Digital Work Station FEATURING ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
Please Note: All specifications and improvements to and in the design of this unit and this manual are subject to change at any time without any prior written or published noticed. 6122 S. Eastern Ave Los Angeles Ca. 90040 www.americanaudio.eu ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Table of Contents....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 2. Electrical Safety Precautions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 3. Important Safety Precautions ...............
10.2 Installing the Units .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20 10.3 Connections ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20 11. Software and ASIO Driver Installation ............................
17.1 Connecting the VMS4.1™ to your PC .................................................................................................................................................................. 44 18. Setup .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46 19. Cleaning .................................................................
2. ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The lightning flash with an arrow triangular symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, and may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. The exclamation point triangular symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the user manual accompanying the unit.
CAUTION: Handle the power supply cord carefully. Do not damage or deform; it may cause electric shock or malfunction when used. Hold the plug attachment when removing from wall outlet. Do not pull on the cord. To avoid electric shock, do not open the top cover when the unit is plugged in. If problems occur with the unit, call your local American Audio® dealer. Do not place metal objects or spill liquid inside the unit. Electric shock or malfunction may occur.
3. IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed. Cleaning – The product should be cleaned only with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth.
Ventilation – Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
Power Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product. Lightning – For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
4. FURTHER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the unit is operated. The safety and operating instructions should be saved for future reference. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Water and Moisture – The device should not be used near water - for example, near a bath tub, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
The serial and model number for this unit is located on the rear panel. Please write down the numbers here and retain for future reference. Model No. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Serial No.
5. UNPACKING Every VMS4.1™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Carefully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your system for any damage and be sure all equipment necessary to operate the system has arrived intact. In the event damage has been found or parts are missing, please contact our toll free customer support number for further instructions.
6. INTRODUCTION Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio® VMS4.1™ Media Controller. This device is a representation of American Audio’s® continuing commitment to produce the best and highest quality audio products possible at an affordable price. Please read and understand this manual completely before attempting to operate your new device. This booklet contains important information concerning the proper and safe operation of your new device. 6.
7. SET-UP PRECAUTIONS Please be sure to make any connections before plugging the device in to an electrical outlet. All fader and volume controls should be set to zero or minimum position, before the device is switched on. If the device has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not switch on the device immediately. The arising condensation of water might damage your device. Leave the device switched off until it has reached room temperature. 7.
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9. VIRTUAL DJ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS* * System Requirements may differ due to manufacturer software 9.1 PC REQUIREMENTS Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista (32-bit & 64-bit supported) PIV 1.2GHz Computer (SSE2 CPU), AMD 64 or greater 1024_768 SVGA Video 2 GIG RAM (Vista) 40MB free disk space on the hard drive (Recommended 2000MB) DirectX 9.0 9.2 MAC REQUIREMENTS Mac OS X 10.5 PPC / Intel, 10.5.6 Intel, or 10.6 Intel 1.86GHz 2GB RAM ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
10. SET-UP 10.1 CHECKING THE CONTENTS Be sure your VMS4.1™ was shipped with the following: VMS4.1™ Controller Operating Instructions (This Booklet) USB Cable 5V Power Adapter Virtual DJ Software Warranty Card 10.2 INSTALLING THE UNITS Place your unit on a flat surface or mount it in a secure rack mount case. Be sure the player is mounted in a well-ventilated area where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or high humidity.
10.3.1 AUDIO CONNECTIONS Use RCA or XLR cables to connect the VMS4.1™ outputs to powered speakers or an amplifier. Never connect this player's output to a mixer’s "Phono" inputs. 10.3.2 CONTROL JACK CONNECTIONS Use a 1/8” mono (not stereo) mini plug cable to connect your VMS4.1™ to a mini jack connection (A or B) on a compatible American Audio® or American DJ® “Fader Q Start” mixer. (This will enable the Fader “Q” Start function - see chapter 12.3.1 Outputs (33-38) on page 32).
11. SOFTWARE AND ASIO DRIVER INSTALLATION Insert the disc into your computer CD drive and click the CD icon. Depending on the type of computer you are operating, choose the *.exe file for PC or the *.dmg file for Mac. Choose your desired language and click OK. Read the following information and click Next. Follow the screen prompts to install the software. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
The ASIO Driver installation will open during the Virtual DJ installation. PC users, follow the screen prompts for proper installation. Mac install is automatic after clicking on the *.dmg file. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
12. GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS 12.1 PLAYER TOP ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
(1) In, Out, Reloop & Loop Buttons In Button – This function (“Cue on the fly“) allows you to set a Cue Point without music interruption (“on the fly”). This button also sets the starting point of a seamless loop. Out Button – This button is used to set the ending point of a loop. A loop is started by pressing the In Button, pressing the Out Button sets the loop ending point. The loop will continue to play until the Out Button is pressed once again.
(4) MIDILOG Mixer Section Channel Gain Control – This adjustment is used to adjust the audio source signal input gain for a channel. Never use the gain control to adjust a channels output volume. Setting the gain level properly will ensure a clean output signal. An improper gain level adjustment will send a distorted signal throughout the entire audio line which may damage speakers and amplifiers. To properly set a channels gain level control: o Be sure the Master Volume Control is set to level 4.
Cue Buttons – 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 an 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 chapter EQ Modes on page 39.
from one position to another will vary the output signals of Channels A and B respectively. When the crossfader is set in the center position, the output signals of both the Channels A and Channels B will be even. (9) Touch Strips – The touch strips are user assignable 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.
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 functions on mouse pad. Example: Press Shift and Vinyl to activate Keylock.
12.2 FRONT PANEL 12.2.1 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 your 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. 12.2.2.
(25) CF Assign A & B – CF Assign A will select the desired channel to the left side of the crossfader.* 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 affect a channel's volume when the channel is assigned. 12.2.3 INTERFACE MODE (26-28) The VMS4.
(30) Headphones Gain – Will set the output level of the headphones. (31) Headphones Jack – Connect your headphones to this jack. The headphone signal is controlled by the controls described previously. 12.3 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™. 12.3.1 OUTPUTS (33-38) (33) Q-Start – These 1/8” jacks remotely start playback in Q-Start equipped or compatible CD players.
(36) XLR Balanced Outputs – The VMS4.1™ has RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connections 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 than 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.
(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 levels of their respected Line/Phono RCA inputs jacks.
13. AUDIO INTERFACE MODE 13.1 - 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 Timecode Control, set your desired VMS4.1™ Channel to the USB setting and the channels' Line/Phono Selector Switch (41) to the correct setting. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
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. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
13.2 - 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. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
14. MIDI LATENCY MODES There are two MIDI Latency modes: Normal Mode and Turbo Mode. Normal Mode has a 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, proceed as follows: Before powering on, press and hold the CUE, Play, and Pause buttons on the left side. Hold the buttons until the Channel Volume Level Indicators (7) light up with the code version.
15. 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 in chapter Audio Interface Mode on page 35. 15.1 PRE EQ MODE In Pre EQ Mode, the USB audio signal is affected by the VMS4.1™ EQ. Pre EQ Mode 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.
15.2 POST EQ MODE Post EQ is for users who prefer using the EQ from their software. To toggle the Post EQ Mode on and off, proceed as follows: Before powering up the VMS4.1™, press and hold the PFL Cue (4) on the 4th channel 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 take place. Confirm the EQ change by checking the ASIO Driver configuration.
16. FIRMWARE UPDATE The included version of Virtual DJ includes a Firmware update utility. It is necessary to install this. To update your VMS4.1™, proceed as follows: Please check your computer audio setting and ensure that the VMS4.1™ is not set as a default playback, playback recording, or MIDI device. This will interfere with the update and software applications. Click Start Menu > All Programs > Virtual DJ > Firmware Update. Select the VMS4.1™ or USB Audio Device (Windows XP).
Wait until the bar is filled in completely and "Upgrade Complete" is displayed. Unplug the USB and shut down the VMS4.1™. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
16.1 POSSIBLE ERROR MESSAGES You may receive some error windows like you see below: Select proper device in device select window. Please check your computer audio setting and ensure that the VMS4.1™ is not set as a default playback, playback recording, or MIDI device. This will interfere with the update and software applications. Also, make sure that any software that uses MIDI or the Audio interface is closed. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
17. COMPUTER CONNECTION 17.1 CONNECTING THE VMS4.1™ TO YOUR PC Connect the VMS4.1™ to your PC by using the USB ports located on the rear of the VMS4.1™ and your PC. Connect the supplied USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the VMS4.1™, and the other end connects to the USB port on your computer. Note: Before connecting your VMS4.1™ to your computer or laptop, we highly recommend that you install the provided software.
©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
18. SETUP ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
19. CLEANING Due to fog residue, smoke, and dust, cleaning the mixer should be carried out periodically to residue build up. Use normal glass cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the outside casing. Use a cleaner specially designed for electronics to spray in and around the knobs and switch. This will reduce small particle built up that can affect the proper operation of the mixer. Cleaning should be carried out every 30-60 days to prevent heavy built up.
20. CROSSFADER REPLACEMENT The crossfader is “Hot Swappable” which means it may be replaced at any time, even when power is applied. American Audio VMS4.1™ crossfader (part# Z-FF-8). If you wish to upgrade to an Innofader, please order the Innofader model which comes with the VMS4.1™ plate cover to protect the Innofader from damage during handling of the VMS4.1™. If you upgrade to the Innofader, please make sure the power is off before upgrading to limit the chance of damage to the Innofader and/or VMS4.
21. ROHS – A CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONSERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT The European Union has adopted a directive on the restriction/prohibition of the use of hazardous substances. This directive, referred to as ROHS, is a frequently discussed topic in the electronic industry. It restricts, among other things, six materials: Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (CR VI), Cadmium (Cd), Polybrimated Biphenyls as flame retardant (PBB), Polybrominated Diphenyl, also a flame retardant (PBDE).
22. WEEE – WASTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Every year thousands of tons of electronic components, which are harmful to the environment, end up at the waste disposals around the world. To ensure the best possible disposal or recovery of electronic components, the European Union has adopted the WEEE directive. The WEEE-system (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) can be compared with the system of the “Green Spot”, which has been in use for several years.
23. SPECIFICATIONS 23.1 GENERAL Model American Audio® VMS4.1™ - PC Media Controller Dimensions 482(L) x 325(W) x 40(H) mm 19"(L) x 12.75(W) x 1.5"(H) Installation Place on flat surface or mount in flat case Weight 13 Lbs. / 6 Kg Power supply DC 5V Single Voltage AC 100V, 50/60Hz (Japan) AC 110V, 60Hz (Colombia) AC 120V, 60Hz (U.S.A.
23.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Operational temperature 5 to 35˚C (41 to 95˚F) Operational humidity 25 to 85% RH (no condensation) Storage temperature -10 to 60˚C (14 to 140˚F) ITEM NORMAL LIMIT CONDITION Gain Max, EQ Flat: 1.6V +/-0.5dB 1.6V +/-1dB Line & Mixed Out: 2.1V +/-0.5dB 2V +/-1dB 1KHz, 0dB Phones: 1.2V 1V 1KHz, -20dB Output Level Channel Balance: (From 0 to -40db For Mixed Out) Line: Within 0.
L/R Separation Line: 97dB 85dB 1KHz, 0dB Mixed Out: 95dB 85dB 1KHz, 0dB (Max. Out, EQ Flat) Line: 0.025% 0.03% 1KHz, 0dB Mixed Out: 0.025% 0.03% 1KHz, 0dB (Max. Out, EQ Flat) Phones: 0.045% 0.05% 1KHz, 0dB (1V Output) Line: 97dB 85dB 1KHz, 0dB Mixed Out: 97dB 85dB 1KHz, 0dB (Max. Out, EQ Flat) T.H.D. + NOISE S/N Ratio ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
Dynamic Range (Max. Output, EQ Flat) Line: 96dB 85dB 1KHz,-60dB Mixed Out: 94dB 85dB 1KHz,-60dB Frequency Response Line: 17-16KHz +/-0.3dB 17-16KHz +/-1dB Mixed Out: 17-16KHz +/-0.3dB 17-16KHz +/-1dB Phones Max. Output: 1.6V 1.4V 1KHz, 0dB, THD=1% NOTE: Specifications and improvements in the design of this unit and this manual are subject to change without any prior written notice. CHECK THE AMERICAN AUDIO WEBSITE FOR DOWNLOADABLE USER SOFTWARE UPDATES. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.
Follow us on: facebook.com/americandj twitter.com/americandj youtube.com/adjlighting ©American Audio® World Headquarters 6122 S. Eastern Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90040 USA Tel: 323-582-3322 Fax: 323-582-3311 Web: www.AmericanAudio.us E-mail: info@americanaudio.us American DJ Europe Junostraat 2 6468 EW Kerkrade Netherlands service@adjgroup.eu www.americandj.eu Tel: +31 45 546 85 00 Fax: +31 45 546 85 99 ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.eu VMS4.
