Detailed instructions for use are in the User's Guide.
Firewire Audio/MIDI Computer Interface Quick Start Owner's Manual (ENGLISH)
BOX CONTENTS · IO INTERFACE · POWER ADAPTER, FIREWIRE CABLE · SOFTWARE CD
Manual de inicio rápido para el usuario
(ESPAÑOL)
CONTENIDO DE LA CAJA · INTERFAZ IO · ADAPTADOR DE ALIMENTACIÓN, CABLE FIREWIRE · CD DE SOFTWARE
Schnellbedienungsanleitung (DEUTSCH)
INHALT DER VERPACKUNG · IO INTERFACE · NETZADAPTER, FIREWIRE KABEL · SOFTWARE CD
Guide d'utilisation simplifié
(FRANÇAIS)
CONTENU DE LA BOÎTE · INTERFACE IO · CÂBLE D'ALIMENTATION, CÂBLE FIREWIRE · LOGICIEL
Manuale rapido di utilizzazione
(ITALIANO)
CONTENUTO DELLA CONFEZIONE · INTERFACCIA IO · ADATTATORE DI ALIMENTAZIONE, CAVO FIREWIRE · SOFTWARE CD
Install the drivers onto your computer BEFORE you connect your IO|14/26
Important: Download and install the drivers from http://www.alesis.com--or insert the software CD into your computer's CD drive--BEFORE you plug your IO|14/26 into your computer for the first time.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Alesis IO FireWire audio interface! You could say Alesis knows a thing or two about recording. Countless artists, engineers, and producers have relied on our digital recorders since the introduction of the original "Blackface" ADAT in 1991. Some publications have even claimed that our ADAT recorders started the "home studio revolution" back in the 1990s. We're proud that our line of affordable tools has made professional-quality recording possible for millions of people around the world. The IO series FireWire interfaces are the next step in Alesis recording technology. Once you work with the IO|14/26, we're confident you'll appreciate the outstanding sound quality, superior construction, and attention to detail. We're continually delighted by the recordings that have been captured with our products. We hope that your IO|14/26 will be there to inspire and capture your finest performances.
For more effective service and product update notices, please register your IO|14 or IO|26 FireWire interface at http://www.alesis.com/.
Sincerely, The People of Alesis
1
Key Features
The IO|14 and IO|26 are virtually identical. The larger IO|26 has more inputs and outputs than the IO|14. · · · · High-speed FireWire (IEEE 1394a) interface for low latency and tons of audio I/O from your computer. Premium 192k A-to-D and D-to-A converters. True 24-bit operation for all digital and analog I/O. High-Definition Microphone Preamplifiers. +48v phantom power--required for powering condenser studio microphones--can be applied to each pair of inputs on the unit. Switchable guitar inputs for direct recording of guitars and basses. Dedicated stereo turntable inputs (IO|26 only). Alesis Hardware Direct Monitoring for latency-free tracking. Two headphone outputs. S/PDIF I/O and ADAT inputs.. Inserts on every analog input for patching additional hardware into your signal path. Integrated MIDI I/O on standard 5-pin connectors. FireWire bus or AC adapter power.
· · · · · · · ·
Computer Requirements
Minimum PC Requirements: · · · · Pentium 4 Processor 256 MB RAM (512 MB or more recommended) Available Firewire (1394a) Port Windows XP (with Service Pack 2 installed)
Minimum Macintosh Requirements: · · · Any Apple computer with native Firewire support Mac OS X "Panther" version 10.3 or later 256 MB RAM (512 MB or more recommended)
2
Top Panel Tour
MIC / LINE
The combo jack inputs The XLR input "expects" to see a microphone and delivers between 6.8dB and 50dB of gain, depending on the position of the gain knob.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Inputs  Connect either XLR or ¼" cables to the inputs. Inserts  Place additional equipment (like compressors, equalizers, etc.) into your signal path using "insert" cables. Mic/Line or Guitar Switch (Channels 1-2 only)  Switch to a high-impedance circuit to record electric guitars/basses. Gain Knobs  Set the preamplifier gain level. Monitor Blend Knob  This knob controls the amount of direct signal (from the analog and digital inputs) that gets blended in to outputs 1/2. This direct signal monitoring bypasses the computer for lag-free listening while tracking. Metering Section  5-segment "ladder" meters show the precise digital input signal for each analog channel. Status lights indicate Firewire connection to the computer, current sample rate, and ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI activity. Stereo output meters show the levels for outputs 1/2.
The ¼" input "expects" to see either a line input or an electric guitar or bass, depending on the setting of the Mic/Line/Guitar switch. In the Line position, the input provides between -15.4dB and 27.8dB of gain. This allows plenty of gain for It's OK to set your gain levels weak line level sources and conservatively with the IO|14 also provides the ability to and IO|26. These interfaces pad down overly powerful feature outstanding analogline sources. to-digital converters and preamplifiers, allowing you In the Guitar position, the to capture excellent input provides 6.8dB to 50dB recordings even if your of gain--the same range as signals peak at -9dB (or even the XLR input. lower).
6.
7. 8. 9.
Phones 1&2 Volume  The IO|14/26 has two separate headphone outputs. Main Level  This knob sets the output level of channels 1/2. Mic/Line or Phono Switch (IO|26 only) ÂIf you want to connect a turntable to your IO|26, use the RCA "phono" inputs (on the rear of the unit) and engage this switch.
Phantom power is only necessary for condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones do not need power to work correctly. Check your microphone's manual to find out if it needs phantom power.
10. Phantom Power  These switches let you supply +48v "Phantom Power" to condenser microphones that require power. Each button engages/disengages phantom power for a pair of inputs (i.e., channels 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8).
3
Rear Panel Tour
1.
Headphone Outputs  Connect your headphones to these outputs. The first headphone output always mirrors the analog 1/2 output pair. The second headphone output is assignable in software. Main outputs (8 outputs on IO|26; 2 outputs on IO|14)  Use ¼," "TRS" cables to connect these outputs to the balanced inputs of your powered speakers or power amplifier. The IO|26 (shown above) has 8 outputs. The IO|14 has 2 outputs. If you are using the IO|26 and wish to connect additional speakers, headphone amplifiers or hardware processors, connect them to outputs 3 through 8.
2.
3.
Phono input (IO|26 only) Â Connect your turntable to this input. If your turntable has a grounding cable, attach it to the grounding screw to the upper right of the phono inputs. This grounding will minimize humming and buzzing.
The IO|14/26's outputs are "impedance balanced." This wiring method provides all of the benefits of "fully balanced" wiring when the outputs are connected to balanced gear. Furthermore, impedance balancing, unlike other balancing methods, allows for trouble-free connection to unbalanced devices.
4. 5. 6. 7.
ADAT Lightpipe Inputs ÂUse ADAT-compatible optical cables to connect to these inputs. S/PDIF Connectors  Connect S/PDIF-enabled digital devices using coaxial, RCA-terminated cables. MIDI Connectors  Connect your keyboards, sound modules, or other MIDI devices using 5-pin MIDI cables. FireWire Connectors  Connect one of these plugs to your computer's FireWire port. You can use the other jack to connect additional FireWire devices (such as hard drives) to your computer. Power Connector  Use the supplied AC adapter if your computer does not provide sufficient Firewire bus power to power the IO|14/26 or if you want to preserve battery power. Kensington Security Slot  This locking mechanism allows you to secure your IO|14/26 to a desk or some other heavy object using an optional third-party locking device.
If you connect an ADAT or S/PDIF input device (or both), you will need to select one of them as the "clock master" in the IO's control panel. The device you select as the clock master will determine the IO's clock rate and will be responsible for keeping all of the digital signals synchronized.
8.
9.
If an AC adapter is attached, the IO|14/26 will use it. FireWire bus power is only used if no AC power is available.
4
Install the software/drivers first
Important: Download and install the drivers from http://www.alesis.com-or insert the software CD into your computer's CD drive--BEFORE you plug your IO|14/26 into your computer for the first time. Important: Follow these steps BEFORE you plug your IO|14/26 into your computer for the first time. Begin by running the Alesis installer(s). These programs (there may be one or more than one) will install three very important components onto your computer: · Drivers. These are the system components that allow Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX to identify and interact with your IO|14/26. You do not interact with the drivers directly, but they must be installed on your computer for the IO|14/26 to work. Control Panel. The control panel allows you to set sample rates, clock sources, buffer sizes, and other settings. Hardware Direct Monitoring Panel. This application lets you route the IO|14/26's inputs directly to its outputs for a minimum of latency (delay) when recording. The Hardware Direct Monitoring Panel also allows you to change Headphone2 and S/PDIF output assignments. Windows users: For each of the several installations that occur, click "Continue Anyway" if Windows warns you that the drivers have not passed Microsoft Logo Certification.
If you have access to the Internet, check http://www.alesis.com for the very latest software updates. The updates posted there are guaranteed to be the most current, best software versions available.
·
·
Windows Logo Certification warning. Ignore this warning by clicking "Continue Anyway."
5
Install Cubase LE (optional)
If you are interested in using Cubase LE as your multitrack Digital Audio Workstation, install it from the CD now.
Connect your IO|14/26
Now, connect your IO|14/26 to your computer using a Firewire cable. Watch for one of the lights on the unit to turn on within a few seconds. If a light does not turn on--or if you are using a notebook computer with a small four-pin Firewire connector-- plug in the external AC adapter. Windows users: Windows will recognize the IO|14/26 and start the Found New Hardware wizard. The installation process will automatically install these drivers one by one. When you are prompted whether to install the drivers automatically or search for a specific location, choose to install them automatically. If you are asked whether you want to connect to the Internet to check for the latest driver, choose not to. Let the installer continue installing the various sets of drivers until you see a message stating, "Your new hardware is installed and ready to use." Do not cancel any of the installations, as they are all required for proper operation.
Begin using your IO|14/26
You are now ready to begin using your IO|14/26. For further information, please consult the reference manual.
7-51-0211-A
6
Interfaz de computadora de audio/MIDI Firewire Manual de inicio rápido para el usuario (ESPAÑOL)
Instale los drivers en su computadora ANTES de conectar la IO|14/26
Importante: Descargue e instale los drivers desde http://www.alesis.com --o inserte el CD de software en la unidad de CD de su computadora-- ANTES de enchufar la IO|14/26 en la misma por primera vez. Introducción
¡Gracias por haber comprado la interfaz de audio IO FireWire Alesis! Podemos decir que Alesis sabe algo acerca de la grabación. Incontables artistas, ingenieros y productores confÃan en nuestras grabadoras digitales desde la introducción de la ADAT "Blackface" original en 1991. Algunas publicaciones llegaron incluso a decir que las grabadoras ADAT iniciaron la "revolución del estudio hogareño" allá en loa años 90. Estamos orgullosos de que nuestra lÃnea de herramientas de costo accesible haya la grabación de calidad profesional al alcance de millones de personas de todo el mundo. Las interfaces FireWire serie IO son el paso siguiente en la tecnologÃa de grabación de Alesis. Estamos seguros de que una vez que trabaje con la IO|14/26, apreciará la sobresaliente calidad sonora, la construcción superior y la atención por el detalle. Las grabaciones que hemos capturado con nuestros productos nos deleitan en todo momento. Esperamos que cuente con su IO|14/26 para inspirar y capturar sus mejores interpretaciones. Atentamente, La Gente de Alesis
Para obtener un servicio más efectivo y avisos de actualización de productos, registre su interfaz FireWire IO|14 o IO|26 en http://www.alesis.com/.
7
CaracterÃsticas principales
La IO|14 y la IO|26 son virtualmente idénticas. La IO|26 es más grande y tiene más entradas y salidas que la IO|14. · Interfaz FireWire (IEEE 1394a) de alta velocidad para obtener baja latencia y toneladas de E/S de audio de su computad ...
