American Audio Digital Producer VMS41 User Manual

							CHANNEL  BASS  CONTROL - This knob is used to adjust the low frequency levels of a channel 
allowing for a maximum bass gain of +6dB or maximum signal decrease of -100dB. Turning the knob 
in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of bass applie\
d to a channel signal, turning 
the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount of bass appli\
ed to a channel signal.
CUE BUTTON - These buttons are used to activate a channels “CUE” mode. The CUE \
LED will glow 
when a channels cue mode is activated. The Cue function sends a channels incoming signal to the 
headphones. The cue level is adjusted by the CUE LEVEL KNOB. 
NOTE: The MIDILOG cue button has a additional function. During power-on, hold this button down to toggle the 
post EQ mode on and off. For more on this please refer to the Virtual DJ Setup near the end of this manual.
CHANNEL FADER - These faders are used to control the output signal of any source assigne\
d to its 
particular player. 
5. MOUSE PAD - This will function as a normal mouse pad on laptop would function. The LOAD but-
tons underneath are the left and right click buttons. When any of the SHIFT buttons are active (LED lit) 
the mouse pad is disabled and is able to send MIDI messages. Adjustments to the mouse pad can be 
made in the Control Panel (PC) or Utilities (Mac).
6. MASTER VOLUME, BALANCE, & BOOTH CONTROLS
MASTER VOLUME CONTROL - This knob is used to control the master output level. To avoid dis-
torted output try to maintain an average output signal level no greater \
than +4dB. To avoid speaker 
damage that may be caused by excessive volume, be sure this knob is always set to zero (completely 
down) before turning the unit on.
MASTER OUTPUT BALANCE CONTROL - This knob is used to control the pan, adjust how much 
of the signal is sent to the left and right output level. For true stereo imaging, maintain the knob in the 
12 o’ clock position. 
BOOTH  LEVEL  - This knob is used to adjusts the monitor volume output level. Turn the knob in a 
clockwise direction to increase the monitor volume.
7.  CHANNEL VOLUME LEVEL INDICATORS - The LED indicators that run along each channels 
EQ section are used to measure incoming signal levels. Use these indicator to visually maintain an 
average signal output of +4dB. A consistent average output level of +4dB will produce a clean output 
signal. When no CUE sources are selected, these indicate the volume level on the MASTER OUTPUT. 
When one or more CUE sources are selected, these indicate the volume level on all of the CUE 
sources combined. At power-on, these indicate the VMS4.1 firmware version. If the left side lights up 
1 LED, and the right side lights up 3 LEDs, the firmare version is 1.3.
8. CROSSFADER - This fader is used to blend the output signals of channels A and B toget\
her. When 
the fader is in the full left position (channel A), the output signal of channel A will be controlled by the 
master volume level. The same fundamentals will apply for channel B. Sli\
ding the fader from one posi-
tion to another will vary the output signals of channels A and B respect\
ively. When the crossfader is 
set in the center position, the output signals of both the channels A an\
d channels B will be even.
9. TOUCH STRIPS - The touch strips are user assingnable to numerous actions, e.g. effects control, 
song scrolling, browser scroll, etc.
10.  SEARCH BUTTONS - 
      This search button allows you to quickly scan backwards through a track.       
      This search button allows you to quickly scan forwards through a track. 
 GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS (Cont.)
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11.  PAUSE BUTTON - Press this button to PAUSE what ever music source is playing.
12.  PLAY BUTTON - Press this button to PLAY your desired music source.
13. CUE - Pressing the CUE button during playback immediately pauses playback and returns the 
track to the last set cue point. The red CUE LED will glow when the unit is in cue mode. The LED will 
also flash every time a new CUE POINT is set. The CUE button can be held\
 down to momentarily play 
the track. When you release the CUE button it instantly returns to the CUE POINT. You can also tap 
the CUE button to create a BOP EFFECT.
14. JOG WHEEL - This wheel has three functions;
Attention: Make sure that NOTHING is touch or resting on the jog wheels when you power on the 
VMS4.1.
A. The wheel works as a pitch bend during Playback. Turning the wheel clockwise can increase the   
pitch percentage up to 100%, and turning the wheel in the counter-clockwise direction can de-
crease the pitch percentage down to -100%. The pitch bend will be determined on how long   
you turn the jog wheel continuously.
B. The jog wheel also controls the scratch effect, when the scratch effect is active.
C. The jog wheel can also serve as frame search. 
Note: The inside of the wheel is touch sensitive and the outside edge of the \
wheel is not. Example: 
You can scratch by touching the inside or center of the wheel, and pitch bend when you touch the 
outside edge of the wheel.
15. VINYL - Pushing this button activates VINYL mode.
16. SHIFT - Enables secondary MIDI command on buttons, jog wheel, and MIDI function\
s on mouse 
pad. Example: Press SHIFT and VINYL to activate Keylock.
17. (-) PITCH BEND BUTTON - The (-) pitch bend function creates a momentary “Slow Down” in the 
BPM’s (Beats per minute) while it is playing. This will allow you to match\
 the beats between two play-
ing audio sources. Remember, this is a momentary function. When you remove your finger from the 
pitch button, the BPM’s will automatically return to PITCH SLIDER'S pitch value Holding down this 
button will give a maximum of -100% pitch. Use this function to slow to another playing music source. 
Be sure to notice that this function is a momentary pitch adjustment, for a mo\
re precise adjustment 
use the PITCH SLIDER (7) to match the BPM’s with another playing music source.   
 (+)  PITCH  BEND  BUTTON  - The (+) pitch bend function creates a momentary “BUMP” in the 
BPM’s (Beats per minute) while it is playing.  This will allow you to matc\
h the beats between two play-
ing audio sources. Remember, this is a momentary function. When you remove your finger from this 
button, the BPM’s will automatically return to the PITCH SLIDER'S selected pitch. Holding down this 
button will give a maximum of +100% pitch. 
18. BANK BUTTONS - These buttons are used to store either four (4) cue points or four (4) samples. 
Each Bank Button can store either a sample or a cue point.
19. PITCH SLIDER - This slider is used to adjust the playback pitch percentage. The slider is a set 
adjustment and will remain set until the pitch slider is moved or the pitch function has been\
 turned 
off.  
20. SYNC BUTTON - Use this button to set this deck to master and auto sync and the other deck's 
tempo to master.  
 GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS (Cont.) 
						

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 FRONT PANEL - GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS
FRONT PANEL - 
MIC SECTION (21-23) - the VMS4.1 is equipped with 2 microphone inputs, easy to use, no ASIO 
routing required. Each microphone channel has an independent on/off switch, gain control, and 3 
band EQ.
21. MIC ON/OFF - Turns the corresponding microphone on/off. When you Mic is on the button will 
be backlit by a red LED.
22. MIC GAIN CONTROL - Increase or decrease the microphone output.
23. MIC EQ - Adjust the treble, mid, and bass on the corresponding Mic inputs.
MIXER CONTROLS (24-25) - the VMS4.1 can be used as a MIDI control, a stand alone mixer, or 
combination giving you maximum control of your music collection whether it be on vinyl, digital CD's 
or Computer DJ software (Virtual DJ included).
24. USB/ANALOG SWITCH - These will switch the corresponding Channel from USB audio stream 
or analog audio input. USB will route the software assigned ASIO audio channel thru the corre-
sponding MIDILOG channel. Analog will route the analog audio input from the rear panel thru the 
corresponding MIDILOG channel.
25. CF ASSIGN A & B - CF Assign A will select the desired channel to the left side of the crossfad-
er.* CF Assign B will select the desired channel to the right side of the crossfader.*
* Normal Mode: This will be the opposite when the crossfader is reversed. 
* The CROSSFADER will only effect a channel's volume when the channel is assigned.
Interface Mode (26-28) - the VMS4.1 can be used as a MIDI control, a stand alone mixer, or com-
bination giving you maximum control of your music collection whether it be on vinyl, digital CD's or 
Computer DJ software (Virtual DJ included).
26. 4 OUT: 4 OUT X 4 IN USB - Sets MIDILOG channels 2 & 3 to receive audio from software with 
ASIO outputs and sends audio or control tones from the channel 2 & 3 RCA inputs to your software 
ASIO inputs.       
      8 OUT: 8 OUT X 2 IN USB - Sets 4 MIDILOG channels to receive audio from software with 
ASIO outputs and sends the audio from the master output via USB for recording.
27. NORMAL/REVERSE - Switches the crossfader from normal to reverse mode. In reverse mode 
the CF A assignments will be on the right of the crossfader and the CF B on the left.
28. CURVE KNOB - This knob will adjust the curve of the crossfader from mix curve, dipped curve, 
to scratch curve.
21222324
25
24
26
24242729
25
3031
28 
						

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 FRONT PANEL - GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS
Headphone Controls (28-30)
29. CUE/MASTER KNOB - Sets the headphone output from Cue or Master. When set to the Cue 
position, the headphones will receive the signal from any and all channels with the Cue button acti-
vated. When set to the Master position, the headphones will receive the pre fader master output 
signal, allowing you to cue the master at any output level and even if i\
t is fully off. Any knob settings 
in between Cue and Master will blend the Cue and Master signals.  
30. HEADPHONE GAIN - Will set the output level of the headphones.
31. HEADPHONE JACK - Connect your headphones to this jack. The headphone signal is con-
trolled by the controls described previously. 
						

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 REAR PANEL - GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS
32
3435
3333363738
4141
4039394039394243
REAR PANEL -
32. POWER SWITCH - This switch will turn the VMS4.1 on/off.
Attention: Make sure that NOTHING is touch or resting on the jog wheels when you power on the 
VMS4.1.
OUTPUTS (33-38)
33. Q-START - These 1/8 jacks remotely start playback in Q-Start equipped or compatiable CD 
players. The start and stop correspond to the audio start and stop of the corresponding side of the 
crossfader.
34. POWER SUPPLY - The power supply is not required, but the LED indicators on the mixer knobs 
will be dim, headphones may be underpowered, and there is an increased chance of audio distor-
tion.
35. USB PORT - Connect to your PC for MIDI interface and USB interface (audio in and \
outs).
36. XLR BALANCED OUTPUTS - The VMS4.1 has RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connec-
tions to connect to amplifiers or connect directly to powered speakers. It is highly recommended 
that the XLR outs be used for any connection of more then 20ft. Never connect the XLR outs and 
the RCA outs at the same time, this may affect your output. To set your desired volume use the 
Master volume knob.
37. BOOTH OUTPUTS - The VMS4.1 offers a secondary output usually used to monitor your mix 
or to route to an outboard recording device. This output has independent volume control "Booth" 
knob.
38. RCA OUTPUTS - The VMS4.1 has RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connections to c\
on-
nect to amplifiers or connect directly to powered speakers. It is highly recommended that the XLR 
outs be used for any connection of more then 20ft. Never connect the XLR outs and the RCA outs 
at the same time, this may affect your output. To set your desired volume use the Master volume 
knob.
INPUTS (39, 42-43)
39. RCA INPUTS - RCA connectors for CD, turntable, and other analog inputs.
 MIDILOG 1: Line level RCA input use to control CD players, Mp3 players, or other line level    
sources.
 MIDILOG 2: Phono/line level RCA input use to connect turntables, CD players, Mp3 play-   
 ers, or other line level sources. The type of input must directly reflect the selected mode of     
 the LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH. Turntables equipped with MM pickup cartridge (All   
 DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges) may be connected to these jacks as lo\
ng as the    
						

							 LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH is in the “PHONO” position. CD players, Mp3 players,   
 and other line level instruments may only be connected to these jacks as\
 long as the    
 LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH is in the “LINE” position. 
 MIDILOG 3: Phono/line level RCA input use to connect turntables, CD players, Mp3 play-   
 ers, or other line level sources. The type of input must directly reflect the selected mode of 
 the LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH. Turntables equipped with MM pickup cartridge (All   
 DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges) may be connected to these jacks as lo\
ng as the   
 LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH is in the “PHONO” position. CD players, Mp3 players,   
 and other line level instruments may only be connected to these jacks as\
 long as the    
 LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH is in the “LINE” position.
 MIDILOG 4: Line level RCA input use to control CD players, Mp3 players, or other line level    
sources.
40. PHONO GROUND - Be sure to connect turntable ground leads to either or both of the two 
available ground terminals. This will reduce the humming and popping noises associated with 
magnetic phono cartridges. 
41. LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH - These switches are used to change the voltage line lev-
els of there respected Line/Phono RCA inputs jacks. When connecting turntables with magnetic 
cartridges to these jacks be sure the corresponding switch is in the “PHONO” position, and when 
using line level input devices be sure this switch is in the “LINE” position. 
42. MIC 2 - XLR and 1/4" combo jack for microphone connection. The volume output level for this 
microphone will be controlled by its own respective volume knob.
43. MIC 1 - XLR and 1/4" combo jack for microphone connection. The volume output level for this 
microphone will be controlled by its own respective volume knob.
 REAR PANEL - GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS
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AUDIO INTERFACE MODE
Audio Interface Mode:
4 Out Mode: The VMS4.1 can act like a 4x4 audio interface. Your USB audio is routed through the 
VMS4.1's MIDILOG Ch. #2 and #3 inputs. If you wish to route the inputs via USB for software play 
through or Time Code Control, set your desired VMS4.1 Channel to the USB setting and the chan-
nels' LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH (41) to the correct setting.
Note: For the best performance, if no inputs are in use, set the Inputs to Disabled by "clicking" on 
the ASIO Driver Interface. Your inputs and outputs can be set to channels 1-16, but your software 
may not support the ASIO stream of the channel numbers. Check the software manual to make 
sure it does. 
						

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AUDIO INTERFACE MODE
8 Out Mode: This mode supports 4 USB audio inputs. Perfect for using it \
with software that has 3-4 
decks. This will also route your master output via USB for recording USB audio or analog inputs.
MIDI LATENCY MODES
There are two MIDI Latency modes; Normal mode and Turbo mode. Normal mode has MIDI Latency 
of 10 milliseconds, this is the default mode. Turbo mode has a MIDI latency of 1 millisecond.
To set the VMS4.1 to "Turbo mode:
Before powering on press and hold the CUE, PLAY, and PAUSE buttons on the LEFT side. 
Hold the buttons until CHANNEL VOLUME LEVEL INDICATORS (7) light up with the code version. 
See page 11 CHANNEL VOLUME LEVEL INDICATORS for information on the code version.
It is recommended that you use the default mode if your computer does not meet \
the recommend-
ed system requirements or are using Windows Vista. It is also strongly recommended that you close 
all programs running in the background, this will free up RAM and minimize CPU process. If you are 
using a laptop, turn off your wireless card if possible since this may cause sound problems. Allow 
your computers hard drive to have at least 20% free space. 
						

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EQ MODES
The EQ for the USB audio can work in two different modes, Pre & Post EQ. These EQ modes can 
work in both 4 out and 8 out interface modes that are described on pages 19-20. 
In Pre EQ the USB audio signal is affected by the VMS4.1 EQ. Pre EQ is the default EQ. In Pre EQ 
mode the ASIO Driver will list the VMS4.1 device number, the first number in the sequence will be a 
"0". Please see the window below.
***Beware that mapping the MIDI on the EQ knobs in this mode will cause your audio to process the 
EQ from the software and VMS4.1 EQ.  
						

							EQ MODES
Post EQ is for users who prefer using the EQ from their software. To toggle the post EQ mode 
on and off; before powering up the VMS4.1, press and hold the PFL CUE (4) on the 4th chan-
nel MIDILOG and then power "ON" the unit. Release the button, your computer may reinstall the 
VMS4.1 as a new device, please allow 10-20 seconds for the change to tak\
e place. Confirm the EQ 
change by checking the ASIO Driver configuration. The first number in the sequence will be a "1" in 
this mode. Please see the window below.
Make sure you are using software where you can map the MIDI from the EQ and that the EQ has 
been mapped when using this mode.
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