Metric Halo Mobile I/O User Manual
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Metric Halo Mobile I/O User Manual

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  • Page 1 Mo b i l e I / O U s e r ’ s G u i d e...
  • Page 2 Mobile I/O Users Guide Metric Halo Revision: v5.6.01 Publication date Mon Aug 26 15:05:10 EDT 2013 Copyright © 2013 Metric Halo...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction ............................ 20 I. Quick Start Guides ........................21 1. 2882 Quick Start Guide ...................... 23 Prepare the unit for use ....................23 Connect the 2882 ......................24 Take a listen ........................24 MIO Console ......................... 24 The Console window ....................
  • Page 4 Mobile I/O Users Guide Using the 2882 Hardware ....................58 2882 Front Panel ....................58 2882 Rear Panel ..................... 59 2882 Signal Flow ....................60 Making connections to the 2882 ................60 2882 Specifications ......................65 6. ULN-2 Users Guide ......................69 ULN-2 Overview ......................
  • Page 5 Mobile I/O Users Guide Front Panel DI Inputs .................... 117 Control Mode Details ....................118 Monitor ........................ 118 Preset ........................119 Input ........................119 Link ........................119 +48 ........................120 U/M — User Mode ....................120 Input Trim ......................120 Meters on the Knobs .....................
  • Page 6 Mobile I/O Users Guide Plug-ins ........................ 176 Plug-In Graphs (requires +DSP license) ..............176 Plug-in Macros (requires +DSP license) ..............177 Sends ........................177 I/O insert ......................178 Master Strip Details ....................181 Routing Summary ......................186 FireWire Returns ......................187 12.
  • Page 7 Mobile I/O Users Guide Recording ........................235 Playback ........................236 Multibox considerations ....................237 Record Panel Key Commands ..................237 Record Panel Prefs ......................237 15. DSP Implementation Guide ....................241 Plug-in Processing in the v.5 Mixer ................241 Inserts .......................... 241 Plug-in UI's ........................
  • Page 8 Mobile I/O Users Guide MIO Volume Control (LPF) ..................274 MIO M/S Processor ....................274 MIO M/S Decoder ....................275 MIO Static Matrix ....................276 MIOComp ......................277 MIOEq 6 Band ..................... 278 MIOEq 12 Band ....................279 MIOLimit ......................280 MIOStrip ......................
  • Page 9 Sample Size ......................... 330 Clock Sources ....................... 331 F. Troubleshooting Guide ...................... 332 COMPUTER DOES NOT SEE MOBILE I/O ..............332 MOBILE I/O IS NOT POWERED UP ............... 332 SOFTWARE IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY ............332 THE FIREWIRE BUS DID NOT RESET CORRECTLY ..........332 THE FIREWIRE CABLE IS NOT CONNECTED OR BAD ..........
  • Page 10 Mobile I/O Users Guide OTHER BUS POWERED DEVICES ................338 G. DB25 Pinouts ........................339 H. ULN-8/LIO-8 Jumper Settings .................... 341 Overview ........................341 D.I. Board ........................342 Line input grounding ..................... 342 Output levels ........................ 343 Power supply ....................... 343 I.
  • Page 11 List of Figures 1.1. Mobile I/O 2882 ........................23 1.2. 2882 Routing .......................... 24 1.3. Console Window ........................25 1.4. Mixer Window ........................26 1.5. Surround Mixer ........................27 1.6. Configuring the Monitor Controller .................... 28 1.7. The Configured Monitor Controller .................... 28 2.1.
  • Page 12 Mobile I/O Users Guide 6.9. ULN-2 Front Panel Snapshot Controls ..................73 6.10. ULN-2 Rear Panel ........................73 6.11. ULN-2 Signal Flow ........................ 74 6.12. ULN-2 Routing ........................75 6.13. Telescoping Shield Cable for Instruments ................. 76 6.14. XLR to Balanced TRS Cable ....................76 6.15.
  • Page 13 Mobile I/O Users Guide 10.1. Registration Message ......................134 10.2. Registration Window ......................134 10.3. Registration Selection ......................135 10.4. Registration Error ........................135 10.5. Registration Successful ......................135 10.6. Unit Selection Menu ......................135 10.7. License Management Window ....................136 10.8.
  • Page 14 Mobile I/O Users Guide 11.42. I/O insert ........................... 178 11.43. A post-MIOStrip, Pre-HaloVerb insert ................... 179 11.44. Post-limiter sends on a Analog 1 and Digital 1 ..............180 11.45. I/O insert routing to and from MainStage ................180 11.46. MainStage set to send and return on channels 3/4 ..............180 11.47.
  • Page 15 Mobile I/O Users Guide 13.31. +DSP Graph Inserted into Cubase ..................219 13.32. Setting the VST Outputs ...................... 220 13.33. Setting the VST Inputs ......................220 13.34. Setting the VST Outputs in the Mixer ................... 221 13.35. Routing to Firewire ......................222 13.36.
  • Page 16 Mobile I/O Users Guide 18.2. MIO Console Status Menu ....................259 18.3. ConsoleConnect Presets ......................260 18.4. When Things Go Wrong: Partially Instantiated AU ..............261 18.5. MIOConsoleConnect Inserted in a V-Rack ................261 18.6. Add an Instrument Track ...................... 262 18.7.
  • Page 17 Mobile I/O Users Guide 321. Phase Cancellation ....................... 362...
  • Page 18 List of Tables 5.1. Mic/Line Inputs ........................65 5.2. 2882 Maximums ........................65 5.3. 2882 Converter Latency ......................65 5.4. 2882 Input Processing ......................66 5.5. 2882 Output Processing ......................66 5.6. 2882 Front Panel ........................66 5.7. 2882 Back Panel ........................67 5.8.
  • Page 19 Mobile I/O Users Guide 9.1. Mic/Line Indicator Modes ....................... 114 12.1. Default Monitor Control Key Commands ................195 14.1. Record Panel Key Commands ....................237 18.1. Monitor Controller Key Commands ..................259 19.1. Mackie Control Default Key Commands ................. 269 20.1.

  • Page 20: Introduction

    Introduction This documentation covers: • MIO Console • 2882 • ULN-2 • LIO-8 • ULN-8 • +DSP This is an evolving document; this means that as features are changed or added, this manual will be updated (without an addendum or supplement). Changes will be noted in the Changelog appendix.

  • Page 21: Quick Start Guides

    Part I. Quick Start Guides...
  • Page 22 Table of Contents 1. 2882 Quick Start Guide ......................23 Prepare the unit for use ......................23 Connect the 2882 ........................24 Take a listen .......................... 24 MIO Console ......................... 24 The Console window ...................... 25 The Mixer window ......................26 The 2882 and surround ....................

  • Page 23: 1. 2882 Quick Start Guide

    Figure 1.1: Mobile I/O 2882 Prepare the unit for use Unpack the 2882 and make sure all the parts are there: • One Mobile I/O 2882 unit • One IEC Power Cord appropriate for your area • One 24-volt 48-watt world-ready external power supply •...

  • Page 24: Connect The 2882

    If you are also using an older Legacy interface without a 2d card, open the application’s preferences and turn on “Legacy Support”. You will need to quit and relaunch MIO Console. All Metric Halo interfaces manufactured since 2007 contain a 2d card.

  • Page 25: The Console Window

    2882 Quick Start Guide The Console window Figure 1.3: Console Window There are a few important things to look at here. To the right, the “System” column lets you set the clock source, sample rate and whether the wordclock output is 1x or 256x rate. In the “Lock” column you can see if the 2882 is receiving a valid clock on the selected source.

  • Page 26: The Mixer Window

    2882 Quick Start Guide The Mixer window Figure 1.4: Mixer Window Mixer window presents you with a familiar interface to the 2882. At the top of every channelstrip is a pulldown list of available sources. For analog inputs you can select the input type, enable phantom power and set gain.

  • Page 27: The 2882 And Surround

    2882 Quick Start Guide You should now be in a good position to fire up a native DAW and put the 2882 through its paces. Select the 2882 as your audio interface in your DAW's hardware configuration; the analog inputs will be available on inputs 1-8, ADAT will be available on 9-16 and AES/Spdif digital inputs will be available on 17-18 (as determined by the FW channel assignments).

  • Page 28: Configuring The Monitor Controller

    2882 Quick Start Guide key when selecting the first channel. For example, hold down Option and click the assignment for the Left channel and select Analog 1. The rest of the channels will fill in automatically. Figure 1.6: Configuring the Monitor Controller Choose "OK"...

  • Page 29: Unleash The Dsp

    2882 Quick Start Guide Unleash the DSP Every 2882 is based on the 2d processing card and may be purchased with an optional +DSP license. The +DSP can be added by the user at any time (except on Legacy interfaces); if you purchased a unit with the +DSP license, it is preinstalled in the hardware and ready to go.

  • Page 30: 2. Uln-2 Quick Start Guide

    Figure 2.1: Mobile I/O ULN-2 Prepare the unit for use Unpack the ULN-2 and make sure all the parts are there: • One Mobile I/O 2882 unit • One IEC Power Cord appropriate for your area • One 24-volt 48-watt world-ready external power supply •...

  • Page 31: Connect The Uln-2

    If you are also using an older Legacy interface without a 2d card, open the application’s preferences and turn on “Legacy Support”. You will need to quit and relaunch MIO Console. All Metric Halo interfaces manufactured since 2007 contain a 2d card.

  • Page 32: The Mixer Window

    ULN-2 Quick Start Guide I/O Control tab has metering for the analog and digital I/O. If you click on the +DSP tab, you have access to a “Virtual” DSP area. Next is the “Recording” tab. Any channel that is assigned to a “FW” channel via a direct out or bus output is available for recording via MIO Console’s Record Panel.

  • Page 33: The Uln-2 And Surround

    ULN-2 Quick Start Guide • Mono input channels assigned to LCRS through 7.1 busses will have joysticks. Right clicking on the joystick will allow you to hard assign the input channel to a specific output channel, i.e. Center. • Multichannel inputs (stereo and above) have no pan control. Keep in mind that the while ULN-2 is primarily a stereo device in the analog domain, it is possible to work in multichannel by using the optical I/O.

  • Page 34: Surround Mixer

    ULN-2 Quick Start Guide Figure 2.5: Surround Mixer To make it easier to monitor in surround, let’s use the Monitor Controller. Click on the assignment pulldown at the bottom of the Main bus and select “N/C” to remove the assignment to the analog outs. Now hold down the shift key and click the pulldown again;...

  • Page 35: Configuring The Monitor Controller

    ULN-2 Quick Start Guide Figure 2.6: Configuring the Monitor Controller Choose "OK" and you now have a surround monitor controller! Figure 2.7: The Configured Monitor Controller...

  • Page 36: Unleash The Dsp

    ULN-2 Quick Start Guide Unleash the DSP Every ULN-2 is based on the 2d processing card and may be purchased with an optional +DSP license. The +DSP can be added by the user at any time (except on Legacy interfaces); if you purchased a unit with the +DSP license, it is preinstalled in the hardware and ready to go.

  • Page 37: 3. Lio-8 Quick Start Guide

    3. LIO-8 Quick Start Guide Figure 3.1: LIO-8 Prepare the unit for use Unpack the LIO-8 and make sure all the parts are there: • One LIO-8 unit • One IEC Power Cord appropriate for your area • One 24-volt 48-watt world-ready external power supply •...

  • Page 38: Connect The Lio-8

    LIO-8 Quick Start Guide Line Cans Line Green: Routable Inputs Red: Routable Outputs Black: Non-routable connections Analog Digital 1-8 Analog Send 1-8 Analog Analog (Line) (Mult of Line 1-8) Figure 3.2: LIO-8 Routing Connect the LIO-8 Go to your computer and install the driver and MIO Console application driver from the included disc (this will require a restart).

  • Page 39: The Console Window

    If you are also using an older Legacy interface without a 2d card, open the application’s preferences and turn on “Legacy Support”. You will need to quit and relaunch MIO Console. All Metric Halo interfaces manufactured since 2007 contain a 2d card.

  • Page 40: The Mixer Window

    LIO-8 Quick Start Guide The Mixer window Figure 3.4: Mixer Window Mixer window presents you with a familiar interface to the LIO-8. At the top of every channelstrip is a pulldown list of available sources. For analog inputs you can select the input type, enable phantom power and set gain.

  • Page 41: The Lio-8 And Surround

    LIO-8 Quick Start Guide You should now be in a good position to fire up a native DAW and put the LIO-8 through its paces. Select the LIO-8 as your audio interface; the analog inputs will be inputs 1-8, digital inputs will be 9-16 (as determined by the FW channel assignments).

  • Page 42: Configuring The Monitor Controller

    LIO-8 Quick Start Guide your output channels. If you want to select your outputs sequentially, a shortcut is to hold down the Option key when selecting the first channel. For example, hold down Option and click the assignment for the Left channel and select Analog 1.

  • Page 43: Unleash The Dsp

    LIO-8 Quick Start Guide Figure 3.7: The Configured Monitor Controller Unleash the DSP Every LIO-8 is based on the 2d processing card and may be purchased with an optional +DSP license. The +DSP can be added by the user at any time (except on Legacy interfaces); if you purchased a unit with the +DSP license, it is preinstalled in the hardware and ready to go.
  • Page 44 LIO-8 Quick Start Guide I/O platform. Please take a look at them to learn more about the LIO-8: http://mhsecure.com/metric_halo/ support/tutorials.html...

  • Page 45: 4. Uln-8 Quick Start Guide

    4. ULN-8 Quick Start Guide Figure 4.1: ULN-8 Prepare the unit for use Unpack the ULN-8 and make sure all the parts are there: • One ULN-8 unit • One IEC Power Cord appropriate for your area • One 24-volt 48-watt world-ready external power supply •...

  • Page 46: Connect The Uln-8

    ULN-8 Quick Start Guide Line Green: Routable Inputs Red: Routable Outputs Cans Line Black: Non-routable connections Analog (Mic) Analog Digital 1-8 Analog Send 1-8 Analog Analog (Line) (Mirrors selected Mic/Line input) Figure 4.2: ULN-8 Routing Connect the ULN-8 Go to your computer and install the driver and MIO Console application driver from the included disc (this will require a restart).

  • Page 47: The Console Window

    If you are also using an older Legacy interface without a 2d card, open the application’s preferences and turn on “Legacy Support”. You will need to quit and relaunch MIO Console. All Metric Halo interfaces manufactured since 2007 contain a 2d card.

  • Page 48: The Mixer Window

    ULN-8 Quick Start Guide The Mixer window Figure 4.4: Mixer Window Mixer window presents you with a familiar interface to the ULN-8. At the top of every channelstrip is a pulldown list of available sources. For analog inputs you can select the input type, enable phantom power and set gain.

  • Page 49: The Uln-8 And Surround

    ULN-8 Quick Start Guide You should now be in a good position to fire up a native DAW and put the ULN-8 through its paces. Select the ULN-8 as your audio interface; the analog inputs will be inputs 1-8, digital inputs will be 9-16 (as determined by the FW channel assignments).

  • Page 50: Configuring The Monitor Controller

    ULN-8 Quick Start Guide your output channels. If you want to select your outputs sequentially, a shortcut is to hold down the Option key when selecting the first channel. For example, hold down Option and click the assignment for the Left channel and select Analog 1.

  • Page 51: Unleash The Dsp

    ULN-8 Quick Start Guide Figure 4.7: The Configured Monitor Controller Unleash the DSP Every ULN-8 is based on the 2d processing card and includes a +DSP license. This gives you powerful pro- cessing in the box, and the ability to work with processing and monitoring whose latency is equivalent to the converter overhead.
  • Page 52 ULN-8 Quick Start Guide I/O platform. Please take a look at them to learn more about the ULN-8: http://mhsecure.com/metric_halo/ support/tutorials.html...

  • Page 53: Interfaces

    Part II. Interfaces...
  • Page 54 Table of Contents 5. 2882 Users Guide ........................56 2882 Overview ........................56 What it is ........................56 What it has ........................56 What you need to use it ....................57 What comes with it ......................57 Using the 2882 Hardware ....................... 58 2882 Front Panel ......................
  • Page 55 Interfaces Clock Source Indicators and Control ................112 Control Mode Indicators and Selector ................112 I/O Trim Mode Indicators and Selector ................113 Channel Mode Indicators ....................113 Per Channel Control Knobs ................... 114 High Resolution Meters ....................114 System Status Indicators ....................116 AES Status Indicators .....................

  • Page 56: 5. 2882 Users Guide

    Figure 5.1: Mobile I/O 2882 What it is Mobile I/O is a portable, high–quality, modular FireWire–based multi-format audio converter, interface, and processor for professional audio applications. The 2882 model line is equipped with eight balanced analog inputs (4 on XLR and 4 on 1/4" TRS), two channels of Digital I/O (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), eight channels of ADAT®...

  • Page 57: What You Need To Use It

    • Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer recommended • Peripheral FireWire Adaptors supported: • OHCI compliant PCCard, PCI card, ExpressCard or PCIe card • Software: All CoreAudio compliant software is compatible with Mobile I/O, including: • Cubase • Digital Performer •...

  • Page 58: Using The 2882 Hardware

    • MIO Software CD-ROM • Warranty/Registration Card If any of these items are missing from your package when you open it, please contact Metric Halo or your dealer immediately for assistance. 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 cables are available from Direct.

  • Page 59: 2882 Rear Panel

    The Mobile I/O front panel also provides access to the Headphone output and some associated controls. The headphone output jack is a TRS 1/4” jack that provides the Left Channel on the tip, the Right Channel on the ring and the ground return for the two channels on the sleeve.

  • Page 60: 2882 Signal Flow

    2882 Users Guide • 8 channels of ADAT® lightpipe output (switchable to Optical SPDIF) • Wordclock input/output on BNC connectors • 256x Wordclock input/output on BNC connectors • Stereo S/PDIF input/output on RCA connectors • Stereo AES/EBU input/output on XLR connectors •...

  • Page 61: Telescoping Shield Cable For Instruments

    On input, at line level, it is sufficient to simply use standard unbalanced (TS) connections. If you are interfacing with the Mobile I/O XLR inputs, you will need to ensure that pin 3 is grounded in the unbalanced adapter cable. More information about adjusting the input level can be found in the MIO Console software chapter.

  • Page 62: Xlr To Balanced Trs Cable

    2882 Users Guide XLR CONNECTOR MALE OR FEMALE Sleeve Ring Tip Ring Sleeve BALANCED TRS 1/4" CONNECTOR Figure 5.13: XLR to Balanced TRS Cable On output, the situation is a bit more complex. If you are driving an unbalanced load, you will get the best performance by not connecting the ring of the TRS jack to ground.
  • Page 63 Optical-Based Digital Audio Mobile I/O provides two TOSLINK™ connectors on the back panel. One is a transmit connector and the other is a receive connector. These connectors are used with Plastic Optical Fiber (TOSLINK) cables to communi- cate with other devices.
  • Page 64 Since Mobile I/O provides direct routing within the box, you can easily configure the unit to work as an ADAT based 8 channel A/D/A. Refer to the chapter on MIO Console for information about configuring the routing.

  • Page 65: 2882 Specifications

    If you find that the computer is not capable of powering 2882 or does not provide enough run time, you may want to explore using an external power source with the 2882. Check with Metric Halo for details on different battery power solutions for 2882.

  • Page 66: Front Panel

    2882 Users Guide Table 5.4. 2882 Input Processing Input Processing M/S Decode Instantiable Parameteric EQ Instantiable Dynamics Instantiable Character Instantiable Reverb Instantiable Delay Instantiable Nearly Infinite Combinations via +DSP Optional Table 5.5. 2882 Output Processing Output Processing M/S Encode Instantiable Parameteric EQ Instantiable Dynamics Instantiable Character Instantiable...
  • Page 67 2882 Users Guide Table 5.7. 2882 Back Panel Back Panel Word Clock Connectors (In and Out) 75 Ω BNC AES Connectors (2 Channels In and Out) SPDIF Connectors (2 Channels In and Out) Optical Connectors (8 or 2 Channels In and Out) TOSLINK Mic/Line/Inst Input Connectors (8 Channels) Ch.
  • Page 68 2882 Users Guide Case Weight 2 kg Dimensions 13.5" x 11" x 1.73" Dimensions 34.3 cm x 27.9 cm x 4.4 cm Rack Ears (included) Powder Coated Steel...

  • Page 69: 6. Uln-2 Users Guide

    The successful integration of world-class analog stages, excellent A/D/A conversion, and the amazing digital mixing, routing and FireWire connectivity that has already made the Mobile I/O line famous, places the ULN-2 in a unique position among computer audio interfaces.

  • Page 70: What You Need To Use It

    • Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer recommended • Peripheral FireWire Adaptors supported: • OHCI compliant PCCard, PCI card, ExpressCard or PCIe card • Software: All CoreAudio compliant software is compatible with Mobile I/O, including: • Cubase • Digital Performer •...

  • Page 71: Using The Uln-2 Hardware

    • MIO Software CD-ROM • Warranty/Registration Card If any of these items are missing from your package when you open it, please contact Metric Halo or your dealer immediately for assistance. 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 cables are available from Direct.
  • Page 72 ULN-2 Users Guide • Trim Enable switch — This is a push-button switch which allows you to control whether the attenuator trim pot is in the signal path or not. Push the switch IN to enable the trim pot. The attenuation range of the trim pot is 0dB to -20dB.

  • Page 73: Uln-2 Rear Panel

    ULN-2 Users Guide These buttons are labeled with up and down arrows. The currently selected snapshot is indicated by the column of LED’s labeled C, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. When the ULN-2 turns on, the “C” indicator will be illuminated, indicating that the unit has booted up with the state that was stored in the “Boot Snapshot”.

  • Page 74: Signal Flow

    ULN-2 Users Guide • switchable +4/-10 level • 2 channels balanced Monitor output with front panel level control • Connect these outputs directly to power amps or self powered monitors • 4-pin XLR power port for use with broadcast batteries •...

  • Page 75: Uln-2 Routing

    ULN-2 Users Guide Figure 6.12: ULN-2 Routing Click here for a larger version What's the difference between the Analog outs and Monitor outs, and how do I send to the headphones? • The Analog outputs get their signal from “Analog 1/2” in MIO Console, and their level is controlled via software •...

  • Page 76: Telescoping Shield Cable For Instruments

    Tip (Hot) Sleeve (Shield) Ring (Cold) Mobile I/O Figure 6.13: Telescoping Shield Cable for Instruments If you want to use the TRS inputs with balanced microphones, you will need an XLR female to 1/4” TRS bal- anced plug adapter cable. These are available commercially, or you can construct one easily. The connections...

  • Page 77: Trs To Ts Unbalanced Cable

    ULN-2 Users Guide On output, the situation is a bit more complex. If you are driving an unbalanced load, you will get the best performance by not connecting the ring of the TRS jack to ground. In order to do this, you can simply use a balanced TRS/TRS connector with the unbalanced gear.
  • Page 78 Since Mobile I/O provides direct routing within the box, you can easily configure the unit to work as an ADAT based 8 channel A/D/A. Refer to the chapter on MIO Console for information about configuring the routing.

  • Page 79: Uln-2 Specifications

    If you find that the computer is not capable of powering ULN-2 or does not provide enough run time, you may want to explore using an external power source with the ULN-2. Check with Metric Halo for details on different battery power solutions for ULN-2.

  • Page 80: Frequency Response

    ULN-2 Users Guide Mic Inputs • Harmonic Distortion @1kHz 0.0005% • (+9dBu in @ 6 dB Gain) • Intermodulation Distortion 1k component -96 dBu • (19 kHz/20kHz @ +8dBu) Table 6.2. ULN-2 Equivalent Input Noise (E.I.N.) 20 Hz – 20 kHz Flat @ 72 dB Gain Equivalent Input Noise (E.I.N.) 150 Ω...

  • Page 81: Front Panel

    ULN-2 Users Guide Input Processing Nearly Infinite Combinations via +DSP Optional Table 6.8. ULN-2 Output Processing Output Processing M/S Encode Instantiable Parameteric EQ Instantiable Dynamics Instantiable Character Instantiable Reverb Instantiable Dither Instantiable Mix Foldown Instantiable Nearly Infinite Combinations via +DSP Optional Table 6.9. ULN-2 Front Panel Front Panel Indicator LEDs Meters...
  • Page 82 ULN-2 Users Guide Back Panel Insert Send Connectors (2 Channels) Insert Return Connectors (2 Channels) Analog Output Connectors (2 Channels, switchable +4/-10) Monitor Output Connectors (2 Channels) FireWire Connectors (2) 1394a 6-Pin Power (Unswitched) 2.1mm Coaxial Power (Unswitched) 4-Pin XLR Security Slot Kensington Table 6.11. ULN-2 Software...
  • Page 83 ULN-2 Users Guide Case Dimensions 13.5" x 8.25" x 1.73" Dimensions 34.3 cm x 21 cm x 4.4 cm Rack Ears (included) Powder Coated Steel...

  • Page 84: 7. Lio-8 Users Guide

    7. LIO-8 Users Guide LIO-8 Overview Figure 7.1: LIO-8 What it is The LIO-8 is a portable, archival–quality, modular FireWire–based multi-format audio converter, interface, and processor for professional audio applications. The LIO-8 is equipped with eight balanced line inputs, eight channels of AES digital I/O, eight balanced sends and eight balanced analog outputs, as well as wordclock in/out, MIDI in/out, SMPTE in/out and 2 IEEE 1394 FireWire connectors that support 400 Mbs operation.

  • Page 85: What You Need To Use It

    • Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer recommended • Peripheral FireWire Adaptors supported: • OHCI compliant PCCard, PCI card, ExpressCard or PCIe card • Software: All CoreAudio compliant software is compatible with Mobile I/O, including: • Cubase • Digital Performer •...

  • Page 86: External Power Supply

    LIO-8 Users Guide Figure 7.4: External Power Supply • One 30” IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire Cable Figure 7.5: 30” IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin 1394 Cable • One 4.5 meter IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire Cable Figure 7.6: 4.5 meter IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin 1394 Cable •...

  • Page 87: Using The Lio-8 Hardware

    LIO-8 Users Guide If any of these items are missing from your package when you open it, please contact Metric Halo or your dealer immediately for assistance. 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 cables are available from Direct. Using the LIO-8 Hardware LIO-8 Front Panel Figure 7.9: LIO-8 Front Panel...

  • Page 88: Lio-8 Rear Panel

    LIO-8 Users Guide • Monitor Control Section: • The Mute and Dim buttons provide instant access to simple level control for the selected Monitor path or headphone output. The Mute button provides a quick, tactile “panic switch” which mutes the monitors or front panel headphone output in case of accidental feedback loops and other audio unpleasantries.

  • Page 89: Signal Flow

    LIO-8 Users Guide • 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports (400 Mbs) • 1 2.1mm DC power jack (14v - 28v, center positive, 32 Watts), unswitched Signal Flow Figure 7.11: LIO-8 Signal Flow Making connections to the LIO-8 Figure 7.12: LIO-8 Routing Click here for a larger version There are seven classes of connections you can make to the LIO-8 hardware: 1.
  • Page 90 LIO-8 Users Guide 4. FireWire 5. Power 6. MIDI 7. SMPTE Analog Audio Connections The analog I/O connections on the LIO-8 have been engineered for maximum flexibility in that they support both balanced and unbalanced connections with a wide range of input and output levels and a wide range of matching impedances.
  • Page 91 LIO-8 Users Guide Balanced Sends The LIO-8 has eight balanced sends; these mirror the analog signal present at the Line input. This allows you to use the sends as a splitter to feed a mixing console, recorder or other equipment. You cannot route signal from a DAW channel to the balanced sends;...

  • Page 92: Lio-8 Specifications

    LIO-8 Users Guide The LIO-8 ships with a world-ready 24 volt, 2 amp power supply. You can plug this supply into any AC power source from 90V to 240V, 50Hz - 60Hz, using an appropriate IEC power cord, and it will supply the proper power to the LIO-8 on the 4 pin XLR power connector.

  • Page 93: Line Input + Adc

    LIO-8 Users Guide Monitor Controller Nominal FS output (Balanced) Output Jumper On -12.0 dBu Maximum Output Same as Line Gain Range -96 dB to +30 dB Gain Precision ±0.05 dB Gain Step 0.5 dB Table 7.4. LIO-8 Line Input + ADC Line Input + ADC Input Impedance 10k Ω...

  • Page 94: Front Panel

    LIO-8 Users Guide Input Processing Parameteric EQ Instantiable Dynamics Instantiable Character Instantiable Reverb Instantiable Delay Instantiable Nearly Infinite Combinations via +DSP Optional Table 7.8. LIO-8 Output Processing Output Processing M/S Encode Instantiable Parameteric EQ Instantiable Dynamics Instantiable Character Instantiable Reverb Instantiable Dither Instantiable Mix Foldown Instantiable...

  • Page 95: Software

    LIO-8 Users Guide Front Panel DI Input Impedance 10M Ω DI Input Fixed Gain (Jumper Selectable) 0/10/20 dB DI Input Variable Gain -12 dB to 31.5 dB Power Switch (Jumper Defeatable) Toggle Table 7.10. LIO-8 Back Panel Back Panel MIDI Connectors (In and Out) 5-Pin DIN SMPTE Connectors (In and Out) Balanced TRS...
  • Page 96 LIO-8 Users Guide Power Passes FireWire Bus Power Supplies FireWire Bus Power External Supply (Input) I00-240VAC External Supply (Max Input Current) 1.2 A External Supply (Output) 24 VDC External Supply (Max Output Current) 2.0 A External Supply Connector 4-Pin XLR Table 7.13. LIO-8 Case Case Material...

  • Page 97: 8. Uln-8 Users Guide

    8. ULN-8 Users Guide ULN-8 Overview Figure 8.1: ULN-8 What it is The ULN-8 is a portable, archival–quality, modular FireWire–based multi-format audio converter, interface, and processor for professional audio applications. The ULN-8 is equipped with eight balanced mic inputs, eight balanced line inputs, eight channels of AES digital I/O, eight balanced sends and eight balanced analog outputs, as well as wordclock in/out, MIDI in/out, SMPTE in/out and 2 IEEE 1394 FireWire connectors that support 400 Mbs operation.

  • Page 98: What You Need To Use It

    • Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer recommended • Peripheral FireWire Adaptors supported: • OHCI compliant PCCard, PCI card, ExpressCard or PCIe card • Software: All CoreAudio compliant software is compatible with Mobile I/O, including: • Cubase • Digital Performer •...

  • Page 99: External Power Supply

    ULN-8 Users Guide Figure 8.4: External Power Supply • One 30” IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire Cable Figure 8.5: 30” IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin 1394 Cable • One 4.5 meter IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire Cable Figure 8.6: 4.5 meter IEEE 1394 9-pin to 6-pin 1394 cable •...

  • Page 100: Using The Uln-8 Hardware

    ULN-8 Users Guide If any of these items are missing from your package when you open it, please contact Metric Halo or your dealer immediately for assistance. 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 cables are available from Direct. Using the ULN-8 Hardware ULN-8 Front Panel Figure 8.9: ULN-8 Front Panel...

  • Page 101: Uln-8 Rear Panel

    ULN-8 Users Guide the monitors or front panel headphone output in case of accidental feedback loops and other audio unpleasantries. The Dim button attenuates the selected path by 20 dB. • The Monitor Control encoder provides front panel adjustment for your audio. By pressing the encoder, it can toggle between affecting the Monitor Control section or headphones.

  • Page 102: Signal Flow

    ULN-8 Users Guide • MIDI I/O to connect a control surface to MIO Console • SMPTE input and output on 1/4" TRS • Kensington security slot • 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports (400 Mbs) • 1 2.1mm DC power jack (14v - 28v, center positive, 32 Watts), unswitched Signal Flow Figure 8.11: ULN-8 Signal Flow Making connections to the ULN-8...
  • Page 103 On input, at line level, it is sufficient to simply use standard unbalanced (TS) connections. If you are interfacing with the Mobile I/O XLR inputs, you will need to ensure that pin 3 is grounded in the unbalanced adapter cable. More information about adjusting the input level can be found in the MIO Console software chapter.
  • Page 104 ULN-8 Users Guide enough of a DC offset to mute the ADC. As a result you should always disconnect the cable from the DI rather than the instrument. Balanced Sends and Mic S/R Mode The ULN-8 has eight balanced sends; these mirror the analog input you have selected to feed that channel’s A/D converter.

  • Page 105: Uln-8 Specifications

    ULN-8 Users Guide 1x is generally appropriate for use with devices that provide a word clock output. If your device provides a 256x output, you may find that you get better results using that clock signal. The Digidesign® line of Pro Tools®...

  • Page 106: Monitor Controller

    ULN-8 Users Guide Rails Analog Rails (low power) ±9.9 Volts Analog Rails (high power) ±12.6 Volts Phantom Power 48 ± 0.1 Volts Max Phantom Current Per Mic 10 ma Table 8.2. ULN-8 Maximum I/O Levels (Balanced) Maximum I/O Levels (Balanced) Peak Line Output @ 0 dBFS (no jumper/low power) +18.5 dBu Peak Line Output @ 0 dBFS (output jumper/low pow- +22.0 dBu...

  • Page 107: Mic Pre + Adc Frequency Response

    ULN-8 Users Guide Mic Pre Input + ADC EIN @ 60 dB Gain (150 Ω Source Impedance) -130.50 dBu EIN @ 60 dB Gain (0 Ω Source Impedance) -133.25 dBu Analog Send Calibration (ADC = 0 dBFS) +21.5 dBu Phantom Power (Switchable Per Channel) +48 Volts Table 8.5. ULN-8 Mic Pre + ADC Frequency Response Mic Pre + ADC Frequency Response...

  • Page 108: Input Processing

    ULN-8 Users Guide Line Input + ADC Frequency Response 5° low-end in-channel phase deviation point 10.7 Hz Interchannel phase 0 Hz - 20 kHz < ±0.05° Crosstalk from SMPTE Input < -142 dB Table 8.8. ULN-8 Converter Latency Latency 63 samples 44 samples Table 8.9. ULN-8 Input Processing Input Processing M/S Decode...
  • Page 109 ULN-8 Users Guide Front Panel Encoders Have Shaft Push Buttoms Monitor Controller Encoder Knobs Monitor Controller Mute Monitor Controller Dim Indicators Per Encoder Sample Rate Indicators Clock Source Indicators AES Clock Source Indicators AES Lock Indicators AES Input Signal Indicators AES Output Signal Indicators System Lock Indicator Firewire Indicator...
  • Page 110 ULN-8 Users Guide Back Panel Power (Switched) 4-Pin XLR Security Slot Kensignton Table 8.13. ULN-8 Software Software Driver CoreAudio Mac OS X Mac OS X 10.3.9 or newer Architectures PPC, Intel MIO Console Included Record Panel Included LTC Decoder Included Mixer Included +DSP License Included Table 8.14. ULN-8 Power...

  • Page 111: Uln/Lio-8 Front Panel Guide

    9. ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Front Panel Overview The ULN-8 and LIO-8 feature a flexible front panel with comprehensive controls, status and meter readouts. The Front Panel allows you to utilize the interface without any computer attached and also communicates bidirectionally with MIO Console to keep the Console controls and the Front Panel controls synchronized at all times.

  • Page 112: Clock Source Indicators And Control

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide • 44.1k • 48k • 88.2k • 96k • 176.4k • 192k The Front Panel also has a Tactile switch next to the “Sample Rate” legend that may be used to cycle through the available nominal sample rates when the unit is running on internal clock. Every time you press the tact switch, the unit will switch to the next higher sample rate, unless it is currently at 192k, in which case it will switch back to 44.1k.

  • Page 113: I/O Trim Mode Indicators And Selector

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide • • The details of each control mode will be addressed in dedicated sections of the documentation below. One thing that is critical to understand is that it is possible for none of the indicators listed above to be illuminated. If this is the case, then it means that the front panel control mode is indicated by one of the I/O trim mode indicator LEDs.

  • Page 114: Per Channel Control Knobs

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Figure 9.6: Mic/Line Indicator The Mic and Line indicators are utilized as a group and are illuminated to indicate the following input modes: Table 9.1. Mic/Line Indicator Modes Line Mode On (green) Input from Mic Pre Input On (green) Input from Line Input On (green) On (green)

  • Page 115: Analog I/O Meters

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide of the meters are used to indicate signal levels at -66, -54, -42, -36, -30, -24, -21, -18, -15, -12, -9, -6, -3, -1, and 0 dBFS. Figure 9.8: Analog I/O Meters Since each element in the meter is a bi-color LED, the colors of the segments is under software control. The meters are configured to show green until -12 dBFS, yellow until -1 dBFS, and Red for the 0 dBFS indicator.

  • Page 116: System Status Indicators

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide If the gain being read out is -21.5 dB, then the display will look like: Figure 9.11: Negative Gain Display System Status Indicators The Front Panel has two system status indicators to let you know if the box has detected a valid FireWire connection and to let you know if the System’s internal PLL is locked.

  • Page 117: Monitor Control Section

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide rest of the box, but just that the AES signal is being properly decoded and (a) could be used as a valid clock source and (b) will provide valid audio if the the input is running at the same rate as the rest of the box. The AES Clock source indicator is illuminated when the corresponding input port has been selected as the clock reference for external AES clock.

  • Page 118: Control Mode Details

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide is actually utilized at a time (the back-panel connector or the DI connector). You can utilize this to good effect if you need to add an additional input -- but the sum is a unity gain sum so you need to get the relative levels correct at the inputs.

  • Page 119: Preset

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Communication between the MIO Console Monitor Controller and the front panel is bi-directional — making changes in the software will be reflected on the Front Panel, and making changes via the Front Panel will be reflected in the software. Preset When Preset Mode is selected, the integrated switches in the 8 channel control knobs function as selector switches to load a stored snapshot state from Flash memory into the currently running hardware.

  • Page 120: U/M - User Mode

    (and preamp, if the selected input is the Mic input). The current gain of the channel is indicated via Metric Halo’s Digital Dual Vernier™ indication technology in the indicator ring around the knob. When you change a gain or press the knob shaft switch, the current gain is indicated numerically on the output meter area of the front panel.

  • Page 121: Meters On The Knobs

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Meters on the Knobs The input knobs support an additional indicator mode, when the Front Panel is in Input Trim mode: Input Meter mode. When this mode is selected, rather than showing the Dual Vernier level of the input gain on each knob, the channel’s input meter is shown on the indicator ring of the corresponding knob.

  • Page 122: Front Panel

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Figure 9.18: Front Panel Preference Sheet The options are: • Input Links matrix Allows you to link input channel encoders (more info in the Link mode section). • Output Links matrix Allows you to link output channel encoders (more info in the Link mode section).

  • Page 123: Infrared Remote Operation

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Infrared Remote operation When the "Enable IR Remote" preference is enabled, your LIO-8 or ULN-8 will respond to IR commands from any remote that sends NEC codes (for example, the white Apple remotes). If you have multiple interfaces you should only enable IR on one box, unless you are going to use several different remotes controls.

  • Page 124: Capture Mode

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide • Up- Focussed Knob: Increment Value • Down- Focussed Knob: Decrement Value • Left- Focus Previous Knob • Right- Focus Next Knob • Play- Select I/O Trim Mode • Menu- Select FP Control Mode If you want to control different functions or use a remote other than the Apple remote, you must program the IR codes.

  • Page 125: Ir Test Mode

    ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Figure 9.21: Captured IR Command If the code isn't learned, you should try another remote. If you would like to learn a different command, click on the command you would like to learn. To confirm that a code has been learned correctly, switch the mode to "Test Commands" and push the button again: Figure 9.22: IR Test Mode If the remote code is not recognized, "Received Command Not Found"...
  • Page 126 ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide Once you have learned the commands you want, hit the "OK" button. The IR codes are stored in your interface, and will function even when MIO Console is not running. IR Remotes and the Monitor Controller At this time, the Monitor Controller requires MIO Console to be running to change input or output paths.

  • Page 127: Software

    Part III. Software...
  • Page 128 Table of Contents 10. Installation and Registration ..................... 133 Installing MIO Console ......................133 Included Packages ......................133 Installation ........................133 Registration & Licensing ......................133 Registering your interface ..................... 133 License management ....................135 Purchasing a software license ..................137 Receiving MH Special Deals ....................
  • Page 129 Software Configuring the Monitor Controller ................. 189 Monitor Control Interface and Basic Operation ................ 190 Determine Configuration ....................191 Identifying Monitor Sources ................... 191 Identifying Monitor Output Paths ................... 191 Using the Monitor Controller ....................192 Selecting an Input Source ....................193 Selecting an Output Path ....................
  • Page 130 Software 16. Saving and Recalling Your Setups ..................... 247 Factory Default ........................247 Box Merge ........................247 Boot States and Snapshots ..................... 248 ULN-2 Snapshot Recall ....................248 ULN/LIO-8 Snapshot Recall ................... 249 2882 Snapshot Recall ....................249 Console Files ........................249 ConsoleSync .........................
  • Page 131 Software MIO Channel Multiplier ....................286 MIODelay ........................286 MIOModDelay ......................286 MIO Delay (1k) ......................287 MIO Delay (24k) ......................287 MIO Delay (96k) ......................288 MIO Delay (1k IM) ....................... 288 MIO Delay (2k-15k IM) ....................289 MIO Delay (2k-15k) ...................... 289 MIO MultiTap Delay .....................
  • Page 132 Software Band Split ........................314...

  • Page 133: 10. Installation And Registration

    Included Packages The MIO Console installer folder contains several components: • MIO Console: The application that provides control for all Metric Halo interfaces. • MIODriver_XXX_Universal.pkg: This is the driver that lets the computer communicate with your inter- face. More information on the driver is available in the Driver Update appendix.

  • Page 134: Registration Message

    Installation and Registration Figure 10.1: Registration Message Your options are: • OK:Opens the registration window. • Later:Closes the message. The message will appear again the next time you launch MIO Console. • Do not show this message again:This will set MIO Console to no longer warn you about unregistered units after this message is closed.

  • Page 135: License Management

    Installation and Registration In the upper left corner is a menu to select which interface to register (if more than one unregistered unit is connected): Figure 10.3: Registration Selection You can choose to register all attached units or select a specific interface. After selecting the unit(s) you wish to register, fill in the registration form;...

  • Page 136: License Management Window

    Clicking "Reload Licenses" will make MIO Console re-sync the licenses on file with Metric Halo and your interfaces. If the flash memory in your interface needs to be erased (which would only happen under direction from Metric Halo Support), clicking "Reload Licenses"...

  • Page 137: Purchasing A Software License

    Figure 10.10: Expired Demo This demo extension is granted at Metric Halo's discretion, and may be shorter than 30 days. After sending your request you will receive an email within two business days to let you know if the extension has been granted.

  • Page 138: Receiving Mh Special Deals

    Installation and Registration Once you have purchased the license, you will receive an email from Metric Halo with the license code, as well as a special mhlicense:// link. You can: • Copy the license code, open the "Manage Licenses" window in MIO Console, select "Install License…"...

  • Page 139: Mh Special Deals Page

    Installation and Registration Figure 10.12: MH Special Deals Page Select one of the eligible boxes, and enter the serial number of any other eligible products you own. Click on the Submit button, and you will receive your confirmation:...

  • Page 140: Confirmation Page

    Installation and Registration Figure 10.13: Confirmation Page You will receive an email from Metric Halo with a coupon code that you may present to your dealer or use at https://www.mhsecure.com/mhdirect/home.php to your redeem your discount.

  • Page 141: 11. Mio Console Overview

    MIO Console is the nerve center of your Mobile I/O. Functioning as a standalone application, MIO Console provides full control of every aspect of Mobile I/O. The console software allows you to rapidly and easily adjust all of the Analog Input and Output channel parameters, system sample rate, Digital I/O source, and system clock source.

  • Page 142: Mio Console Overview

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.2: MIO Console Global configuration snapshots allow you to save each and every aspect of Mobile I/O’s configuration for later, total instant recall. This is useful for preconfiguring Mobile I/O and bringing back the configuration once at the gig, managing separate location setups, or for saving complex studio routing setups for quick changeover.

  • Page 143: I/O Panel

    MIO Console Overview 1. I/O Panel 2. +DSP Panel 3. Record Panel When working with a Legacy interface, the Mixer and Routing Panels will also be present. More information on these panels can be found in the “MIO Console for Legacy Boxes” documentation.

  • Page 144: Front Panel Preferences

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.5: Box Tabs MIO Console maintains information about the state of your system persistently. The boxes that have been attached to the computer will be remembered, and their presence in the system can be maintained indefinitely by either the saved system state (saved in your Preferences to maintain the state of the system between launch- es of MIO Console) or by you explicitly saving the state of the console into a file for later recall (or into a ConsoleConnect host’s session file).

  • Page 145: Analog Input Control

    IR…" button will open the Infrared Remote Preferences window (more info in the ULN/LIO-8 Front Panel Guide). Analog Input Control For each analog input channel on the Mobile I/O (except the ULN-2, as it has analog front panel controls), you will find a channel strip that contains:...

  • Page 146: Parameter Pop-Up Menu

    The Phantom Power enable button allows you to control whether or not +48v phantom power is applied to the input by the Mobile I/O. This button is only enabled if you have selected Mic or Mic/Pad as the input level standard. If you are using one of the other level standards, Phantom Power is automatically disabled.

  • Page 147: Gain Trim Knob

    MIO Console Overview • 2882: +26 dBu. The input impedance is approximately 10k Ω, and the inline pad is engaged. Phantom power is not available. • LIO-8: +24.5 dBu. The input impedance is approximately 10k Ω, and the Line Input is selected. •...

  • Page 148: Optimizing Input Levels

    You can reset the hold by clicking on the meter. These meters are simply high resolution versions of the meters shown on the front panel of the box – all the meter data is generated by the Mobile I/O hardware.

  • Page 149: Digital Input Meters

    To the right of the Analog Input control section is the Digital Input Meter section. This group of meters provides level metering for all of the digital inputs on the Mobile I/O. These meters have the same response character- istics as the analog input meters and show you the audio activity on ADAT channels 1-8 and digital input channels 1-2, going from left to right on the 2882 and ULN-2.

  • Page 150: Headphone Controls

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.16: Headphone Controls The Headphone level control knob provides about 40dB of analog gain control on the headphone output. The Mute and Dim buttons reflect the state of the hardware mute and dim controls for the front panel headphone output.

  • Page 151: System Controls

    Figure 11.18: Clock Source Pop-up Menu for 2882 and ULN-2 • Internal directs Mobile I/O to use its internal clock. You must select this if you want to set the sample rate from the Mobile I/O. If any other clock source has been selected, the console will not allow you to change the sample rate since the sample rate is determined by the external clock source.

  • Page 152: Clock Source Pop-Up Menu For Lio-8 And Uln-8

    = 64k-100k) • ADAT (44/48) directs Mobile I/O to clock off of the incoming ADAT stream and run at single rate. All 8 ADAT channels are available. You will generally want to select this source if you intend to use ADAT input.

  • Page 153: Sample Rate Pop-Up Menu (2882 And Uln-2)

    – The Sample Rate pop-up menu allows you to select the sample rate when you are using internal clock. The Mobile I/O must be running on internal clock for the Sample Rate pop-up menu to have any effect. If the Mobile I/O is running from an external clock source, you cannot select the sample rate since it is determined by the external clock source.

  • Page 154: Wc Out Pop-Up

    MIO Console Overview – The WC Out pop-up menu allows you to select the output clock signal the Mobile I/O generates on its WC Out BNC connector. The available choices are 1x and 256x. The 1x signal is appropriate for driving devices that accept a Word Clock signal.

  • Page 155: Analog Output Control

    Analog Output Control The bottom half of the panel is dedicated to the hardware outputs of the Mobile I/O. Much like the analog inputs, each of the eight analog outputs has a set of controls associated with it. The controls are similar to the analog input controls.

  • Page 156: Analog Output Channel Link

    To the right of the Analog Output controls is the Digital Meters section. This group of meters provides level metering for all of the digital outputs on the Mobile I/O. These meters have the same response characteristics as the analog output meters, and show you the audio activity on ADAT output channels 1-8 and digital output channels 1-2, going from left to right.

  • Page 157: Parameter Pop-Up Controls

    If, on the other hand, the FireWire light on the front panel of the Mobile I/O is not illuminated, the box is not communicating properly with the computer. Please check the cabling of your Mobile I/O and other devices on the FireWire bus and make sure that everything is connected correctly.

  • Page 158: Pop-Up Presets

    MIO Console Overview above the “Factory Default” item. The second portion is the “Factory Default” item and the third portion is the hierarchical items below the “Factory Default” item (see Parameter Pop-up Menu ). Figure 11.28: Parameter Pop-up Menu The commands in the first portion of the menu allow you to save and manage the presets in the library. All of the presets are shared between like elements in the console.

  • Page 159: The Mixer Window

    MIO Console Overview Selecting a preset from the menu will make that preset active and will set the current state of the associated console settings to the values contained within the preset. The name of the currently selected preset will be drawn in the pop-up area in the console window to indicate which preset is active.

  • Page 160: Template Selection Dialog

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.29: Template Selection Dialog Alternatively, you can use the following steps to configure a mixer from scratch. The easiest way to create a new mixer configuration is to use the Mixer » Configure Mixer… menu command. Selecting this command presents the Configure Mixer sheet, which allows you to do bulk configuration of the mixer.

  • Page 161: Configure Mixer Sheet

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.30: Configure Mixer Sheet The sheet is split into two major sections: • Mix Busses • Selected Mix Bus Configuration You create and configure the mix busses using the top section, then you configure the channels you assign to the busses in the bottom area.
  • Page 162 That’s it! You’ve just created your first v.5 mixer. You can now route the audio signal from your Mobile I/ O’s physical inputs to your computer, from your computer to your Mobile I/O, and connected the mixer to your studio monitors.

  • Page 163: Routing

    FireWire returns. In fact, all audio is now sent to the computer via FireWire returns. In other words, if you want to send audio from your Mobile I/O’s inputs to your computer, you will need to assign those inputs to FireWire returns manually via the Direct Outs in the mixer input strips.

  • Page 164: A Quick Tour Of The V. 5 Mixer

    MIO Console Overview Routing is critical! It is very important to understand that the v.5 mixer does not provide default routings! You must choose where you want your audio to go. If you don’t route a mix bus to a physical output, you will not hear any audio.

  • Page 165: Input To Master Output Signal Flow

    MIO Console Overview Input Strips Inputs Bus Routing Bus 1 + + + + + + Mix Bus Master Strip Output Routing To Outputs Figure 11.32: Input to Master Output Signal Flow • Each master mix bus also has an associated master strip with: •...

  • Page 166: Technology

    Graph plug-ins, we have also been able to completely remove the overall +DSP graph interface from the system. These changes make utilizing the power of the Mobile I/O and +DSP far more elegant and intuitive. The Mixer, Routing and +DSP panes in the MIO Console window are no longer required when all the units you are using have 2d Cards installed.

  • Page 167: Configuration

    Figure 11.34: Blank Mixer Window In order to use the Mobile I/O with v.5, you must have a mixer configured. This means that you need to load one of the supplied mixer templates (using the “Open Template...” command), a saved MIO Console Settings file (if you have one), or you can create a new mixer configuration.

  • Page 168: Manual Configuration

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.35: Template Window To start with a template, click the template you would like to use in the “Template” list on the left side of the window. A description of the template will appear in the “Template Description” area to give you more information about the template.

  • Page 169: Configure Mixer Sheet

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.37: Configure Mixer Sheet The Configure Mixer Sheet allows you to do bulk configuration of the mixer. The sheet is split into two major sections: • Mix Busses • Selected Mix Bus Configuration You create and configure the mix busses using the top section, then you configure the channels you assign to the busses in the bottom area.

  • Page 170: Mixer Configuration Tasks

    MIO Console Overview • 5.1 - 5.0 with LFE • 7.1 - 5.1 with Left-Center and Right-Center The Bus Mode allows you to determine if the bus has a master fader or not. If the mode is Master Bus the mixer will create a master fader for the bus.

  • Page 171: Input Strip Details

    MIO Console Overview To Remove a channel from a Mix Bus: 1. Select the bus from which you want to remove the channel. 2. Uncheck the box in the “Enable” column for the channel you want to remove from the bus. To Add/Remove all visible channels to/from a Mix Bus: 1.

  • Page 172: V.5 Mixer Input Strip

    MIO Console Overview Input Select Physical Input Source Phantom Power Input Gain/Trim Character Select Pre-insert Direct Output Routing Point Plug In Inserts Post-insert Direct Output Routing Point Stereo Panner Phase Invert Solo Record Enable Fader Gain Mute Channel Fader Channel Meter (Pre Fader) Channel Name Bus Select...
  • Page 173 This routing point is the appropriate one to use for “Dry” recording — meaning that you are only using the Mobile I/O as a preamp and converter, and not for any of its mixing abilities or DSP plug-ins.

  • Page 174: V.5 Mixer Panner Controls

    This routing point is the appropriate one to use for “Wet” recording — meaning that in addition to using the Mobile I/O as a preamp and converter, you are also utilizing it to apply DSP processes into your record channel.

  • Page 175: Selection-Based Linking

    MIO Console Overview • Solo: When any solo button is engaged on any channel in a mix bus, the mix bus will only pass signal for channels that have the solo button engaged. This solo functions as a solo-in-place, meaning all pan, level, and DSP processing settings on the channel strips are maintained.

  • Page 176: Plug-Ins

    • M/S Decoder • Dither • HaloVerb • Metric Halo’s exclusive Character signal processing per channel • Multichannel mixer with surround support • Bus send plug-in for routing signals within channel strips to busses When the +DSP license is added to 2d, the options grow dramatically. All +DSP plug-ins can be inserted directly into the insert slots in the channel strips, or you can insert a +DSP graph into any of the insert slots, and then insert and connect a graph populated with +DSP plug-ins within the inserted graph.

  • Page 177: Plug-In Macros (Requires +Dsp License)

    With a +DSP license, the v.5 Mixer also supports the direct insertion of Plug-in Macros, which are pre-made Graphs. Metric Halo includes a number of bonus macros with the +DSP license, including reverbs, guitar processing models, mastering tools, delays and other effects. Some of the macros are open — once you insert the macro, you will have full access to the graph, and you can edit it, modify it and interact with it as you please.

  • Page 178: I/O Insert

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.41: Sends Mixer Window The Sends Mixer window shows the all the send strips for currently selected bus. Send strips are more limited than full input strips. Each Send Strip has a panner (if appropriate for the bus width and send width), phase invert, solo, mute and pre/post fader buttons, as well as a send level fader and level meter.

  • Page 179: A Post-Miostrip, Pre-Haloverb Insert

    MIO Console Overview • Send To: This menu shows the available output connections. • Return From: This menu shows the available input connections. • Bypass: When the I/O insert is bypassed, signal will continue to be routed to the “Send To” output, and the original audio will passed unmodified to the next insert slot.

  • Page 180: Post-Limiter Sends On A Analog 1 And Digital 1

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.44: Post-limiter sends on a Analog 1 and Digital 1 • Since the I/O insert can be used with FireWire channels, it can be used to route audio to and from software. For example, you can insert MainStage or other standalone signal processors into MIO Console channels and busses.

  • Page 181: Master Strip Details

    MIO Console Overview Latency in the I/O Insert Using the I/O insert incurs the following latencies: • When using an analog send/return to insert an external device on a 2882 or ULN-2, there will be 74 samples of latency • When using an analog send/return to insert an external device on a LIO-8 or ULN-8, there will be 116 samples of latency •...

  • Page 182: V.5 Mixer Routing Connections

    This routing point is the appropriate one to use for "Dry" recording — meaning that you are only using the Mobile I/O as a preamp and converter, and not for any of its mixing abilities or DSP plug-ins.
  • Page 183 This routing point is the appropriate one to use for "Wet" recording — meaning that in addition to using the Mobile I/O as a preamp and converter, you are also utilizing it to apply DSP processes into your record channel.

  • Page 184: Bus Output Assign Pop-Up Menu

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.48: Bus Output Assign Pop-up Menu As you can see, there are items for the Monitor Controller, No Connection (n/c) and the available output paths. If an output path is already assigned elsewhere in the system, it will be grayed out in the menu. This ensures that you can not accidentally assign two busses to the same physical output (since only one will actually be connected).
  • Page 185 MIO Console Overview • Select/Drag Strip: This area lets you select an input channel strip and move the strip either right or left within the mixer. • Clicking in this area will select the strip if it is not already selected. •...

  • Page 186: Routing Summary

    All routing in v.5 is managed through the mixer and monitor controller. The diagram below summarizes the routing control points and what elements of the routing model they control: CoreAudio Application Mobile I/O Driver v.5 Mixer (on Mobile I/O DSP) Monitor Controller Outputs Inputs...

  • Page 187: Firewire Returns

    The Mixer is the hub of all audio in the interface, with the ability to route between physical I/O, CoreAudio and internal busses. The Mobile I/O driver provides for 18 channels of audio to and from the host over FireWire at 44.1-96kHz rates and 8 channels of communication at 176.4-192kHz on the ULN-8 and LIO-8.

  • Page 188: Returns

    MIO Console Overview Figure 11.50: +DSP Mid-Side Mastering Process Inserted in Logic Using Logic’s I/O Plug-in and MIO FireWire Returns FireWire Returns are not just for +DSP users. If you own an interface without +DSP, you can use the 2d plug-ins with FireWire Returns for out of the box mixing, or for direct routing connection between multiple CoreAudio applications.

  • Page 189: 12. Monitor Controller

    12. Monitor Controller Overview The Monitor Control window consolidates the most important monitoring functions for your MIO into one convenient window. You can configure which sources you want to monitor and from which outputs they will be monitored, for any number of channels from mono to 7.1 Surround. You can configure the Monitor Controller as a floating window so it always remains accessible, even when the MIO Console is hidden.

  • Page 190: Monitor Control Interface And Basic Operation

    The Monitor Control window interface has four sections: Figure 12.2: Monitor Controller Window • Global Functions: Includes Mobile I/O selection pop-up menu, Utility and Configure buttons • Monitor Source: Includes tabs to select between defined Monitor Sources • Source Override: When this box is checked, the sources selected in the Source Override pop-up menu will be routed to the Output Path instead of the selected Monitor Source.

  • Page 191: Determine Configuration

    The selectable input source that you wish to monitor is called the Monitor Source. Your sources can come from the physical hardware inputs of the Mobile I/O or they can be virtual inputs streaming into the MIO over the FireWire cable, and can consist of any number of channels from a mono channel to eight channels forming a 7.1 surround signal.

  • Page 192: Using The Monitor Controller

    Monitor Controller When you create a Monitor Output Path, you specify the type of path you are making, and the name of the new path. The type of path (Mono, Stereo, LCR, LCRS, Quad, 5.0, 5.1, 7.1) you choose will allow the Monitor Controller to automatically create channel slots for each component channel.

  • Page 193: Selecting An Input Source

    Monitor Controller Selecting an Input Source The Monitor Source area will contain buttons representing all of your defined Monitor Sources. To select the input that will feed your Output Path, simply click on one of these buttons. The selected input will automatically be routed to the current monitor output.

  • Page 194: The Monitor Controller As Floating Window

    Monitor Controller • For Quad signals, select sources for the Left, Right, Ls, and Rs channels. Note: You can not switch to a 7.1 surround source using Source Override. The Monitor Controller as Floating Window You can configure the Monitor Controller to be a floating window, also known as a “Utility Window” in official Mac OS X terminology.

  • Page 195: Configuring The Monitor Controller

    Monitor Controller Contour Shuttle Pro), you can assign appropriate key-commands to the buttons of the HID device to control the monitor controller. You can edit all the Key Commands in MIO Console. Note: The key commands you have set for the monitor control commands are global; they work even if MIO Console is not the front-most application.

  • Page 196: Monitor Controller Configure Button

    Monitor Controller Figure 12.5: Monitor Controller Configure Button The Monitor Controller’s Configuration Dialog sheet will open: Figure 12.6: Monitor Controller Configuration Pane Adding a New Monitor Source 1. Click the ‘+’ button in the Monitor Sources pane. 2. The Add Monitor source dialog appears: Figure 12.7: Add Monitor Source Dialog 3.

  • Page 197: Configuring Monitor Output Paths

    Monitor Controller Figure 12.8: New Monitor Source Input List 6. Click the pop-up menu in the “Signal Source” column for the Left Channel of the source. Select the appropriate physical source channel from the list. This includes Physical Input and DAW channels. 7.

  • Page 198: Monitor Controller Configuration Dialog Sheet

    Monitor Controller Figure 12.10: Monitor Controller Configuration Dialog Sheet Adding a New Monitor Output Path 1. Click the ‘+’ button in the Monitor Paths pane. 2. The Add Monitor Output dialog appears: Figure 12.11: Add Monitor Output Dialog 3. Enter the name of the new Monitor Output Path. 4.

  • Page 199: Changing The Per Path Calibration

    Monitor Controller 7. Click the pop-up menu in the “Output” column for the Left Channel of the Monitor Path. Select the appropriate physical destination channel from the list. 8. Repeat step 7 for each of the channels that make up the bus. 9.

  • Page 200: Monitor Controller Faq

    Monitor Controller • Mini Monitor Control Window uses same location: If enabled, the Mini and full Monitor Control win- dows will open in the same spot when toggled. If not enabled, you may move them to different locations. • Switch Send Window on Bus source select: When enabled, selecting a bus in the Monitor Source section will cause that bus to be displayed in the Send window.

  • Page 201: 13. Routing Examples

    Example ULN-2 Setup above. After reading this section you should have a feel for how to apply Mobile I/O’s routing and mixing capabilities. Many performers (especially singers) find it easier to get a good take if they have some sweetening effects in their headphone mix while tracking.

  • Page 202: Mix Config Sheet

    Routing Examples With the 2d Card, we can add reverb “In the Box”. You can still connect outboard gear to add other effects if desired. The first thing we need to do is configure our mixers and routing. For this setup we will use two mix busses in MIO Console: one for the actual headphone mix and one for the send mix to the reverb.

  • Page 203: Newly Created Busses

    Routing Examples Figure 13.3: Newly Created Busses After you have created the busses, you still need to assign the desired inputs to the Monitor bus. To do this, first select the Monitor bus in the Mix Busses list and then just click the check boxes for the inputs you need in the Selected Mix Bus Configuration list •...

  • Page 204: Basic Mixer Configuration

    Routing Examples Figure 13.4: Basic Mixer Configuration Now we need to add sends to get the audio from the inputs to the Reverb bus. This can be done in bulk by selecting the desired input strips and then inserting the send in one of the insert slots. First select the strips:...

  • Page 205: Selected Strips

    Routing Examples Figure 13.5: Selected Strips Then insert the send: Figure 13.6: Inserting Send to Reverb Bus After you have done this, the Sends window will appear, and each strip will have a send inserted:...

  • Page 206: After Inserting The Sends

    Routing Examples Figure 13.7: After Inserting the Sends As you can see, you now have a fader and panner for each send that you can use to set the level and pan of the signal into the reverb. The Pre buttons on each send strip make the send strip Post Fader when disabled, and Pre Fader when enabled (lavender colored).

  • Page 207: Making The Output Assignment

    Routing Examples Figure 13.8: Making the Output Assignment Finally, we need to add a HaloVerb reverb plug-in to the Reverb bus return: Figure 13.9: Selecting the Reverb Plug-in Once you insert the plug-in, you will see the HaloVerb UI with the Factory Default settings: Figure 13.10: Factory Default Settings Now, for the configuration we have set up, with a dedicated return for the reverb that will be mixed back in with the Monitor bus, we really don’t want to have the dry signal of the Reverb bus mixed back in;...

  • Page 208: Controlling Multiple Monitors

    Macintosh save dialog and allows you to save the entire state of MIO Console as a setup document. Controlling Multiple Monitors You can use the Monitor Controller features of Mobile I/O to set up multiple monitor paths and easily switch between them. The Monitor Controller is an intelligent router and volume controller that was designed specif-...

  • Page 209: Example 2882 Setup

    Routing Examples For this example we will work with a 2882 and have two sets of powered monitors connected to the Mobile I/O. The first set will be connected to Analog Outputs 1-2 and the second to Analog Outputs 3-4. External Preamp/Converter with ADAT Output Microphones Headphones...

  • Page 210: Template Mc Configuration

    Routing Examples This template configures a single 2882 with: • All inputs routed to the computer • All analog inputs set to Line +4 input level • All inputs routed to a stereo monitor mix • All inputs to the stereo monitor mix are unmuted •...

  • Page 211: Add Small Monitor Path

    Routing Examples Figure 13.16: Add Small Monitor Path Then select the output channels for the path (click the pop-up for the Left Channel); hold down the option key to select successive channels in one step: Figure 13.17: Select Path After you make the selection the path will be configured: Figure 13.18: Channels Selected You can close the disclosure arrows for the Monitor Paths list: Figure 13.19: Closed List...

  • Page 212: Final Mc Config

    Routing Examples Figure 13.21: Final MC Config After you click the OK button, the Monitor Controller window will look like this: Figure 13.22: Final Monitor Controller We want to make sure that both Analog 1+2 or Analog 3+4 has signal, but not both at the same time; sound should only come from one set of speakers at a time.

  • Page 213: Virtualizing Windows Audio Programs

    • VMware Fusion ( http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/ Mobile I/O users have an exciting new way of using their Mobile I/O hardware with their Intel-based Macs. Since virtualization allows you to run Windows at near-native speeds under Mac OS X on your Intel-based Mac, it also provides a path to allow you to use Windows-based software with your Mobile I/O.

  • Page 214: Tips For Specific Host Daws

    Routing Examples You can also launch MIO Console (running natively in Mac OS X), and use it to control the patchbay, mixer, +DSP, mic pre gains, etc. – just as you would if your audio app was Mac OS X native. So grab Wavelab or Reaper or Nuendo and have fun! Tips for Specific Host DAWs Please follow the links below for specific tips on how to maximize your experience with FireWire returns:...

  • Page 215: Routing Tips For Digital Performer

    In order to insert a +DSP process in DP, you need to route the audio to be processed to discrete channels on the Mobile I/O. The critical point is that you cannot send the audio that you want to process directly to the same outputs that you will be using for monitoring as completing the return will create a feedback loop.

  • Page 216: The Input Bundle Configuration

    Follow these steps: 1. On the mixer strip of the channel that you want to process in +DSP, select a Mobile I/O output that is different from the main stereo output that you are using for the rest of the mix. If you have not yet created a bundle for that output, you can create a new bundle on the fly for your output channel.

  • Page 217: Single Channel +Dsp Mid/Side Compressor

    2. Create an aux fader track, and set the input of the aux to the bus that you sent the submix to (e.g. Bus 1-2). Set the output of the aux to Mobile I/O outputs that are different from the main stereo output that you are using for the rest of the mix.

  • Page 218: Routing Tips For Cubase

    Routing Examples Figure 13.28: Multichannel Bussed +DSP Parallel Compressor Routing Tips for Cubase Routing for Insert processing in Cubase Using External Effects on track objects (normal audio tracks) to route through processing on the MIO is pretty straight forward. 1. Define the External Effects in the VST Connections: Figure 13.29: Defining the External FX Set the External FX’s send outputs to any outputs other than the pair you are monitoring through.

  • Page 219: Inserting The External Fx

    Routing Examples output other than 1 and 2 (in the illustration above we use DAW 3/4). Set the Return Bus inputs to be any unused channels; here we use FW 3/4. 2. In the MIO Mixer, create a channelstrip for DAW 3/4. Assign its POST-insert Direct Out to FW channels 3/4.

  • Page 220: Setting The Vst Outputs

    Routing Examples Figure 13.32: Setting the VST Outputs Next we need to create an input mapping for FW 1/2, so that we can record the mix back into Cubase. Figure 13.33: Setting the VST Inputs The final step is to assign your audio in Cubase’s mixer: •...

  • Page 221: Routing Tips For Pro Tools

    Routing Tips for Pro Tools With the release of Pro Tools 9, it became possible to use Metric Halo interfaces directly with Pro Tools - this gives you access to MIO Console, 2d, +DSP and our conversion without any other hardware.

  • Page 222: Routing To Firewire

    Routing Examples Figure 13.35: Routing to Firewire In the example above, the eight analog inputs of the LIO-8 are routed to FW channels 1-8. Since we've used the direct outputs after the inserts, You can record into Pro Tools with your DSP effects. If you use the direct outs before the inserts, any DSP effects won't be recorded.

  • Page 223: Input Tab

    Routing Examples Figure 13.36: Input Tab We've created eight input paths and set them to channels 1-8 from the LIO-8. You can also create stereo input paths to match your MIO Mixer setup if you're working that way. Inserts It's easy to create inserts in MIO Console to use in Pro Tools for mixing; you can route your audio through external processors or your interface's DSP and return it back to Pro Tools.

  • Page 224: Insert Tab

    Routing Examples Figure 13.37: Insert Tab Define as many inserts as you need and map them to the inputs and outputs of your interface. In this example, we've created eight inserts and assigned them to I/O 9 to 16 so that they don't conflict with the input channels. Now we'll configure MIO Console.

  • Page 225: Configuring The Mio Mixer, Daw 9-14

    Routing Examples Figure 13.38: Configuring the MIO Mixer, DAW 9-14 1. Create a DAW channel for each insert send and assign the post-insert direct out to the corresponding FW output. Assign the channelstrip to your monitor bus (so that the meters will be active) and make sure to mute it so that the insert will not be double monitored in MIO Console.

  • Page 226: Configuring The Mio Mixer, Daw 15-16

    Routing Examples channel. Since we muted the channel in MIO Console, you won't hear the audio there but will hear it after it gets routed back into Pro Tools. For more information on the I/O insert please refer to the I/O insert section of the Mixer Window overview.

  • Page 227: Delay Compensation

    Routing Examples 2. Insert plug-ins or graphs in the mixer channels that you created. 3. Back in Pro Tools' mixer, put an I/O insert in the desired channelstrip. The send from Pro Tools will go out the DAW channel in MIO Console, be processed, and then return to Pro Tools over the FW channel.

  • Page 228: Output Tab

    Routing Examples Figure 13.44: Output Tab In this example we've put the monitor output to the MIO Mixer is on DAW 17/18; this way the first 16 DAW channels are available for inserts and other uses. Stem Mix or “Summing” Another method to work with your outputs is to create your stereo mix in the MIO Mixer and use Pro Tools for playback and volume automation.

  • Page 229: Output Tab

    Routing Examples Figure 13.45: Output Tab Create 16 mono outputs and map them to DAW 1-16 in MIO Console:...

  • Page 230: Mapping To Daw 1-16

    • They are always the first32 channels of any device or aggregate • Metric Halo interfaces provide 18 channels of I/O between the computer and the interface; on LIO-8 and ULN-8 interfaces, channels 19/20 are reserved for timecode and do not transport audio Given these limitations, how can you record and playback 24 tracks? It's not difficult with a little configuration.

  • Page 231: Conclusion

    The preceding examples should give you a sense of the possibilities that are enabled by the routing and mixing features of Mobile I/O. While this is just a starting point, we have covered all of the basic operations required to manipulate Mobile I/O with complex routing. You should be able to build upon these scenarios to construct...

  • Page 232: 14. Record Panel

    MIO Console integrates a dedicated multichannel recording interface. The Record Panel allows you to record with Mobile I/O right out of the box without needing to add any additional software to your system. The Record Panel was purpose built for doing massive multichannel recordings with multiple boxes. We have deployed systems recording 72 channels at 96k, and have tested systems with even greater channel capability.

  • Page 233: Transport Controls

    Record Panel The Record Time readout shows how long the recording has been running for when the Record Panel is in record mode, and how long the Record Panel has been playing for when in playback mode. The time format can be changed by Control-clicking the Record Time readout: Figure 14.3: Record Time Display Options The Disk Time Remaining readout shows the time available on the selected recording disk.

  • Page 234: Play Position

    Record Panel algorithm for filling the play buffer so the behavior of this meter may appear somewhat erratic. If your disk is too slow, this meter will increase towards 100%, and if it reaches 100% it means that the disk is not supplying data fast enough and there will be glitches in the playback audio.

  • Page 235: Recording

    Record Panel cannot be recorded from) should be listed in the tracks overview. It may be useful to list tracks from offline boxes if you are doing offline configuration, but in general you will not want to show tracks from offline boxes. When you are recording, each track shows a continuously updating track overview for the signal that has been recorded for that channel.

  • Page 236: Playback

    Record Panel Each Take Folder will contain one audio file for each track that is Record Enabled when you start the take. Each audio file will be named as follows: TT-<trackname>.<ext> Where: • TT = track number • <trackname> = the name shown in the second line in the track header •...

  • Page 237: Multibox Considerations

    Record Panel The RP playback engine enables a couple of cool tricks: • You can record with no playback • You can start playback, and then start recording a new take • You can start recording a new take, and then start playback of the take while it is being recorded (basically read-after-write playback) Clicking Stop will end the current take playback (and stop any current recording as well).

  • Page 238: Recording Preferences Sheet

    Record Panel Figure 14.10: Recording Prefs Button The Recording Preferences sheet will appear: Figure 14.11: Recording Preferences Sheet You can specify various text strings that may be included in the metadata included with some files using the 4 text entry fields. There is a preference to control how Take Folders are named.

  • Page 239: Record File Format Pop-Up

    Record Panel Next is a preference to enable Mirrored Recording. This will record your audio to two separate drives simulta- neously. This gives you redundancy in case of a drive failure, or can be used to create a delivery drive that can be handed to a client immediately after recording.
  • Page 240 Record Panel • Select the interface that will be receiving timecode under LTC Device • Select the input that the timecode is received on. On the ULN-8, this would normally be the SMPTE input, but can be received from any other input that is routed to a FireWire channel. On the 2882 and ULN-2, timecode can be received on any input that is routed to a FireWire channel.

  • Page 241: 15. Dsp Implementation Guide

    15. DSP Implementation Guide Plug-in Processing in the v.5 Mixer There are two levels of DSP available in 2d Expanded interfaces: • The basic 2d plug-in set, which is only accessible via the channelstrip inserts • The +DSP plug-in set, which is available via the inserts or graphs You can see a comparison of the two DSP packages in the DSP Package Comparison appendix.

  • Page 242: Multichannel Plug-Ins

    DSP Implementation Guide Figure 15.4: MIOStrip UI The M/S processor uses a generic interface -- one that is automatically created from the parameters in the plug- in. The MIOStrip uses a custom interface -- one generated by us with a specific layout and special UI elements. All of the plug-in UI's share the plug-in bar at the top of the window.

  • Page 243: Graphs

    DSP Implementation Guide If you need to insert a plug-in on a multichannel (LCR to 7.1) input or bus, simply insert the m/m version and MIO Console will instantiate the plug-in on every channel of the input or bus. The UIs will be linked; adjustments you make will be applied to all channels of the plug-in.

  • Page 244: Selecting A New Instance From The Plug-In Menu

    DSP Implementation Guide To the left are the inputs for the graph, and to the right are the outputs. A newly instantiated graph has the inputs and outputs connected, so that it will not interrupt the signal. The I/O will match the number of channels in the object the graph is inserted in;...

  • Page 245: Making A Mult

    DSP Implementation Guide Figure 15.11: Completing the Connection Figure 15.12: Making a Mult After everything is placed and wired up, you will need to ensure that you have routed the output of your signal processors to the appropriate port on the output side of the graph. When you are done, you will have a complete graph.

  • Page 246: Patch Library Pop-Up Menu

    DSP Implementation Guide Patch Library Pop-up Menu The Patch Library pop-up menu allows you to save the complete state of the plug-in graph. This menu works like all the other Library pop-up menus in MIOConsole.

  • Page 247: 16. Saving And Recalling Your Setups

    16. Saving and Recalling Your Setups MIO Console and your interface keep their data in what are called states. A state is the collection of data that tells the system how the interface is configured, how your mixer is set up, etc. This data is stored in several ways: •...

  • Page 248: Boot States And Snapshots

    Boot States and Snapshots All Mobile I/O hardware has support for setting a Boot State — the configuration the hardware will use when the unit boots up. This boot state includes the entire state of the unit including the configuration of the mixer, the router, sample rate, clocking, analog I/O levels (for HW that has digital control), and +DSP configuration.

  • Page 249: Uln/Lio-8 Snapshot Recall

    Saving and Recalling Your Setups The first snapshot slot is special as it is used by the unit to configure the hardware and the routing when the ULN-2 starts up. The other 9 slots are available for storing alternate configurations that can be selected “on the fly”...

  • Page 250: Consolesync

    Saving and Recalling Your Setups To save your current console setup, go to the File menu and select "Save": Figure 16.5: File menu You will be asked what to name the file and where to save the file. If you have modified and existing file, you will only be able to “Save As”, which which will write your changes to the open file.

  • Page 251: Box And Console Sync Dialog

    Saving and Recalling Your Setups • If your interface has a bootstate stored and MIO Console has no mixer loaded, plugging your interface into your computer will automatically load the bootstate into MIO Console. • Changes made to the front panel of the ULN-8 and LIO-8 are synced when MIO Console is launched. For example if you quit MIO Console and change an input gain from the front panel of the ULN-8 while tracking in a DAW, the gain change will be reflected in MIO Console the next time it is launched.

  • Page 252: 17. Mio Console Preferences

    17. MIO Console Preferences Accessing the preferences MIO Console has a number of preferences that you can set to control aspects of its behavior. These preferences are accessed via the MIO Console > Preferences… command (or via ⌘, (Command + comma) key sequence). When you select the Preferences command, the Preferences sheet is shown on the MIO Console window: Figure 17.1: MIO Console Preferences The preferences you can control are:...

  • Page 253: On Launch Pop-Up

    MIO Console Preferences Figure 17.2: On Launch Pop-up • Load the last state (with ConsoleSync) — This will cause MIO Console to compare the state that is stored in the hardware and the last state stored in the MIO Console Prefs in your Preferences folder. If the timestamp on the states are the same, MIO Console will automatically load the stored state.
  • Page 254 MIO Console Preferences those panels will be omitted from the UI on the next launch of MIO Console. This will streamline the UI by removing elements that you do not need. The default state is for Legacy Box Support to be disabled. •...

  • Page 255: Other Preferences

    MIO Console Preferences Check for unregistered units — When checked, MIO Console will connect to the registration server (if the computer is online) and prompt you to register your interface if it is not registered. Please see the section on Registration and Licensing for more information.

  • Page 256: 18. Consoleconnect

    ConsoleConnect allows you to use the MIO as if it were designed in concert with your workstation. This is a quantum leap forward for both the Mobile I/O and your native host allowing you to have the level of integration that, up until now, has only been found in dedicated hardware workstations. But unlike those dedicated workstations, it works with your choice of audio software allowing you the freedom to choose the solution that works best for you, or to move between multiple hosts with no loss of integration.

  • Page 257: Selecting The Mode

    ConsoleConnect • Plug-in Mode, which allows you to erase the artificial boundary between your DAW and MIO Console. It makes MIO Console work like a part of your DAW by making the MIO Console windows appear inside your DAW's as plug-in windows. MIO Console is still running, but does not appear as a normal application.

  • Page 258: Mio Console Preferences

    ConsoleConnect Figure 18.1: MIO Console Preferences The preferences are: • Console windows float when connected checkbox: when checked, if MIO Console is connected to a host via ConsoleConnect, and is running in plug-in mode, this causes all MIO Console windows to be created in the floating window layer.

  • Page 259: Mio Console Status Menu

    ConsoleConnect 2. If MIO Console isn’t running yet, the plug-in will Launch MIO Console as a plug-in in the host. Once MIO Console is in plug-in mode, its windows are put into the floating window layer of the host. This means that all the MIO Console windows work like plug-in windows in the host.

  • Page 260: Communication

    • Logic: you will find MIOConsoleConnect under: AU Plug-in > Metric Halo > MIOConsoleConnect • Digital Performer: it will either be (depending on whether or not you have other Metric Halo AUs in- stalled): •...

  • Page 261: Tips For Specific Host Daws

    Connect plug-in will work on any type of channel but it will use no CPU on a channel with no audio. You only need to insert MIOConsoleConnect once per session in order to save every parameter of all connected Metric Halo boxes with your session. Digital Performer...

  • Page 262: Cubase

    You only need to insert MIOConsoleConnect once per session in the V- Rack in order to save every parameter of all connected Metric Halo boxes with your session. If you use per- sequence MIOConsoleConnect instances, you cannot put MIOConsoleConnect in the V-Rack.

  • Page 263: Garageband

    The MIOConsoleConnect plug-in will work on any type of channel but it will use no CPU on a channel with no audio. You only need to insert MIOConsoleConnect once per session in order to save every parameter of all connected Metric Halo boxes with your session. GarageBand When GarageBand starts up with a new song, by default you get a “Grand Piano”...

  • Page 264: Preset Management

    ConsoleConnect Under “Sound Generator” (which is GarageBand’s way of inserting virtual instruments) please select “none” from the list; this will allow the track to function, but cost you no CPU power. Below the generator section is the “Effects” section. Since this track isn’t passing audio, go ahead and remove the checkmarks from: Compressor, Visual EQ, Echo and Reverb.

  • Page 265: Pro Tools Tips

    Metric Halo boxes with your session. Figure 18.14: Inserting MIOConsoleConnect Support If you have any questions about Mobile I/O or ConsoleConnect, please check the FAQ. If you can’t find your answer there, please contact Metric Halo Support for further assistance.

  • Page 266: 19. Control Surface Support

    19. Control Surface Support Control Surface Preferences MIO Console has extensive support for external tactile control surface units. MIO Console supports two differ- ent Control Surface communication protocols: Euphonix’s EuCon and Mackie Design’s Mackie Control Proto- col. Both protocols are supported simultaneously, so you can use both types of controllers at the same time. If both controllers are controlling the same elements of MIO Console, MIO Console will keep both protocols synchronized.

  • Page 267: Details Of Eucon Control Surface Support

    Control Surface Support • Fader Pack 3— Select the MIDI ports for the third Mackie Control fader pack used in the system. MIO Console will place this fader pack to the left of Fader Pack 2 in terms of fader layout •...

  • Page 268: Mixer Model

    Control Surface Support The Control Room knob on the MC Control will control the Monitor Control Level in MIO Console, if you have configured the Monitor Controller. Note that the Control Room knob provides very fine control; don’t turn it too fast when you first use it — experiment a little to get a feel for the gain ramp. Pressing the Control Room knob toggles the state of the Monitor Control Mute.

  • Page 269: Details Of Mackie Control Protocol Control Surface Support

    Control Surface Support On the MC Control, you access the knobset by pressing the soft-knob labelled with the knobset name. The knobsets that are supported by MIO Console are the “Pan” and “Input” knobsets (as well as the “Aux” and “Mix”...
  • Page 270 Control Surface Support Since each send in the MIO Mixer has its own strip in the send window, MIO Console supports switching the Mixer model to map the sends to a selected bus. When you select the sends, the currently selected send bus is mapped onto the surface.

  • Page 271: 20. +Dsp

    20. +DSP DSP Package Comparison All currently shipping interfaces (and older units that have been upgraded with a 2d card) come with the “2d Expanded” plug-in set. The ULN-8 includes a +DSP license; it is an option on all other interfaces. Below is a comparison of the included plug-ins and capabilities of the two packages.
  • Page 272 +DSP Feature 2d Expanded 2d Expanded +DSP Insertable Graphs (infinite possibilites) √ Table 20.2. 2d Amps 2d Amps 2d Expanded 2d Expanded +DSP Bass Head √ Bass Head Shape 1 √ Bass Head Shape 2 √ British Mil Spec √ British Mil Spec Bright Cab √...

  • Page 273: Dsp Plug-In Documentation

    +DSP 2d Reverbs 2d Expanded 2d Expanded +DSP LongVerb √ Med Diffuse Room √ ModVerb √ Small Diffuse Room √ Table 20.5. 2d Mastering 2d Mastering 2d Expanded 2d Expanded +DSP Parallel Compressor √ Parallel Limiter √ Mid-Side Compressor √ Mid-Side EQ √...

  • Page 274: Mio Volume Control (Lpf)

    +DSP Glide [0, 1k] Specifies the rate at which the gain will change. If the Glide value is close to 0 (especially be- tween .1 and 1), the gain will change slowly. If Glide is close to 1000, the gain will change quickly. Master Bypass {On, Off} When bypassed, the gain will be set to 0dB, passing the input signal unchanged.

  • Page 275: Mio M/S Decoder

    +DSP Side Invert {Off, On} When enabled, inverts the 2nd input channel before processing. Mode {Decode (Constant Amplitude), Decode (Constant Power), Encode (Constant Amplitude), En- code (Constant Power), LR->MS->LR} Selects the processing mode. Decode (Constant Amplitude) Makes input 1 be the Mid Channel and input 2 the Side Channel. In this mode, the processor decodes the M/S input to Left and Right outputs, keeping the total amplitude constant.

  • Page 276: Mio Static Matrix

    +DSP Side Invert {Off, On} When enabled, inverts the 2nd input channel before processing. Width [0, 1] Adjusts the width of the transformed field. When this parameter is 0, the ouput will be mono. When this is 1, the full stereo width is represented. Master Bypass {On, Off} Bypasses all of the processing.

  • Page 277: Miocomp

    +DSP Master Bypass {On, Off} Puts the mixer into direct route mode (e.g. all inputs are directly routed to the corresponding outputs, and no mixing occurs). MIOComp • Synopsis: Flexible Signal Dynamics Compressor • Category: Dynamics, Mastering • Channels: 1, 2 Description: MIOComp is a flexible, full featured dynamics processor that provides compression/limiting function- ality.

  • Page 278: Mioeq 6 Band

    +DSP Release [5µ, 5] s The characteristic release time of the application of the gain reduction. Longer release times will cause MIOComp to be maintain the gain reduction for a longer period of time after transients. Longer release times are appropriate when using MIOComp as a leveling amp/AGC. Alternatively, shorter release times are appropriate when using MIOComp to increase the apparent level of impulsive material.

  • Page 279: Mioeq 12 Band

    +DSP your interface, with the use of an external RIAA phono preamp. Only one band of EQ should be set to RIAA on a channel as using the filter twice will not provide useful results. Master Parameters: Enable{Off, On} Enables the EQ block. When disabled, the EQ (including the master gain) is hard-bypassed, and does not consume DSP power.

  • Page 280: Miolimit

    +DSP been RIAA encoded (for example, the signal on a phonograph disc). This filter type would be selected if you need to decode the output of a phonograph player that is directly connected to the inputs of your interface, with the use of an external RIAA phono preamp. Only one band of EQ should be set to RIAA on a channel as using the filter twice will not provide useful results.
  • Page 281 +DSP When the detected level is below the Threshold, the gain cell passes the signal with no change. Conversely, when the detected level is above the Threshold, the signal is attenuated based upon the Knee and the level of the signal above the Threshold. When the Knee is set to 0, MIOLimit acts a hard-threshold brickwall limiter.

  • Page 282: Miostrip

    When enabled, fully bypasses the plugin. See also: MIOComp MIOStrip • Synopsis: Mobile I/O Channel Processor • Category: EQ, Dynamics, Channel Strip • Channels: 1, 2 Description: MIOStrip provides a complete channel strip processor in one self-contained signal processor. It in- cludes dynamics (gate and compressor with side-chain EQ) and EQ in a flexible, internally routable package.
  • Page 283 +DSP Gate Release [5µ, 5] s The characteristic release time of the application of the gain reduction. Longer release times will cause the gate to be less responsive to short transient signal drops. Very short release times can lead to distortion in the output signal. The release time is applied in the detector stage of the Gate block.
  • Page 284 +DSP Comp Knee [-1, 1] Adjusts the shape of the knee of the compressor as the detector goes above threshold. When knee is set to 0, the transition from no gain reduction to the specified ratio is immediate at the specified threshold.

  • Page 285: Mio Channel Summer

    +DSP EQ Band Gain [-24, 24] dB Sets the parameteric gain on the EQ band. For peaking filters, this is the gain at the peak of the band. For shelving filters, this is the gain at the extreme limit of the filter. This parameter is ignored for the high and low pass filter types as well as the bandpass filter type.

  • Page 286: Mio Channel Multiplier

    +DSP Description: Sum/Difference takes its inputs and forms the sum (A+B) and difference (A-B) of the two signals. Parameters: Master Bypass {On, Off} See also: MIO Channel Summer, MIO Channel Difference, MIO Channel Multiplier MIO Channel Multiplier • Synopsis: Channel Multiplier •...

  • Page 287: Mio Delay (1K)

    +DSP Description: MIOModDelay is a dynamic, interpolating delay that uses a audio control signal to set the delay time through the process. The input control signal is clipped to the range of 0.0…1.0, and then is multipled with the maximum delay specified by Delay(samp). The resulting fractional delay is applied to the input signal to form the output signal.

  • Page 288: Mio Delay (96K)

    +DSP This version of the delay utilizes the external memory block for the delay buffer. If you get a message that MIO Console can't instantiate the plug-in, you will need to use fewer memory-intensive plug- ins such as delays and reverbs. Parameters: Delay(samp) [0, 23.999k] samps Specifies the delay throught the process block in samples.

  • Page 289: Mio Delay (2K-15K Im)

    +DSP Delay(ms) [0, 23.1973] ms Specifies the delay throught the process block in milliseconds. Master Bypass {On, Off} When engaged sets the delay through the block to 0. MIO Delay (2k-15k IM) • Synopsis: Internal Memory Delays • Category: Delay, Building Blocks •...

  • Page 290: Mio Multitap Delay

    +DSP Provides an integer sample delay from the input to the output. Changes in the delay time are interpo- lated, allowing you to change the delay time with no glitches. For large changes in the delay time, the interpolation has the effect of shifting the pitch of the delayed signal as the delay time is changing. This version of the delay utilizes the external memory block for the delay buffer.
  • Page 291 +DSP The MIO MultiTap Delay is appropriate for creating the initial delays for a reverb algorithm. It can also be used to create multiple delayed copies of a signal. This second application can be used in a musical context or could be used to create multiple time-aligned feeds for a distributed sound reproduction system (e.g.
  • Page 292 +DSP Invert {Off, On} When enabled, inverts the delayed signal relative to the input polarity. Enable {Off, On} Enable the tap. When enabled, the tap generates output from on its dedicated output port and contributes to the summed output. Delay(samp) [0, 1.023k] samps Sets the delay, in samples, between the input and output of this tap.

  • Page 293: Mioallpass

    +DSP Invert {Off, On} When enabled, inverts the delayed signal relative to the input polarity. Master Bypass {On, Off} Table 20.10. Multitap delay times Plug-in version Delay (samples) Delay (ms) Short 1024 Medium 24000 Long 96000 2000 MIOAllpass • Synopsis: First Order Allpass Filter •...

  • Page 294: Miohardclip

    When the the absolute value of the input signal level reaches the specified Threshold (on a sample by sample basis), Metric Halo type 1 saturation is applied to the signal. Type 1 saturation is very gentle, low order distortion applied to the signal symmetrically.

  • Page 295: Miosoftclip Type 2

    When the the absolute value of the input signal level reaches the specified Threshold (on a sample by sample basis), Metric Halo Type 2 saturation is applied to the signal. Type 2 saturation is more aggressive than Type 1 saturation, but still provides relatively gentle, low order distortion that is applied to the signal symmetrically.

  • Page 296: Miosoftdistortion Type 1

    When the the absolute value of the input signal level reaches the specified Threshold (on a sample by sample basis), Metric Halo Type 1 distortion is generated and sent to the output. This signal may be added to the input to generate the same effect as the Type 1 soft clipper. The point of this signal processing module is to allow you to further process the distortion signal before adding it back into the original signal.

  • Page 297: Miosoftdistortion Type 3

    When the the absolute value of the input signal level reaches the specified Threshold (on a sample by sample basis), Metric Halo Type 3 distortion is generated and sent to the output. This signal may be added to the input to generate the same effect as the Type 3 soft clipper. The point of this signal processing module is to allow you to further process the distortion signal before adding it back into the original signal.

  • Page 298: Mio 4Th Order Nonlinear Map

    +DSP MIOInSlew limits the slew rate of the input to the maximum slew rate specified by the Slew Rate parameter. This block simulates the effect of slew rate limiting on the output of a signal driver. The slew rate limitation has the effect of a slow-rolloff nonlinear filter, and is an interesting distortion effect. Parameters: Slew Rate [0, 100] samps Sets the maximum change in the input on a sample-by-sample basis.

  • Page 299: Mio 4Th Order [Db] Nonlinear Map

    +DSP can use this to apply a non-linearity that always reduces the amplitude of the input signal, whether the input is positive or negative. The non-linearity generated by this symmeterized map generates high-order odd harmonics for the even order terms, and low-order odd harmonics for the odd order terms. Parameters: x^1 [-4, 4] Sets the coefficient of the linear term of the map.

  • Page 300: Mio 4Th Order [Db] Symmetrical Nonlinear Map

    +DSP Inv {Off, On} Sets the sign of the cubic coefficient (the sign is negative when enabled). Inv {Off, On} Sets the sign of the quartic coefficient (the sign is negative when enabled). Master Gain [-300, 12] dB Sets the overall gain of the output post mapping. Master Bypass {On, Off} When enabled, bypasses the process so that the output is the same as the input.

  • Page 301: Mio A/B Switch (Linear)

    +DSP Master Bypass {On, Off} When enabled, bypasses the process so that the output is the same as the input. MIO A/B Switch (Linear) • Synopsis: A/B Switch - Linear Interpolation • Category: Signal Switch, Building Blocks • Channels: 2->1, 4->2, 6->3, 8->4, 10->5, 12->6, 14->7, 16->8 Description: The MIO A/B (Linear) is a multichannel process block that allows you to crossfade between multichan- nel input ports.

  • Page 302: Mioquadosc

    +DSP more quickly when it initially changes and the change per sample will decrease as the internal gain approaches the selected gain. Parameters: A Blend [0, 1] Sets the portion of the output that comes from the first input port when the A/B switch is turned on. The portion of the output that comes from the second input port is the complement of this value.

  • Page 303: Mioquadnco

    +DSP MIOQuadLFO is a signal generator which functions as a Low Frequency Quadrature Oscillator whose oscillation frequency is precisely controlled by the Frequency parameter. The Quadrature oscillator generates a very pure, low-distortion sinusoidal waveform at one output and the quadrature (90 degree phase shifted) waveform at the other output.

  • Page 304: Noise

    +DSP Noise • Synopsis: Full Scale White Noise Generator • Category: Signal Generator, Building Blocks • Channels: 1 Description: Noise is a signal generator that creates uniform randomly distributed full-scale white noise. See also: MIOQuadOsc, MIOQuadLFO, MIOQuadNCO - Numerically Controlled Oscillator, MIOQuad- NCO-Glide...

  • Page 305: Scale/Offset

    +DSP Scale/Offset • Synopsis: Scale and Offset Signal • Category: Building Blocks • Channels: 1 Description: Scale/Offset is used to apply an affine transformation to the input signal on a sample by sample basis. This can be used to suitably scale and offset control signals used as audio-rate controls for blocks that accept such signals, or it can be used to set scale and bias on signals before they are driven into non-linear elements.

  • Page 306: Nc Svf

    Parameters: Steps [-24, 24] Sets the amount of pitch-shift applied to the input in half-steps. This parameter supports mi- cro-tonal shifts. HaloVerb • Synopsis: Reverb for Mobile I/O • Category: Reverb • Channels: 1, 2 Description:...

  • Page 307: Haloverb For +Dsp

    Sets the gain (in dB) of the the high-end contouring filter. Master Bypass {On, Off} When bypassed, the reverb passes the input through un-touched. HaloVerb for +DSP • Synopsis: Reverb for Mobile I/O • Category: Reverb • Channels: 1, 2 Description: HaloVerb for +DSP is a mono to mono or stereo to stereo reverb that can be used as a send processor or an inline processor.

  • Page 308: Envelopedetector

    +DSP Decay [0, 100] % Sets the damping of the regenerative filters of the room. Larger values roll the high–end off faster. Reverb dB [-inf, 9.54243] dB Sets the level of the reverb signal mixed into the output. Direct dB [-inf, 9.54243] dB Sets the level of the direct (dry) signal mixed into the output.

  • Page 309: Transientcontrol

    +DSP TransientControl • Synopsis: Transient Dynamics Shaper • Category: Dynamics, Building Blocks • Channels: 1, 2 Description: TransientControl is a dynamics shaping processor. By using the Trans and Sustn controls, it is possible to accentuate the transient or sustained components of a signal; for example, by increasing the Trans and decreasing the Sustn of a snare drum, you can accentuate the hit and decrease the ring.

  • Page 310: Cv -> Nco Freq

    +DSP Master Bypass {On, Off} When enabled, fully bypasses the plugin. UI Mode {0, 1, 2} Selects the UI of the plug-in: Basic, Basic with process metering, Advanced with process metering. Display Gain Range {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5} Sets the gain range for the process metering display.

  • Page 311: Min

    +DSP • Synopsis: Selects the minimum value of its two inputs • Category: Math • Channels: 2 Description: Min passes the input that has the smallest value on a sample by sample basis. The output of Min is the smaller of its inputs. Select •...

  • Page 312: Divide

    +DSP • Category: Math • Channels: 0 Description: Constant generates a constant DC signal with the value specified by Constant. This is useful for generating a constant signal to be used as a control signal to be used as an input for other processing blocks such as MIO Channel Multiplier,...

  • Page 313: Exponential Adsr

    +DSP • Channels: 0 Description: ADSR generates a note envelope and NCO oscillator control signal from an input MIDI note message. The ADSR plugin listens for MIDI notes from every MIDI device in the system, and when it detects a note on message, it generates envelope control signal based upon the Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release parameters and the MIDI note on velocity.

  • Page 314: Band Split

    Release [0, 5k] ms The amount of time for the volume envelope to decay back to muted after the plugin detects a corresponding note-off message. Band Split • Synopsis: BandSplit – Crossover for Mobile I/O • Category: Math • Channels: 1, 2 Description: Band Split is a mono in, two out or stereo in, four out crossover module.

  • Page 315: Appendices

    Part IV. Appendices...
  • Page 316 Sample Size ......................... 330 Clock Sources ........................331 F. Troubleshooting Guide ......................332 COMPUTER DOES NOT SEE MOBILE I/O ................332 MOBILE I/O IS NOT POWERED UP ................332 SOFTWARE IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY ..............332 THE FIREWIRE BUS DID NOT RESET CORRECTLY ............332 THE FIREWIRE CABLE IS NOT CONNECTED OR BAD ............
  • Page 317 Appendices J. Support Resources ........................351 K. Changelog ..........................352...

  • Page 318: Mio Console Key Commands

    A. MIO Console Key Commands Key Commands MIO Console supports many key commands that you can use. Often, these key commands are supplied with the intention that you will use them with a third-party HID (Human Interface Device) controller device (for example, a Contour Shuttle Pro), so the key commands may involve many modifier keys.
  • Page 319 MIO Console Key Commands Command Key Sequence ⇧← (Shift + ←) Record Panel: Scroll Timeline Right ⇧→ (Shift + →) Record Panel: Scroll Timeline Left ⌘J (Command + J) Record Panel: Play ⌘K (Command + K) Record Panel: Stop ⌘L (Command + L) Record Panel: Record ⌘⌥⌃F (Command + Option + Control + F) Switch to/from Mini Controller...
  • Page 320 MIO Console Key Commands Some of the key-commands depend upon whether or not you are running MIO Console in legacy mode. In Legacy Mode, there are 5 Panels in the MIO Console window, whereas if you disable legacy mode there are only 5 Panels in the MIO Console window.

  • Page 321: Mixer Channel Strip

    MIO Console Key Commands Command Key Sequence ⌘⇧B (Command + Shift + B) Mixer > Create New Bus ⌘⇧C (Command + Shift + C) Mixer > Configure Mixer ⌘⇧B (Command + Shift + B) Mixer > Create New Bus ⌘⌥C (Command + Option + C) Mixer >...

  • Page 322: Updating Your Firmware

    This data is stored in a memory device on the Mobile I/O motherboard. The data can be updated at any time, but it will be maintained indefinitely, even without any power being applied to the Mobile I/O.

  • Page 323: Update Firmware Choose Dialog

    Updating your Firmware 2. Make sure your Mobile I/O is powered up and connected to your computer. It is strongly recommended that you turn off any amplifiers or powered speakers connected to the unit; it is possible that the MIO could produce noise during the firmware update that could damage your speakers.

  • Page 324: Rolling Back Your Firmware

    Updating your Firmware The Console will find your Mobile I/O on the FireWire bus and begin sending commands to it. While the update is taking place, a progress window will displayed on the screen: Figure B.3: Update Firmware Progress Window When the firmware update has completed, the progress window will disappear.

  • Page 325: Updating The Driver

    C. Updating the Driver Introduction The MIO Driver is the conduit between your interface and CoreAudio. We occasionally update the driver to provide new features, fix bugs or maintain compatibility with new Apple operating systems. Updating the driver is a simple process, but there is a definite procedure that should be followed: 1.

  • Page 326: Firewire

    Newer Macintosh computers come with a FireWire 800 connector, which is a 9-pin rectangular connector with a polarizing key. Your Metric Halo interface uses the FireWire flavor of the IEEE1394 connector with 6- pins for bus power support. The unit ships with two 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire cables, one that is 0.5 meters long (about 18 inches), and the other 4.5m (about 14.5 feet) long.

  • Page 327: Firewire Faq

    The FireWire bus provides a path for all communication between the computer and box – audio, control and meter data. Metric Halo’s audio transport takes advantage of FireWire’s support for isochronous transmission, in which the hardware can reserve a dedicated amount of bandwidth on the bus for moving audio samples. Since the audio must be transmitted on a regular basis to ensure continuous playback and recording, the isochronous model is perfect for this task.

  • Page 328: D.3. Using A Hub In A Mixed Speed Chain

    2. Easier patching; you don’t have to shut down an entire FW chain to unpatch or shut off a device in the middle. METRIC HALO SPECIFIC: • “How many boxes can I use on one FireWire bus?” This depends on the sample rate you’re working in. You can currently use three interfaces on one bus at 44.1-48 kHz, and two at 88.2-192 kHz.

  • Page 329: Coreaudio

    How The CoreAudio Driver Works The Mobile I/O CoreAudio driver is provided by Mac OS X KEXT. The KEXT is a Mac OS X kernel extension. This extension enhances the Mac OS operating system to provide support for communicating with the Mobile I/O hardware.

  • Page 330: Channel Names

    In v.5 the driver reports stream names to the CoreAudio host for both input and output. Since all I/O in the Mobile I/O is routed by you, you can refer to the names in your application and in MIO Console — they will match.

  • Page 331: Clock Sources

    If the host does provide an interface to do this, you will be able to select one of the Mobile I/O external clock sources directly from the host. If the host does not provide an interface, you will need to use the MIO Console to select the external clock source.

  • Page 332: Troubleshooting Guide

    /System/Library/Extensions folder of your computer, you will not be able to use the Mobile I/O for audio and you will not be able to control the sample rate or clock source of the Mobile I/O with the computer. • The symptom of this is that the Front Panel FireWire indicator is illuminated, but the Mobile I/O does not appear as a Sound Output device in the Sound panel of the “System Preferences”...

  • Page 333: The Firewire Cable Is Not Connected Or Bad

    THE FIREWIRE HARDWARE HAS BEEN DAMAGED If all else fails, it may be that the FireWire hardware on either the Mobile I/O or the computer has been damaged. While this is an exceptionally rare occurrence, it is a possibility. The FireWire hardware can be damaged in the following ways: 1.

  • Page 334: Missing Meters In Mio Console

    Troubleshooting Guide Figure F.1: Utilities Menu MISSING METERS IN MIO CONSOLE There is a limit in the 2d card that only the first seven busses in MIO Console have active metering. If you create and eighth bus (or more), they will pass audio but will not have active meters. COULD NOT INSTANTIATE PLUG-IN If you see the following dialog in MIO Console: Figure F.2: 2d Out of Memory...

  • Page 335: Digital Distortion

    In the License Management window, click the oblong button in the upper right corner to disclose the "Refresh Status" and "Reload Licenses" buttons. First click the "Refresh Status" button to make MIO Console confirm your license status with Metric Halo, then click the "Reload Licenses" button to reinstall your licenses back into the interface.
  • Page 336 Mobile I/O is not hard-grounded to the same ground as your other audio gear. To hard ground the Mobile I/O you will need to use a 3-pin power cable on the Mobile I/O power supply and power the Mobile I/O with the power supply.

  • Page 337: Firmware Update Problems

    While all Macintosh computers with built-in FireWire supply bus power, some models do not provide enough power on the bus to power Mobile I/O. If this is the case, you will generally find that the Mobile I/O will boot on initial connection, but will then lose power or will reboot repeatedly after a short period of operation.

  • Page 338: Other Bus Powered Devices

    Mobile I/O consumes enough power that it is very unlikely that you will be able to successfully bus power Mobile I/O and any other bus-powered device (except for a hub) from the same computer. If you plan on using other bus-powerable devices with your computer, you will need to either self- power your other devices or self- power the Mobile I/O.

  • Page 339: Db25 Pinouts

    G. DB25 Pinouts Figure G.1: Analog DB25 pinouts Common wiring pinouts: XLR: • HOT: Pin 2 • COLD: Pin 3 • GND: Pin 1 TRS: • HOT: Tip • COLD: Ring • GND: Shield TS (unbalanced 1/4"): • HOT: Tip •...

  • Page 340: G.2. Aes I/O Db25 Pinouts

    DB25 Pinouts Figure G.2: AES I/O DB25 pinouts Wiring pinout for XLR: • HOT: Pin 2 • COLD: Pin 3 • GND: Pin 1 Table G.1. AES crossover cable pinout DB25 #1 DB25 #2...

  • Page 341: Uln-8/Lio-8 Jumper Settings

    H. ULN-8/LIO-8 Jumper Settings Overview There are a number of settings that can be configured in the ULN-8 and LIO-8 using jumpers. We’ll detail them here. To access the ULN-8/LIO-8 configuration jumpers: 1. Remove the six screws from the top of the case: Figure H.1: Top Screw Placement 2.

  • Page 342: D.i. Board

    ULN-8/LIO-8 Jumper Settings D.I. Board Figure H.4: D.I. Board Jumper Sites There are 4 pairs of pin headers on the DI board mounted to the front panel, two pair per channel. The pair of pins closest to the TRS connectors (for each channel) is the low gain set. The pair closest to the ribbon cable is the high gain set.

  • Page 343: Output Levels

    ULN-8/LIO-8 Jumper Settings Output levels Jumpers can be installed to raise the operating output level of the analog outputs. There are a few reasons why they are not installed by default: • The factory configuration of the ULN-8 Line outputs is +18 dBu, which is a very common level for interfacing with a large majority of existing gear.

  • Page 344: H.7. Psu Jumper Sites

    ULN-8/LIO-8 Jumper Settings • J8 disables the phantom power supply These should both be installed if no preamps are installed. They must be removed if any preamps are installed. • J7 bypasses the front panel power switch. Installing a jumper at this site will provide constant power from the 4 pin XLR power jack.

  • Page 345: Uln-R Installation Guide

    I. ULN-R Installation Guide ULN-R Parts and Tools The ULN-R Mic Pre (Ch. 1-4) kit includes the following parts: • 1) DB25 connector board Figure I.1: DB25 Connector Board • 1) 4 channel ULN-R mic pre board Figure I.2: 4 Channel ULN-R Mic Pre Board •...

  • Page 346: Installing The Mic Pres

    ULN-R Installation Guide Figure I.5: 7/16” Standoffs • 3) Phillips head screws Figure I.6: Phillips Head Screw The ULN-R Mic Pre (Ch. 5-8) kit includes the following parts: • 1) 4 channel ULN-R mic pre board • 1) 20 pin ribbon cable jumper •...

  • Page 347: Side Screw Placement, With Rack Ear

    ULN-R Installation Guide 2. Remove the screws from the left and right sides of the case. If the rack ears are fitted, there will be five screws per side. Please note that the screws on the rack ears are longer than the others. Be sure to put the longer screws back in the rack ears when you reassemble the LIO-8.

  • Page 348: Db25 Connector Board (Interior)

    ULN-R Installation Guide Figure I.12: DB25 Connector Board (Interior) 6. Remove the jumpers from J8 and J9 on the power supply board at the front of the LIO: Figure I.13: Phantom Power Jumpers on the PSU Board 7. Connect the phantom power cable between connector J5 on the DB25 connector board to connector J5 on the power supply board at the front of the LIO:...

  • Page 349: Installing The Ch. 1-4 Mic Pre Board

    ULN-R Installation Guide Figure I.14: Phantom Supply Cable and Ch. 1-4 Connectors 8. Install the mic pre board, making sure that the pins on the bottom of the board line up with the sockets highlighted in the picture above. You must install the channel 1-4 board in this position. Use two Phillips head screws to secure the mic pre board and dab them with caulk.

  • Page 350: Installing The Ch. 5-8 Mic Pre Board

    ULN-R Installation Guide Figure I.16: Installing the Ch. 5-8 Mic Pre Board The installation is finished! Replace the top cover, and replace the six crews on the top of the case. Then replace the screws on the left and right side, remembering to use the longer screws on the rack ears. It sometimes helps to squeeze the top and bottom of the case together when replacing the side screws, to ensure that the outer holes line up with the threaded inserts.

  • Page 351: Support Resources

    J. Support Resources Metric Halo has several resources to help you; if you have questions that aren't answered in this document, we have further materials online: • Our FAQ: http://www.mhsecure.com/faq • Our technote and tutorial library: http://mhsecure.com/metric_halo/support/tutorials.html You may also consider joining our user email list, where you may ask questions of other users. You can subscribe to the list at https://mail.music.vt.edu/mailman/listinfo/mobileio.

  • Page 352: Changelog

    K. Changelog v5.6.01: Changes: • Added ConsoleSync "On Launch" behaviors to MIO Console preferences • Added ConsoleSync preferences to MIO Console preferences • Added ConsoleConnect support for 64 bit VST hosts • Enabled Retina support for MIO Console • Updated firmware version to 5.0.44 Bugfixes: •...
  • Page 353 Changelog • Changed Use OpenGL for rendering preference to be on by default • Changed the Record Panel Name take folders incrementally preference to be on by default • Changed the Record Panel Record File Format preference to default to BWF instead of SDII •...
  • Page 354 Changelog v5.4.04: Changes: • Send window channels display in the color set in the main mixer window • Changed pre/post indication in send windows • Character can be bypassed via Option-clicking • Added preference to autoselect send windows when chosen in the Monitor Controller •...

  • Page 355: Glossary

    One license extends to all interfaces connected to the computer; if you move an unlicensed interface to another computer, it loses the license. Metric Halo's second generation DSP card. The 2d card is part of every new interface, and is available as an upgrade for older units.

  • Page 356: Cross-Section Of A Coaxial Cable

    Glossary is now out of phase in the “Cold” signal, and when the “Hot” and “Cold” are summed the noise will cancel and only the original signal will remain. A locking connector used for connecting RF and digital interfacing signals over a coaxial cable.
  • Page 357 Digital Signal Processing. This can mean: • A physical integrated circuit that processes audio- “All Metric Halo interfaces have a DSP chip in them called 2d.” • The program that makes a DSP chip do useful things, usually referred to as plug-ins- “The MIOStrip DSP plug-in gives me gating, compres-...
  • Page 358 These are commonly called “Lo-Z”. Insert There are two kinds of inserts used by Metric Halo: • Analog: The ULN-2 and ULN-8 offer insert points that allow external processors to be patched between the onboard mic pres and A/D con- verters.

  • Page 359: Linear Fade

    Glossary Figure 317: Linear Fade Logarithmic fade A fade up or down which changes gain faster at the end of a fade up and faster at the beginning of a fade out. In the example below, the Logarithmic fade causes the curved lines in the fade in and out. A logarithmic fade tends to sound more natural on audio material.
  • Page 360 Glossary • Side, (always figure-8) turned 90° in relation to the Mid. Should be placed as close as possible to the Mid’s diaphragm. The two signals are matrixed to stereo using a M/S decoder. The advantage of M/S recording is that the stereo width is variable from true mono through stereo and can be modified after recording.

  • Page 361: Phase Offset

    Glossary Phase Describes the position of one sound wave relative to another, or in relation to time. Let's look at phase between two signals. In the first example, the two signals have the same phase: Figure 319: 0° Phase Offset The two signals are drawn perfectly on top of each other.
  • Page 362 Glossary Figure 321: Phase Cancellation Post Means “after”. Common uses: • Post-fader: After the fader. A post-fader meter would show the level of an audio signal including the boost or cut of the fader. • Post-insert: After the insert. A post-insert direct out would send wet audio.
  • Page 363 Glossary Send There are two kinds of sends used by Metric Halo: • Analog: In the ULN-2 and ULN-8, the send is the physical output of the insert. • Digital: In MIO Console, a send is used to route an channel to busses other than the main bus.
  • Page 364 Word clocks are connected via 75 Ω BNC cables, and must be terminated for proper operation. All Metric Halo interfaces feature self- terminating WC connectors.

  • Page 365: Index

    Bus Mode, 170 AES 4 (1x), 153 Bus Name, 183 AES 4 (2x), 153 Bus Output Assign, 183 AES 4 (4x), 153 Bus Powering Mobile I/O, 337 DigIn (44/48), 152 Bus Select, 175 DigIn (88/96), 152 Bus Type, 169 Internal, 151...
  • Page 366 Index ULN-2, 78 ULN-8/LIO-8, 117 ULN-8, 104 DI Source pop-up menu, 154 Computer does not see Mobile I/O, 332 DI SRC button (2882, ULN-2), 154 Console file, 249 Digital Input Meters, 149 Console Window, 142 Digital Output Meters, 156 ConsoleConnect...
  • Page 367 Index LIO-8, 87 ULN-2, 71 I/O insert in the Mixer, 178 ULN-8, 100 I/O Panel, 143 Front Panel (ULN-8/LIO-8) I/O trim (ULN-8/LIO-8), 113 +48 mode, 120 Identify Box, 144 AES Status Indicators, 116 Infrared Remote Channel mode, 113 Front Panel (ULN-8/LIO-8), 123 Clock source, 112 Input Clip Threshold (ULN-8/LIO-8), 122 Control mode, 112...
  • Page 368 Channel, 164, 171 Record Enable, 183 Master, 165, 181 Metering Mixer Window, 159 (ULN-8/LIO-8), 114 Mobile I/O 2882 2882, 58 ADAT Optical Digital Audio, 63 Channel Strip Meters Post Fader, 255 AES Digital Audio, 63 ULN-2, 71 Analog Audio Connections, 61...
  • Page 369 CoreAudio, 329 What comes with it, 57 FireWire, 326 What you need to use it, 57 Front Panel (ULN-8/LIO-8), 111 Mobile I/O Is Not Powered Up, 332 LIO-8, 84 Monitor (output level), 156 Record Panel, 232 Monitor Control Section (ULN-8/LIO-8), 117...
  • Page 370 Selecting Control Modes (ULN-8/LIO-8), 118 Boot state, 335 Selection-based Linking, 175 Bus Powering Mobile I/O, 337 Sends, 177 Computer does not see Mobile I/O, 332 Sidechain, 242 Console state file, 335 Signal Flow Could Not Instantiate Plug-In, 334 2882, 60...
  • Page 371 (see also Front Panel ULN-8/LIO-8) License Reinstallation, 335 Front Panel Guide, 111 Missing meters in MIO Console, 334 Jumpers, 341 Mobile I/O Is Not Powered Up, 332 Mic S/R Mode, 104 No output, 333 MIDI, 105 Safety Boot, 337 Monitor (output level), 156...

This manual is also suitable for:

Mobile i/o 2882Mio consoleUln-2Lio-8Uln-8+dsp

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