StudioCard User’s Manual
Antex Electronics Corporation 1125 West 190th Street Gardena, California 90248 USA Copyright © 1997 Antex Electronics Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without prior written consent from Antex Electronics, Inc. The copyright protection claimed here includes photocopying, translation, and/or reformatting of the information contained in this manual. Printed in the United States of America. Part Number: 9000-2419-3001, July, 1999.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Chapter 1 Installing Your StudioCard ................................................ 1-1 Overview..................................................................................... 1-3 Quick Start.................................................................................. 1-4 StudioCard Components ............................................................ 1-5 Minimum System Requirements ................................................
Table of Contents Chapter 3 Using the Antex Mixer ....................................................... 3-1 Introduction to Antex Mixer......................................................... 3-3 Starting the Antex Mixer ............................................................. 3-4 Mixer Controls and Indicators..................................................... 3-5 Adjusting the Antex Mixer Display ............................................ 3-13 Selecting the Active Antex Mixer ...
Table of Contents Analog Audio .............................................................................. 6-5 Digital Audio................................................................................ 6-6 Sample Clock Generator ............................................................ 6-7 MIDI ............................................................................................ 6-8 SMPTE (LTC) .............................................................................
Table of Contents Appendix B I/O Port Pinouts and Cable Schematics ........................B-1 Balanced Analog I/O Port Pinouts ..............................................B-3 Four-Channel Balanced Analog I/O Cable Schematic ...............B-4 Balanced-to-Singled-Ended Adapter Schematic ........................B-5 Digital I/O and Sync Port Pinouts ...............................................B-6 Digital I/O Cable Schematic........................................................
Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Installing Your StudioCard Overview..................................................................................... 1-3 Quick Start.................................................................................. 1-4 StudioCard Components ............................................................ 1-5 Minimum System Requirements ................................................ 1-6 Installing Your StudioCard ..........................................................
Chapter 1 This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 1 Overview Thank you for purchasing an Antex StudioCard 2000 (hereafter referred to as StudioCard). The StudioCard is a 4channel, professional quality audio adapter designed to add the excitement of audio to the non-linear video editor’s tool set. With its built in hardware “clock lock” you will never again have to worry about “lip sync.” The StudioCard takes care of it for you.
Chapter 1 Quick Start Quick Start Installing your StudioCard is relatively straightforward and is accomplished in the 6 key steps shown below.
Chapter 1 StudioCard Components StudioCard Components Before getting started, make sure you have each of the components listed below. StudioCard 2000 (PN 9000-2419-3001) StudioCard 2000 User’s Manual (PN 9000-2419-7007) Cables: Four-Channel Balanced Analog I/O Cable (PN 210-0382) Digital Audio I/O cable (PN 210-0393) Composite Video Cable Assembly (PN 210-0397) Internal PVR Clock Connection Cable (PN 210-0398) 3.
Chapter 1 Mi n i m u m S y s t e m R e q u i r e m e n t s Minimum System Requirements The StudioCard is designed for systems that meet the following requirements: IBM compatible PC with PCI Interface Bus 486-DX2/66 processor or higher 16 MB RAM 20 millisecond access time hard disk VGA display Windows NT/2000 3.51 or greater (4.0 recommended) Note 1-6 Antex StudioCard If you are running Windows NT 3.51, install the Microsoft Service Pack 4 before installing your Antex StudioCard.
Installing Your StudioCard Follow the step-by-step instructions below to install your StudioCard in your computer. Installing Your StudioCard ! Chapter 1 CAUTION: Static electricity can damage your StudioCard and your computer. Every time you move, you are creating static electricity, even though you can’t see it. Therefore, take the following precautionary actions while installing your StudioCard: 1.
Chapter 1 Installing Your StudioCard Severe damage will occur to the StudioCard if connected to phantom power. Step 1 Power off your computer (if you have not already done so) and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Step 2 Remove the housing from your computer to expose the motherboard. Step 3 Write the serial number for your Antex StudioCard in the space below.
Installing Your StudioCard Step 4 Chapter 1 Locate an available PCI expansion slot and remove its cover, as is shown in the figure at right. Be sure to keep the retaining screw as you will need it later.
Chapter 1 Installing Your StudioCard Step 5 Gently insert the Antex StudioCard into an available PCI expansion slot, then press down to set it firmly into the expansion slot, as is shown in the figure at right. Step 6 Secure the Antex StudioCard in place with the retaining screw you removed earlier from the expansion slot cover. Step 7 If you are installing only one Antex StudioCard at this time, continue to Step 8.
Installing Your StudioCard Step 9 Chapter 1 The DPS PVR provides a 27MHz clock on the CVE-2 video bus expansion connector. This signal will be connected to the StudioCard using the provided Sync cable, PN 210-0398, as the master clock reference. The StudioCard and the PVR must be located near enough for the cable to reach between the boards. Locate the PVR Sync cable. On the black plastic end, identify the pin with the embossed arrow. Orientation of this pin during installation is extremely important.
Chapter 1 Installing Your StudioCard You will connect to the PVR board here. With the computer turned OFF, insert the end of the cable with the flat black plastic connector over pins 37 and 38 on the CVE-2 video bus expansion connector on the PVR board. The embossed arrow on the plastic connector must be oriented toward the top edge of the PVR board. The locations of pins 37 and 38 are shown below. 2 4 6 8 …………………. 38 40 1 3 5 7 ………………….
Installing Your StudioCard Note Chapter 1 When using the PVR Sync cable as installed above in Steps 9 and 10, the clock source must be set to Internal, Reference 27MHz, in the Antex Mixer. When using Composite Video as the clock synchronization source as described below in Steps 11-15, the clock source must be set to Hsync in the Antex Mixer. The Antex Mixer is described in Chapter 3. Step 11 Locate the Video Cable Assembly shown at right.
Chapter 1 Step 13 Installing Your StudioCard Locate an available 25-pin D connector punch-out on the back panel of the computer and remove the punch-out. (The cable bracket has been designed not to require a typical computer bracket which would waste a card slot. It fits in a 25 pin D connector punch out available near the power supply of most computer cases.) If there is no 25 pin punch-out available, you must procure a bracket with a hole for a 25 pin D connector.
Connecting Your External Equipment Chapter 1 Follow the instructions below to connect your external audio and video equipment to the StudioCard. Also refer to the user manuals of your video capture device and other external equipment. Connecting Your External Equipment Step 1 Locate the Four-Channel Balanced Analog I/O Cable shown below. Step 2 Attach the Four-Channel Balanced Analog I/O Cable to the analog Balanced I/O port on the bracket and secure it in place with the locking screws.
Chapter 1 Connecting Your External Equipment Step 3 Locate the Digital Audio I/O Cable show below. Step 4 Attach the Digital Audio I/O Cable to the Digital Audio and Sync I/O port on the bracket and secure it in place with the locking screws. Step 5 Attach your external audio / video equipment to the appropriate analog and digital cable connectors, using the white tags above each connector for reference. Note Step 6 1-16 Antex StudioCard Specific pinout information is provided in Appendix B.
Connecting Your External Equipment Chapter 1 The next step in the installation process is to install the Antex StudioCard drivers and software. Refer to the instructions beginning on page 18, Installing StudioCard Drivers and Software. ! CAUTION: The XLR outputs of the StudioCard may be damaged if connected to microphone inputs that provide phantom power.
Chapter 1 Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software The StudioCard comes with two programs—Antex Demo and Antex Mixer—as well as drivers for Windows NT/2000. The Antex Demo is used primarily for testing your StudioCard and demonstrating its capabilities. The Antex Mixer is a powerful patch bay, mixing console, and configuration tool for the StudioCard.
Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software Step 2 Chapter 1 Click Start on your Windows NT/2000 desktop, then select Run, as is shown at right. The Run dialog box shown at right appears. Step 3 Type A:\SETUP (or B:\SETUP), then click OK.
Chapter 1 Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software The Antex Driver Setup pop-up appears Step 4 Click Continue to proceed with setup The Enter Demo Program Location dialogue box appears. Step 5 1-20 Antex StudioCard Enter a location for the Antex Demo programs (or accept the default), then click Continue.
Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software Chapter 1 The Antex Setup pop-up appears and reports the progress of the installation. When the installation is complete, you will see the Antex Audio Driver Setup window shown at right. Notice that default selections are displayed in both the Select Adapter and Devices groups. The Select Adapter setting allows you to configure one or more StudioCard cards.
Chapter 1 Step 7 Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software Click OK to complete the drivers and software installation. The Setup program will automatically configure the I/O port and interrupt. When the drivers and software installation is complete, the Setup Complete pop-up appears. Step 8 Click OK to exit the Antex Driver Setup program and return to the Windows NT/2000 desktop.
Installing StudioCard NT Drivers and Software Chapter 1 The final step in installing your StudioCard is to test its playback and recording capabilities. Consult the section entitled Playing *.WAV Files in Chapter 2, Using the Antex Demo. ! Before playing a wave file for the first time, turn down the volume on your audio equipment. The StudioCard default output level is quite loud.
Chapter 1 Installing Windows 95/98 Drivers Installing Windows 95/98 Drivers Note Step 1 To install the Windows 95/98 drivers, simply follow the stepby-step instructions below. Please note that the Antex Demo and Antex Mixer are installed separately from the drivers in Windows 95/98. Installation instructions for these programs follow this section. Be sure to check Antex’ web site periodically for the latest StudioCard drivers. Our web address is www.antex.com.
Installing Windows 95/98 Drivers Step 3 Verify the Windows 95/98 driver diskette is inserted into driver A: and click OK. Step 4 Select the StudioCard and click OK. Chapter 1 Installation of the drivers will proceed and complete automatically from this point. You may be asked to reboot when installation is completed. If so, select Yes and reboot. You may also need to configure your software application.
Chapter 1 Installing Antex Demo and Mixer in Windows 95/98 Step 1 1-26 Antex StudioCard I n s t a l l i n g A n t e x D e m o a n d Mi x e r i n W i n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 To install the Antex Demo and Antex Mixer in Windows 95/98, simply follow the step-by-step instructions below. The Antex Demo is used primarily for testing your StudioCard and demonstrating its capabilities. The Antex Mixer is a powerful patch bay, mixing console, and configuration tool for the StudioCard.
I n s t a l l i n g A n t e x D e m o a n d Mi x e r i n W i n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 Step 2 The following screen will appear. Double click on Add/Remove Programs. Step 3 The Add/Remove Program Properties dialog box appears. Click Install.
Chapter 1 I n s t a l l i n g A n t e x D e m o a n d Mi x e r i n W i n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 Step 4 Verify the floppy disk is still in the drive, and click Next. Step 5 Verify the path is A:\SETUP.EXE and click finish.
I n s t a l l i n g A n t e x D e m o a n d Mi x e r i n W i n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 Step 6 The location for the program files may be selected. Click Next or select a new location by selecting Browse. Step 7 Select Next, and installation will proceed automatically.
Chapter 1 Step 8 I n s t a l l i n g A n t e x D e m o a n d Mi x e r i n W i n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 Click Finish and installation of the Antex Demo and Antex Mixer are completed.
I n s t a l l i n g A n t e x D e m o a n d Mi x e r i n W i n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 Chapter 1 The Antex demo and Mixer will be installed under Programs/StudioCard Applications as shown below.
Chapter 1 Changing Driver Settings in Windows 95/98 Step 1 1-32 Antex StudioCard Changing Driver Settings in Windows 95/98 There is only one setting that may be changed for the driver. This is the number of wav devices and whether the driver is in SRP or Simultaneous Record Play mode. The description of SRP is in Chapter 3. Certain applications such as Cakewalk Pro Audio work best in SRP mode, either 2 or 4 devices.
Changing Driver Settings in Windows 95/98 Step 2 Double click on System. Step 3 Highlight the Device Manager tab and expand Sound, video and game controllers by clicking on the plus sign. Double click on StudioCard to bring up its properties.
Chapter 1 Step 4 1-34 Antex StudioCard Changing Driver Settings in Windows 95/98 When the properties dialog box appears, highlight the configuration tab. The default installation is shown.
Changing Driver Settings in Windows 95/98 Select the 2 or 4 checkbox, and the SRP checkbox becomes active. Check the box to the left of SRP and click OK. The driver will then be set for two or four devices that can each record and play. Step 5 Note Chapter 1 Selecting the Resources tab on the StudioCard Properties may cause your system to appear frozen. There is typically no reason to view Plug and Play Resources. If this does happen, be patient, as the system will come back after several minutes.
Chapter 1 Updating Windows 95/98 Driver Step 1 1-36 Antex StudioCard Updating Windows 95/98 Driver New drivers will be released from time to time and made available on www.antex.com. It is suggested you copy the new driver to a floppy disk, and update the driver using the following procedure. Open Control Panel and double click on the System Icon.
Updating Windows 95/98 Driver Step 2 Click on Device Manager tab, expand Sound, video and game controllers by clicking on the plus sign next to it. Double click on the StudioCard to bring up its Properties. Step 3 Click on Driver tab, and click on Change Driver.
Chapter 1 Updating Windows 95/98 Driver Step 4 Select the StudioCard and click on Have Disk. Step 5 Verify the path is to the A:\ floppy, and click OK. Step 6 Windows will check which drivers are on the floppy. Verify the StudioCard appears and click OK.
Updating Windows 95/98 Driver Step 7 The Driver Properties screen will reappear. Click OK. Step 8 Verify floppy is still in drive and click OK. Step 9 Verify the path is A:\ (NOT A:\Antex.inf) and click OK. Chapter 1 The driver will be updated. You must reboot for the change to take effect.
Chapter 1 Troubleshooting Windows 95/98 Trouble-shooting Windows 95/98 All PCI cards such as the StudioCard are Plug and Play compliant. Older “legacy” ISA cards may or may not be. The most likely problem you may encounter during installation is a resource conflict. This is typically due to Windows 95/98 Plug and Play system not being aware of older ISA based cards in your system. Windows believes a particular IRQ is available and assigns it to the StudioCard when it is really in use by another device.
Trouble-shooting Windows 95/98 Step 3 Highlight the Device Manager Tab. Expand suspect devices by clicking on the plus sign. Then, double click on the device to bring up its Properties. Step 4 Click on the Resource tab to determine which IRQ the device uses. Write this down and repeat this process for each suspect ISA card in the system.
Chapter 1 Trouble-shooting Windows 95/98 Step 5 Enter Bios at startup by pressing the Del key. In most Plug and Play Bios, there is a method to assign IRQ’s to legacy devices so that Windows 95/98 cannot use them. In this way, the possibility of Windows assigning an IRQ to the StudioCard, which causes the conflict, can be eliminated. Each Bios is different, consult your user manual or manufacturer of your computer system to determine how to accomplish this.
Trouble-shooting Windows 95/98 Chapter 1 This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Using the Antex Mixer Introduction to Antex Mixer......................................................... 3-3 Why Would I Use the Antex Mixer? ..................................... 3-3 Starting the Antex Mixer ............................................................. 3-4 Mixer Controls and Indicators..................................................... 3-5 Main Screen Controls and Indicators ................................... 3-5 Adapter Line Controls and Indicators....
Chapter 3 This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 3 I n t r o d u c t i o n t o A n t e x Mi x e r Introduction to Antex Mixer The Antex Mixer is a software tool designed to be used in conjunction with application software such as In-Sync’s Speedrazor and Innovative Quality Software’s SAW Plus. It is a powerful program that allows you to configure many features of the StudioCard.
Chapter 3 Starting the Antex Mixer S t a r t i n g t h e A n t e x Mi x e r To open the Antex Mixer program, select Start - Programs Antex Demo Programs - Antex Mixer, as illustrated below. The Antex Mixer program opens. Shown at right is the default display showing Line In, Digital In, Line Out, and four each record and play controls. This default configuration allows the Antex Mixer to fit into a 640 x 480 pixel (standard VGA) display.
Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s Mixer Controls and Indicators Chapter 3 In this section are descriptions of all the controls and indicators of the Antex Mixer display, including its sub-menus. Main Screen A simplified display of the Antex Mixer is shown below. The Controls and default configuration actually displays four record and play Indicators controls, only one is shown for clarity as they are identical.
Chapter 3 Main Screen Control Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s Description 1 Line In Trim Trim slider control used to adjust the clipping level of the analog input signal to either +12 dBu or +24 dBu. Output trim is moved in unison. See Chapter 4 for more information regarding levels. 2 Rec 1 level controls Level controls used to adjust the volume of the left and right stereo signal at the Rec 1 channel.
Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s Chapter 3 Adapter Line The Adapter controls shown below can be added to the Antex Controls and Mixer main screen simply by choosing Lines from the Mixer Indicators menu, then selecting Adapter. Each of the Adapter controls and indicators indicated below is described in the table on the next page. Beginning on page 3-10 is a description of each of the controls and indicators displayed when you click the Timecode Options button (#15).
Chapter 3 Adapter Controls Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s Description 1 Sample Clock Source DSPClock The physical source of the audio sample clock is derived from this selection. When DSP is selected, the sample clock generator signal source is the internal clock on the Digital Signal Processor card (StudioCard). See note at end of table.. 2 Sample Clock Source Internal Internal selector.
Chapter 3 Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s 9 Sample Clock Reference Word256 Word256 selector. When selected, the sample clock generator will assume that the selected clock source has a frequency 256 times the desired sample rate. See note. 10 Sample Rate Sample rate selector. Selects the sample rate of the incoming sample clock signal. This parameter must be set for Word and Word256 references.
Chapter 3 Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s Timecode Options The Adapter Timecode options shown below are accessed by clicking the Options button in the Adapter Timecode group. A description of each of the Timecode Options is provided in the table on the next page.
Mi x e r C o n t r o l s a n d I n d i c a t o r s Timecode Option Chapter 3 Description 1 Timecode In Source Selects timecode source to be read and shown in the “timecode in” position and optionally converted to MIDI timecode. 2 Timecode In MTC Frame Rate During MIDI Timecode Generation (when LTC or VITC is the source), this specifies the frame rate of the incoming data. This is also encoded into the Generated MIDI Timecode Data Stream.
Chapter 3 Timecode Option A d j u s t i n g t h e A n t e x Mi x e r D i s p l a y Description Adjusting the Antex Mixer Display The Antex Mixer contains many components and can display a large amount of information. The program has been designed to allow you to reconfigure it so that only the components of your choosing are displayed. This section will describe the process for modifying the displayed components of the Antex Mixer.
A d j u s t i n g t h e A n t e x Mi x e r D i s p l a y Chapter 3 To change the Mixer display, follow the instructions below. Step 1 Start Antex Mixer, then select Lines… from the Mixer menu. Step 2 The Mixer Lines window appears. Select and deselect the items to appear on the Mixer screen, then click OK when done. Experiment with selection and display of the various Lines of the Antex Mixer.
Chapter 3 A d j u s t i n g t h e A n t e x Mi x e r D i s p l a y You will find that displaying all of the lines results in a rather large display. The Antex Mixer allows you to display only what’s important to you. Note Note When a line is not selected and displayed, the function it represents may not be available to application software. For example, if the Digital In is not part of the active Mixer display, you may not be able to record digitally.
S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r Selecting the Active Antex Mixer Chapter 3 The Antex Mixer can be used with up to four physical StudioCards. To select the StudioCard for which the Mixer is active, click on Mixer in the menu bar; then select 1-Antex StudioCard Mixer through 4-Antex StudioCard Mixer. The figure below illustrates the Mixer as it appears with only one card in the system. Note that the title bar also reflects which card the mixer has been configured to control.
Chapter 3 S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r Saving Antex Mixer The Scene menu allows you to save Mixer settings for use at a Settings later time. Scene Save allows you to name the Mixer setup, storing it in the system registry. Scene Restore allows you to recall a previously saved Mixer setup by name. To save a Mixer setting, perform the following steps: Configure the Mixer the way you want to save it. Click the Scene menu, as illustrated below.
S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r Chapter 3 In the Save/Restore Scene dialogue box, type the name for the Mixer configuration you are saving (Mixer 2); then click on Save. The current Mixer configuration will be saved to the name you typed in.
Chapter 3 S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r Recalling Saved To recall a saved Mixer setting at any time, perform the Mixer Settings following steps: Click the Scene Menu bar.
S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r Chapter 3 The Save/Restore Scene dialogue box will appear. Select the saved Mixer configuration name; then click Restore, as shown below.
Chapter 3 S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r The previous configuration will be restored.
S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r Chapter 3 Non-mixdown Mode All pictures thus far have shown the Antex Mixer in “mixdown” mode. A second mode of operation providing greater control of a devices volume and its mappings to each physical output is the “non-mixdown” mode. To switch to “nonmixdown” mode, click the Mixdown Mode checkbox to turn the checkmark off, then click “OK. The Mixer display will change, as is illustrated in the figure at the top of the next page.
Chapter 3 S e l e c t i n g t h e A c t i v e A n t e x Mi x e r The volume sliders for the play devices appear in four rows, as do the meters in the Line Out section. Each row, including meter, corresponds to a physical output of the StudioCard. The top row is output 1, the bottom row output 4. This configuration allows you to control the level of each playback device independently for each physical output.
Two-Device / Four-Device Operation Two-Device / Four-Device Operation Chapter 3 During installation of the Antex driver, Antex Demo and Antex Mixer software, the StudioCard and Antex Mixer are automatically configured for eight-device operation. The StudioCard and Antex Mixer may also be configured for either two-device or four-device operation. The main benefit of reducing the number of devices is a simplified display of available devices in various application programs.
Chapter 3 Two-Device / Four-Device Operation The Multimedia Properties dialogue box opens, as shown at right. Click the Devices tab in the Multimedia Properties dialogue box. Double click Audio Devices and highlight Audio for Antex Digital Audio Driver. Then click the Properties button.
Two-Device / Four-Device Operation Chapter 3 In the Antex Digital Audio Driver Properties window, click the Settings button. The Antex Audio Driver Setup dialogue box will open, as shown in the figure below at right. Unless the setting has been changed since the original installation, eight devices will be selected and the "SRP" feature will be grayed out. Select either two-device or four-device operation by clicking on the 2 or 4 radio button under Devices, but do not click OK.
Chapter 3 Simultaneous Record-Play (SRP) Mode S i m u l t a n e o u s R e c o r d - P l a y ( S R P ) Mo d e There are two ways for application programs to view the devices on the StudioCard. One way is to consider each device on the StudioCard as a device that can either record or play. The second way is to consider each device on the StudioCard as a device that can both record and play. The StudioCard is designed to support both modes of operation.
S i m u l t a n e o u s R e c o r d - P l a y ( S R P ) Mo d e Chapter 3 This completes the selection of two-device or four-device operation and/or SRP mode. Close all open dialogue boxes and windows. When SRP mode is selected, a new control button appears in the "Record" lines of the Antex Mixer. This is the "Mute" button. The Mute button will only be present when the StudioCard and Antex Mixer are set for SRP mode, and this can only occur in either two-device or four-device operating mode.
Chapter 3 S i m u l t a n e o u s R e c o r d - P l a y ( S R P ) Mo d e This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 4 Chapter 4 StudioCard Operational Guidelines Introduction................................................................................. 4-3 Levels and Headroom ................................................................ 4-4 The Numbers ....................................................................... 4-4 Interpreting Input / Output Trim Levels ................................ 4-5 A Little History ......................................................................
Chapter 4 This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 4 Introduction Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to assist you in configuring and optimizing the StudioCard’s settings, including: Configuring Clock Source Setting Levels Effectively Using Digital Feedthrough Antex Electronics Corporation Antex StudioCard 4-3
Chapter 4 Levels and Headroom Levels and Headroom The purpose of this section is to explain signal levels and headroom as they pertain to the StudioCard so that you can make recordings with optimum quality and signal-to-noise ratio. The information is this section is written assuming you are familiar with decibels: a unit of amplitude measurement commonly used when working with audio. Many sources exist describing decibels, including information on the Antex web page, www.antex.com.
Levels and Headroom Chapter 4 Interpreting Input / The StudioCard allows two input/output trim levels. They are Output Trim Levels set in the mixer and are marked +24 and +12. When +24dBu is selected, a standard nominal level of +4dBu (most balanced pro equipment) will produce a reading of -20dB on the level meter. This allows a very conservative 20dB before clipping.
Chapter 4 Maximizing Signal to Noise Ratio / Setting Levels Ma x i m i zi n g S i g n a l t o N o i s e R a t i o / S e t t i n g L e v e l s To maximize the Signal to Noise ratio of a recording, it is important to input the signal into the StudioCard at the proper level. The trim level should be set to match the levels of the equipment the StudioCard is connected to. A signal optimized such that its peaks are near 0dB on the meters in the Antex Demo will be recorded with peak signal to noise ratio.
Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Chapter 4 Audio sampling on most audio cards is generated by a crystal oscillator. Since this oscillator has no reference to the oscillator on the video board used to generate frames of video, the audio and video can drift out of synchronization. This is the equivalent of setting two watches to exactly the same time and watching them slowly drift apart.
Chapter 4 Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Master 27 MHz clock lock (PVR only) This method can only be used with the Perception Video Recorder from DPS. It works only when the Perception Effects (PFx) board is not installed. After installing the PVR sync cable (as described in Chapter 1), follow the instructions below. Step 1 4-8 Antex StudioCard Start or reboot the computer, then start Antex Mixer.
Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Step 2 Chapter 4 If the Adapter line is displayed, continue to the next step. Otherwise, select Lines… from the Mixer menu. In the Mixer Lines window highlight Adapter and click OK. The Mixer main screen will display the Adapter line shown at right.
Chapter 4 Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Step 3 Select Internal as the Sample Clock Source. Step 4 Select 27MHz as the Sample Clock Reference. Step 5 If you are using SpeedRazor Mach 3.x, select 44100 as the Clock Sample Rate. Other sample rates can be selected as needed for other applications.
Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Note Chapter 4 This method will not work if you are using the Perception Effects board (Pfx). Use the following method if you have the Pfx board installed. Horizontal sync lock (all video boards) This type of lock if often referred to as gen-lock in video circles. With this method the StudioCard is locked to the horizontal synchronizing pulses that are part of the video signal. The StudioCard will auto-detect either NTSC or PAL video inputs.
Chapter 4 Step 1 4-12 Antex StudioCard Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Start Antex Mixer.
Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Step 6 If the Adapter line is displayed, continue to the next step. Otherwise, select Lines… from the Mixer menu. In the Mixer Lines window highlight Adapter and click OK. Step 7 Select Hsync as the Sample Clock Source.
Chapter 4 Using the StudioCard with Video Capture & Display Boards Step 8 Select Auto as the Sample Clock Reference. Step 9 If you are using SpeedRazor Mach 3.x, select 44100 as the Clock Sample Rate. Other sample rates can be selected as needed for other applications.
Mo n i t o r i n g / F e e d t h r o u g h Monitoring / Feedthrough Chapter 4 “Monitoring” is a term used to describe listening to the signal that is being recorded. It is also referred to as “Feedthrough” audio, as the input signal is fed to an output line. Feedthrough audio is often used to set the levels on input signals to optimize their amplitude and signal to noise ratio. Two types of feedthrough are possible, analog and digital.
Chapter 4 Mo n i t o r i n g / F e e d t h r o u g h Digital feedthrough is a very convenient feature, but does require the use of an application program to place the StudioCard in record (or pause) mode. The Antex Demo application is one simple and easy to use tool to accomplish this. The Demo program also allows you to place the input in record/pause mode (again, the same as an analog tape deck). The input signal may be monitored and its levels adjusted without writing any data to the disk.
Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Synchronizing Multiple StudioCards Introduction................................................................................. 5-3 Installing Multiple StudioCard Cards........................................... 5-4 Identifying Adapter Numbers ...................................................... 5-8 Establishing Master and Slave(s) Cards .................................. 5-10 Making Board-to-Board Clock Connections .............................
Chapter 5 This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 5 Introduction Introduction Up to four StudioCards may be installed in your computer to increase the number of physical inputs and outputs. The StudioCard has been designed so that playback and recording on all channels in a multiple card system can be synchronized to sample accuracy using a common clock reference. This is accomplished by configuring the cards so that one card acts as master and supplies a word clock to the other slave cards in the system.
Chapter 5 I n s t a l l i n g Mu l t i p l e S t u d i o C a r d C a r d s Installing Multiple StudioCard Cards Note ! Follow the instructions below to install multiple StudioCards. If you are installing StudioCards for the first time, and have come from Chapter 1, skip to Step 3. If you previously installed an StudioCard and are now adding additional cards, begin at Step 1. CAUTION: Static electricity can damage your StudioCard and your computer.
I n s t a l l i n g Mu l t i p l e S t u d i o C a r d C a r d s Chapter 5 your body before touching the circuit board. Step 1 Power off your computer (if you have not already done so) and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Step 2 Remove the housing from your computer to expose the motherboard. Step 3 Write the serial number for each of your Antex StudioCards in the space below.
Chapter 5 Step 4 I n s t a l l i n g Mu l t i p l e S t u d i o C a r d C a r d s Locate an available PCI expansion slot for each card and remove its cover, as is shown in the figure at right. Be sure to keep the retaining screw as you will need it later. The cards should all be installed next to each other.
I n s t a l l i n g Mu l t i p l e S t u d i o C a r d C a r d s Chapter 5 Step 6 Secure the Antex StudioCards in place with the retaining screws you removed earlier from the expansion slot cover. Step 7 Continue now to the next section, Identifying Adapter Numbers. Note Antex Electronics Corporation Do not yet replace the housing on your computer. You will be prompted to do so later in this chapter.
Chapter 5 Identifying Adapter Numbers Identifying Adapter Numbers Each StudioCard in a computer is assigned an adapter number that identifies each card. Applications, including the Antex Demo and Mixer programs, utilize the adapter number to access a specific audio device on a specific card. The adapter number of each card is assigned by the operating system’s PCI configuration mechanism. This assignment is based on PCI slot numbering, which can vary from one motherboard to another.
Identifying Adapter Numbers Chapter 5 Active adapter numbers are determined by the settings in the Antex Audio Driver Setup box which is accessed through the Windows Control Panel. (Refer to Chapter 1, Software and Driver Installation.) An adapter number is active if StudioCard is selected in the Select Adapter box for that adapter number.
Chapter 5 Establishing Master and Slave(s) Cards E s t a b l i s h i n g Ma s t e r a n d S l a v e ( s ) C a r d s The first step of the configuration process is to physically select which card will act as the master adapter. This card will feed a system word clock to the remaining slave cards in the system The master can utilize any valid clock source to generate the system word clock. All the slaves will utilize the system word clock routed to their clock in connector.
Ma k i n g B o a r d - t o - B o a r d C l o c k C o n n e c t i o n s Making Boardto-Board Clock Connections Chapter 5 With the housing still removed from your computer, follow the instructions below to continue the process of installing multiple StudioCard. Step 1 Locate your Interboard Word Clock Cable(s) (IWCC). Step 2 Starting from the master adapter, connect the IWCC from the Clock Out of the master card to the Clock In of the first slave. Repeat this process from one slave to the next.
Chapter 5 Configuring Clock Source Settings Step 1 5-12 Antex StudioCard Configuring Clock Source Settings With the Interboard Word Clock Cables in place, the proper clock source for each card must be set using the Antex Mixer. Start Antex Mixer.
Configuring Clock Source Settings Step 2 Chapter 5 If the Adapter line is displayed, continue to the next step. Otherwise, select Lines… from the Mixer menu. Then, in the Mixer Lines window highlight Adapter and click OK. The Mixer main screen will display the Adapter line shown below. Step 3 Antex Electronics Corporation From the Mixer menu, select your master adapter number, for example, 1-Antex StudioCard Mixer.
Chapter 5 Step 4 Configuring Clock Source Settings Select an appropriate Sample Clock Source. In the example shown at right, it is Internal. If the clock source is derived from an external source via the external clock input, digital input, or video input, it must be connected and operating prior to its selection. Step 5 Select the desired Sample Clock Reference for the master and Sample Rate. This setting determines the sample rate for all StudioCards in your system.
Chapter 5 Configuring Clock Source Settings Step 7 Select Internal as the Sample Clock Source for the slave. Step 8 Select Word as the Sample Clock Reference for the slave. Step 9 Set the Clock Source Sample Rate to the sample rate of the master. 2 2 2 The system is now configured for synchronous operation.
Chapter 5 Configuring Clock Source Settings Note 5-16 Antex StudioCard If you are installing StudioCards for the first time, return to Step 9 on page 10 of Chapter 1 now.
Chapter 6 Chapter 6 StudioCard Theory of Operation Overview..................................................................................... 6-3 Block Diagram ............................................................................ 6-4 Analog Audio .............................................................................. 6-5 Digital Audio................................................................................ 6-6 Sample Clock Generator ...................................
Chapter 6 This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 6 Overview Overview Note Antex Electronics Corporation The StudioCard is a high performance digital audio adapter for use in personal computers using the PCI expansion bus. This chapter explains in detail the hardware features and functions of the StudioCard. Knowledge of how the StudioCard works is not necessary for operation.
Chapter 6 Block Diagram 6-4 Antex StudioCard Block Diagram The StudioCard consists of various functional blocks that handle analog audio, digital audio, sample clock generation, MIDI, and SMPTE time code that are driven by a floating point DSP. The DSP handles data transfers and communication with the host PC through shared memory and a PCI interface. A block diagram of the StudioCard is depicted in the figure below and is described in the sections that follow.
Analog Audio Analog Audio Chapter 6 Analog audio enters the StudioCard through its four balanced audio inputs. Each channel’s differential signal is converted to a single-ended signal by a differential amplifier and then adjusted in a variable gain stage according to the desired nominal level of either -10 dBV or +4 dBu. The signal is then converted to digital by a 20-bit sigma delta analog-to-digital converter.
Chapter 6 Digital Audio Digital Audio Digital audio enters the StudioCard through a transformercoupled digital input, which can be switched to conform to either AES/EBU of S/PDIF electrical standards. The signal then enters a receiver circuit that extracts digital audio data and a word clock. The two channels of digital audio data are sent to a multiplexer that can selectively route digital audio data to the DSP instead of data from audio input channels 1 and 2.
Sample Clock Generator Sample Clock Generator Chapter 6 The StudioCard’s sample clock generator generates a word clock, at the desired sample rate, and related clocks for the A/D and D/A converters based on a selected clock reference. The clock reference, which can have a frequency of 24 kHz to 54 MHz, is multiplied by an appropriate factor by a phaselocked loop circuit to create the output clocks.
Chapter 6 MI D I MIDI 6-8 Antex StudioCard The MIDI input and output ports adhere to the MIDI specification for optoisolated connections. Data is received and transmitted by an on-board, buffered UART. Data received by the UART is read by the DSP where it is time stamped, parsed into MIDI messages, and inserted in a buffer for transfer to the host PC. Similarly, outgoing MIDI data is received by the DSP and then sent to the UART.
S MP T E ( L T C ) SMPTE (LTC) Chapter 6 The LTC receiver, which receives its signal from the LTC input, meets SMPTE and EBU longitudinal time code specifications. It extracts the data, at a frame rate and format (NTSC or PAL) set by the DSP, from the incoming signal to form a SMPTE frame and then stores it in a receive buffer. The DSP reads this buffer when it is full and stores it in a mailbox register for the host.
Chapter 6 Video Video The video input provides a connection for incoming composite video to a horizontal sync extractor circuit and a vertical interval time code (VITC) reader. The horizontal sync extractor extracts a sync pulse from the video signal and then performs a frequency multiplication to create a clock that can be used as a reference for the sample clock generator. The VITC reader, which meets SMPTE VITC specifications, reads VITC frame data and then stores it in a receive buffer .
Chapter 6 DSP DSP The DSP is responsible for handling all of the StudioCard’s onboard resources and communicating with the host.
Chapter 6 DSP This page intentionally left blank.
Chapter 7 Chapter 7 FAQ’s & Technical Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).......................................... 7-3 Compatibility with Windows and Other Software ................. 7-3 Driver-Related Questions..................................................... 7-4 Mixer Questions ................................................................... 7-5 StudioCard Operation .......................................................... 7-6 Audio Quality...........................................
Chapter 7 This page intentionally left blank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Chapter7 In this section you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the StudioCard regarding: Compatibility with Windows and Other Software Driver-Related Questions Mixer Questions StudioCard Operation Audio Quality Compatibility with Listed below are commonly asked questions regarding Windows and Other StudioCard’s compatibility with non-Antex applications.
Chapter 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Can I control the StudioCard from my custom software application? A: Yes, you can control all of the StudioCard's features using standard Windows API function calls. Digital audio is controlled through the low-level waveform API. Mixing, SMPTE time code, and clock source selection is controlled through the Windows Sound System Mixer API. MIDI functions are accessed through the standard MIDI API.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Chapter7 5. Double click "Audio Devices". 6. Select "Audio for Antex Digital Audio Driver", and click "Properties". 7. Click "Settings". You will find the driver version there. Q: How do I check for proper operation of the Antex driver? A: Verify your cables and connections are correct, and play a system .wav file using the Antex Demo program. Mixer Questions Listed below are commonly asked questions about the Antex Mixer.
Chapter 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: The font in the Mixer overfills its available space. A: You may need to adjust the size of your system font. To do this, enter Settings/Control Panel/Display and try 95%. StudioCard Provided below are commonly asked operational questions Operation about the StudioCard. Q: How can I use 4 channels of the StudioCard? A: The StudioCard installs in Windows as several audio devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Chapter7 Q: When I record a file, the pitch is way off, either too slow or too fast, what might be the cause? A: The most likely cause is that the clock source in the Antex Mixer has been set to a source that is no longer valid. This can happen if you have disconnected your video clock source or if you had been recording from a digital input source that is no longer valid (disconnected or in Record). Open the Antex Mixer, set the Clock Source to DSP.
Chapter 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: I have an application that currently writes to 2 stereo wave device drivers (2 sound cards). I write the buffers to one card and then the next card. The result is that the PCM samples are not played in sync. I want to be able to play 4 mono channels in sync. So does the StudioCard support this? A: Yes, the StudioCard does offer sample accurate sync between all 4 channels. This is explained in Chapter 2, using the Antex Demo.
Chapter7 Contacting Technical Support Contacting Technical Support Antex Electronics, Inc. offers unlimited, no charge technical support for StudioCard users. If you cannot resolve the problem with your StudioCard using the troubleshooting information in this chapter or on our web site, www.antex.com, contact Antex Electronics directly. E-Mail Contacting Antex via e-mail allows us to clearly and precisely understand your problem.
Chapter 7 Contacting Technical Support Internet Antex Electronics’ web site is a valuable source for the latest information about our products: http//:www.antex.com At our site you can find: Updates to frequently asked questions Troubleshooting information Updated drivers New product information Phone To speak directly to an Antex technician/engineer, please call (310) 532-3092, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm Pacific Time.
Appendix A Appendix A Specifications General Characteristics ..............................................................A-3 Analog Signal Quality .................................................................A-3 Analog Input................................................................................A-4 Analog Output.............................................................................A-5 External Bracket Connectors......................................................
Appendix A This page intentionally left blank.
Appendix A General The general characteristics of the Antex StudioCard are as Characteristics follows: Dimensions 7.2L x 3.74H inches Weight 7 ounces Operating Temp 0° C to 70° C Power 1A @ +5V, 300 mA @ +12V, 70mA @-12V Analog Signal Listed below are the specifications for analog signal quality.
Appendix A Analog Input Listed below are the input specifications for the Balanced Line, Unbalanced Line, and the Digital Line. Balanced Line Unbalanced Line Recording Level +4 dBu nom. -10 dBV nom. + 24 dBu max. +10 dBV max.
Appendix A Analog Output Listed below are the output specifications for the Balanced Line, Unbalanced Line, and the Digital Line. Balanced Line Unbalanced Line +4 dBu nom. -10 dBV nom. + 24 dBu max. +10 dBV max.
Appendix A External Bracket Listed below are the specifications for both the external 25-pin Connectors male and 15-pin female connectors.
Appendix A Memory DSP Program 16 x 32 k zero wait state SRAM PC/DSP Shared 16 x 32 k zero wait state SRAM (data packet size: 2K bytes) MIDI Interface The MIDI interface is buffered with hardware time stamping. Input Buffer 128 bytes Connections Optoisolated IN and OUT PC Interface StudioCard’s PC interface is a 32-bit PCI. Data Path Memory-mapped buffers for audio data and messaging Sample Clock The sample clock generator is a low-jitter, phase-locked-loop Generator frequency synthesizer.
Appendix A Signal Processor Type 40 MHz TMS320C31 floating-point DSP Tasks Real-time data mixing and movement PC messaging System resource control (A/D, D/A digital I/O, MIDI, SMPTE) Options SPx® header provided Type LTC receiver and generator SMPTE Interface VITC receiver and generator with screen burner SMPTE to MTC converter LTC Input Level 0.1 - 10 V p-p, balanced 0.
Appendix B Appendix B I/O Port Pinouts and Cable Schematics Balanced Analog I/O Port Pinouts ..............................................B-3 Four-Channel Balanced Analog I/O Cable Schematic ...............B-4 Balanced-to-Singled-Ended Adapter Schematic ........................B-5 Digital I/O and Sync Port Pinouts ...............................................B-6 Digital I/O Cable Schematic........................................................
Appendix B This page intentionally left blank.
Appendix B Balanced Analog I/O Port Pinouts Note Antex Electronics Corporation The pinout for the balanced I/O port is shown in the table below. Each input and output has a hot (+) and a cold (-) signal. Multiple ground pins are provided to simplify cabling. All ground pins are wired to the computer’s chassis ground.
Appendix B Four-Channel Balanced Analog I/O Cable Schematic B-4 Antex StudioCard Copyright © 1997
Appendix B Balanced-toSingledEnded Adapter Schematic Antex Electronics Corporation Antex StudioCard B-5
Appendix B Digital I/O and Sync Port Pinouts B-6 Antex StudioCard The pinout for the digital I/O port is shown in the table below. All ground pins are wired to the computer’s chassis ground.
Appendix B Digital I/O Cable Schematic Antex Electronics Corporation Antex StudioCard B-7
Appendix B This page intentionally left blank.
