you patch a live input (such as MIDI synthesizer) through a plug-in effect in AudioDesk, you might hear a slight delay. There are several ways to reduce this delay. For details, see chapter 10, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 45).

SYNCING TO SMPTE TIME CODE

AudioDesk can run under its own transport control or slave to SMPTE time code via the 8pre. For details, see “Resolving DP or AudioDesk to SMPTE time code” on page 63.

EXCHANGING PROJECTS WITH DIGITAL PERFORMER

To open AudioDesk Version 2 (or Version 1) files in Digital Performer, just use DP's Open command. (No conversion is required beforehand in AudioDesk.) To export a Digital Performer project to AudioDesk, use Save As in Digital Performer's

File menu and choose the AudioDesk 2.0 file format. Then open the resulting AudioDesk 2.0 document in AudioDesk.

AUDIODESK AND MIDI SEQUENCING

AudioDesk can play audio as a background application, allowing you to run a sequencer at the same time in the foreground. However, there is no way to continuously synchronize — or resolve — a sequencer with AudioDesk, so the two programs will eventually drift out of sync, even if you manage to start them at the same time. If you’d like to do integrated MIDI sequencing, your best bet is Digital Performer, which offers pretty much all of the same features as AudioDesk, along with powerful, state-of-the-art MIDI sequencing. Talk to your authorized MOTU dealer for details about upgrading from AudioDesk to Digital Performer.

CHAPTER 9 Other Mac OS X Audio Software

OVERVIEW

The 8pre provides multichannel audio and MIDI input and output for all Mac OS X audio applications, including Apple's Logic Pro, Logic Express, SoundTrack Pro and GarageBand. Other third-party software applications are also supported, such as Ableton Live, Propellerhead Reason, Steinberg Cubase and others.

Installing the 8pre Mac OS X drivers .... 39

Preparing MIDI input and output 39

Run MOTU Audio Setup 39

Choosing the MOTU FireWire CoreAudio driver ..... 40

Audio Input and output names 43

Number of channels 44

Processing live inputs with plug-ins 44

INSTALLING THE 8PRE MAC OS X DRIVERS

To install the 8pre's Mac OS X audio and MIDI drivers, just run the installer on the MOTU Audio installer CD as detailed in chapter 4, "Installing the 8pre Mac OS X Software" (page 21).

PREPARING MIDI INPUT AND OUTPUT

If you will be using the 8pre's MIDI input and output ports, be sure to follow the procedure in "Preparing MIDI input and output" on page 39.

RUN MOTU AUDIO SETUP

Before you run your host audio software, launch MOTU Audio Setup to configure your 8pre hardware. MOTU Audio Setup lets you configure your audio interface, and it lets you enable the desired inputs and outputs. Only enabled inputs and outputs will be available to your software, so this is an important step. For complete details see chapter 5, "MOTU Audio Setup" (page 25).

Figure 9-1: MOTU Audio Setup.

For complete details about the 8pre settings, see chapter 5, "MOTU Audio Setup" (page 25). The following sections provide a brief explanation of each 8pre setting for use with Logic and other Mac OS X audio software.

Sample rate

Choose the desired overall sample rate for the 8pre system and your host audio software. Newly recorded audio will have this sample rate.

Clock Source

This setting is very important because it determines which audio clock the 8pre will follow.

If you do not have any digital audio connections to your 8pre (you are using the analog inputs and outputs only), and you will not be slaving your host software to external SMPTE time code, choose Internal.

If you have digital audio devices connected to the 8pre, or if you are not sure about the clock source of your setup, be sure to read “Syncing optical devices” on page 20 and “Clock Source” on page 26.

Optical input and output

To make a 8pre optical input or output available in your host software, choose ADAT from the optical input and/or output menu. If you won't be using the optical connectors, turn them off.

Phones

This 8pre setting lets you choose what you'll hear from the headphone jack. For example, if you choose Main Outs 1-2, the headphones will duplicate the main outs. Or you can choose any other output pair. If you choose Phones, this setting makes the headphone jack serve as its own independent output pair. As a result, you'll see Phones 1-2 as an additional audio destination in your host audio software's audio output menus.

Once you've made the preparations described so far in this chapter, you're ready to run your audio software and enable the MOTU 8pre CoreAudio driver. Check the audio system or audio hardware configuration window in your software. There will be a menu there that lets you choose among various drivers that may be in your system. Choose the MOTU 8pre from this menu.

Logic Pro and Logic Express

In Logic Pro and Logic Express, go to the Preferences window, click the Audio tab, click the Drivers tab and click the Core Audio tab as shown in Figure 9-2. Choose the MOTU 8pre from the Driver menu. For information about the I/O Buffer Size setting, see “Adjusting the audio I/O buffer” on page 47.

Figure 9-2: Enabling the 8pre in Logic Pro or Logic Express.

Soundtrack Pro

In Soundtrack Pro, access the preferences window, click the Recording tab and choose MOTU 8pre from the Input and Monitor menu as shown below in Figure 9-3.

Figure 9-3: Enabling the 8pre in Soundtrack Pro.

Garage Band

In Garage Band, go to the Audio/MIDI preferences and choose MOTU 8pre from the Audio Output and Audio Input menus as shown below in Figure 9-4. For information about the Optimize for setting, see “Adjusting the audio I/O buffer” on page 47.

Figure 9-4: Enabling the 8pre in Garage Band.

Live

In Ableton Live, access the preferences window and click the Audio tab. Choose CoreAudio from the Driver Type menu. Choose the MOTU 8pre from the Input Audio Device and Output Audio Device menus as shown below in Figure 9-5. For information about the Buffer Size setting, see “Adjusting the audio I/O buffer” on page 47.

Figure 9-5: Enabling the 8pre in Live.

Reason

In Propellerhead Reason, go to the Preferences window, choose Audio preferences from the menu and choose MOTU 8pre from the Audio Card menu as shown below in Figure 9-6. For information about the Buffer Size setting, see “Adjusting the audio I/O buffer” on page 47.

Figure 9-6: Enabling the 8pre in Reason.

Cubase SX and Nuendo

Go to the Devices menu and choose Device Setup. Click the VST Audiobay item in the Devices list and choose MOTU 8pre from the Master ASIO Driver menu as shown below in Figure 9-7. Activate the inputs and outputs within Cubase or Nuendo as usual. For information about the Audio Buffer Size setting, see “Adjusting the audio I/O buffer” on page 47.

Figure 9-7: Enabling the 8pre audio driver in Cubase SX.

Other audio software

For other audio applications, the procedure is similar to that shown above. Consult your owner's manual for further information.

AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUT NAMES

The 8pre CoreAudio driver supplies text string labels for its inputs and outputs to clearly identify each one, but some applications do not display these labels. For example, in Cubase SX, the 8pre outputs are numbered like this:

Figure 9-8: Some applications number the 8pre inputs and outputs, but don't display which outputs they refer to.

Most programs will likely address this issue in future updates. In the meantime, here is how you can identify each input and output. Inputs are always listed in the same order as follows:

Input Channels	List position Comment
Analog 8 1-8 -
Mix1 2 9-10 See “The ‘Mix1’ input pair” below.
ADAT 8 (at all supported sample rates)	11-18 If the optical bank is set to None, then no ADAT inputs are displayed.

Outputs are similarly listed in the same order as follows:

Output Channels		List position	Comment
Main outs	2	1-2	-
Phones	2	3-4	-
ADAT	8 (at all supported sample rates)	5-12	If the optical bank is set to None, then no ADAT outputs are displayed.

As an example, ADAT output channels 1-2 will be listed as channels 5-6.

The 'Mix1' input pair

The Mix1 input pair delivers the output of CueMix DSP “MIX1” (the first mix bus of the four on-board no-latency monitor mixes in the 8pre) back to your computer. This input serves, for example, as a convenient way for you to record the 8pre’s MIX1 monitor mix back into your host audio software (for reference and archiving purposes). Further, if you are sending audio from your host audio software to the same output pair as MIX1, you can choose to either include or exclude the audio from the computer in the stream being sent back to the computer. For details on how to do this, see “Mix1 Return Includes Computer” on page 55.

Warning: the Mix1 1-2 input can cause feedback loops! DO NOT assign this input to a track that shares the same 8pre output pair as MIX1.

NUMBER OF CHANNELS

If your host audio software requires that you specify the number of audio voices or channels you will be using, be sure to choose enough channels to cover the 16 inputs and 12 outputs provided by your 8pre — although the number of channels may depend on how your 8pre is configured:

■8 channels for analog input and output
■ Zero or 8 channels for optical, depending on whether you have optical turned on or off

For example, if you are using analog only, you only need 8 voices. If you are using analog and optical, you need 16 voices.

PROCESSING LIVE INPUTS WITH PLUG-INS

If you patch a live input (such as MIDI synthesizer) through a plug-in effect in your host software, you might hear a slight delay. There are several ways to reduce this delay. For details, see chapter 10, "Reducing Monitoring Latency" (page 45).

CHAPTER 10 Reducing Monitoring Latency

OVERVIEW

When operating the 8pre as an audio interface, monitoring latency is that slight delay you hear when you run an input signal through your host audio software. For example, you might hear it when you drive a live mic input signal through a reverb plug-in running in your audio sequencer.

This delay is caused by the amount of time it takes for audio to make the entire round trip through your computer, from when it first enters an 8pre input, passes through the 8pre hardware into the computer, through your host audio software, and then back out to an 8pre output.

If you don't need to process a live input with plug-ins, the easiest way to avoid monitoring latency is to use the 8pre's CueMix DSP feature to patch the input directly to your monitor outs via the 8pre audio hardware. This is just like bussing inputs to outputs in a digital mixer. For details, see "CueMix DSP hardware monitoring" on page 49.

If you do need to process a live input with plug-ins, or if you are playing virtual instruments live through your 8pre audio hardware, you can significantly reduce latency — and even make it completely inaudible, regardless of what host audio application software you use. This chapter explains how.

It is important to note that monitoring delay has no effect on when audio data is recorded to disk or played back from disk. Actual recording and playback is extremely precise.

Monitoring latency does not occur when operating the 8pre as an optical expander (in converter mode).

Monitoring live input....46

Adjusting the audio I/O buffer 47

Lower latency versus higher CPU overhead ..... 48

Transport responsiveness....48

Effects processing and automated mixing .....49

CueMix DSP hardware monitoring 49

Two methods for controlling CueMix DSP....49

Using MOTU CueMix Console 49

Controlling CueMix DSP from your audio software .. 49

MONITORING LIVE INPUT

There are two ways to monitor live audio input with an 8pre: 1) through the computer or 2) via CueMix™ DSP hardware monitoring. Figure 10-1 below shows method 1, which allows you to add effects processing such as reverb and guitar amp effects via plug-ins in your audio software. See the next section, “Adjusting the audio I/O buffer” for details about how to reduce — and possibly eliminate — the audible monitoring delay that the computer introduces.

Figure 10-2 on page 47 shows how to use CueMix™ DSP hardware-based monitoring, which lets you hear what you are recording with no monitoring delay and no computer-based effects processing. (You can add effects later, after you've recorded the live input as a disk track.) See “CueMix DSP hardware monitoring” later in this chapter for details on how to use CueMix DSP with your audio software, or with the included MOTU CueMix Console software.

If the material you are recording is suitable, there is a third way to monitor live input: use both methods (Figure 10-1 and Figure 10-2) at the same time. For example, you could route vocals to both the computer (for a bit of reverb) and mix that processed signal on the main outs with dry vocals from CueMix DSP.

graph TD
    A["1. Live input (from mic, guitar, etc.) enters the MOTU interface."] --> B["2. Mic signal goes immediately to the computer (dry, with no effects processing)."]
    B --> C["3. Mic signal is 'patched thru' back to the audio interface with reverb or other plug-in effects, if any."]
    C --> D["4. Mic signal (with plug-in processing, if any) is routed to the main outs (or other outputs that you've specified in the software)."]

Figure 10-1: There are two ways to monitor live audio inputs with an 8pre: 1) through the computer or 2) via CueMix™ DSP hardware monitoring. This diagram shows method 1 (through the computer). When using this method, use your host software's buffer setting to reduce the slight delay you hear when monitoring the live input, but don't lower it too much, or your computer might get sluggish.

ADJUSTING THE AUDIO I/O BUFFER

A buffer is a small amount of computer memory used to hold data. For audio interfaces like the 8pre, buffers are used for the process of transferring audio data in and out of the computer. The size of the buffers determines how much delay you hear when monitoring live inputs through your audio software: larger buffers produce more delay; smaller buffers produce less.

Under Mac OS X, audio I/O buffer size is handled by the host audio application (not the 8pre Core Audio driver). Most audio software applications provide an adjustable audio buffer setting that lets you control the amount of delay you'll hear when monitoring live inputs or processing them with software plug-ins. Below are a few examples.

Figure 10-3: In Digital Performer and AudioDesk, choose Setup menu> Configure Audio System> Configure Hardware Driver to open the dialog shown above and access the Buffer Size setting. Refer to your Digital Performer or AudioDesk manual for information about the Host Buffer Multiplier setting.

Figure 10-2: This diagram shows the signal flow when using CueMix™ DSP no-latency monitoring. Notice that this method does not allow you to process the live input with plug-ins in your audio software while it is being monitored. You can, however, add effects later — after recording the live input as a disk track. CueMix™ DSP lets you hear what you are recording with no delay and no computer-based effects.

Figure 10-4: In Cubase SX or Nuendo, choose Devices menu> Device Setup and click VST Audiobay to access the window above and the Audio Buffer Size setting.

Figure 10-5: In Logic Pro or Logic Express, go to the Audio Driver preferences to access the Buffer Size option shown above.

Lower latency versus higher CPU overhead

The buffer setting has a large impact on the following things:

■ Patch thru latency
■ The load on your computer's CPU
■ Possible distortion at the smallest settings

■ How responsive the transport controls are in AudioDesk, Digital Performer or other audio software

The buffer setting presents you with a trade-off between the processing power of your computer and the delay of live audio as it is being patched through your software. If you reduce the size, you reduce patch thru latency, but significantly increase the overall processing load on your computer, leaving less CPU bandwidth for things like real-time effects processing. On the other hand, if you increase the buffer size, you reduce the load on your computer, freeing up bandwidth for effects, mixing and other real-time operations.

Figure 10-6: When adjusting the buffer size to reduce monitoring latency, watch the 'processor' meter in Digital Performer or AudioDesk's Performance Monitor. If you hear distortion, or if the Performance meter is peaking, try raising the buffer size.

If you are at a point in your recording project where you are not currently working with live, patched-thru material (e.g. you're not recording vocals), or if you have a way of externally processing inputs, choose a higher buffer size. Depending on your computer's CPU speed, you might find that settings in the middle work best (256 to 1024).

Transport responsiveness

Buffer size also impacts how quickly your audio software will respond when you begin playback, although not by amounts that are very noticeable. Lowering the buffer size will make your software respond faster; raising the buffer size will make it a little bit slower, but barely enough to notice.

Effects processing and automated mixing

Reducing latency with the buffer size setting has another benefit: it lets you route live inputs through the real-time effects processing and mix automation of your audio software.

CUEMIX DSP HARDWARE MONITORING

The 8pre has a more direct method of patching audio through the system. This method is called CueMix DSP. When enabled, CueMix activates hardware patch-thru in the 8pre itself. CueMix DSP has two important benefits:

• First, it completely eliminates the patch thru delay (reducing it to a small number of samples — about the same amount as one of today's digital mixers).
  ■ Secondly, CueMix DSP imposes no strain on the computer.

The trade-off, however, is that CueMix DSP bypasses your host audio software. Instead, live audio inputs are patched directly through to outputs in the 8pre itself and are mixed with disk tracks playing back from your audio software. This means that you cannot apply plug-ins, mix automation, or other real-time effects that your audio software provides. But for inputs that don't need these types of features, CueMix DSP is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you really need to use the mixing and processing provided by your audio software, you should not use CueMix DSP. Instead, reduce latency with the buffer setting (as explained earlier in this chapter).

TWO METHODS FOR CONTROLLING CUEMIX DSP

There are two ways to control CueMix DSP:

■ With MOTU CueMix Console
■ From within your host audio software (if it supports direct hardware monitoring)

You can even use both methods simultaneously.

Using MOTU CueMix Console

If your host audio software does not support direct hardware monitoring, you run CueMix Console side-by-side with your audio software and manage your monitor mix in CueMix Console.

CueMix Console allows you to create up to four separate 8pre monitor mixes, or any other desired routing configurations. These routings are independent of your host audio software. For complete details, see chapter 11, “MOTU CueMix Console” (page 51).

Controlling CueMix DSP from your audio software

Some audio applications allow you to control CueMix DSP monitoring from within the application (without the need to use CueMix Console). In most cases, this support consists of patching an 8pre input directly to an output when you record-arm a track. Exactly how this is handled depends on the application.

The following applications are among those that support direct control over CueMix DSP:

■ Digital Performer
■ AudioDesk

CueMix DSP routings that are made via host applications are made “under the hood”, which means that you won’t see them in CueMix Console. However, CueMix DSP connections made inside your host audio software dovetail with any other mixes you’ve set up in CueMix Console. For example, if your host application routes audio to an output pair that is already being used in CueMix Console for an entirely separate mix bus, both audio streams will simply be merged to the output.

Follow the directions below in the section that applies to you.

Controlling CueMix DSP from within AudioDesk or Digital Performer

To turn on CueMix DSP in AudioDesk and Digital Performer:

1 From the Setup menu, choose Configure Audio System>Input Monitoring Mode.
2 Choose the Direct hardware playthrough option, as shown below in Figure 10-7.
3 From the Studio menu, choose Audio Monitor, and enable Audio Patch Thru (the button with the headphone icon on it).

Figure 10-7: Enabling CueMix DSP in AudioDesk or Digital Performer. Note: the 'Only during recording...' and 'Always' options are for AudioDesk 2 and DP4 only. DP5 has expanded input monitoring features. Consult your DP5 documentation.

Once enabled, CueMix DSP monitoring is tied with Digital Performer or AudioDesk's Audio Patch Thru feature: when you record-enable a track, the track's input is routed directly to its output (via CueMix DSP in the 8pre hardware). For example, if you record-enable a track called guitar in your DP or AudioDesk project, and its audio input assignment is Analog in 2, and its audio output assignment is channels 7-8, CueMix DSP no-latency hardware monitoring will automatically be set up from analog in 2 to outputs 7-8.

Controlling CueMix DSP from within other software

Consult the manual for your software.

CHAPTER 11 MOTU CueMix Console

OVERVIEW

When operating the 8pre as an audio interface, MOTU CueMix Console provides access to the flexible on-board mixing features of the 8pre. CueMix lets you route any combination of inputs to any stereo output pair. These mixes can be set up entirely independently of your host audio software. CueMix allows you to set up four completely independent mix configurations with the 8pre. You can also save and load mix configurations.

CueMix Console can be used independently of host audio software, or together with it. CueMix mixing dovetails with the direct monitoring (hardware patch thru) features of your host audio software, allowing you to seemlessly mix in both environments.

Advantages of CueMix monitoring....52

CueMix Console installation....52

Cuemix Console basic operation 52

Working with a mix 52

Shortcuts....53

Copying & pasting (duplicating) entire mixes ..... 53

Message center 53

Saving and loading presets 53

Saving and loading presets to/from disk....53

Edit channel names 54

Talkback and listenback....54

Mix1 Return Includes Computer ....55

Show meter in dock icon 56

Phones menu 56

Control Surfaces menu 56

CueMix in optical expander mode .....57

Figure 11-1: MOTU CueMix Console is a virtual mixer that gives you control over the 8pre's on-board mixing features.

ADVANTAGES OF CUEMIX MONITORING

CueMix Console provides several major advantages over monitoring live inputs through your host audio software:

• CueMix has no buffer latency. Thanks to the 8pre's DSP chip, CueMix provides the same throughput performance as a digital mixer.
• CueMix imposes absolutely no processor drain on the computer's CPU.
  ■ CueMix routing can be maintained independently of individual software applications or projects.

CueMix Console does not provide effects processing. For information about using your audio software's native plug-ins together with CueMix, see chapter 10, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 45).

CUEMIX CONSOLE INSTALLATION

CueMix Console is installed with the rest of your 8pre software.

The CueMix console is simple to operate, once you understand these basic concepts.

Four mixes

CueMix provides four separate mixes: Mix1, Mix2, Mix3 and Mix4. Each mix can have any number of inputs mixed down to any 8pre output pair that you choose. For example, Mix1 could go to the headphones, Mix2 could go to the main outs, Mix3 could go to a piece of outboard gear connected to optical outputs 7-8, etc.

Many inputs to one output pair

It might be useful to think of each mix as some number of inputs all mixed down to a stereo output pair. CueMix Console lets you choose which inputs to include in the mix, and it lets you specify the level and pan for each input being fed into the mix.

Viewing one mix at a time

CueMix Console displays one mix at a time. To select which mix you are viewing, click its tab at the bottom of the window, as shown in Figure 11-1. The mix name appears in the tab. Double-click the name to change it.

Each mix is completely independent

Each mix has its own settings. Settings in one mix will not affect another. For example, if an input is used in one mix, it will still be available in other mixes. In addition, inputs can have a different volume, pan, mute and solo setting in each mix.

Widening the CueMix Console window

To view more input faders at once, drag the grow box (Figure 11-1) to the right.

WORKING WITH A MIX

Each mix has the following components:

■ A stereo output with master fader
Name
■Master mute (to enable/disable the entire mix)
■ Any number of mono or stereo inputs
■ Pan, volume, mute and solo for each input

These elements are visually grouped together in the lightly shaded area in the lower half of the CueMix Console window.

Viewing a mix

To view a mix, click its tab at the bottom of the window, as shown in Figure 11-1. The mix name appears in the tab.

Naming a mix

Double-click the mix name in the tab.

Master mute

The master mute button (Figure 11-1) temporarily disables (silences) the mix.

Master fader

The master fader (Figure 11-1) controls the overall level of the mix (its volume on its stereo output). Use the individual input faders to the left to control individual input levels.

Output level meters

The OUT level meters show you the output for the mix's physical output, which may include audio from your host audio software. The clip indicators clear themselves after a few seconds.

Input section

The channel strips to the left of the master fader represent each input in your 8pre. Use the input scroll bar to view additional inputs.

Input mute/solo

To add an input to a mix, or remove it, click its MUTE button. To solo it, use its SOLO button. To toggle these buttons for a stereo pair, hold down the command key while clicking either channel. The Solo indicator LED (Figure 11-1) lights up when any input is soloed (including inputs that may currently be scrolled off-screen).

Input volume and pan

Use the input fader and pan knob (Figure 11-1) to adjust these settings for the input in the mix. Again, all settings within the gray-shaded channel strip area belong to the mix currently being viewed. Note that an input can have different settings in different mixes.

To adjust the volume or panning for a stereo input pair, hold down the command key while dragging the fader or knob for either the left or right input.

SHORTCUTS

Hold down the following modifier keys as shortcuts:

Shortcut Result

Shift key Applies your action to all inputs in the mix.

Command key Applies your action to the stereo input pair

Option key Applies your action to all busses

Double-click Returns the control to its default value (pan center, unity gain, etc.)

COPYING & PASTING (DUPLICATING) ENTIRE MIXES

To copy and paste the settings from one mix to another:

1 Select the source mix (Figure 11-1) and choose Copy from the file menu (or press command-C).

2 Choose the destination mix and choose Paste from the file menu (or press command-V).

MESSAGE CENTER

The Message Center displays fly-over help for items in the CueMix Console window. It also displays messages regarding the overall operation of the 8pre.

SAVING AND LOADING PRESETS

The 8pre can store up to 16 presets in its on-board memory. A preset includes of all CueMix DSP settings for all for mix busses, but it excludes global settings like clock source and sample rate.

The Load Preset and Save Preset commands in the CueMix Console file menu let you name, save and load presets in the 8pre.

SAVING AND LOADING PRESETS TO/FROM DISK

The Save and Load commands in the CueMix Console File menu allow you to save 8pre presets to and from your hard drive. This allows you to save an unlimited number of 8pre presets on disk. (Use

the Load Preset and Save Preset commands to get presets from — and save them to — the 8pre itself.) Click the Save button to save the current configuration; click the Load button to open an existing configuration that you have previously saved on disk.

EDIT CHANNEL NAMES

Choose Edit Channel Names from the CueMix Console File menu to open a window that lets you customize the names of the 8pre's inputs and outputs. Your custom names appear in CueMix Console (in the input name strip as shown in Figure 11-1 on page 51) and in the input and output menus of your host audio software. For details, see "Edit Channel Names" on page 28.

TALKBACK AND LISTENBACK

CueMix Console provides Talkback and Listenback buttons. Talkback allows an engineer in the control room to temporarily dim all audio and talk to musicians in the live room. Conversely, Listenback allows musicians to talk to the control room.

Hardware setup

Figure 11-2 below shows a typical hardware setup for Talkback and Listenback. For Talkback, set up a dedicated mic in your control room and connect it to a mic input on your MOTU audio interface. For Listenback, set up a dedicated listenback mic in the live room for the musicians and connect it to another mic input. For talkback output, set up a headphone distribution amp or set of speakers in the live room, and connect it to the 8pre's headphone out, as demonstrated below in Figure 11-2.

graph TD
    A["Talkback mic"] --> B["Control room"]
    C["Main outs"] --> B
    B --> D["MONU"]
    D --> E["Phones"]
    E --> F["Live room"]
    F --> G["Listenback mic"]
    G --> H["Headphone distribution amp"]

Figure 11-2: Typical hardware setup for Talkback and Listenback.

CueMix Console setup

To set up Talkback and/or Listenback in CueMix Console, choose File menu> Talkback settings> Configure Talkback/Listenback to open the window shown in Figure 11-3:

Figure 11-3: Configuring Talkback and Listenback.

Talkback / Listenback Mic Input

Choose the audio input to which your Talkback and/or Listenback mic is connected. These inputs are labeled with a purple and blue swatch, respectively, just above the channel fader.

Figure 11-4: The purple label identifies the Talkback mic input; the blue label indicates the Listenback mic. Use the input fader to control the mic volume.

Talkback / Listenback Monitor Dim

Choose the amount of attenuation you would like to apply to all other audio signals (besides the talkback/listenback volume) when Talkback and/or Listenback is engaged. To completely silence all other CueMix audio, move the slider all the way to the left (-Inf). Audio playing back from disk (your host software) is not affected.

Talk / Listen signal routing

As shown in Figure 11-3, check the boxes next to the outputs on which you'd like to hear the Talkback mic and/or Listenback mic. For example, as demonstrated in the diagram in Figure 11-2, to hear the Talkback mic on the headphones in the live room, check the Phones check box in the Talk column as demonstrated in Figure 11-3. To hear the Listenback mic on the main monitors in the control room, check the Main Out 1-2 check box in the Listen column, also demonstrated in Figure 11-3.

Engaging/disengaging Talkback and Listenback

To engage Talk back or Listenback, press on the Talk or Listen buttons and then release to disengage. Talkback and/or Listenback is engaged for as long as you hold down the mouse button. Option-click to make the buttons “sticky” (stay engaged until you click them again — so you don’t have to hold down the mouse). If you would like to engage both Talkback and Listenback at the same time, enable the Link button.

Figure 11-5: The Talkback and Listenback buttons.

Controlling Talkback and Listenback volume

To control the volume of the Talkback and/or Listenback mics, adjust their input fader in CueMix Console. This fader controls the volume of the input, regardless of which bus mix is being displayed in the CueMix Console window. In other words, once an input has been designated as a Talkback or Listenback input, its fader becomes global for all CueMix buses.

MIX1 RETURN INCLUDES COMPUTER

The Mix1 return includes computer output item in the CueMix Console File menu refers to the Mix1 bus that the 8pre driver provides as an input to host audio software. This input source delivers the output of CueMix DSP “MIX1” (the first mix bus of the four on-board no-latency monitor mixes in the 8pre) back to your computer. This input serves, for example, as a convenient way for you to record the 8pre's MIX1 monitor mix back into your host audio software (for reference and archiving purposes).

When the Mix1 return includes computer menu item is checked, any audio being sent from your audio software on the computer to the same output as Mix1 will be included in the Mix1 return bus. When it is unchecked, computer output is excluded.

This menu item is essentially a pre/post switch for the computer audio insert to the stream of audio going to Mix1's 8pre output pair (and also back to the computer).

SHOW METER IN DOCK ICON

This CueMix Console File menu item, when checked, causes the CueMix Console dock icon to display a small level meter that mirrors the main output meter for the current mix being displayed in CueMix Console.

PHONES MENU

The Phones menu allows you to choose what you will hear on the headphone output, just like the Phones setting MOTU Audio Setup. However, this menu provides one extra option that is exclusive to CueMix Console: Follow Active Mix. This menu item, when checked, causes the headphone output to mirror the output of the current mix being viewed in CueMix Console. For example, if you are currently viewing Mix3 (the Mix3 tab is active), the headphones will mirror the Mix3 output (whatever it is assigned to).

CONTROL SURFACES MENU

CueMix Console can be controlled from an automated control surface such as the Mackie Control™. Use the commands in the Control Surfaces menu to enable and configure this feature.

Application follows control surface

When checked, the Application follows control surface menu command makes the CueMix Console window scroll to the channel you are currently adjusting with the control surface, if the channel is not visible when you begin adjusting it. The same is true for the bus tabs: if you adjust a control in a bus that is not currently being displayed, CueMix Console will jump to the appropriate tab to display the control you are adjusting.

Share surfaces with other applications

When the Share surfaces with other applications menu command is checked, CueMix Console releases the control surface when you switch to another application. This allows you to control your other software with the control surface. Here's a simple way to understand this mode: the control surface will always control the front-most application. Just bring the desired application to the front (make it the active application), and your control surface will control it. When you'd like to make changes to CueMix Console from the control surface, just bring CueMix Console to the front (make it the active application).

When this menu item is unchecked, your control surface will affect CueMix Console all the time, even when CueMix Console is not the front-most application. In addition, you will not be able to control other host audio software with the control surface at any time (because CueMix Console retains control over it at all times). This mode is useful when you do not need to use the control surface with any other software.

Mackie Control Surfaces

CueMix Console includes support for the following control surface products:

■Mackie Control™
■Mackie HUI™
■Mackie Baby HUI™

Use the sub-menu commands in the Mackie Control Surfaces menu item to turn on and configure control surface support, as described briefly below.

Enabled

Check this menu item to turn on control surface operation of CueMix Console. Uncheck it to turn off control surface support.

Configure...

Choose this menu item to configure your control surface product. Launch the on-line help for specific, detailed instructions for configuring CueMix Console for operation with your control surface product.

Figure 11-6: Refer to the extensive on-line help for details about configuring CueMix Console for operation with your control surface product.

Other HUI-compatible control surfaces

Any control surface that has the ability to emulate a HUI should be compatible with CueMix Console. Just add a Mackie HUI to Audio MIDI Setup and put the control surface hardware into HUI emulation mode. Consult the manual for the control surface for details about how put it into HUI emulation mode.

Other control surface hardware products

If you install other control surface drivers written for CueMix Console, they will appear as separate menu items at the bottom of the Control Surfaces menu, with the same sub-menu items described above.

CUEMIX IN OPTICAL EXPANDER MODE

When the 8pre operates as an optical expander (as discussed in “Operating the 8pre as a converter” on page 19), CueMix is hard-wired to route each analog input to its corresponding optical output channel (analog in 1 to optical out 1, analog in 2 to optical out 2, and so on).

In addition, when operating the 8pre at a 1x sample rate (either 44.1 or 48 kHz), the analog input signals are duplicated and sent to both optical output banks. This lets you send the analog input signals to two separate optical destinations, if desired.

When operating the 8pre at a 2x sample rate (88.2 or 96 kHz), the two optical output banks work in concert to provide channels 1-4 and 5-8, respectively, for a total of 8 channels of high-resolution.

CHAPTER 12 MOTU SMPTE Setup

OVERVIEW

The 8pre can resolve directly to SMPTE time code via any analog input, without a separate synchronizer. The 8pre can also generate time code via any analog output. The 8pre provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup times and subframe accuracy. Direct time code synchronization is supported by AudioDesk and Digital Performer on Mac OS X.

Any analog input and output on the 8pre can be used for time code (LTC) input and output, respectively.

MOTU SMPTE Setup 59

Clock/Address 59

Frame Rate 59

Reader section 60

Generator section 61

Setting up for SMPTE time code sync.... 62

Resolving DP or AudioDesk to SMPTE time code .... 63

Resolving Cubase or Nuendo to SMPTE time code... 63

MOTU SMPTE SETUP

The included MOTU SMPTE Setup ^™ software provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer.

CLOCK/ADDRESS

The Clock/Address menu (Figure 12-1) provides the same global Clock Source setting as in MOTU Audio Setup ("Clock Source" on page 30 in the 8pre manual), but it includes additional information: each setting shows both the clock and the address (time code or sample location), separated by a forward slash (/). To resolve the 8pre to SMPTE time code, choose the SMPTE / SMPTE setting in the Clock/Address menu. This means that the system will use SMPTE as the clock (time base) and SMPTE as the address.

FRAME RATE

This setting should be made to match the SMPTE time code frame rate of the time code that the system will be receiving. The 8pre can auto-detect

Figure 12-1: SMPTE Setup gives you access to your 8pre's on-board SMPTE time code synchronization features.

and switch to the incoming frame rate, except that it cannot distinguish between 30 fps and 29.97 fps time code. So if you are working with either of these rates, make sure you choose the correct rate from this menu. The 8pre driver updates the frame rate setting in Digital Performer and AudioDesk for you.

READER SECTION

The Reader section (on the left-hand side of the window in Figure 12-1) provides settings for synchronizing the 8pre to SMPTE time code.

Status lights

The four status lights (Tach, Clock, Address and Freewheel) give you feedback as follows.

Tach

The Tach light blinks once per second when the 8pre has successfully achieved lockup to SMPTE time code and SMPTE frame locations are being read.

Clock

The Clock light glows continuously when the 8pre has successfully achieved lockup to an external time base, such as SMPTE time code or the optical input.

Address

The Address light glows continuously when the 8pre has successfully achieved lockup to SMPTE time code.

Freewheel

The Freewheel light illuminates when the 8pre is freewheeling address (time code), clock or both. For details about Freewheeling, see “Freewheel Address” and “Freewheel clock” below.

SMPTE source

Choose the analog input to which the SMPTE time code source is connected. This is the input that the 8pre "listens" to for time code.

Freewheel Address

Freewheeling occurs when there is a glitch or drop-out in the incoming time code for some reason. The 8pre can freewheel past the drop-out and then resume lockup again as soon as it receives readable time code. Choose the amount of time you would like the 8pre to freewheel before it gives up and stops altogether.

The 8pre cannot freewheel address without clock. Therefore, the Freewheel Address setting will always be lower than or equal to the Freewheel Clock setting, and both menus will update as needed, depending on what you choose.

Keep in mind that freewheeling causes the system to keep going for as long as the duration you choose from this menu, even when you stop time code intentionally. Therefore, if you are starting and stopping time code frequently (such as from the transports of a video deck), shorter freewheel times are better. On the other hand, if you are doing a one-pass transfer from tape that has bad time code, longer freewheel times will help you get past the problems in the time code.

The 'Infinite' freewheel setting

The Infinite freewheel setting in the Freewheel Address menu causes the 8pre to freewheel indefinitely, until it receives readable time code again. To make it stop, click the Stop Freewheeling button.

Freewheel clock

Freewheeling occurs when there is glitch or drop-out in the incoming SMPTE time code for some reason. The 8pre can freewheel past the drop-out and then resume lockup again as soon as it receives a stable, readable clock signal.

The 8pre cannot freewheel address without clock. Therefore, the Freewheel Address setting will always be lower than or equal to the Freewheel Clock setting, and both menus will update as needed, depending on what you choose.

The 'Infinite' freewheel setting

The Infinite freewheel setting in the Freewheel Clock menu causes the 8pre to freewheel indefinitely, until it receives readable time code again. To make it stop, click the Stop Freewheeling button.

Stop Freewheeling

The Stop Freewheeling button stops the system if it is currently freewheeling.

GENERATOR SECTION

The Generator section (on the right-hand side of the window in Figure 12-1) provides settings for generating SMPTE time code.

Level

Turn the level knob to adjust the volume of the SMPTE time code being generated by the 8pre. The level knob disappears when the Destination is set to None.

Tach light

The Tach light blinks once per second when the 8pre is generating SMPTE time code.

Destination

In the Destination menu, choose the analog output from which SMPTE time code will be generated. This is the output that sends time code.

Stripe

Click this button to start or stop time code. To set the start time, click directly on the SMPTE time code display in the Generator section and type in the desired start time. Or drag vertically on the numbers.

Figure 12-2: Setting the time code start time.

Regenerate

This option, when enabled, causes the generator to generate time code whenever the 8pre is receiving SMPTE time code.

Generate from sequencer

This option, when enabled, causes the generator to generate time code whenever you are running AudioDesk or Digital Performer. Time code begins at the time specified by the AudioDesk or Digital Performer main transport.

SETTING UP FOR SMPTE TIME CODE SYNC

In summary, the 8pre system can resolve directly to SMPTE time code. It can also generate time code and a time base, under its own clock or while slaving to time code. Therefore, the 8pre can act both as an audio interface and digital audio synchronizer. You can use the 8pre to slave your audio software to SMPTE as well, as long as your software supports sample-accurate sync, which is the means by which the software follows the 8pre. The accuracy may not be sample-accurate, but in most cases it will be very close.

Use this setup if you have:

√ A SMPTE time code source, such as a multitrack tape deck.

√ Host software that supports sample-accurate sync.

This setup provides:

✗ No sample-accurate locating.

√ Continuous sync to SMPTE time code.

√ Sub-frame timing accuracy.

√ Transport control from the SMPTE time code source.

graph TD
    A["Receive Sync"] --> B["Sample-accurate"]
    B --> C["Clock Source"]
    C --> D["Default Stereo Input"]
    D --> E["Optical Input"]
    E --> F["Clock Source"]
    F --> G["General 8pre"]
    G --> H["Sample Rate: 44100"]
    G --> I["Clock Source: SMPTE"]
    H --> J["Select Sample-accurate option shown to the left"]
    I --> K["Select Sample-accurate option shown to the left"]
    J --> L["Make sure that Slave to External Sync is checked in the Studio menu."]
    K --> M["Make sure that Slave to External Sync is checked in the Studio menu."]
    N["SMPTE time code source"] --> O["Audio cable bearing LTC (Longitudinal Time Code)"]
    O --> P["Any analog input"]
    P --> Q["8pre interface"]
    Q --> R["FireWire cable"]
    R --> S["Macintosh computer running AudioDesk, Digital Performer or other sample-accurate software."]
    T["MOTU Audio Setup"] --> U["General 8pre"]
    U --> V["Select Sample-accurate option shown to the left"]
    V --> W["Make sure that Slave to External Sync is checked in the Studio menu."]
    X["Choose SMPTE as the clock source in AudioDesk, Digital Performer, or the MOTU Audio Setup. This setting can also be made in the MOTU SMPTE Setup (shown below)."]
    Y["Launch the MOTU SMPTE Setup software to specify the time code input, frame rate and amount of freewheel. Also confirm that the Clock Source/Address is SMPTE/SMPTE."]]

Figure 12-3: Connections for synchronizing the 8pre directly to SMPTE time code.

RESOLVING DP OR AUDIODESK TO SMPTE TIME CODE

To resolve your Digital Performer/8pre system directly to SMPTE time code with no additional synchronization devices, use the setup shown below in Figure 12-3. Choose Receive Sync from the Setup menu and choose the Sample accurate option. Then make sure that the Slave to External Sync command in the Studio menu is checked. Make sure the Clock Source setting in the MOTU Audio Setup window is set to SMPTE. Also, make sure that you've connected an LTC input signal to an 8pre analog input, and that you've specified that input in the SMPTE Setup.

RESOLVING CUBASE OR NUENDO TO SMPTE TIME CODE

To resolve your 8pre directly to SMPTE time code with no additional synchronization devices, use the setup shown in Figure 12-3. Make sure the Clock Source setting in the MOTU Audio Setup window is set to SMPTE. Also, make sure that you've connected an LTC input signal to an 8pre analog input, and that you've specified that input in the SMPTE Setup.

CHAPTER 13 Troubleshooting

Sample accurate sync in AudioDesk and Digital Performer

When you first use sample accurate sync, be sure to go to the Receive Sync dialog in Digital Performer or AudioDesk and switch from “MTC” to “Sample-accurate.”

Cubase - MOTU 8pre inputs and outputs are not visible in Cubase

You probably need to enable them in Cubase.

Can't authenticate AudioDesk

When installing software off the CD-ROM, the OK button does not become active until you have entered in your name and a valid keycode. Your name must contain at least 3 characters, and you must enter the keycode exactly as it appears in your AudioDesk manual (on the inside of the back cover).

Clicks and pops due to hard drive problems

If you have checked your clock settings and you are still getting clicks and pops in your audio, you may have a drive related problem. Set your Clock Source to Internal and try recording just using the analog inputs and outputs of the 8pre. If you encounter the same artifacts you may want try using another drive in your computer. Clicks and pops can also occur when the drive is severely fragmented, the disk drivers are outdated, or if you are using a SCSI accelerator that is not optimally configured for working with audio.

Connecting or powering gear during operation It is not recommended that you connect/disconnect, or power on/off devices connected to the 8pre while recording or playing back audio. Doing so may cause a brief glitch in the audio.

No optical inputs or outputs are available in host audio application

Check to make sure you have the desired optical inputs and/or outputs enabled in MOTU Audio Setup.

Monitoring - How to monitor inputs?

Please refer to the documentation for the audio application that you are using. If your application does not support input monitoring, you will need to use the 8pre's hardware-based CueMix DSP monitoring feature. Please see chapter 10, "Reducing Monitoring Latency" (page 45).

Controlling monitoring latency

See chapter 10, “Reducing Monitoring Latency” (page 45).

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

We are happy to provide customer support to our registered users. If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to register on line at motu.com, or fill out and mail the registration card included with your 8pre. Doing so entitles you to technical support and notices about new products and software updates.

REPLACING DISKS

If your 8pre software installer CD becomes damaged and fails to provide you with fresh, working copies of the software, our Customer Support Department will be glad to replace it. You can request a replacement disc by calling our business office at [phone] and asking for the customer service department. In the meantime, you can download the latest drivers from www.motu.com.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you are unable, with your dealer's help, to solve problems you encounter with the 8pre system, you may contact our technical support department in one of the following ways:

■ Tech support hotline: [phone] (Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST)
■Tech support 24-hour fax line: [phone]
■ Tech support email: [e-mail]
■Web site: www.motu.com

Please provide the following information to help us solve your problem as quickly as possible:

■ The serial number of the 8pre system. This is printed on a sticker placed on the bottom of the 8pre rack unit. You must be able to supply this number to receive technical support.

■ A brief explanation of the problem, including the exact sequence of actions which cause it, and the contents of any error messages which appear on the screen.
■ The pages in the manual which refer to the parts of the 8pre or AudioDesk with which you are having trouble.
■ The version or creation date of the system software you are using to run the Macintosh.

We're not able to solve every problem immediately, but a quick call to us may yield a suggestion for a problem which you might otherwise spend hours trying to track down.

If you have features or ideas you would like to see implemented, we'd like to hear from you. Please write to the 8pre Development Team, MOTU Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

kext 21

02R mixer 20

1394 connector 6, 10, 15

24-bit

AudioDesk 37

Digital Performer 33

optical 10

recording 11

48V phantom power 5

8pre

installing 15

rear panel overview 9

summary of features 9

tab 25

A

Ableton Live 41

Activity LEDs 11

ADAT optical 10, 20

clock source setting 26

connecting 16

Analog activity lights 11

Analog inputs/outputs

trimming in Digital Performer 32, 36

Apple

Garage Band 41

Logic Express 40

Logic Pro 40

Soundtrack Pro 41

Application follows control surface 56

Audio

bit resolution 26

MIDI Setup utility 22

Audio Setup software 21

AudioDesk 11, 21, 23, 35

accessing 8pre settings 25

optical input/output 36

synchronization 37

B

Buffer Size 32, 36, 47

C

Clock LEDs 11

Clock source 7, 26

AudioDesk 36

setting in converter mode 29

Combo jacks 6

Condenser mic input 5

Configure Hardware Driver 25

Control surface support 56

Controller

connecting 17

Converter mode

clock setting 29

setup/example 19

CoreAudio

defined 21

CoreMIDI

Audio MIDI Setup 22

benefits 22

Cubase 25

Audio Buffer Size 42

Mac OS X 42

troubleshooting 65

CueMix Console 49, 51

Application follows control surface 56

Edit Channel Names 7, 54

Listenback explained 54

listenback settings 54

Mackie control surfaces 56

Share surfaces with other applications 56

talkback settings 54

CueMix DSP 49

Customer support 65

D

Default Stereo Input/Output 7, 27

Delay (latency) 45

Digital converter (see Optical converter)

Digital Performer 11, 31

accessing 8pre settings 25

clock source 32, 40

Optical input/output 32, 40

sample rate 31, 40

synchronization 33

Disc

replacing 65

Drivers

installing FireWire drivers 21

E

Edit Channel Names 7, 28, 54

Enable Pedal 7, 28

F

Feedback loops 33, 37, 43

FireWire 10

connecting 15

connector 6

installing drivers 21

SMPTE Console 59

Follow Active Mix 56

Freewheel

address 60

clock 60

infinite 60, 61

Front panel

meters 5

VOLUME rotary encoder settings 29

G

Garage Band 41

General tab 25

Generate from sequencer 61

Guitar

connecting 18

H

Headphone jack 5

Headphones

connecting 18

controlling output 28

jack 11

volume 29

1

iMovie

audio input/output 27

Infinite freewheel 60, 61

Installation

hardware 15

Installer CD

replacing 65

Internal (sync setting) 26

iTunes

audio input/output 27

K

kext 21

Keyboard controller

connecting 17

L

Latency 45, 48

Launch MOTU Audio Setup when hard-

ware becomes available 28

LEDs 5

Lightpipe 20

2x mode 29

Listenback

explained54

Live 41

Logic Express 40

Logic Pro 40

M

Mac OS X 39

input and output names 43

sound input/output 7, 27

Macintosh built-in (clock source setting)

27

Mackie control surfaces 56

Main outs

jacks 6

making connections to 16

volume 29

volume control 5

Main volume 5

Meters 5

Mic inputs 6, 16

connecting 18

phantom power 5

MIDI

devices, connecting 17

driver 21

jacks 6

Mix1 1-2 43

AudioDesk 37

Digital Performer 33

Mix1 return includes computer 55

Monitoring 46

thru main outs 16

MOTU

MIDI driver 21

MOTU Audio Setup 21, 25

Edit Channel Names 28

MOTU CueMix Console 49, 51

N

Nuendo 25

Mac OS X 42

0

Optical

2x mode 29

connectors 16

enabling/disabling 27

LEDs 11

overview 10

sync 20

Optical converter mode 29

setup/example 19

Optimization 48

P

Packing list 13

Patch thru

latency 48

Performance 48

Phantom power 5, 16

Phones 5, 28, 43

AudioDesk 36

Digital Performer 32, 40

Phones 1-2

AudioDesk 37

Digital Performer 33

Phones menu 56

Propellerhead Reason 42

R

Reason 42

Regenerate 61

Registration 13

S

S/MUX 29

Sample rate 7, 26

AudioDesk 36

Samplers

connecting 18

Share surfaces with other applications 56

Show meter in dock icon 56

SMPTE

clock source setting 27

Console 59

overview 59

source setting 60

sync 59

SMPTE sync 62

Sound module

connecting 17

Soundtrack Pro 41

Stop Freewheeling 60

Stripe button 61

Studio setup (example) 18

Synchronization

AudioDesk37

Digital Performer 33

Synths

connecting 18

System preferences

sound input/output 7, 27

System requirements

minimum 13

recommended computer 11, 13

T

TACH

light (SMPTE Console) 60

Talkback

explained 54

settings 54

Technical support 66

Time code sync 59, 62

Troubleshooting

feedback loop 33, 37, 43

TRS/XLR jacks 6

Type I, II optical mode 29

V

Video sync 59

Volume

headphone 11

VOLUME knob 29

X

XLR/TRS jacks 6