User manual M-AUDIO MOBILEPRE (2ND GEN)

[. . . ] Furthermore, its lightweight compact design allows you to take MobilePre anywhere. It will explain how to get the best performance out of your MobilePre audio interface. MobilePre Features · 2 inputs, 2 outputs · 24-bit, 48 kHz operation · 2 front panel "Combo" input connectors (Mic or Instrument) · 48V Phantom power for condenser microphones · 2 "Front/Back" input selector switches · Direct Monitor button · 2 front panel Signal/Clip indicators · 1/4-inch stereo headphone output with dedicated volume control · 2 back panel 1/4-inch TRS line-level inputs · 2 back panel 1/4-inch TRS Balanced line outputs with dedicated output volume control · USB bus powered operation · Class compliant operation · Pro Tools® M-PoweredTM compatible Chapter 1: Introduction to MobilePre 1 System Requirements Minimum system requirements and product specifications can be found on the M-Audio website at www. avid. com. Conventions Used in This Guide The following symbols are used to highlight important information: Registration Review the enclosed Registration Information Card and follow the instructions on it to quickly register your purchase online. By registering, you become eligible to receive the following: · Technical support information · Software update and upgrade notices · Hardware warranty information User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your system. Important Notices include information that could affect your data or the performance of your system. [. . . ] Once this happens, turn the knob counter-clockwise until the Signal/Clip Indicator no longer illuminates red. At this point, you should be ready to record with the optimum gain setting. When "double-monitoring" occurs there will be an increase in volume and an undesirable "phasing" sound. For more details about its monitoring function refer to your music software documentation. Sample Rate and Bit Depth MobilePre can operate at two sample rates (44. 1 kHz or 48 kHz) and two different bit depths (16 bit or 24 bit) to accommodate a variety of projects. You should decide on a sample rate and bit depth for your project before recording, to maximize fidelity and avoid time consuming format conversions. These settings can be changed in the MobilePre Software Control Panel, as described in Chapter 4, "MobilePre Software Control Panel. " The following guidelines should help you choose appropriate settings for your recording: Direct Monitoring When recording an audio signal into your music software, there is often a slight delay before it reaches the outputs of the software and MobilePre. This delay, called latency, is caused by the computer processing required to convert and record audio. Since this delay can be distracting, MobilePre provides a direct monitoring path from the inputs to the outputs, which is activated by pressing the Direct Monitor button. When the Direct Monitor button is pressed, the input signal is mixed with the output signal from your music software, and routed directly to the Line and Headphone Outputs. The Direct Monitor button has no effect on what is being recorded by your software. When using the Direct Monitor feature, make sure any software monitoring option for direct (or "low latency") monitoring is disabled. This prevents the software from sending the recorded signal (post-disk) to the Line and Headphone outputs, which would cause "double-monitoring. " Music Projects If the final mix will be played back on CD, or in MP3 format, a resolution of 24 bits with a sample rate of 44. 1 kHz is recommended. The final output file will have to be converted to 16-bit/44. 1 kHz for playback on CD and some audio player applications. Video Projects If the final mix is intended for DVD, film or TV, a resolution of 24 bits with a sample rate of 48 kHz is recommended. It is not possible to raise the fidelity of previously recorded audio by increasing its bit depth or sample rate. Always use the highest possible settings that are appropriate for your project. 12 MobilePre User Guide chapter 6 Troubleshooting MobilePre has been designed and tested under a wide range of systems and operating conditions to give you high performance and professionalquality audio. However, there is a large number of operating scenarios that could affect your system's performance. Although this chapter cannot cover all issues you may encounter, it does offer some suggestions for dealing with common problems. The USB bus is a dependable protocol that is ideally suited for digital audio. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that audio and multimedia streaming can place considerable demands on your processor and the USB bus. Check Your Connections If you are having trouble getting audio in or out of your MobilePre, check the following: Make sure the device is connected via USB at both ends, and that the computer's USB port is providing sufficient bus power (the blue Power LED on MobilePre should be illuminated). If you find that your recording application is not receiving a signal: · Check your connections and cables to make sure everything is plugged in correctly. · Try using a different USB cable and USB port on the host computer. · Check the Signal/Clip indicators for each channel to see if an input signal is present. · If your condenser microphone requires phantom power, make sure the Phantom Power switch is set to the "on" position, and that the front panel Phantom Power LED (48V) is illuminated. For more troubleshooting tips, visit the Knowledge Base at www. m-audio. com/faq. Chapter 6: Troubleshooting 13 Check the MobilePre Drivers Before Updating Your System Visit www. avid/support for a compatible driver before installing Microsoft or Apple operating system updates. Before new device drivers are released, they are tested for use with operating system versions that are available at that time. When updates for an operating system are released, all M-Audio device drivers have to be re-tested and possibly updated to ensure proper operation. [. . . ] If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10) Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the equipment. 11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12) For products that are not rack-mountable: Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/equipment combination to avoid injury from tip-over. [. . . ]