Steinberg MR816X Getting Started Manual

							EN 
						

							 
Introduction 
2
 
     Operation Manual 
Introduction 
Thank you for purchasing the ADVANCED INTEGRATION DSP STUDIO MR816 CSX/MR816 X. This comprehensive audio inter-
face allows you to transfer the sound of your instruments (keyboards, guitars, microphones) to the DAW software (such as 
Cubase) on your computer, as well as process and monitor the DAW sound—all through a single IEEE1394 cable. Moreover, the 
sophisticated Link function provides seamless operation and convenient studio-like monitoring options. The  MR816 CSX/
MR816 X comes with two manuals: “Getting Star ted” (printed booklet) and “Operation Manual” (this PDF document). The Get-
ting Started manual provides basic instructions on setting up, installing required software, making connections, recording to 
your computer and so on. This Operation Manual is a comprehensive, detailed guide to the functions and features of the 
device. Please read the Getting Started manual first, followed by this manual, in order to get the most out of the device and 
enjoy trouble-free operation for years to come.
 
Main Features 
Link with Cubase  
(*1)
 
Install the included software and you can link the MR816 CSX/MR816 X with Cubase for seamless operation–for example, 
monitoring the Cubase-mixed sound with no latency, and one-button-press assignment of audio inputs to Cubase tracks. 
Owners of Cubase 4.5.1 or later can also use the convenient Control Room feature with the MR816. For details about the 
Link function, refer to page 9. 
 
*1 This product is designed assuming that Cubase 4.5.1 or later is used. The Cubase versions that are compatible with the 
Link function are version 4.5.1 or later, such as Cubase 4.5.1 and Cubase AI 4.5.1. 
High-quality sound 
The MR816 CSX/MR816  X is equipped with eight discrete head amplifiers using the Inverted Darlington Circuitry Design, for 
superior, highly musical sound with minimal distor tion and noise.
 
Mixer function and useful monitoring 
The mixer function (with DSP processor) lets you input up to sixteen channels of audio and mix down to eight channels of 
stereo. Two of these stereo outputs can be assigned for separate monitoring through headphones connected to the PHONE 
jacks on the front panel. What’s more, the monitor sound can be processed with the REV-X reverb effect, allowing you to 
have a full and natural monitor sound without latency delays.
 
Versatile input/output jacks for professional studio use 
The MR816 CSX/MR816 X is equipped with eight mono input jacks (MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack and MIC/LINE jack on the fr ont 
panel and MIC/LINE/INPUT jacks on the rear panel) which accept both XLR-3-31 and TRS phone plug type connectors. In 
addition, each of these jacks provides a [PAD] button which enables connection of a wide range of instruments and 
devices-from condenser microphones to synthesizers and other line-level instruments. 
The MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack is compatible with HI-Z (high impedance) inputs, allowing you to connect instruments with high out-
put impedance, such as electric guitar or bass. The MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack and MIC/LINE jack ar e routed to the INSERT I/O 
jacks on the rear panel, letting you apply a desired effect (different from the internal one) to the sound already input from the 
external device. Furthermore, the WCL (Word Clock) jack and the digital jacks are also provided for comprehensive com-
patibility with devices and applications in professional studios.
 
REV-X effect 
The MR816 CSX/MR816 X is equipped with the REV-X Effect, a high-quality digital reverb effect unit which can be applied to 
all input channels. When connecting the MR816 CSX/MR816 X to a computer, this reverb can be applied to the input signal 
coming from the DAW software as well as the sound from audio equipment such as keyboards, guitars and microphones. In 
addition, a dedicated window lets you create more detailed settings for this effect unit.
 
Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip effect (MR816 CSX only) 
The MR816 CSX is equipped with eight independent blocks of the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip ef fect using the new 
Sweet Spot Morphing Technology developed by Yamaha. These give you a variety of specially programmed compressor/
equalizer settings into which are distilled years of extensive professional engineering experience, letting you quickly and 
easily achieve professional-level results for your sound by simple panel operations. When connecting the MR816 CSX to a 
computer, this effect can be applied to the audio signal transferred/recorded to the DAW software (such as Cubase) as well 
as the sound from audio equipment such as keyboards, guitars and microphones. In addition, a dedicated window lets you 
create more detailed settings for this effect unit.
 
Daisy-chain connection of up to three devices  
Up to three MR816 CSX/MR816 Xs (two devices when the Sample Rate is set to 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz) can be connected in 
daisy-chain fashion. You can expand the input/output channels simply by connecting the  MR816 CSX/MR816 X additionally 
to the existing device via an IEEE1394 cable. 
						

							 
Main Features
 Operation Manual    
3
 
Table of Contents 
Introduction ................................... 2
Main Features ................................ 2
The Controls and Connectors ....... 4 
Front Panel ....................................................................... 4
Rear Panel ........................................................................ 7 
Internal Structure of the 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X ..................... 8
Using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X 
with Cubase ................................... 9 
What you can do using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X with 
Cubase ............................................................................. 9
Start your recording session! .......................................... 10
Connections .............................................................. 10
Setting up on the computer ....................................... 11
Setting up for recording ............................................. 13
Try recording ............................................................. 18
Using the built-in effect of the MR816 as a VST 
plug-in of Cubase............................................................ 19 
Dedicated windows for the 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X in Cubase
... 21
 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X Input Settings window ................ 21
How to call up the window......................................... 21
Parameter functions .................................................. 22
MR816 CSX/MR816 X Hardware Setup window ............ 23
How to call up the window......................................... 23
Parameter functions .................................................. 23
REV-X ............................................................................. 25
How to call up the window......................................... 25
Parameter functions .................................................. 25
Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip (MR816 CSX only).... 27
How to call up the window......................................... 27
Parameter functions .................................................. 28
Control Panel .................................................................. 30
How to call up the window......................................... 30
Parameter functions .................................................. 30
 
MR Editor ..................................... 33 
Main window ............................................................. 33
Setup window ............................................................ 41 
Using a DAW other than Cubase... 42
Using multiple MR816 CSX/
MR816 Xs ..................................... 43
Using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X 
without a computer ..................... 44
Appendix ...................................... 45
 
Hints when using audio data (Windows) ........................ 45
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 46
Specifications ................................................................. 48
Error Messages .............................................................. 49
Block Diagrams .............................................................. 50
MR816 X ................................................................... 50
MR816 CSX .............................................................. 52 
Special Notice 
•This manual is the exclusive copyrights of Yamaha Corporation. 
•The screen displays as illustrated in this manual are for instructional 
purposes, and may appear somewhat different from the screens which 
appear on your computer. 
•This product incorporates and bundles computer programs and contents in 
which Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH and Yamaha Corporation own 
copyrights or with respect to which it has license to use others’ copyrights.  
Such copyrighted materials include, without limitation, all computer 
software, style files, MIDI files, WAVE data, musical scores and sound 
recordings. Any unauthorized use of such programs and contents outside of 
personal use is not permitted under relevant laws.  Any violation of 
copyright has legal consequences.  DON’T MAKE, DISTRIBUTE OR USE 
ILLEGAL COPIES. 
•Copying of the commercially available musical data including but not 
limited to MIDI data and/or audio data is strictly prohibited except for your 
personal use. 
•Steinberg and Cubase are the registered trademarks of Steinberg Media 
Technologies GmbH.
•Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft®
 Corporation in the United 
States and other countries. 
•Apple, Mac and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the 
U.S. and other countries. 
•FireWire and the FireWire symbol are trademarks of Apple Inc., 
registered in the U.S. and other countries. The FireWire logo is a 
trademark of Apple Inc.
•ADAT is a trademark of Alesis registered in U.S. and other 
countries.
•The company names and product names in this manual are the trademarks 
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.  
						

							 
The Controls and Connectors 
4
 
     Operation Manual 
The Controls and Connectors 
This section provides an overview of the panel controls and connectors of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X.
 
Front Panel
1 
[HI-Z] switch 
This switch enables use of a high-impedance instrument 
(electric guitar, bass, etc.) connected to the MIC/LINE/HI-
Z jack (audio input jack) at the right of this switch. When 
directly connecting an electric guitar or electric bass that 
has passive pickups and no built-in preamp to the MIC/
LINE/HI-Z jack, set the [HI-Z] switch to the upper position.
NOTE
 
·Use an unbalanced phone cable when you connect an electric 
guitar or bass and set the [HI-Z] switch to the upper position. If 
you use a balanced cable or an XLR cable in such a case, this 
instrument will not work correctly.
2 
MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack (Analog input jack 1) and 
MIC/LINE jack (Analog input jack 2) 
These mono channel input jacks (Nominal Level:
-60dBu – +10dBu) that support both balanced and unbal-
anced signals are used to connect microphones or musi-
cal instruments. These balanced input jacks accept both 
XLR-3-31 and TRS phone plug type connectors. Audio 
signals input via these jacks will be routed through the 
analog input channels of a computer and analog/digital 
output jacks. The wiring configuration for these jacks is as 
shown below.
Note that the MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack is equipped with a [HI-Z] 
switch (1
 
) to accept a high-impedance instrument (elec-
tric guitar, bass, etc.). 
3  
[QUICK CONNECT] buttons (with LED lamps)  
These buttons enable assignment of the analog input 
jacks (MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack labeled “1” on the front panel, 
MIC/LINE jack labeled “2” on the front panel and MIC/
LINE INPUT jacks labeled “3” – “8” on the rear panel) to 
the input bus of audio tracks on Cubase. By selecting an 
audio track or audio tracks on Cubase (on a connected 
computer) then pressing any of these buttons, you can 
have the audio signal input via the corresponding jack 
sent to the selected track on Cubase. The [QUICK CON-
NECT] lamps to which audio tracks of Cubase are 
assigned will light. If you select an audio track already 
assigned to one of the analog input jacks, the lamp of the 
corresponding number flashes.
4  
[SIG/PEAK] lamps  
These lamps indicate the current status of audio input sig-
nals from the analog input jacks (MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack 
labeled “1” on the front panel, MIC/LINE jack labeled “2” 
on the front panel and MIC/LINE INPUT jacks labeled “3” 
– “8” on the rear panel), respectively. The lamp lights as 
follows depending on the strength of the input signals. 
Note that the following values are given assuming that the 
clipping point of the signal is 0 dB. Adjust the gain by 
using the [PAD] button and [GAIN] knob so that this lamp 
lights slightly in red when receiving the peak level.
5  
Gain knobs 1 – 8  
These knobs enable you to attenuate/boost the level of 
the audio input signal from the analog input jacks (MIC/
LINE/HI-Z jack labeled “1” on the front panel, MIC/LINE 
jack labeled “2” on the front panel and MIC/LINE INPUT 
jacks labeled “3” – “8” on the rear panel), respectively. 
The adjustable range on each channel varies depending 
on the on/off status of the [PAD] button (7
 
).
1243 468
52 5 7 9 ) ! @ #
• Male XLR
• TRS phone1(ground)
3(cold)
2(hot)
Ring(cold)Tip(hot)
Sleeve(ground)
 
-40dB or less (including no input signals):  Off
-40dB – -3dB:  Green
-3dB or more:  Red
When the [PAD] lamp is turned on:  -60dB – -16dB
When the [PAD] lamp is turned off:  -34dB – +10dB 
						

							 
The Controls and Connectors
 Operation Manual    
5
6 
[+48V] button (Phantom power button) 
This button enables you to toggle on and off phantom 
power, which is necessary for condenser microphones. 
By holding this button and pressing one of the [QUICK 
CONNECT] buttons 1 – 8, you can apply phantom power 
to the analog input jack corresponding to the pressed but-
ton. Performing the same operation removes phantom 
power. The [+48V] button is turned on when phantom 
power is applied to one or more of the input jacks, while 
the [+48V] button will be turned off when phantom power 
is off for all the input jacks. Holding this button will tur n on 
the [QUICK CONNECT] lamp(s) corresponding to the 
channel number(s) to which phantom power is applied.
CAUTION
 
•To avoid damage to your hearing or speakers, be sure to roll 
off the volume level of the amplifier (or powered speakers) 
before turning phantom power on or off. Steinberg/Yamaha 
also recommends that you turn all output levels to minimum 
settings before operating this button. 
•Be sure to leave the phantom power off if you do not need it.
•When turning phantom power on, make sure that only con-
denser microphones are connected to the corresponding 
input jacks. Devices other than condenser microphones 
may be damaged if they are connected to the phantom 
power supply. Note, however, that phantom power may be 
left on when you connect balanced dynamic microphones.
•If you connect a device that requires an external power sup-
ply, first connect the device to an Input jack, then turn on the 
phantom power. If you disconnect the device, make sure to 
turn off the phantom power before disconnecting the device.
7 
[PAD] button 
This switch toggles the Pad on and off. Holding this button 
and simultaneously pressing one of the [QUICK CON-
NECT] buttons lets you toggle the Pad of the correspond-
ing input jack on and off. 
The audio input signal from an input jack for which Pad is 
turned on is attenuated by 26 dB. Therefore, you should 
turn Pad off if you have connected equipment of low out-
put level (a microphone or other mic-level device), while 
Pad should be on for equipment of high output level (a 
synthesizer keyboard, CD player, etc.). 
This button will be turned on when the Pad of one or more 
input jacks is turned on, and will be turned off when Pad is 
off for all input jacks. 
Holding this button will turn on the [QUICK CONNECT] 
lamp(s) corresponding to the channel number(s) for 
which Pad is turned on.
8 
ASSIGN lamps 
These lamps indicate the current function assigned to the 
Multi Function Encoder Knob 1 and 2. For infor mation 
about assignable functions, refer to (!
 
). 
NOTE
 
·The [MORPH] lamp is available only for the MR816 CSX. The 
MR816 X is not equipped with the [MORPH] lamp. 
9 
Word Clock Source Lamps  
These lamps indicate the word clock source which has 
been set on Cubase, MR Editor or the Control Panel of the 
Yamaha FW Driver window (page 30) of a connected 
computer. When the INTERNAL lamp lights, the inter nal 
word clock of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X is used as the 
word clock “master.” When any of the other lamps are lit, 
an external word clock is used as the master (the 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X is the word clock “slave”). For infor-
mation about word clock, refer to “Word Clock” in the next 
page.
NOTE
 
·If the word clock is not synchronized between the connected 
devices, the Word Clock Source lamps flash. If this occurs, 
confirm whether the word clock setting on the computer or 
external device is appropriate or not. 
·When the Word Clock Source is set to a value other than 
“INTERNAL,” make sure to set the Sample Rate (pages 30, 41) 
to the same value as that of the master device. 
·When two or three MR816 CSX/MR816 Xs are connected to the 
computer, all the Word Clock Source lamps of the “slave” 
MR816 CSX/MR816 Xs are turned off.
) 
Sample Rate Lamps 
These lamps indicate the current sample rate of the 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X. The Sample Rate can be set on 
Cubase, MR Editor and the Control Panel of the Yamaha 
FW Driver window on the computer. 
 
WCLK
 
When this lamp lights, the word clock input 
from the external audio device via the WCLK 
IN jack will be used as the clock source. 
 
S/PDIF
 
When this lamp lights, the word clock input 
from the external audio device via the S/PDIF 
IN jack will be used as the clock source. 
 
ADAT
 
When this lamp lights, the word clock input 
from the external audio device via the OPTI-
CAL IN jack will be used as the clock source. 
 
INTERNAL
 
When this lamp lights, the internal word clock 
will be used as the clock source. 
 
96k
 
When this lamp lights, the current sample rate is 96 
kHz.
 
88k
 
When this lamp lights, the current sample rate is 88 
kHz.
 
48k
 
When this lamp lights, the current sample rate is 48 
kHz.
 
44k
 
When this lamp lights, the current sample rate is 44 
kHz. 
						

							 
The Controls and Connectors 
6
 
     Operation Manual
! 
Multi Function Encoder Knobs 1 and 2 
Rotating and pressing these knobs lets you select and 
adjust various parameters, such as output level from the 
headphone jack, master volume, and reverb related 
parameters. Rotating each of these knobs adjusts the 
parameter value while pressing the knobs changes the 
assigned functions. The lamps around each knob indicate 
the current value of the currently edited parameter. 
The ASSIGN lamps (8
 
) indicate the current function 
assigned to the Multi Function Encoder knobs
 
* Only available on the MR816 CSX.
NOTE
 
·When the MORPH lamp is lit, select the input channel to be 
edited by pressing the [QUICK CONNECT] button. For details, 
see page 4. 
·Pressing either of the encoder knobs will automatically change 
the function assignment.
·When the MORPH lamp is turned on, each of the end lamps 
around the Multi Function Encoder knob 2 (right side) will not 
light even if you turn the Knob 2 all the way toward the left or 
right. This is normal. 
@ 
Headphone jacks ( ) 1 and 2 
These two 1/4 TRS phone output jacks are used for con-
necting headphones. The levels of these jacks can be 
adjusted independently by using the Multi Function 
Encoder knobs (
! ). By setting the related parameters in 
Cubase or the MR Editor, you can set up custom monitor 
mixes for the musicians youre recording. For details, refer 
to pages 22 and 39. 
# 
STANDBY/ON switch  
This switch sets the power to ON or STANDBY. 
CAUTION
 
•Note that a small amount of current continues to flow while 
the switch is in the STANDBY position. If you do not plan to 
use this instrument for a long period of time, please be sure 
to unplug the adaptor from the wall outlet.  
ASSIGN lampKnob 1Knob 2
PHONES
 
Adjusts the volume 
level output from 
the headphone jack 
() 1 on the front 
panel. Adjusts the volume 
level output from 
the headphone jack 
() 2 on the front 
panel. 
 
MASTER
 
Adjusts the master 
volume level output 
from the OUTPUT 1 
– 8 jacks on the rear 
panel. Adjusts the master 
volume level output 
from the S/PDIF 
OUT jack and OPTI-
CAL OUT jack on 
the rear panel. 
 
REV-X
 
Adjusts the reverb 
time of the internal 
Reverb effect unit 
(REV-X). Adjusts the return 
level from the inter-
nal Reverb effect 
unit. 
 
MORPH*
 
Adjusts the DRIVE 
parameter of the 
internal compres-
sor. Morphs the Sweet 
Spot Data of the 
internal compres-
sor. 
TIP
 
Word Clock
 
In a typical digital audio system, the signal referred to 
as “word clock” is used to synchronize the process tim-
ing of audio signals between the multiple devices. 
When transferring audio data between the master 
recorder and the MR816 CSX/MR816 X via the S/PDIF 
jacks or OPTICAL jacks, the MR816 CSX/MR816 X will 
handle the audio data according to the word clock 
transmitted from the master recorder. If the word clock is 
not transferred correctly, click noise may occur or 
recording may not be successful. Normally, one device 
transmits a reference word clock signal, and the other 
devices receive this word clock signal and synchronize 
to it. The transmitting device is called the “word clock 
master” and the receiving devices are called “word 
clock slaves.” On the MR816 CSX/MR816 X, the word 
clock can be transferred via either the WCLK (Word 
Clock) jack, the S/PDIF jack or the OPTICAL jack. 
Because some digital equipment can operate only as 
the word clock master or slave, you may need to set the 
word clock source on the MR816 CSX/MR816 X. If such 
a device is connected to the MR816 CSX, make sure to 
set the Word Clock Source parameter on the Control 
Panel of Yamaha Steinberg FW Driver or the MR Editor 
on the computer. 
When using the MR816  CSX/MR816  X as the word clock 
master, set the Word Clock Source parameter to 
“INTERNAL.” When using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X as 
the word clock slave, set the Word Clock Source param-
eter to “ADAT” or “S/PDIF” or “WCLK In” then set the 
Sample Rate to the same value as that of the master 
device.  
						

							 
The Controls and Connectors
 Operation Manual    
7
 
Rear Panel
1 
 AC ADAPTOR IN jack 
Connect an AC power adaptor here (refer to the “Getting 
Started” manual included in the package). 
2 
S/PDIF IN/OUT jack (Digital input/output jack) 
These coaxial jacks (RCA pin connectors) input and out-
put S/PDIF format (IEC-60958) digital audio signals. By 
plugging the coaxial (RCA-pin) cable to this jack, you can 
connect the MR816 CSX/MR816 X an external digital 
audio device such a master recorder. 
3 
OPTICAL IN/OUT jack (Digital input/output jack) 
These jacks input and output S/PDIF or ADAT digital audio 
signals. By plugging the optical-fiber cable to this jack, 
you can connect the MR816 CSX/MR816 X an external 
digital audio device such as a hard disk recorder, MD 
player or CD player. Selection of S/PDIF or ADAT can be 
set from the MR Editor (page 33) or the Control Panel of 
the Yamaha FW Driver (page 30).
4 
IEEE1394 jacks 1 and 2 
These 6-pin IEEE1394 (S400) standard jacks enable con-
nection of an IEEE1394-compatible computer and another 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X. The operation is identical regard-
less of which jack is used (1 or 2). You can use one of 
them to connect a computer, and the other jack for 
another MR816 CSX/MR816 X (or a device compatible 
with the Yamaha Steinberg FW Driver) for daisy-chain 
connection. If your computer has a 4-pin IEEE1394 jack, 
use a 4-pin to 6-pin type IEEE1394 cable that meets the 
S400 specifications. 
CAUTION
 
•Be sure to connect the IEEE1394 cable plug to the 
IEEE1394 jack with the correct orientation.
NOTE
 
·Use an IEEE1394 cable that meets the S400 standard. Stein-
berg/Yamaha recommends that you use an IEEE1394 cable 
with a length of 4.5 meters or less. 
·Connect your IEEE1394 cables so that they do not create a 
loop. For information about loop connections, refer to page 47. 
5WCLK IN/OUT jack (Word Clock in/out jack)
These are BNC jacks used to input and output word clock 
signals to and from to an external device. 
6OUTPUT jacks 1 – 8 (Analog output jacks 1 – 8)
These are mono output jacks (TRS phone type) that sup-
port both balanced and unbalanced signals. The nominal 
signal level is +4dBu.
7MIC/LINE INPUT jacks 3 – 8 (Analog input jacks 3 – 8)
These mono channel input jacks (XLR/TRS phone) that 
support both balanced and unbalanced signals are used 
to connect microphones or musical instruments. The nom-
inal signal level is -60dBu – +10dBu. Connector wiring is 
as shown in the (2) section on page 4. 
8 INSERT I/O jacks 1 and 2
These phone-type unbalanced I/O jacks can be used to 
connect external effect units or another device for pro-
cessing the audio signals already input to the 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X via the MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack (analog 
input jack 1) and MIC/LINE jack (analog input jack 2) 
respectively. In the internal circuitry, these jacks are posi-
tioned immediately before the A/D converters (included in 
the MR816 CSX/MR816 X). The audio signal input via the 
MIC/LINE/HI-Z jack will be transferred to the effect unit or 
other device connected to INSERT I/O jack 1 then 
returned to INSERT I/O jack 1. Likewise, the audio signal 
input via the MIC/LINE jack will be transferred to the effect 
unit or other device connected to INSERT I/O jack 2 then 
returned to INSERT I/O jack 2.
Connection to an INSERT I/O jack requires a special 
insertion cable as illustrated below. 
13245 6 7 8
A/D
External effect device
INSERT I/O jack
Input channel Analog input 
jacks (1, 2)
To a computer 
and output 
jacks
INSERT I/O jack
Sleeve (ground)Tip: OUT
Ring
TipSleeve To the input jack of the external processor
To the output jack of the external processorTip: IN 
						

							Internal Structure of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X
8     Operation Manual
Internal Structure of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X
The MR816 CSX/MR816 X is equipped with a digital mixer suppor ted by DSP technology. This mixer lets you adjust various 
parameters, including volume and pan of the input signals for each output channel consisting of adjacent odd and even chan-
nels. Each stereo mix of the sound created with this operation will be output from the four analog outputs (OUTPUT jacks 1&2, 
3&4, 5&6 and 7&8), the OPTICAL OUT jack and the S/PDIF OUT jack. If “ADAT” is selected as the output format of the digital 
audio, up to eight stereo outputs are available, including both analog and digital.
By creating a mix for the main output and a separate monitor mix for your musicians, for example, you can easily cr eate a com-
prehensive, flexible monitoring environment – with no latency – for your recording session. Furthermore, using Cubase 4.5.1 or 
later lets you connect the Control Room function (of Cubase) and the inter nal mixer (of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X) seamlessly, 
giving you a versatile monitoring environment.
When the MR816 CSX/MR816 X is connected to your computer, the signals coming to the input channel of the inter nal mixer will 
be transferred to the DAW on the computer, returned from the DAW, mixed with other signals in the inter nal mixer then trans-
ferred to the corresponding output channel, as illustrated below. 
The MR816 CSX/MR816 X is equipped with a special REV-X digital reverb unit which can be used as a Send Effect. The MR816 
CSX, additionally, is equipped with a “Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip” (“Channel Strip” for shor t) which can be inserted to 
any of the analog input channels and digital input channels. These effect units can be inserted to different locations in the audio 
signal flow depending on the situation or usage.
NOTE
·For more detailed information about the internal structure, refer to the block diagrams at the end of this manual (pages 50 - 54).
OUT 1/2ADAT 7/8 Channel Strip
*2
Channel Strip*2
1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8
HPF EQCOMP
HPF EQCOMP
EQCOMP
EQCOMP
OUT 3/4OUT 5/6OUT 7/8ADAT 1/2ADAT 3/4ADAT 5/6
*1 *1
*1 *1
REV-X
Analog input 1
Analog input 8
Digital input 8 Digital input 1
Input channels
From DAW
To  DAW
Pan  Volume
REV-X 
Send
Digital output channels Analog output channels
*1 You can select whether or not the Channel 
Strip is applied to the audio signal which will 
be transferred to the DAW.
*2  The Channel Strip effect (available only for 
the MR816 CSX) can be used only for either 
analog input channels or digital input chan-
nels. 
*3  Only signals for the specified output chan-
nel will be sent to the REV-X. The signal to 
which pan and volume settings have 
already been applied will be sent to the 
REV-X.
To  DAWFrom DAW From DAW From DAW From DAW From DAW From DAW From DAW
Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume
Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume Pan  Volume
REV-X 
Return
REV-X 
Send (*3) 
						

							Using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X with Cubase
 Operation Manual   
9
Using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X with Cubase
This section features instructions on recording and mixing down via the Link function (using Cubase 5.1). Make sure to read 
“Turning the Power On and Off” and “Connecting to an External Device” in the Getting Started manual (printed booklet) before 
performing the operations explained below. 
What you can do using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X with 
Cubase
Linking the MR816 CSX/MR816 X to Cubase enables the following operations. 
NOTE
·In order to use the Link function between the MR816 CSX/MR816 X and Cubase, you will need to install Cubase 4.5.1 or later, which is 
compatible with the Link function (including Cubase AI). For the most recent information on Cubase versions compatible with the Link 
function, refer to the following website.
http://service.steinberg.de/goto.nsf/show/supportupdates_mr816_gb/
·To take the full advantage of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X’s functions, you should use Cubase 4.5.1 or later (instead of Cubase AI 4.5.1 or 
later). 
●Quickly routing the input channel to an audio track of Cubase 
The Quick Connect feature lets you assign the hardware input signal to the Cubase audio track with a single touch. Simply 
select an audio track or tracks on Cubase then press the desired [QUICK CONNECT] button, and all settings for routing are 
automatically completed. This quick and easy operation streamlines the recording process, and lets you concentrate on 
creating and recording while the track assign details are taken care of for you. After you’ve set the audio routing, selecting 
the audio track to which the input channel is assigned will cause the corresponding lamp to flash, allowing you to confirm 
the routing status easily. For detailed instructions refer to page 13. 
●Monitor Mix linked with the Control Room function (only for Cubase 4.5.1 or later) 
When you use Cubase 4.5.1 or later, the Control Room function can be linked with the MR816 CSX/MR816 X, allowing you to 
mix the monitor sound. The sound for recording musicians as well as the main mix sound can be heard without latency 
since Cubase is directly linked to the internal mixer of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X. For details, refer to page 14. 
●Controlling mixing parameters by using dedicated windows in Cubase
Dedicated windows specially designed for the MR816 CSX/MR816 X let you control the internal mixer and effects from 
Cubase. The settings made in Cubase can be saved as a project file, letting you quickly recall the entire settings made in 
the previous session. For details about the dedicated windows, refer to page 21. 
●Controlling the REV-X effect for monitoring purposes
The REV-X effect unit (built both in the MR816 CSX and MR816 X) can be controlled easily from Cubase. While this effect 
can be used normally as a Send Effect, it can also be used as a plug-in effect by setting the MR816 CSX/MR816 X to the 
external effect mode. For details, refer to page 25. 
●Controlling the Channel Strip (MR816 CSX only)
The built-in Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip (MR816 CSX only) can be contr olled from Cubase. This effect is normally 
applied to the Input Channels as an Inser tion Effect, though it can also be used as a plug-in effect by setting the MR816 
CSX to the external effect mode. For details, refer to page 27.
NOTE
·The functions listed above (except for “Quickly routing the input channel to an audio track of Cubase”) are available only when Direct 
Monitoring is turned on. 
						

							Using the MR816 CSX/MR816 X with Cubase
10     Operation Manual
Start your recording session!
In this section, you’ll learn how to transfer the input chan-
nel signals of the MR816 CSX/MR816 X to Cubase then 
record them on the audio tracks. 
■Connections
First, you’ll need to connect the sources you’ll be record-
ing (your musical instruments, microphones, etc.) to the 
input jacks, and connect the monitor devices (speakers or 
headphones) to the output jacks or headphone jacks, 
then turn all the devices on. 
1Connect external devices to the MR816 CSX/
MR816 X then connect your computer to the 
MR816 CSX/MR816 X via an IEEE1394 cable.
For details, refer to the Getting Started manual 
(printed booklet included in this product). 
WARNING
•Before connecting the instrument to other electronic compo-
nents, turn off the power of all the components. Also, before 
turning any components on or off, make sure to set all vol-
ume levels to minimum (0). Otherwise, electrical shock or 
damage to the components may occur.
2Turn on the every device in the following order: 
1) the connected microphones/musical instru-
ments, 2) the MR816 CSX/MR816 X, and 3) the 
monitor speakers. 
3Turn down the volume of the master output and 
headphones to prevent any loud, unexpected 
sound. 
•Turning down the master volume
Press the encoder knob a few times so that the MAS-
TER lamp lights, then rotate the encoder knob 
counter-clockwise to turn down the master volume 
(of the audio from the OUTPUT jacks 1 – 8, S/PDIF 
OUT jack and OPTICAL OUT jack on the rear panel).
•Turning down the volume of the headphones
Press the encoder knob a few times so that the 
PHONES lamp lights, then rotate the encoder knob 
counter-clockwise to turn down the volume of the 
audio signals output from the headphone jacks on 
the front panel. 
NOTE
·When turning the power off, follow the opposite order (monitor 
speakers ➝ MR816 CSX/MR816 X ➝ microphone/musical 
instrument) after turning all volume settings down all the way to 
the minimum. 
CAUTION
•When disconnecting/connecting cables after the setup is 
completed, make sure to turn all volume settings down all 
the way to the minimum. 
4If necessary, turn phantom power [+48V] on/off 
then turn the [PAD] on/off. 
•Turning phantom power on/off
To turn phantom power on, hold the [+48V] button 
then press the [QUICK CONNECT] button corre-
sponding to the analog input jack to which the con-
denser microphone is connected. While holding the 
[+48V] button, you can turn phantom power on or 
off for other analog input jacks (1 – 8) individually by 
pressing the corresponding [QUICK CONNECT] 
button. The [QUICK CONNECT] buttons of analog 
input jacks to which phantom power is applied will 
light while holding the [+48V] button. The [+48V] 
button will light when phantom power is on for any 
of the analog input jacks. 
•Turning the [PAD] on/off
To do this, hold the [PAD] button then press the 
[QUICK CONNECT] button corresponding to the 
analog input jack which you want to apply the Pad. 
Pad reduces the level for the corresponding input 
by a certain amount. While holding the [PAD] but-
ton, you can turn Pad on or off for other analog input 
jacks (1 – 8) individually by pressing the corre-
sponding [QUICK CONNECT] button. The [QUICK 
CONNECT] button of the analog input jacks to 
which Pad is applied will light while holding the 
[PAD] button. The [PAD] button will light when the 
Pad is turned on for any of the analog input jacks. 
NOTE
·If the phantom power or PAD of any analog input channel is 
turned on, the corresponding [QUICK CONNECT] buttons are 
turned on only when the [+48V] or [PAD] button is pressed. 
Turned on.
OUTPUT jacks 1 – 8S/PDIF OUT jack and 
OPTICAL OUT jack
Turned on.
Headphone jack 1Headphone jack 2
Turning the phantom power on/off [+48V] button
On/off
[PAD] button