Chapter 1: Introduction - Gibson Firebird X User Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction
The G-Node USB 2.0 high-performance audio interface is a product of Echo Digital Audio,
which introduced its first computer audio interface 30 years ago. The company now makes
a line of pro audio interfaces for Mac and Windows computers. If you want to expand the
total amount of inputs and outputs, G-Node can run concurrently with other Echo Digital
Audio interfaces.
If You Own the Dark Fire or Firebird X Guitar
If You Own the Dark Fire or Firebird X Guitar
Firebird X is a totally new design, so G-Node is not compatible with previous Gibson high-
tech guitars. Please continue to use the Robot Interface Pack (RIP) interface provided with
those guitars.
G-Node Overview
G-Node Overview
G-Node can send the main Firebird X output and each individual string into a computer for
recording or live use. Setting up G-Node involves three main steps, done in this order:
✗ Installing FBX Editor software on your computer. On Windows, this includes drivers
—small programs that let G-Node communicate with the computer. Mac OS X already
includes suitable drivers. For both computers, a Control Panel program—very much
like a hardware digital mixer—lets you adjust the G-Node's levels and routing within
the computer.
✗ Hooking Up G-Node. G-Node transfers audio to the computer via an industry-
standard USB 2.0 high-speed cable (included with Firebird X; please use only cables
designated for USB 2.0 high-speed use). This physically connects G-Node's USB 2.0
port to a USB 2.0 port on your computer. Most computers include a USB 2.0 port, but
you can add USB 2.0 ports to desktop and laptop computers via accessory cards. G-
Node draws its power from the USB 2.0 bus and requires no AC adapter, but can also
be battery-powered for live use if no computer is available. Batteries also offer
"cleaner" power that may result in less noise with high-gain amp setups.
✗ Customizing G-Node for your particular computer or application. This involves
making adjustments to the Control Panel, and/or assigning G-Node's inputs and
outputs within a host program like Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition.
Although G-Node is designed and optimized for music programs, it can also provide
traditional "sound card" capabilities for Windows and Mac computers (see Appendix D).
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