User manual MACKIE ONYX SATELLITE

PORTABLE RECORDING PREAMP with 96kHz FIREWIRE INTERFACE OWNER'S MANUAL ONYX Satellite Important Safety Instructions 1. Readtheseinstructions. 2. Keeptheseinstructions. 3. Heedallwarnings. 4. Followallinstructions. 5. Donotusethisapparatusnearwater. 6. Cleanonlywithdrycloth. 7. Donotblockanyventilationopenings.Installinaccordancewiththe manufacturer'sinstructions. 8. Donotinstallnearanyheatsourcessuchasradiators,heatregisters, stoves,orotherapparatus(includingamplifiers)thatproduceheat. 9. Donotdefeatthesafetypurposeofthepolarizedorgrounding-type plug.Apolarizedplughastwobladeswithonewiderthantheother. Agrounding-typeplughastwobladesandathirdgroundingprong. Thewidebladeorthethirdprongareprovidedforyoursafety.Ifthe providedplugdoesnotfitintoyouroutlet,consultanelectricianfor replacementoftheobsoleteoutlet. 10.Protectthepowercordfrombeingwalkedonorpinchedparticularlyat plugs,conveniencereceptacles,andthepointwheretheyexitfromthe apparatus. 11.Onlyuseattachments/accessoriesspecifiedbythemanufacturer. 12.Useonlywithacart,stand,tripod,bracket,ortablespecifiedbythe manufacturer,orsoldwiththeapparatus.Whenacartisused,use cautionwhenmovingthecart/apparatuscombinationtoavoidinjury fromtip-over. PORTABLE CART WARNING Carts and stands - The Component should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. A Component and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the Component and cart combination to overturn. 13.Unplugthisapparatusduringlightningstormsorwhenunusedforlong periodsoftime. 14.Referallservicingtoqualifiedservicepersonnel.Servicingisrequired whentheapparatushasbeendamagedinanyway,suchaspowersupplycordorplugisdamaged,liquidhasbeenspilledorobjectshave fallenintotheapparatus,theapparatushasbeenexposedtorainor moisture,doesnotoperatenormally,orhasbeendropped. 15.Thisapparatusshallnotbeexposedtodrippingorsplashing,andno objectfilledwithliquids,suchasvases,shallbeplacedontheapparatus. 16.ThisapparatusdoesnotexceedtheClassA/ClassB(whicheveris applicable)limitsforradionoiseemissionsfromdigitalapparatusas setoutintheradiointerferenceregulationsoftheCanadianDepartment ofCommunications. ATTENTION--Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada. 17.Exposuretoextremelyhighnoiselevelsmaycausepermanenthearing loss.Individualsvaryconsiderablyinsusceptibilitytonoise-induced hearingloss,butnearlyeveryonewilllosesomehearingifexposedto sufficientlyintensenoiseforaperiodoftime.TheU.S.Government's OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration(OSHA)hasspecified thepermissiblenoiselevelexposuresshowninthefollowingchart. AccordingtoOSHA,anyexposureinexcessofthesepermissiblelimits couldresultinsomehearingloss.Toensureagainstpotentiallydangerousexposuretohighsoundpressurelevels,itisrecommendedthatall personsexposedtoequipmentcapableofproducinghighsoundpressurelevelsusehearingprotectorswhiletheequipmentisinoperation. Earplugsorprotectorsintheearcanalsorovertheearsmustbeworn whenoperatingtheequipmentinordertopreventpermanenthearing lossifexposureisinexcessofthelimitssetforthhere. Duration Per Day In Hours 8 6 4 3 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.25orless Sound Level dBA, Slow Response 90 92 95 97 100 102 105 110 115 Typical Example Duoinsmallclub SubwayTrain Veryloudclassicalmusic TamiscreamingatAdrianaboutdeadlines Loudestpartsatarockconcert CAUTION AVIS RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE. AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil. WARNING--Toreducetheriskoffireor electricshock,donotexposethisapparatus torainormoisture. ONYX Satellite Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5 Onyx Satellite Features ........................................................................................................................................................6 Owner's Manual Getting Started ...........................................................................................................................7 Computer Requirements ......................................................................................................................................................7 Installing the Windows Drivers ..........................................................................................................................................7 Macintosh OS X Audio MIDI Setup....................................................................................................................................7 Installing Tracktion ............................................................................................................................................................8 Zero the Controls ..................................................................................................................................................................10 Connections............................................................................................................................................................................10 Set the Levels ..........................................................................................................................................................................11 Set the Sample Rate and Latency .....................................................................................................................................11 Start Recording to DAW......................................................................................................................................................1 Hookup Diagrams ......................................................................................................................1 Onyx Satellite Features............................................................................................................17 Pod Front Panel......................................................................................................................................................................17 1. Channel GAIN..................................................................................................................................................................17 . Signal Level Indicators .................................................................................................................................................17 . Instrument Switch.........................................................................................................................................................17 4. POWER Indicator ..........................................................................................................................................................17 5. FireWire Indicator .........................................................................................................................................................18 6. 48V Phantom Power Switch and Indicator .....................................................................................................................18 7. CTRL RM/PHONES 1 Level ..........................................................................................................................................18 8. PHONES Level .............................................................................................................................................................18 9. PHONES 1 and Outputs.............................................................................................................................................18 Pod Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................................................................19 10. MIC/Line Inputs ..........................................................................................................................................................19 11. CR OUT ............................................................................................................................................................................19 1. TO DOCK Connector...................................................................................................................................................19 1. FIREWIRE .......................................................................................................................................................................19 14. POWER Connector ......................................................................................................................................................19 15. Kensington Security Slot ...........................................................................................................................................19 Base Station Front Panel ....................................................................................................................................................0 16. MIC Input Select Switch ...........................................................................................................................................0 17. Instrument Input Select Switch..............................................................................................................................0 Don't forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more information about this and other Mackie products. Part No. 0019085 Rev. A 06/06 ©2006 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved. R Owner's Manual 18. Line Input 1 Select Switch ........................................................................................................................................0 19. Line Input Select Switch ........................................................................................................................................0 0. Built-in Talkback Mic .................................................................................................................................................1 1. TALKBACK LEVEL Control ..........................................................................................................................................1 . TO PHONES Switch.....................................................................................................................................................1 . TO DAW Switch............................................................................................................................................................1 4. CONTROL ROOM LEVEL Control............................................................................................................................1 5. SOURCE Select Switch ...............................................................................................................................................1 6. A/B Select Switch ..................................................................................................................................................... 7. 1-/1-6 Select Switch ................................................................................................................................................. 8. Power Switch .............................................................................................................................................................. 9. Base Station Dock ...................................................................................................................................................... Base Station Rear Panel....................................................................................................................................................... 0. MIC Input ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1. LINE 1 Input .................................................................................................................................................................... . LINE Input................................................................................................................................................................... . Instrument Input ......................................................................................................................................................... 4. INSERT Jacks ................................................................................................................................................................. 5. OUTPUTS -6 ...............................................................................................................................................................4 6. CR OUT 1 and ............................................................................................................................................................4 7. FIREWIRE ......................................................................................................................................................................4 8. POWER Connector.....................................................................................................................................................4 9. Kensington Security Slot ..........................................................................................................................................4 ONYX Satellite Appendix A: Service Information.........................................................................................5 Warranty Service ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Repair ......................................................................................................................................................................................6 Appendix B: Connections .......................................................................................................7 Appendix C: Technical Info ....................................................................................................0 Onyx Satellite Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................0 Onyx Satellite Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................1 Onyx Satellite Block Diagram ........................................................................................................................................... Onyx Satellite Limited Warranty......................................................................................... 5 Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.) Purchased at: Date of purchase: 4 ONYX Satellite Introduction Thank you for choosing the Mackie Onyx Satellite professional audio interface for studio and mobile digital audio recording. The Onyx Series computer audio interfaces are designed for the digital era and offer the newest features and latest technologies for digital studio recording in a durable, road-worthy package. The Onyx Satellite is equipped with two of our new premium precision-engineered studio-grade Onyx mic preamps. Mackie is renowned for the high-quality mic preamps used in our mixers, and the Onyx mic pre's are better than ever, with specifications rivaling other standalone boutique mic preamplifiers at twice the price. The Onyx Satellite is designed to be a transparent audio interface for direct tracking and mixdown, using high performance 24-bit/96 kHz converters to provide wide dynamic range and low noise. It works with virtually any ASIO/Core Audio compliant DAW software application on a PC or Mac as a 2x6 audio interface. The unique docking feature allows you to set up the Onyx Satellite in your studio, and leave it connected to multiple mic, line, and instrument sources and studio monitors, while "undocking" the portable pod to use on location. This gives you the freedom to take the pod into the field for overdubbing projects or live recordings without having to constantly patch and unpatch the cables that are connected to the base station. The pod features a NeutrikTM Combo input connector on channels 1-2, which allows you to use either a 1/4" TRS connector or an XLR connector. A global 48V switch applies phantom power to both XLR input connectors. Channels 1 and 2 also feature an instrument select switch, which lets you connect an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly to the 1/4" input, eliminating the need for an external direct box. The pod also has a stereo control room output and two stereo headphone jacks, each with separate level controls (the Control Room and Phones 1 outputs share a level control), and a FireWire connector to connect to your laptop. When the pod is "docked" to the base station, it gains additional features and expanded input and output capabilities. The base station has a separate XLR connector, two 1/4" TRS line-input connectors, and a 1/4" TS instrument connector for each channel (channels 1-2), with select switches for each input source. Insert jacks are also provided for channels 1-2 to send and return the signal to an external processor. These are pre-ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converters) so they work great for compressors and other dynamic processors. Six channels of analog balanced line outputs are provided on 1/4" TRS connectors. Two of these can be used as stereo control room outputs, with an A/B switch to route the signal to two separate pairs of monitors for comparison. The built-in talkback microphone can be routed to the phones/control room output or to the DAW for slating. A FireWire connector provides a simple connection to a laptop or desktop computer and allows the audio to be streamed to and from your software of choice. Both units can be powered either directly from the FireWire bus (when using a six-pin FireWire connector), or from the 12V DC power supply included in the box. As a bonus, Tracktion 2 is included with your Onyx Satellite, our full-featured music production software application for easy recording, mixing, and mastering on a PC or Mac. Owner's Manual Pod OL GAIN -10 -2 0 -4 0 POWE R GAIN OL GAIN -10 -2 0 -4 0 POWE R GAIN MIC 1 MIC 2 MIC 1 1 2 MIC 2 1 TO PHON ES TO DAW 2 TO PHON ES TO DAW DAW INPUTS A B DAW INPUTS A B 1-2 1-6 1-2 1-6 ON ON Base Station Docked Owner's Manual 5 ONYX Satellite HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL We know that many of you can't wait to get your new Onyx Satellite computer interface hooked up, and you're probably not going to read the manual first (sigh!). So the first section after this introduction is a Quick-Start Guide called "Getting Started" to help you get the Onyx Satellite set up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams that show typical setups for various recording applications. Then, when you have time, read the Features Description section. This describes every knob, button, and connection point on the Onyx Satellite. Throughout this section you'll find illustrations with each feature numbered. If you want to know more about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustration, notice the number attached to it, and find that number in the nearby paragraphs. This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the Onyx Satellite. For your own good, read them and remember them. They will be on the final test. This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. While not mandatory, they usually have some valuable nugget of information. ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED "Arcane Mysteries" discusses some of the down `n' dirty practical realities of microphones, fixed installations, grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines. It's a goldmine for the neophyte, and even the seasoned pro might learn a thing or two. Onyx Satellite Features · · · · · · · · · · Innovative 2-piece FireWire Recording System for professional recording on a PC or Mac Dual Onyx mic preamps for superior sound quality versus competing interfaces 8 inputs for connection of microphones, line sources, and instruments 6 line-level outputs 24-bit/96 kHz capable sound quality Built-in control room functions include talkback and A/B monitor switching 6-channel volume control allows for surround sound mixing Firewire protocol for low latency real-time recording Satellite pod can be bus powered for field use or externally powered, for added convenience Works with all ASIO and Core Audio compatible software, Mac and PC (also compatible with GigaSampler GSIF drivers) Pod provides 2 in/2 out audio streams; "Docked" pod and base station provide 2 in/6 out audio streams Bundled with full version of Tracktion 2 software for a complete recording solution on a PC or Mac Indestructo Mackie construction holds up to the rigors of field recording A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connectors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and the insert connectors used on the Onyx Satellite. · · · More resources on our website at www.mackie.com. THE FAQs Click on Support to find answers to many of your questions. The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section is filled with answers to many of the questions our Technical Support staff has fielded over the years. THE FORUMS Visit our forums to seek help from our online community of Mackie users. THE GLOSSARY: A Haven of Non-Techiness for the Neophyte The "Glossary of Terms" is a fairly comprehensive dictionary of pro-audio terms. If terms like "clipping," "noise floor," or "unbalanced" leave you blank, refer to this glossary for a quick explanation. 6 ONYX Satellite Getting Started READ THIS PAGE!! Even if you're one of those people who never reads manuals, all we ask is that you read these next few pages (through page 12) now before you begin using the Onyx Satellite. You'll be glad you did! If you are using the Onyx Satellite with a PC running Windows XP®, you need to install the Windows drivers first. The Macintosh doesn't require any additional drivers, but you will still want to install Tracktion 2. Refer to page 8 for instructions on installing Tracktion 2 (page 10 for installing on a Mac). 4. You may get a "Security Warning" about running the installer. It's okay. Click "Run." Owner's Manual 5. Follow the instructions for the rest of the installation procedure. When it is completed, your Onyx Satellite is ready to use. The POWER and FireWire indicators on the Satellite should both be lit. 6. The Onyx Satellite should now appear as a 2x6 audio interface available for any ASIO DAW (or Gigasampler) application that you have installed on your computer. Note: It is still necessary to select the Onyx Satellite as the audio device in the DAW software application's "Settings" window. Computer Requirements These are the minimum computer requirements for using the Onyx Satellite and installing Tracktion 2: For the PC: · Microsoft Windows XP SP2 · Pentium 4, Celeron, or Athlon XP processor · 256 MB RAM For the Mac: · OS X 10.3.9 · G4 processor · 256 MB RAM It is important to note that the processor speed, amount of RAM installed, and the size and speed of your hard drive all contribute to the overall performance of your recording system. Macintosh OS X Audio MIDI Setup The Macintosh OS X has its own built-in system level audio drivers, so you don't need to install any additional drivers or a separate control panel to use the Onyx Satellite with a Macintosh. OS X has a dedicated setup utility for audio and MIDI. You can use the Audio Setup utility to change the default audio input and output and general system settings on your Macintosh. 1. Connect the Onyx Satellite to your Macintosh using the supplied FireWire cable. 2. Go to the Applications folder and open the Utilities folder. Installing the Windows Drivers When connecting the Onyx Satellite to a PC, it is necessary to first install the Onyx FireWire Windows drivers and Satellite Control Panel. Important: DO NOT connect the Onyx Satellite to your PC until you are instructed to do so during the installation procedure. 1. Insert the CD provided with the Onyx Satellite into your CD drive. 2. The installation process should start automatically. If it doesn't, click "Start > Run > Browse" and navigate to the CD drive. Double-click the file named: "DoubleClickToInstall.exe." 3. Click "OK" in the Run window. Owner's Manual 7 ONYX Satellite 3. Double-click "Audio MIDI Setup." Installing Tracktion 2 The CD-ROM that came with your Onyx Satellite also has the full version of Tracktion 2, our easy-to-use multitrack recording and sequencing software for the PC and Mac. Note: After installing Tracktion 2, be sure to check our website periodically for software updates (www.mackie. com). To install Tracktion on a PC running Windows XP: 1. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Browse to the CD directory and open the "Tracktion 2" folder. You can copy the folder called "Tracktion 2 Documentation" to your hard drive if you like, to make it easier to access. 3. Double-click the file "TracktionSetup.exe". 4. You may get a "Security Warning" about running the installer. It's okay. Click "Run." 4. Click the Audio Devices tab, and select Onyx Satellite in the "Properties For" drop-down box. 5. Here you can see the settings for the Onyx Satellite. You can also choose to use the Onyx Satellite as your default input or output, as well as designate it to be used for system sound output. 5. The next window allows you to select the language you want to use with Tracktion 2 (English, French, German, or Spanish). Make your choice and click "OK." 6. You're ready to go with any Mac OS X Core Audio host application (i.e., Tracktion, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Live, Digital Performer, etc.). The Onyx Satellite should now appear as a 2x6 audio interface available for any DAW application that you have installed on your computer. Note: It is still necessary to select the Onyx Satellite as the audio device in the DAW software application's "Settings" window. 8 ONYX Satellite 6. The Tracktion Setup Wizard opens. Click "Next" to continue. 9. Next you are asked to select the Start Menu Folder where you would like the Tracktion shortcuts installed. We recommend you use the default location used by the installer, but you can choose a different location if you want by clicking the Browse button. Then click "Next." Owner's Manual 7. Next you will see the Tracktion License Agreement. Read through the text and click "I accept the agreement." Click "Next" to continue. 10. The next window gives you the options of creating a desktop icon and creating a Quick Launch icon. Select the additional icons you would like to install, and click "Next" to continue. 8. The next window lets you choose the Destination folder for installing the software files. We recommend you use the default location used by the installer, but you can choose a different location if you want by clicking the Browse button. Then click "Next." 11. The next window gives you a summary of the installation options you have selected. Click "Back" if you want to make any changes. Click "Install" to proceed with the installation. Owner's Manual 9 ONYX Satellite 12. When the installer has completed copying the files into the destination folder, the "Completing the Tracktion Setup Wizard" window opens. If you want to launch Tracktion right away, click the "Launch Tracktion" box. Click "Finish" to complete the installation. Authorizing Tracktion There is an authorization code on the sleeve of the CD-ROM that came with your Onyx Satellite. You can authorize the software from within Tracktion or by going to http://my.mackie.com. From Tracktion 2: 1. Open Tracktion 2. 2. Tracktion detects that the software is unregistered and notifies you that it is running in Demo Mode. You can choose to continue or click the "Unlock" button to authorize the software. 3. Follow the instructions for unlocking Tracktion. From my.mackie.com: 1. Go to http://my.mackie.com 2. If you haven't done so already, set up an account by entering your email address and clicking "No, I want to create an account." Then click "Continue." 13. Double-click the Tracktion.exe file in the destination folder to open Tracktion. (If you selected the option during the installation, you can double-click the Tracktion shortcut icon on your desktop.) 3. Enter the information to setup your profile. Then proceed to register Tracktion by clicking "Mackie Product Registration." 4. Select "Software" and "Tracktion v2 Music Production Software." 5. Click "Click here to register Tracktion v2 online." 6. Enter the authorization code from the sleeve on your CD-ROM in the License Number box. Then click "Authorize." Once you've installed and authorized the software, proceed as follows: To install Tracktion on a Mac running OS X (version 10..9 or later): 1. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Double-click the CD icon on the desktop and double-click the file named "TracktionSetup.dmg". 3. A Tracktion window opens. Drag the Tracktion icon from the Tracktion window into the Applications folder. Zero the Controls 1. Turn down the channel GAIN controls, and the Control Room and Phones level controls. 2. Set all push button switches to their "out" positions. 3. Turn the POWER switch off. Connections 4. Double-click the Tracktion file in the Applications folder to open Tracktion. Note: This tutorial assumes that you are using the Onyx Satellite with the pod "docked" to the base station. This demonstrates how to record guitar to your DAW for tracking, and then record a vocal while monitoring the guitar track already laid down: 1. Plug a guitar into channel 1 Instrument input and a microphone into channel 2 MIC input. Push in the Instrument switch on channel 1. 10 ONYX Satellite 2. 3. Connect the FireWire connector from the Onyx Satellite to the FireWire connector on your computer. If you are using the AC adapter with your Onyx Satellite, turn on the Power switch. Note: The Onyx Satellite is equipped with a 6-pin FireWire connector and comes with a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. If your computer has a 4-pin FireWire connector, you can use the 6-pin to 4-pin FireWire adapter included in the box to make the connection, but the Onyx Satellite cannot be powered from the 4-pin connector (the two missing pins carry the power). You will need to use the AC adapter included with the Onyx Satellite. Set the Sample Rate and Latency On a PC: 1. Open the Onyx Satellite Control Panel (click Start > Programs > Mackie Satellite > Satellite Console). Select the sample rate of your choice (44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz) and the latency setting. Owner's Manual 4. If the microphone is a dynamic microphone, leave the 48V switch out. If it is a condenser microphone, push in the 48V phantom power button to turn on the phantom power (applied to XLR inputs 1 and 2). 5. Connect the Control Room A outputs to a pair of powered studio monitors (or to an amplifier connected to a pair of monitors). Optionally, you can connect a pair of headphones to one of the PHONES jack on the pod to monitor the audio. These values should be reflected in your DAW software application, and it is important that they match. If you are using Tracktion 2, click the "Settings" tab and then click "Audio Devices" to see the sample rate and latency settings. On a Mac: 1. Go to the Applications folder and open the Utilities folder. 2. Double-click "Audio MIDI Setup." Set the Levels To set the channel GAIN controls (on channels 1-2), it's not even necessary to hear what you're doing in the monitors. The following steps must be performed one channel at a time. 1. Play something into the selected input, either guitar (channel 1) or vocal (channel 2). Be sure that the volume of the input source is the same as it would be during normal use. If it isn't, you might have to readjust these levels later. 2. Adjust the channel's GAIN control so that the "­20" and "­10" LEDs light frequently or continuously, and the "OL" LED doesn't light at all (or only flashes occasionally). 3. Repeat for each channel. 4. You can also monitor the input level with the input metering of your DAW software application. 3. Click the Audio Devices tab and select Onyx FireWire in the "Properties For" drop-down box. 4. You can change the sample rate setting in the Format drop-down box. There is no latency setting here. That setting is made in the DAW software application. Latency (sometimes called buffer size) describes the amount of time it takes for audio to get in and out of your software application. The lower the latency setting, the faster audio can get into and out of the software Owner's Manual 11 ONYX Satellite application; in other words, the closer to zero delay you will experience while recording. However, a low latency setting requires more resources from your computer, so you need to find a happy balance between finding the lowest latency you can attain before the computer begins to have trouble routing and recording audio (e.g., dropouts, pops, distorted audio). Many DAW software applications have an ASIO control panel. In Tracktion 2, it is located in the "Audio" window under the "Settings" tab. Click the "Show ASIO control panel" button (PC only) to open the ASIO control panel for the Onyx Satellite. The latency setting in the ASIO control panel should be the same as the latency selected in the software application. Other Nuggets of Wisdom · You can connect the analog outputs from any line-level source to the LINE INPUTS on the Onyx Satellite and use its high-quality analog-to-digital converters to get your analog signals to your digital recorder(s). When the Pod is docked, the CTRL RM/PHONES 1 knob on the Pod adjusts only the Phones 1 output (not the Control Room outputs). The CONTROL ROOM LEVEL knob on the Base Station adjusts the Control Room outputs. Use this control as close to the MAX (fully clockwise) position as possible to experience the best audio quality. Turn down the input sensitivity control on your active monitors or your passive monitors' power amplifier in order to turn up the CONTROL ROOM LEVEL knob as far as possible. Always turn off the Onyx Satellite before removing or connecting the Pod to the Base Station. When you shut down your equipment, turn off the amplifiers first. When powering up, turn on the amplifiers last. Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods. Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for information on hearing protection. Save the shipping box! You may need it someday, and you don't want to have to pay for another one. · Start Recording to DAW 1. Select the Onyx Satellite as the sound device in your DAW application. Each DAW application has its own method of doing this, so refer to your DAW application's manual if you are not sure. In Tracktion 2, this is done in the "Audio" window under the "Settings" tab. 2. Assign the inputs from the Onyx Satellite to tracks in your DAW. 3. You should now see the signals from the Onyx Satellite appearing on the meters in your DAW. Start recording the guitar onto a track in the DAW. 4. Playback the recorded audio and assign the DAW outputs to the Control Room Outputs (1 and 2) on the Onyx Satellite. 5. Listen to the guitar playback on the headphones while recording the vocal part. Make sure the Control Room Source Select switch on the Satellite is out (DAW). 6. You can continue adding tracks to the arrangement, and listen back over the Control Room monitors (or headphones) when you are done. · · · · That's it for the "Getting Started" section. Next comes the "Hookup" section that shows you some typical ways that you might use the Onyx Satellite in real applications. After that, you can take the grand tour of the Onyx Satellite, with descriptions of every knob, button, input, and output. We encourage you to take the time to read all of the feature descriptions, but at least you know it's there if you have any questions. 1 ONYX Satellite Hookup Diagrams Home Studio Recording Powered Studio Monitors (Main) Owner's Manual Headphones For Musicians (From Pod) Electric Guitar Keyboard or other line-level stereo input Stereo Guitar Effects Condenser Microphone CR OUT 2/R OUTPUTS 1/L 4 (BAL/UNBAL) INPUT 3 2 LINE LINE 2 2 LINE LINE INPUT 1 YX ON 1 A 1 YX ON MIC PR E MIC PR E B 2/R 1/L 6 5 INSERT (TIP=SEND RING=RETURN) INSERT (TIP=SEND RING=RETURN) Electric Guitar (to Instrument Input) Powered Studio Monitors (Nearfield) Bass Guitar (to Instrument Input) Out In Out In Equalizer Compressor Remote Recording Headphones For Engineer and Musician (on Front Panel) Electric Guitar (Instrument Button In) Condenser Microphone CTRL RM L ONY X MIC PR E 2 ONY X MIC PR E 1 POWER FW T59052 DATE CODE R TO DOCK (BAL/UNBAL) This example demonstrates how the Satellite can be set up in a home studio application with multiple input sources connected to the base station along with two sets of monitors and a laptop connected to the FireWire connection on the Satellite. The Satellite Pod can then be removed and taken to a second location for overdubbing additional vocal and guitar tracks, leaving all the connections to the base station intact. Typical Home Studio Setup/Pod Remote Location Recording Owner's Manual 1 ONYX Satellite Left and Right Front Left and Right Rear Video Deck 2 Video Deck 1 Condenser Microphone CR OUT 2/R OUTPUTS 1/L 4 (BAL/UNBAL) INPUT 3 2 LINE LINE 2 2 LINE LINE INPUT 1 YX MIC PR E ON 1 A 1 YX MIC PR E ON B 2/R 1/L 6 5 INSERT (TIP=SEND RING=RETURN) INSERT (TIP=SEND RING=RETURN) Digital Audio Workstation Subwoofer Center This illustrates a 5.1 surround sound setup using two video decks connected to Line 1 and 2 on Inputs 1 and 2. A microphone is connected to the mic input on Input 1 for voiceover. Onyx Satellite: Post-Production and Surround Mixing 14 ONYX Satellite Headphones For Engineer (Front Panel) Condenser Microphones in X-Y Configuration for stereo recording of a choral group or jazz combo Owner's Manual CTRL RM L ON YX MIC PRE 2 ON YX MIC PRE 1 POWER FW T59052 DATE CODE R TO DOCK (BAL/UNBAL) This illustrates how to use the Satellite Pod to make a live stereo recording using an X-Y microphone placement. The recording is made to two tracks in the DAW software on the laptop. Afterward, you can plug the pod into the base station and play back the recording through monitors connected to the Control Room outputs. Headphones For Engineer (Front Panel) Condenser Microphones in X-Y Configuration for stereo recording of a choral group or jazz combo CTRL RM L ON YX MIC PRE 2 ON YX MIC PRE 1 POWER FW T59052 DATE CODE R TO DOCK CD Recorder (BAL/UNBAL) Same scenario as above, but using the Pod in standalone mode without a computer. The Control Room outputs are connected to the inputs of a CD recorder or other recording device to make a stereo recording in the field. Onyx Satellite Pod Remote Direct-to-2 Track Recording Owner's Manual 15 ONYX Satellite Left and Right Powered Speakers L/R Audio Out Television L/R Audio Out Dock MP3 Player CR OUT 2/R OUTPUTS 1/L 4 (BAL/UNBAL) INPUT 3 2 LINE LINE 2 2 LINE LINE INPUT 1 YX MIC PR E ON 1 A 1 YX MIC PR E ON B 2/R 1/L 6 5 INSERT (TIP=SEND RING=RETURN) INSERT (TIP=SEND RING=RETURN) For some just starting out with their own home studio, it may be necessary to use the home stereo speakers for monitors. But what happens when the engineer in the family is off somewhere with his laptop? The Satellite can be used as a preamp for a living room or bedroom stereo system. No laptop required! Simply connect the signal sources (i.e., the outputs from an MP3 player or the stereo audio output from your television tuner) to the Satellite inputs, and connect the Control Room outputs to a pair of powered speakers (or to the inputs of an amplifier with speakers connected). Push in the Control Room Source button (Inputs) and the selected inputs are routed to the Control Room outputs. Use the Control Room knob to adjust the volume. Onyx Satellite As Stereo Preamp 16 ONYX Satellite Onyx Satellite Features Pod Front Panel The Onyx Satellite is uniquely designed to be set up in your studio with all the inputs and outputs connected, and allows you to remove the pod from the base station for portable use in the field. The pod provides two Neutrik combination Mic/Line inputs with independent Gain controls, a global 48V phantom power switch, stereo line-level control room outputs, two stereo headphone jacks with independent level controls (one shared with the control room outputs), and a FireWire connector. Each input channel also has an instrument switch that converts the 1/4" line input into a high-impedance instrument input so you can connect electric instruments directly to the Onyx Satellite without a direct box. If you've followed the "Set the Levels" procedure on page 11, the ­20 and ­10 LEDs should light frequently, and the OL (Overload) LED should not light at all. If the OL LED is blinking frequently, the signal is probably distorted from overdriving the input. Either turn down the GAIN control or turn down the signal at its source. Owner's Manual . Instrument Switch Channels 1 and 2 have a button for switching the 1/4" line input to an instrument input. When the button is out, the 1/4" input accepts normal line-level signals from low-impedance sources. When the button is pushed in, the 1/4" input accepts high-impedance signals from instruments with electric pickups, which you would normally run through a DI box. Plugging a guitar straight into a typical line input can result in the loss of high frequencies, causing an unnatural and dull sound. Normally, you must use a direct box between a guitar and a mixer's or preamplifier's input, which serves to convert the impedance of the guitar from high to low. The Instrument inputs on channels 1 and 2 make the need for a direct box unnecessary. HOWEVER: The Instrument inputs are unbalanced, so if you are running a long cord between the instrument and the Onyx Satellite (say over 20 feet), it is best to use a direct box with a balanced output to avoid picking up noise over the length of the cord. 1. Channel GAIN The GAIN controls adjust the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs on channels 1-2. This allows the signal from the outside world to be adjusted to optimal internal operating levels. If a mic-level signal is plugged into the XLR combo jack, there is 0 dB of gain (unity gain) with the knob turned all the way down, ramping up to 60 dB of gain fully up. When using the balanced line input of the combo jack (1/4" TRS connector), there is 20 dB of attenuation all the way down, and 40 dB of gain fully up, with a "U" (unity gain) mark at about 10:00. 4. POWER Indicator When power is applied to the pod, either through the FireWire connection or with the AC adapter, the POWER LED lights to let you know the unit is operational. . Signal Level Indicators These LEDs indicate the channel's signal level after the GAIN control and just after the analog-to-digital converter. 30 20 U 40 OL -10 -20 30 20 U 40 CTRL RM/ PHONES 1 POWER PHONES 2 1 -20dB U GAIN +40dB 60 -40 -20dB U GAIN +40dB 60 48V O O 2 MAX O O MAX Owner's Manual 17 ONYX Satellite 5. FireWire Indicator This LED illuminates when a valid FireWire connection is made between the Onyx Satellite and a computer. 8. PHONES Level This knob adjusts the signal level at the PHONES 2 jack [9] on the front panel. It ranges from off () to maximum gain (MAX). Having independent level control for each headphone output means that in an overdub situation, for example, the musician and the engineer can each adjust their own headphone volume to taste. 6. 48V Phantom Power Switch and Indicator Most professional condenser microphones require phantom power, which is a low-current DC voltage delivered to the microphone on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR microphone connector. Push in the 48V button if your microphone requires phantom power. An LED lights next to the button to indicate that phantom power is active. This is a global phantom power switch and applies 48V to the XLR input connectors on channels 1 and 2. Dynamic microphones, like Shure's SM57 and SM58, do not require phantom power. However, phantom power will not harm most dynamic microphones should you accidentally plug one in while the phantom power is turned on. Be careful with older ribbon microphones. Check the manual for your microphone to find out for sure whether or not phantom power can damage it. 9. PHONES 1 and Outputs This is where you plug in your stereo headphones. These are 1/4" TRS stereo jacks. The same signal appears at both PHONE jacks, but each has its own individual level control [7/8]. The same signal is also routed to the CONTROL ROOM outputs [11], which share the level control with the PHONES 1 output. WARNING: The headphone amps are designed to drive any standard headphones to a very loud level. We're not kidding! They can cause permanent hearing damage. Even intermediate levels may be painfully loud with some headphones. BE CAREFUL! Always start with the PHONES level turned all the way down before connecting headphones to the PHONES jack. Keep it down until you've put on the headphones. Then turn it up slowly. Why? Always remember: "Engineers who fry their ears, find themselves with short careers." 7. CTRL RM/PHONES 1 Level Use this knob to adjust the signal level at the CTRL RM Out [11] jacks on the rear panel of the pod. It also adjusts the signal at the PHONES 1 [9] jack on the front, since they share the same signal. It ranges from off () to maximum gain (MAX). 30 20 U 40 OL -10 -20 30 20 U 40 CTRL RM/ PHONES 1 POWER PHONES 2 1 -20dB U GAIN +40dB 60 -40 -20dB U GAIN +40dB 60 48V O O 2 MAX O O MAX 18 ONYX Satellite Pod Rear Panel 10. MIC/Line Inputs These are Neutrik combo connectors, which accept balanced microphone inputs from an XLR connector, or balanced line-level or instrument inputs from a 1/4" TRS connector. The microphone preamps feature our new Onyx design, with higher fidelity and headroom rivaling any standalone mic preamp on the market today. The XLR inputs are wired as follows: Pin 1 = Shield or ground Pin 2 = Positive (+ or hot) Pin 3 = Negative (­ or cold) The 1/4" inputs are wired as follows and will accept both balanced and unbalanced inputs: Sleeve = Shield or ground Tip = Positive (+ or hot) Ring = Negative (­ or cold) The FireWire interface provides two inputs to your DAW software application (inputs 1-2). The FireWire interface on the pod also provides a return for two channels from the DAW, which can be routed back to the control room/phones outputs to monitor the computer audio through your control room speakers or headphones. Note: When the pod is docked to the base station, up to six channels can be returned from the DAW for monitoring purposes. The FireWire interface works with both PC and Mac. If your laptop or desktop computer does not have a FireWire connection, you can purchase a PCI or PCMCIA FireWire card and install it in your computer easily and inexpensively. Owner's Manual 14. POWER Connector Normally, the Onyx Satellite can be powered from the FireWire connector (which provides 12V DC for powering devices). However, if you are using a 4-pin FireWire connector instead of a 6-pin connector (the 4-pin connector doesn't provide power), or if you have two or more devices daisy-chained on a single connector, you need to use the AC adapter that came with your Onyx Satellite. Connect the AC adapter to the Onyx Satellite first, then plug the adapter into a suitable and properly rated AC outlet. 11. CR OUT These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a balanced or unbalanced line-level signal that can be used to provide a monitor mix to a pair of powered studio monitors, or an additional headphone mix to a headphone amplifier. The signal at the CR OUTs is the same signal that appears at the PHONES 1 and 2 Out [9]. 1. TO DOCK Connector This multipin connector mates with the base station docking connector and allows the pod and the base station to share their circuits. 15. Kensington Security Slot To help prevent theft, this security slot is designed to fit the popular Kensington security locks. A variety of models are available from their website at www.kensington.com. 1. FIREWIRE FireWire (a.k.a. IEEE 1394) is a high-speed serial I/O interface for connecting digital devices, with more than 30 times the bandwidth of USB 1.1. CTRL RM L ON YX MIC PRE 2 ON YX MIC PRE 1 POWER FW T59052 DATE CODE R TO DOCK (BAL/UNBAL) Owner's Manual 19 ONYX Satellite Base Station Front Panel When the pod is connected to the base station, some additional features become available above and beyond those that are present when using the pod by itself. · · · · · More inputs are available to select for each channel (Mic, Instrument, Line 1, and Line 2) An insert jack (send/return) is available for each channel An additional stereo control room output is available (A and B) Four more line-level outputs are available (for a total of six, including the control room outputs) A separate control room level control can operate on just the A/B outputs, or on all six outputs as a master level control The control room source can be switched between the Core Audio/ASIO streams 1 and 2 from the DAW software application, and the inputs from the Onyx Satellite A built-in Talkback Mic is available for routing to the phones and to the DAW application Note: The base station does not function when the pod is removed. The pod is the "brains" and the base station simply provides more connections and controls than the pod does by itself. 16. MIC Input Select Switch Press this button to select the XLR Mic input as the input source for the channel.