PRESONUS AudioBox 44VSL Quick Start Manual
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PRESONUS AudioBox 44VSL Quick Start Manual

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  • Page 1 AudioBox 44VSL ™ Quick Start Guide ® www.presonus.com...
  • Page 2 Read these instructions. normally, or has been dropped. All PreSonus products Keep these instructions. in the USA should be serviced at the PreSonus factory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If your product requires a Heed all warnings. repair, contact support@presonus.com to arrange for a Follow all instructions.
  • Page 3 EU Directives on the Protection WEEE This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this of the Environment and product must not be disposed of Other Euro Stuff with other waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your RoHS This product is compliant with the EU Directive waste equipment by handing it over 2011/65/EU for the Restriction of the use of Certain...
  • Page 4 This section takes you through both. Want to Learn More? Want to read all about your AudioBox 44VSL’s Tech Specs? Can’t wait to dive into Virtual StudioLive? Dying to be the Studio One guru in your neighborhood? Visit these resources to learn more!!
  • Page 5 In addition to the Power User tips, you will find an assortment of audio tutorials at the back of the User Manual. These tutorials cover everything from microphone placement to equalizer and compression suggestions and are included to help you get the most from your AudioBox 44VSL.
  • Page 6 PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL Hook up your AudioBox 44VSL ™ Front Panel Connections Hook up your AudioBox 44VSL Front Panel Connections Microphone / Instrument Preamps. Channels Phones Level. Mixer Control. This 1 and 2 of the This knob controls AudioBox 44VSL...

  • Page 7: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Hook up your AudioBox 44VSL Rear Panel Connections Rear-Panel Connections Main Outputs. This is where you ¼” Stereo MIDI In and Out connect your Headphone Ports. The MIDI studio monitors or Output. This is USB 2.0 input and output monitoring system.

  • Page 8: Basic Hookup Diagram

    PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL Hook up your AudioBox 44VSL ™ Basic Hookup Diagram Basic Hookup Diagram AudioBox 44VSL Sync Clip Clip Clip Clip Mic•Instrument Mic•Line headphones vocal mic vocal mic guitar bass USB 2.0 MIDI MAIN OUT LINE OUTPUTS PHONES computer...
  • Page 9 AudioBox installer. It will take you through each step of the installation process. Before you start the installation, quit all applications, and connect your AudioBox 44VSL to an available USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on your computer. Windows Vista Users: If you see any Windows Security alerts, click “Install this driver software anyway.
  • Page 10 One see Section 4.3 in your AudioBox 22/44VSL Owner’s Manual or Studio One User Manual (located in the Studio One Help menu). Your AudioBox 44VSL comes with Studio One Artist recording and production software. Studio One Artist provides you with all of the tools necessary to capture and mix a great performance.
  • Page 11 Quick Start Guide Install and Authorize Studio One Artist Authorizing Studio One Artist Authorizing Studio One Artist Make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet. (For instructions on authorizing Studio One without an Internet connection, please consult Section 4.2 of the AudioBox 22/44VSL manual. Launch the Studio One Artist program by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop or in your applications folder.
  • Page 12 Fill out the form, making sure that your email is correct. When you are finished, click Register. Write down the username and password you chose. This is the information you will use to register all your PreSonus products as well as to log into the PreSonus forum. USERNAME _______________________...
  • Page 13 Quick Start Guide Install and Authorize Studio One Artist Installing the Studio One Artist Content Installing the Studio One Artist Content Studio One Artist comes with many audio loops and instruments that are organized into Soundsets, as well as demo songs and third-party plug-in instruments.
  • Page 14 Now that you know what not to do, let’s get some audio going! Creating a Monitor Mix Included with your AudioBox 44VSL is Virtual StudioLive (VSL). This powerful piece of software allows you to use your AudioBox like a 4-channel version of a StudioLive 16.0.2 digital mixer, giving you access to the same dynamics processing, EQ, and effects processing on every channel and output.
  • Page 15 48V button on the front panel. ioBox 44VSL Sync Inputs Clip Clip Clip Mic•Line Turn on your amplifier or powered monitors. Connect a pair of headphones to your AudioBox 44VSL. Turn the AudioBox Phones volume control to the 12 o‘clock position.
  • Page 16 PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL Set your Levels and Record! ™ Creating a Monitor Mix Using VSL 10. Turn the Mixer knob on the front panel of your AudioBox all the way clockwise to the “VSL” position. While using Virtual StudioLive, you will be monitoring the playback through VSL, so you’ll remove any analog monitoring from the mix.
  • Page 17 Quick Start Guide Set your Levels and Record! Creating a Monitor Mix Using VSL 14. Give your Song a name. 15. Click the OK button when you are finished. 16. Click on the MIX button to open the Console in Studio One 17.
  • Page 18 PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL Set your Levels and Record! ™ Creating a Monitor Mix Using VSL 20. In the Browser, click on the Fat Channel tab. You will see an assortment of presets. 21. Drag a vocal preset from the Browser and drop it onto Channel 1.
  • Page 19 Quick Start Guide Set your Levels and Record! Creating a Monitor Mix Using VSL 23. Click on the FX tab in the Browser. You will see an assortment of Reverb and Delay presets. 24. Choose a Reverb preset and drag it onto FXA.
  • Page 20 5.0 Want to Learn More? AudioBox 44VSL and VSL Information Complete information about your AudioBox 44VSL can be found in the User Manual. Your User Manual is located on the VSL installation disk. The AudioBox 44VSL User Manual contains complete operating instructions for your interface as well as Virtual StudioLive software.
  • Page 21 Quick Start Guide Want to Learn More? If all else fails… In the USA: Call PreSonus Technical Support at 1-225- 216-7887, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time. Outside the USA: Contact your PreSonus distributor. Anywhere in the world:...
  • Page 22 Note: No product support is available when you call the number above. Refer to your Certificate of Warranty in your User Manual for PreSonus’ Technical Support telephone number. ® Baton Rouge • USA • www.presonus.com...
  • Page 23 © 2012 PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PreSonus, StudioLive, Studio One, Capture, Virtual StudioLive, XMAX, and AudioBox are trademarks of PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Page 24 • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by PreSonus Audio Electronics could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
  • Page 25 AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Owner’s Manual English Español Deutsch ® Français www.presonus.com...
  • Page 26 The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral been dropped. All PreSonus products in the USA should be serviced at the triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated PreSonus factory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

  • Page 27: Table Of Contents

    AudioBox™ 22/44VSL 4.1.5 Loading Scenes and Presets from VSL — 28 1.0 Overview — 1 4.1.6 Using VSL to Create a Monitor Mix — 29 Introduction — 1 Studio One Artist Quick Start — 32 Summary of AudioBox 22/44VSL 4.2.1 Installation and Hardware Features —...
  • Page 28 5.5.1 Reverb — 68 5.5.2 Delay — 69 5.5.3 Modulation Effects — 69 6.0 Technical Information — 70 AudioBox 22VSL Specifications — 70 AudioBox 44VSL Specifications — 72 7.0 Troubleshooting & Warranty — 74 Troubleshooting — 74 PreSonus AudioBox Limited Warranty —...

  • Page 29: Overview

    Introduction Overview Introduction Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus AudioBox™ 22/44VSL. PreSonus Audio Electronics has designed the AudioBox 22/44VSL utilizing high-grade components to ensure optimum performance that will last a lifetime. Loaded with 2 high- headroom, Class A, XMAX™ microphone preamplifiers; a built-in 2x2/4x4 USB 2.0 recording and playback engine;...

  • Page 30: Summary Of Audiobox 22/44Vsl Hardware Features

    • Mac OS X®- and Windows®-compatible Summary of Studio One Artist Software Features All PreSonus audio interfaces include PreSonus Studio One Artist recording software, which comes with over 4 GB of plug-ins, loops, and samples, giving you everything you need for music recording and production. The Studio One Artist Quick Start Guide is located in Section 4.1 of this manual.

  • Page 31: Summary Of Virtual Studiolive Software Features

    Owner’s Manual Overview Summary of Virtual StudioLive Software Features Summary of Virtual StudioLive Software Features Virtual StudioLive is powerful monitor-mixing application that allows you to add professional dynamics and effects to your monitor mixes. • Easy drag-and-drop workflow • Drag presets directly to channels •...

  • Page 32: What Is In The Box

    PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL or 44VSL USB 2.0 recording interface 6’ (1.8m) 6-pin-to-6-pin USB cable External Power Supply (AudioBox 44VSL only) Software Library containing • PreSonus Studio One Artist program DVD plus gigabytes of third-party content • PreSonus Virtual StudioLive and AudioBox driver CD...

  • Page 33: Hookup

    AudioBox 22/44VSL becomes an instrument preamplifier. • Line-level Inputs (AudioBox 44VSL Only). Channels 3 and 4 of the AudioBox 44VSL have a ¼-inch, balanced TRS connection for line-level input. When these inputs are engaged, the microphone-preamp circuit is bypassed.
  • Page 34 Power (22VSL)/USB Sync (44VSL) LED. This LED will illuminate blue when the AudioBox is properly powered and synced to a USB 2.0 connection. AudioBox 44VSL users: this LED will flash blue & red when the unit is properly powered but no USB connection is detected.

  • Page 35: Rear-Panel Connections

    Main Out. These are the main outputs for the AudioBox 22/44VSL. The output level of the Main Outs is controlled by the Main volume knob on the front of the unit. Line Outputs (AudioBox 44VSL Only). The AudioBox 44VSL has four line outputs to route to external devices, such as headphone amps and DJ mixers.
  • Page 36 The AudioBox 22VSL is bus-powered via this connection and does not require an external power supply. Power Input (AudioBox 44VSL Only). This is where you connect the power supply for your AudioBox 44VSL. The AudioBox 44VSL cannot be bus powered.

  • Page 37: Basic Hookup Diagram

    Owner’s Manual Hookup Basic Hookup Diagram Basic Hookup Diagram AudioBox 44VSL Sync Clip Clip Clip Clip Mic•Instrument Mic•Line headphones vocal mic vocal mic guitar bass USB 2.0 MIDI MAIN OUT LINE OUTPUTS PHONES computer monitors midi...

  • Page 38: Midi Hookup Diagram

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Hookup MIDI Hookup Diagram MIDI Hookup Diagram AudioBox 44VSL Sync Clip Clip Clip Clip Mic•Instrument Mic•Line headphones midi vocal mic guitar USB 2.0 MIDI MAIN OUT LINE OUTPUTS PHONES computer monitors...

  • Page 39: Connecting To A Computer

    Your AudioBox 22/44VSL is a rugged USB 2.0 audio interface with flexible monitoring control and professional audio tools. System Requirements Below are the minimum computer-system requirements for PreSonus Studio One Artist and Virtual StudioLive software.* Macintosh • Operating Systems: •...

  • Page 40: Installation For Windows

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Connecting to a Computer Installation for Windows Installation for Windows The AudioBox installer requires that your AudioBox 22/44VSL be connected to your computer. Connect your AudioBox 22/44VSL to an available USB 2.0 port and insert the Installation CD into your disc drive.
  • Page 41 Owner’s Manual Connecting to a Computer Installation for Windows 3. The installer will now scanned your computer, you will be prompted to begin the installation. If your AudioBox is not detected by the installer, you will prompted to connect it. Click “Install Driver.

  • Page 42: Installation For Mac Os X

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Connecting to a Computer Installation for Mac OS X Installation for Mac OS X After inserting the Installation CD into your disc drive, browse the disc and run the AudioBox 22/44VSL installer, which will take you through each step of the installation process.

  • Page 43: Using The Audiobox 22/44Vsl With Popular Audio Applications

    2. Go to Devices | Device Setup. 3. Select “VST Audio System” from the Devices column in the Device Setup. 4. Select PreSonus AudioBox 22(44)VSL from the ASIO Driver dropdown list. 5. Click “Switch” to begin using the AudioBox 22/44VSL driver.
  • Page 44 “PreSonus AudioBox 22(44)VSL.” 8. Go to Options | Audio... and click on the General tab. 9. Set the Playback Timing Master to “PreSonus AudioBox... DAW Out 1. ” 10. Set the Recording Timing Master to “PreSonus AudioBox... Mic/Inst 1. ”...

  • Page 45: Software: Virtual Studiolive And Studio One Artist

    Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual StudioLive Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Your AudioBox 22/44VSL comes with a powerful software bundle that provides everything you need to record, produce and mix an album. This software package includes Virtual StudioLive™...
  • Page 46 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live Meter Peak Hold Sets the Clip Indicator to Remain Illuminated When this option is enabled, the clip indicator on any given channel meter in VSL will remain illuminated until manually cleared, even if the signal is no longer clipping.

  • Page 47: Virtual Studiolive: Browser

    • FX. Displays stored effects presets. VSL comes loaded with 30 custom reverb and delay presets designed by PreSonus. In addition to these presets, you can build your own nearly limitless custom effects library.

  • Page 48: Virtual Studiolive: Overview And Fat Channel Zoom

    Scenes or presets. Show/Hide Browser Displays/Hides the Browser Window (AudioBox 44VSL Only). The Browser can be hidden from view to provide more real-estate for your mix. Simply click on the “Hide Browser” button to close the Browser.

  • Page 49: Vsl Controls: Definitions And Uses

    To close the window, click on the “X” in upper right corner. AudioBox 44VSL Users: You can switch between different dynamics processors by using the buttons located on the left side of this window.
  • Page 50 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live Select Button Accesses the Fat Channel. Above each fader in VSL, you will see Select buttons. There is a Select button on each of the analog inputs and DAW returns, on both effects buses, and on the Main output bus.
  • Page 51 Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live Meter Displays the Pre-Fader Level of Each Channel. Each channel features a fader for accurate level monitoring. Each meter displays the Pre-Fader, Pre-Fat Channel signal. If the Post button is engaged, the meter will display the post-Fat Channel, pre-fader signal.
  • Page 52 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live High Pass Filter Freq Adjust the High Pass Filter’s Cutoff Frequency. The High Pass filter’s cutoff frequency can be set from 18 Hz to 1.3 kHz.
  • Page 53 Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live Compressor Threshold Sets the Threshold of the Compressor for the Selected Channel or Bus. When the signal’s amplitude (level) exceeds the threshold setting, the compressor engages. Turning the knob counterclockwise lowers the threshold so that compression begins at a lower amplitude.
  • Page 54 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live Equalizer On/Off Turns the Equalizer On and Off for the Selected Channel or Bus. This button engages or disengages the equalizer for the selected channel or output bus. It will illuminate to indicate that the equalizer has been enabled.
  • Page 55 Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live Mid EQ Frequency Control Sets the Center Frequency of the Mid EQ. The center frequency is the middle of the passband (the mean) between the lower and upper cutoff frequencies that define the limits of the band. You can adjust the center frequency from 380 Hz to 5 kHz.

  • Page 56: Loading Scenes And Presets From Vsl

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Virtual Studio Live High Shelving EQ Button Turns on the High Shelving EQ for the Selected Input or Bus. When the Shelf button is not engaged, the High band is a semi- parametric EQ.

  • Page 57: Using Vsl To Create A

    Creating a Mix for Outputs 3 and 4 (AudioBox 44VSL Only) The AudioBox 44VSL also allows you to create a separate mix for Outputs 3 and 4. This done by using channel sends that enable you to set the levels for each channel that is routed to a specific output bus—in this case,...
  • Page 58 An effects mix is created just like a mix for Outputs 3 and 4 on the AudioBox 44VSL: by using a channel send. The A and B channel sends control the volume settings for each channel to FX buses A and B,...
  • Page 59 • Reverb and Delay: Damping. This control dampens the higher frequencies in the reverb reflections. AudioBox 44VSL users: It is important to mention both FX bus A and FX bus B must be patched to an output pair in order to hear them in the mix. On each of the output buses (Out 3 and 4 and Main), you will see buttons labeled FXA and FXB.

  • Page 60: Studio One Artist Quick Start

    Studio One Artist provides you with all of the tools necessary to capture and mix a great performance. As a valued PreSonus customer, you are also eligible for a discount upgrade to Studio One Producer or Studio One Professional. For more details on the Studio One upgrade program for PreSonus customers, please visit http://studioone.presonus.com/.
  • Page 61 • If your computer is not connected to the Internet, skip to “Activating Studio One Artist Offline. ” • If you already have a PreSonus user account, you can skip to “Activating Studio One Artist On Line. ” 3. Fill out the user-registration form. You will be asked to create a username and password.
  • Page 62 Activating Studio One Artist Offline 1. If your computer is not connected to the Internet, visit http://www.presonus.com/registration/ on an Internet- connected computer to create your account. 2. Once you have created your user account, log in and click on the Software Registration link.
  • Page 63 Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 5. Click on the “Download License” link. A file called “Studio One 2 Artist.license” will be saved onto your computer. You will need to copy this onto a piece of removable media and transfer it onto the computer on which you want to run Studio One Artist.
  • Page 64 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 2. At the top of the installation menu, select the source from which the content will be installed, as well as the location where you wish to install the content. The source of the content will be the same DVD from which you installed Studio One Artist.

  • Page 65: Enabling The Audio Driver

    On this page, you will find document-management and device- configuration controls, as well as a customizable artist profile, a news feed, and links to demos and tutorials from PreSonus. If you have an Internet connection on your computer, these links will be updated as new tutorials become available on the PreSonus Web site.

  • Page 66: Configuring Midi Devices

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 4.2.3 Configuring MIDI Devices From the External Devices window in Studio One Artist, you can configure your MIDI keyboard controller, sound modules, and control surfaces. This section will guide you through setting up your MIDI keyboard controller and sound module.
  • Page 67 Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start Click the Add button. 3. The Add Device window will launch. 4. From the menu on the left, select New Keyboard. At this point, you can customize the name of your keyboard by entering the manufacturer and device names.
  • Page 68 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start Setting up an External MIDI Sound Module from the Start Page MIDI instrument controllers (keyboards, MIDI guitars, etc.) send musical information in the form of MIDI data to tone modules and virtual instruments, which respond by generating sound, as instructed.
  • Page 69 Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 6. In the Send To drop-down menu, select the MIDI-interface output from which Studio One Artist will send MIDI data to your sound module—in this case, via the AudioBox 22/44VSL. In the Receive From drop-down menu, select the MIDI-interface output (AudioBox 22/44VSL) from which Studio One Artist will receive sound-module MIDI data.
  • Page 70 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 6. When the Song window launches, launch the Audio Setup window by going to Studio One | Options… (Windows) or Studio One | Preferences (Mac) and click on the Audio Setup button.

  • Page 71: Creating Audio Tracks

    Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 11. Click on the Outputs tab, and you will see all of the available outputs on your AudioBox 22/44VSL. We recommend that you create stereo outputs for the Main outputs on your AudioBox 22/44VSL.

  • Page 72: Creating Midi Tracks

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 6. Connect a set of headphones to the AudioBox headphone output. If you wish to listen to your AudioBox 22/44VSL with studio monitors, make sure to connect them to the AudioBox‘s Main outputs.

  • Page 73: Adding Virtual Instruments And Plug-In Effects To Your Song

    Owner’s Manual Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start 5. To the left of the Add Track button, you will find the Inspector button. Click it to display more parameters for the selected track. 6. At the bottom of the Inspector menu, you will see your Bank and Program selections.
  • Page 74 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Software: Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist Studio One Artist Quick Start Drag-and-Drop Effects To add a plug-in effect to a track, click the Effects button and select the plug-in or one of its presets in the effects browser, then drag the selection over the track to which you would like to add the effect.

  • Page 75: Tutorials

    Owner’s Manual Tutorials Microphone Types Tutorials Microphone Types The AudioBox 22VSL and AudioBox 44VSL work with most types of microphones, including dynamic, ribbon, and condenser microphones. 5.1.1 Condenser Condenser microphones generally capture sound with excellent fidelity and are among the most popular microphone choices for studio recording and, increasingly, for live performance as well.

  • Page 76: Microphone Placement

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Microphone Types If you are using a new or nonstandard type of microphone (e.g., USB, headset, laser, MEMS), please consult your microphone’s user’s manual for power requirement and compatibility information. Regardless of the microphone type you are using, we recommend reading your microphone’s user’s manual thoroughly before engaging...
  • Page 77 Owner’s Manual Tutorials Microphone Types Acoustic Guitar Point a small-diaphragm condenser microphone at the 12th fret, approximately 8 inches away. Point a large-diaphragm condenser microphone at the bridge of the guitar, approximately 12 inches from the guitar. Experiment with distances and microphone placement.
  • Page 78 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Microphone Types Drum Overheads (XY example) Place two small-diaphragm condenser microphones on an XY stereo-microphone holder (bar). Position the microphones so that each one is at a 45-degree angle, pointed down at the drum kit, approximately 7 or 8 feet above the floor or drum riser.

  • Page 79: A Brief Tutorial On Dynamics Processing

    Each channel in VSL includes a Fat Channel dynamics section. What follows is an excerpt from a brief tutorial on dynamics processing written by PreSonus president and founder Jim Odom. It is included to help you get the most out of VSL and the Fat Channel.

  • Page 80: Types Of Dynamic Processing

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials A Brief Tutorial on Dynamic Processing Why do the best consoles in the world put compressors on every channel? The answer is simply that most instruments need some form of compression, often very subtle, to be properly heard in a mix.
  • Page 81 Owner’s Manual Tutorials A Brief Tutorial on Dynamic Processing How severely the compressor reduces the signal is determined by the compression ratio and compression threshold. A ratio of 2:1 or less is considered mild compression, reducing the output by a factor of two for signals that exceed the compression threshold.
  • Page 82 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials A Brief Tutorial on Dynamic Processing Attack. Attack sets the speed at which the compressor acts on the input signal. A slow attack time allows the beginning envelope of a signal (commonly referred to as the initial transient) to pass through the compressor unprocessed, whereas a fast attack time immediately subjects the signal to the ratio and threshold settings of the compressor.
  • Page 83 Owner’s Manual Tutorials A Brief Tutorial on Dynamic Processing the level of a signal by a factor of two. (e.g., if a level drops 5 dB below the expansion threshold, the expander will reduce it to 10 dB below the threshold.) Commonly used for noise reduction, expansion is very effective as a simple noise gate.

  • Page 84: Compression Settings: Some Starting Points

    “tighten” the percussive sound and make it more pronounced. 5.2.3 Compression Settings: Some Starting Points The following are the compression presets that were used in the PreSonus BlueMax. We have included them as a jumping-off point for setting up compression in VSL. Vocals Soft.
  • Page 85 Owner’s Manual Tutorials A Brief Tutorial on Dynamic Processing Left/Right (Stereo) Overheads. The low ratio and threshold in this setting gives a “fat” contour to even out the sound from overhead drum mics. Low end is increased, and the overall sound is more present and less ambient.
  • Page 86 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials A Brief Tutorial on Dynamic Processing Stereo Mix Stereo Limiter. Just as the name implies, this is a hard limiter, or “brickwall, ” setting— ideal for controlling the level to a two-track mixdown deck or stereo output.

  • Page 87: Equalizers

    Owner’s Manual Tutorials Equalizers Equalizers The Fat Channels in VSL are equipped with a 3-band semi-parametric equalizer for every analog input and playback stream. Here’s a brief explanation of how an EQ functions, as well as some charts to help you navigate the frequency ranges of various instruments so you can quickly choose the best EQ settings for your recordings and live mixes.
  • Page 88 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Equalizers between 60 to 125 Hz, but the attack of the kick drum is much higher at 2 to 5 kHz. By setting a narrow bandwidth and boosting the attack a bit, you can achieve a punchier kick drum without overpowering the rest of the mix.

  • Page 89: Equalization Settings: How To Find The Best And Leave The Rest

    Owner’s Manual Tutorials Equalizers High Mids (2 kHz to 4 kHz). The attack portion of percussive and rhythm instruments occurs in this range. High mids are also responsible for the projection of midrange instruments. Presence (4 kHz to 6 kHz). This frequency range is partly responsible for the clarity of a mix and provides a measure of control over the perception of distance.
  • Page 90 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Equalizers Table 1 Instrument What to Cut Why to Cut What to Boost Why to Boost Human Voice 7 kHz Sibilance 8 kHz Big sound 2 kHz Shrill 3 kHz and above Clarity 1 kHz...
  • Page 91 Owner’s Manual Tutorials Equalizers Table 2...

  • Page 92: General Eq Suggestions

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Equalizers 5.3.3 General EQ Suggestions Included with VSL is a library of Channel Strip presets. Section 4.1.5 discusses how to load these presets onto a channel or bus and how to create your own presets. For an idea of where to start, check out the following generic EQ settings for several different instruments.
  • Page 93 Owner’s Manual Tutorials Equalizers Percussion Snare LOW MID LOW MID LOW MID LOW MID ON/OFF PEAK/SHELF FREQ (Hz) GAIN ON/OFF HI/LOW Q FREQ (Hz) GAIN PEAK HI MID HI MID HI MID HI MID ON/OFF LO/HI FREQ (kHz) GAIN ON/OFF PEAK/SHELF FREQ (kHz) GAIN...
  • Page 94 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Equalizers Distorted Electric Guitar LOW MID LOW MID LOW MID LOW MID ON/OFF PEAK/SHELF FREQ (Hz) GAIN ON/OFF HI/LOW Q FREQ (Hz) GAIN PEAK HI MID HI MID HI MID HI MID ON/OFF LO/HI FREQ (kHz)

  • Page 95: Aux Bus Mixing

    The Aux bus provides outputs to create auxiliary mixes that are separate from the main mixes. VSL for AudioBox 44VSL is equipped with 2 aux buses to create a separate mix for Outputs 3 and 4, as well as two more buses for internal effects buses FX A and B.

  • Page 96: Digital Effects

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Tutorials Digital Effects Digital Effects VSL includes two stereo effects processors that feature the two most common type of effects in use for live sound: reverb and delay. Studio One Artist also includes an assortment of time-based and modulation effects.

  • Page 97: Delay

    Owner’s Manual Tutorials Digital Effects 5.5.2 Delay A delay essentially creates an echo, although you can often use delays to create more complex time-based effects. The source signal is delayed so that it is heard later than it actually occurred. Delay Time.

  • Page 98: Technical Information

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Technical Information AudioBox 22 VSL Specifications Technical Information AudioBox 22VSL Specifications Microphone Preamp Type Combo, XLR, female, balanced Mic Preamp EIN -129 dB, 20 kHz BW, max gain, Rs=40Ω, A-wtd Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 0.3 dB, unity gain THD+N 0.005%, 0 dBu, 1 kHz, unity gain, 20 kHz BW, A-wtd...

  • Page 99: Analog Outputs

    Owner’s Manual Technical Information AudioBox 22VSL Specifications Analog Outputs: Connector Type ¼” TRS, female, impedance balanced Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ± 0.2 dB THD+N 0.002%, 1 kHz, 20 kHz BW, A-wtd S/N Ratio 107 dB, 1 kHz, max gain, 20 kHz BW, unwtd Output Level +10 dBu Output Impedance...

  • Page 100: Audiobox 44Vsl Specifications

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Technical Information AudioBox 44VSL Specifications AudioBox 44VSL Specifications Microphone Preamp Connector Type Combo, XLR, female, balanced Mic Preamp EIN -133 dB, 20 kHz BW, max gain, Rs=40Ω, A-wtd Frequency Response 20 Hz - 22 kHz, ±0.25 dB, unity gain THD+N 0.002%, +4 dBu, 1 kHz, unity gain, 22 kHz BW, A-wtd...

  • Page 101: Analog Output

    Owner’s Manual Technical Information AudioBox 44VSL Specifications Headphone Output: Connector Type ¼” TRS, female, stereo Maximum Power 120 mW/ch @ 60Ω load Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB, max gain THD+N 0.01%, 1 kHz, max gain, 20 kHz BW, A-wtd...

  • Page 102: Troubleshooting & Warranty

    You can get individual technical assistance by calling PreSonus at 1-225-216-7887, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time (GMT -06:00 CST). PreSonus technical support is available via email during the same hours at support@presonus.com.

  • Page 103: Presonus Audiobox Limited Warranty

    PreSonus reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair. PreSonus reserves the right to change or improve the design of the product at any time without prior notice. This warranty does not cover claims for damage due...

  • Page 104: Index

    PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Index Gate 24, 52 Q, Definition 59 Ableton Live 16 Attack 54, 55 Audio Device Studio One Artist 37 Hard knee 54 Range 55 Audio I/O Set-up High Pass Filter 24 Ratio 53, 55 Studio One Artist 42–43...
  • Page 105 Note: No product support is available when you call the number above. Refer to your Certificate of Warranty in your Owner’s Manual for PreSonus’ Product Support telephone number. Baton Rouge • USA • www.presonus.com...
  • Page 106 PreSonus AudioBox 22/44VSL ™ Current Section Current Sub Section...
  • Page 107 © 2012 PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. and All Rights Reserved. PreSonus, StudioLive, XMAX, QMix, and AudioBox are trademarks of PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.. Studio One and Capture are trademarks of PreSonus Software, Ltd. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc., in the U.S.
  • Page 108 • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by PreSonus Audio Electronics could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

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