Creative Emu 1820m Manual

							3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 21
The AudioDock
The AudioDock connects to the E-MU 1010  PCI card via the EDI cable. 
fThe AudioDock is 
completely “hot 
pluggable”— It’s OK to 
plug or unplug the 
AudioDock while the 
computer is turned on.

 It’s a good idea to 
mute AudioDock inputs 3 
in the PatchMix DSP 
mixer when nothing is 
plugged in, since the 
turntable preamp has a 
very high gain (60dB) 
and could contribute 
extra noise to your mix/
monitor bus.
The AudioDock provides (6) balanced analog inputs, a pair of microphone preamp 
inputs, (8) balanced line-level analog outputs, (4) 1/8” outputs for connecting powered 
computer speakers, (2) MIDI inputs, (2) MIDI outputs, one optical S/PDIF output, a 
headphone amp, and a RIAA equalized turntable preamp section which is “normalled” 
into line input 3L and 3R.
The inputs are configured as follows:
The outputs are configured as:
(2)mono microphone/line inputs
(3)stereo pairs of line level inputs (6 inputs)
(1)RIAA equalized turntable preamp input allows you to connect a turntable without using 
an expensive external preamp. 
Note: These inputs are automatically disconnected when plugs are inserted into 
inputs 3L & 3R since the A/D converters are shared between the turntable inputs.
(2)MIDI input ports
(4)stereo pairs of line level outputs
(1)stereo pair driving a stereo headphone jack (the provided cable allows 2 stereo outputs)
(1)optical S/PDIF output (stereo).
(4)stereo 1/8” computer speaker outputs. These outputs carry the same signals as the 4 
stereo line level outputs and are provided as a convenience for connecting computer 
speaker systems.
(2)MIDI output ports 
						

							3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
22Creative Professional
Front Panel Connections
Preamp Section

Warning: Some 
microphones cannot 
tolerate phantom power 
and may be damaged. 
Check the microphone’s 
specifications and 
requirements before 
using phantom power.The front panel mono Mic/Line inputs A & B can be used as balanced microphone 
inputs, hi-Z guitar pickup inputs, or line level inputs. The Neutrik combination jack 
accepts microphones using a standard XLR connector or line level/hi-Z inputs using a 
1/4 inch TRS/TS connector.
The superb-sounding mic preamps are designed by TF Pro®. Each preamp has a level 
control which sets the preamp gain from +20dB to +55dB for the XLR input and from 
-10dB to +25dB for the line input. The line markings around the knobs are calibrated in 
10dB increments. The heavy hash marks on the gain controls indicate unity analog gain 
to the converter inputs (~5dBV input = 0dBFS output).
A phantom power switch enables +48 volt phantom power supplied to both micro-
phones. A red LED illuminates to indicate phantom power is enabled. See 
Phantom 
Power for additional information.

Warning #2: After 
turning phantom power 
off, wait two full minutes 
before recording to allow 
the DC bias to drain. 
The audio mutes for a 
second when phantom 
power is turned on. Each microphone input has its own input level and clipping indicators. The green LED 
indicates presence of signal and illuminates at -12 dB below clipping. The red LED 
indicates that the signal is clipping the input.
 These LEDs monitor the signal directly at 
the analog-to-digital converters and before any processing by the rest of the system. 
When setting the levels for signals being sent into the AudioDock, the red level 
indicators should never flash. 
MIDI 1 In/Out
MIDI input and output ports allow you to interface any type of MIDI equipment such as 
keyboards, effect units, drum or guitar controllers. The MIDI drivers were installed when 
you installed your PatchMix DSP software and the MIDI ports will appear in your 
system control panel under “Sounds and Audio Devices”.
S/PDIF Optical Out
The front panel S/PDIF connector is an optical TOSLINK output which, by default, 
carries a digital copy of the main output pair. This output is a convenient way to master 
to a portable DAT, MD recorder or other media. This S/PDIF output can also be freely 
assigned in the mixer application.
Headphone Output & Volume Control
fTip: Since the 
headphone output can 
be placed into any insert 
location, you can use it to 
monitor or troubleshoot 
the signal flow.The headphone output drives standard stereo headphones and the adjacent volume 
control sets the listening level. The headphone amplifier can drive headphones with 
impedance as low as 24 ohms. The headphone output uses a high-current version of the 
high-quality output amplifiers used on the other channels. For this reason it has a very 
clean signal that can be used as another stereo output if you need it. This output is freely 
assignable in the mixer application.
Insert 1/4
Plug for Line LevelPhantom
Power On/Off Signal/Clip
Indicators
Input Gain
ControlsMIDI  #1
I/O JacksHeadphone
OutputHeadphone
Volume S/PDIF
Optical OutLED
Indicators
Insert XLR Plug
for Mic Level
+20dB to +55dB Gain -10dB to +25dB Gain 
						

							3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 23
The AudioDock Front Panel Indicators
The MIDI Input Indicators
These two indicators, labelled 1 & 2, show MIDI activity on the MIDI input jacks.
The Clock Source and Sample Rate Indicators
These LED indicators on the front panel of the AudioDock show the current timing 
synchronization and sample rate. These indicators reflect the current settings in the 
Session Settings Window. See 
System Settings.
•If the sample rate is 88.2 kHz, the 44.1k and 96k LEDs both illuminate. If the sample 
rate is 176.4 kHz, the 48k and 192k LEDs both illuminate.
The Clock Source LEDs
The Clock Source LEDs indicate the source of the master clock that is currently driving 
the E-MU 1010 .
When the system is running from an external or digital clock source, the AudioDock 
continually checks that the incoming clock source is valid. If the clock source changes or 
becomes invalid in any way, the LCK LED will flicker or will not be lit. If sync has been 
lost, the audio outputs will also be muted. The AudioDock will switch to internal clock 
at 48kHz if sync is lost and switch back to external clock if sync is re-established.
Typical causes of loss of digital or external sync include: 
The Sample Rate Indicators
The Sample Rate LEDs indicate the current sample rate at which the system is running. 
The LEDs will light solidly to indicate the different sample rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 
96kHz or 192kHz.
When slaving to an external master source, the clock may drift slightly or change 
dramatically (i.e. abrupt sample rate change or unplugging of physical master source). 
the E-MU 1010  i s  tolerant to minor drifting within the supported rates of 44.1k, 48k, 
88k, 96k, 176k and 192k, but if the sample rate drifts out of range (1%) the “Lock” LED 
will be extinguished. If set to external clock and the external clock is removed or out of 
tolerance, the E-MU 1010  will switch to internal clock at 48kHz (the default sample rate) 
until an external clock source is connected.
LEDClock Source
LCKLock - Indicates that the internal or external clock is locked and valid.
EXTExternal - Indicates that an external clock source is selected.
•Removing the S/PDIF or external clock cables
•Loss of power to the device providing the clock source
•Sudden changes in the S/PDIF sample rate 
(as would happen if a DAT tape had data recorded at multiple rates)
MIDICLOCKSMPTE
2
1
48192
IN
OUT
9644.1
EXT222
LCK 
						

							3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
24Creative Professional
Rear Panel Connections
Line Level Analog Inputs
Six balanced 24-bit, line-level, analog inputs are provided (1-3). These can be used to 
input any line level signal from keyboards, CD-players, cassette decks, etc. The analog 
inputs are assigned to mixer strips in the mixer application. Input line level can be set to 
accommodate the consumer -10dBV standard, or the pro audio +4 dBu standard in the 
I/O screen of the Session Settings dialog box. See 
I/O Settings.
The maximum input level in pro mode is 18dBV (=20.2dBu). Maximum output level in 
consumer mode is 6dBV.
Either TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cables can be used. See page 
125 for additional 
information about unbalanced cables and connectors. The line-level inputs are all 
servo-balanced, enabling them to convert unbalanced signals to balanced signals 
internally to reduce noise.
Turntable Inputs & Ground Lug

Warning: Do NOT 
leave your turntable 
connected when using 
outputs 3L and 3R. This 
can cause a ground loop.
• It’s also a good idea to 
mute Dock inputs 3 in the 
PatchMix DSP mixer 
when nothing is plugged 
in, since the turntable 
preamp has a very high 
gain (60dB) and could 
contribute extra noise to 
your mix/monitor bus.The RCA turntable inputs feed an RIAA equalized preamp designed to accept moving 
magnet type phono cartridges. The turntable inputs share line level inputs 3L and 3R. 
Inserting a plug into Line Input 3 disconnects the turntable preamp from that channel. 
Connect the ground lead from your turntable to the ground lug to prevent hum.
Line Level Analog Outputs
Eight balanced 24-bit, line-level, analog outputs are provided (1-4). Output pair 4 is 
designated as the Monitor Output and is fed by the monitor bus of the PatchMix DSP 
mixer application. We suggest that you plug your speakers in here. All the analog 
outputs can be freely assigned in the mixer application. Special anti-pop circuitry mutes 
the analog outputs when power is turned on or off.
Like the analog line inputs, either TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cables can be used. 
Balanced cables provide better noise immunity and +6dB higher signal level. The output 
line level can be set to accommodate the consumer -10dBV standard, or the pro audio 
+4 dBu standard in the I/O screen of the Session Settings dialog box. See 
I/O Settings.
The maximum input and output line levels are matched when the input and output 
settings are set to the same mode (pro or consumer) in the I/O preferences screen.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do NOT use balanced audio cables (TRS) when connecting balanced outputs to 
unbalanced inputs. Doing so can increase noise levels and introduce hum.
6 Balanced Line Level Inputs(configured as 3 stereo pairs)Turntable Inputs(tied to line input 3)Turntable
GroundAlternate Outputs
6 Balanced Line Level Outputs
(configured as 3 stereo pairs)Monitor
OutputsMIDI Port 2
In/OutConnect to
E-MU 1010 Card
(same as outputs 1-4) 
						

							3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The AudioDock
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 25
Computer Speaker Analog Outputs
These stereo mini-phone (3.5mm) jacks duplicate line level outputs 1-4 with a lower 
output level to accommodate consumer speakers. These line level outputs are designed 
to interface easily with powered speakers.
MIDI 2 In/Out
A second, independent set of MIDI input and output ports which can be assigned in 
your specific MIDI application.
EDI Connector (Card)
Connects to the AudioDock to the E-MU 1010  PCI card using a CAT5 computer cable. 
The cable supplied with the AudioDock is specially shielded to prevent unwanted RF 
emissions.

  Warning: The AudioDock has been designed to use readily available and 
inexpensive standard computer system cables. This makes it easy for you to find 
replacement cables if your original cable becomes damaged or lost. However, because 
these standard cables types are used for other purposes, you must use caution to avoid 
connecting the cables incorrectly. DO NOT connect the supplied EDI cable to the 
Ethernet or network connector on your computer. Doing so may result in permanent 
damage to either your computer, the E-MU 1010  card, or the AudioDock.
Computer Speaker OutputDuplicates Line Level Output
1 L/RTip = 1L   Ring = 1R
2 L/RTip = 2L   Ring = 2R
3 L/RTip = 3L   Ring = 3R
4 L/RTip = 4L   Ring = 4R 
						

							3 - PCI Card & Interfaces
The Sync Daughter Card
26Creative Professional
The Sync Daughter Card
The Sync Daughter card (included in the E-MU 1820M system and available as an 
option for other systems) provides word clock in and out, SMPTE (LTC) in and out and 
an additional MIDI output for transmitting MIDI Time Code (MTC). MIDI Time Code 
is a special rendering of SMPTE that can be transmitted over MIDI cables. For additional 
information about SMPTE, please refer to SMPTE Background
.
Synchronization is a basic technique needed for connecting multiple pieces of 
equipment. Word Clock, S/PDIF or ADAT optical are all industry standard methods of 
synchronizing digital equipment together at the system sample rate (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 
96kHz, or 192kHz). The master clock source is set in the Mixer Session Settings menu. 
See Sy
stem Settings for more information.
Recording equipment can also be synchronized so that two audio recorders or an audio 
and video recorder can lock together as a single machine. SMPTE and MTC sync are used 
because they convey absolute time information. Word clock, S/PDIF or ADAT optical 
sync only synchronize the sample rate and unlike SMPTE and MTC, do not convey song 
position information. In a synchronized system, there is usually one MASTER machine, 
and one or more SLAVES. When the master starts, the others will follow (chase).
The Sync Daughter card is also a format converter. It converts incoming SMPTE time 
code to MIDI Time Code (MTC) and passes this information to the host computer to be 
used by a sequencer or audio recorder application. When your computer application is 
the “Master”, the Sync Daughter card converts MTC into SMPTE and sends it out to 
another SMPTE device.
Connections
The Sync Daughter Card contains Word Clock 
inputs and outputs for clock signals used in a 
studio where a common sample rate reference is 
required to keep multiple pieces of digital 
equipment running together. This is referred to 
as “house clock” or “house sync,” and is set to 
the actual sample rate of the system
. Use a cable 
with BNC connectors to connect incoming clock 
signals to the Word Clock In jack on the Sync 
Daughter card. Connect the Word Clock Out to 
your other digital equipment to use the Sync 
Daughter Card as the Master Word Clock source. 
See W
ord Clock In/Out.
The Sync Daughter Card provides SMPTE (LTC) 
sync in and out, on two 1/4” phone jacks. LTC 
can be recorded onto an unused audio track on 
an analog or digital recorder and then fed back 
into the SMPTE input to synchronize your 
computer sequencer/recorder. See SMPTE 
Background for more information.
MIDI Time Code is also output whenever MTC 
is being generated by the host application 
(sequencer or audio recorder). A special cable 
converts the mini DIN to a standard MIDI jack.
See the Sync Daughter Card Supplement
 for 
more information about using the Sync 
Daughter Card.
Word ClockIn
Out
MTC Out
SMPTEIn
Out 
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
PatchMix DSP
E-MU 1820M/1820/1212M PCI Digital Audio System 27
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
PatchMix DSP
The PatchMix DSP Mixer is a virtual console which performs all of the functions of a 
typical hardware mixer and a multi-point patch bay. With PatchMix, you may not even 
need a hardware mixer. 
PatchMix DSP performs many audio operations such as ASIO/
WAVE routing, volume control, stereo panning, equalization, effect processing, effect 
send/return routing, main mix and monitor control and allows you to store and recall 
these “Sessions” at will.
To Invoke the PatchMix DSP Mixer
fClick on the buttons 
and knobs in the mixer 
screen below to jump to 
the description of the 
control. 1.Left-click once on the E-MU icon   on the Windows System Tray. The PatchMix 
DSP mixer window appears.
Overview of the Mixer
Add New 
Strip
Aux 
Sends
Volume 
FaderPan 
Controls
Solo/Mute 
Buttons Channel 
Insert 
SectionToolbar
Monitor 
Volume/Balance
/Mute Controls
Main Mix
Output Volume 
& Meters Main 
Inserts User
Definable 
Scribble StripDisplay 
Select 
Buttons
“TV” 
Screen
Aux 
Effects 
Section Delete 
Strip
Sync/
Sample 
Rate 
IndicatorsWAVE Strip 
Controls Windows Source Audio 
(Direct Sound, Windows Media, etc.)
Physical Input Strips
Current
Session
NameASIO Input Strip  
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Overview of the Mixer
28Creative Professional
Mixer Window
The Mixer consists of four main sections.
A simplified diagram of the mixer is shown below. 
 
Pre Fader or Post Fader
When creating a new Mixer Strip, you have the option for the Aux Sends to be Post 
Fader (both Aux Sends come after the channel fader) or Pre Fader (both Aux Sends 
come before the channel fader). The Pre-fader option allows you to use either Aux Send 
as another mix bus, which is unaffected by the channel fader. More Information
.
Application ToolbarLets you manage sessions and show/hide the various views.
Main SectionControls all the main levels, aux buses, and their inserts. This section 
also has a “TV” which shows parameters for the currently selected 
effect and the input/output patchbay. It also shows the session’s 
current sample rate and whether it’s set to internal or external clock.
Mixer StripsThis section is located to the left of the Main Section and shows all 
the currently instantiated mixer strips. Mixer strips can represent 
Physical analog/digital inputs, or Host inputs such as ASIO or 
Direct Sound. Mixer strips can be added or deleted as necessary. 
This section can be resized by dragging the left edge of the frame.
Effects PaletteThis popup window is invoked by pressing the FX button in the 
toolbar. Iconic representations of all effects presets are shown here, 
organized by category. From this window, you can drag and drop 
effect presets into the insert slots available on the mixer strips and 
main section aux buses and main inserts. 
Aux
Bus 1
Aux 2Aux 1
Aux 2
Aux
Effects
Insert
Chain
Insert
ChainInsert
Chain
Insert
Chain
Input
Aux
Bus 2
Post-Fader StripInputPre-Fader Strip
Return
AmountSend
Amount
Return
Amount
Send
Amount
Aux 1
Fader
Fader
Panning
Main BusMain
Out Monito
r
Out
Main
Level
Monitor
Level
Meter
Main Bus
Effects
Insert
Chain
MUTE
MUTE
MUTE
Mixer Block Diagram
Study this diagram to understand how 
the PatchMix DSP Mixer works. 
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
E-MU Icon in the Windows Taskbar
E-MU Digital Audio System29
E-MU Icon in the Windows Taskbar
Right-clicking on the E-MU icon in the Windows taskbar calls the following window.
The Toolbar
fClick the buttons in 
the toolbar to learn about 
their function.
fRestore Defaults: 
Always try this option 
first if PatchMix is 
crashing or if you are 
having any other 
strange audio problems.
Right-Click Here
Opens the PatchMix DSP Mixer.
Calls the PatchMix DSP help system.
Disables the splash screen that appears at 
boot-up.
Restores the default PatchMix DSP and 
driver settings.
Closes the PatchMix DSP background 
program, disabling use of all audio I/O 
from the E-MU hardware. Open the Patch-
Mix DSP application to start audio again.
When unchecked, FX are not loaded until 
needed, resulting in faster computer boot.
New SessionCalls up the “New Session” dialog box. New Session. 
Open SessionCalls up the standard “Open” dialog box, allowing you to open a 
saved Session.
Save SessionCalls up the standard “Save” or “Save As…” dialog boxes, allowing 
you to save the current Session.
Show/Hide EffectsToggle button that shows or hides the FX palette.
Session SettingsCalls up the Sessions Settings window. Session Settings. 
Global PreferencesCalls up the Global Preferences window.
Sync SettingsCalls up the SMPTE window. (if Sync Card is installed)
About PatchMix DSPRight-Click on the E-MU logo to view the “About PatchMix DSP” 
screen, which provides the software and firmware version 
numbers and other information.
New 
Session
Open 
SessionSave 
SessionSession 
Settings
Show/Hide
EffectsGlobal 
Prefs Sync
 Settings“About”
PatchMix DSP    
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
30Creative Professional
The Session
The current state of the PatchMix DSP mixer (fader settings, effects routings…every-
thing!) can be saved as a Session. Whenever you create or modify a mixer setup, all you 
have to do is Save it to be able to recall it at a later time.
Before you begin using PatchMix DSP, you need to set it up to be compatible with the 
other software applications you may be running. The most important consideration is 
your system sample rate. PatchMix DSP and any applications or other digital gear you 
are using must be set to the same sample rate. PatchMix DSP can run at 44.1k, 48k, 
88.2k, 96k, 176.4k or 192k, but its complete set of features are only available at 
44.1kHz or 48kHz. See Chapter 
6 - Using High Sample Rates for complete details.
Once the sample rate is set, you can only easily switch between 44.1k and 48k. You cannot 
switch between 44/48k and the higher rates of 88k/96k/176k/192k. This is because the 
number of mixer inputs and outputs changes significantly at these high sample rates. In 
the case of such drastic sample rate changes, you must start a new session.

Important: When 
using any form of digital 
input, you MUST 
synchronize the Digital 
Audio System to the 
external digital device 
(S/PDIF/ADAT) or 
synchronize all devices 
using Word Clock.You can also set up an external sync source, thereby obtaining the sample rate from 
some other device or application. External sync can be obtained from the ADAT input, 
S/PDIF input or the Sync Daughter Card word clock. If the session is set at 44.1kHz or 
48kHz and the external source is coming in at 96kHz (for example), the Sync Indicator 
will be extinguished (off), but PatchMix will attempt to receive the external data. The 
two units are NOT sample locked however, and you should correct this condition to 
avoid intermittent clicks in the audio. Always check for the presence of the LOCKED 
indicator whenever you are using a digital interface.
PatchMix DSP comes with several session templates to choose from so when you create 
a new session you can either create a “blank” session based around a designated sample 
rate, or select from a list of template starting points.
In a PatchMix DSP session the number of strips in the mixer is dynamically config-
urable. This allows you to create only those strips you need up to a maximum number 
determined by available DSP resources and available inputs.
New Session
You create a new session by clicking the “New Session” button in the PatchMix DSP 
main Toolbar. The following dialog box appears.
 
Select a Template or new 
Session at the desired 
sample rate
Session Description
Add your own comment 
or note about the Session
Check this if you want to 
edit the New Session.