USB Audio Sonica Manual version: ASQ-061002 Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 What’s in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Sonica Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Windows: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Sonica by M-Audio. Sonica is your audio upgrade for any PC or Macintosh computer*, utilizing the convenience of your computer’s USB port—no tools, computer disassembly, or power supply is needed. The Sonica brings you true 24-bit 96kHz audio for the highest quality stereo, virtual surround, and multi-channel surround sound available today. Please take the time to read this User Guide.
What’s in the Box? The following items are included with your Sonica: • • • • Sonica audio interface One (1) standard USB cable Midiman/M-Audio driver CD (includes driver installation software) Product manual and warranty card Sonica Features • • • • • • • Portable 24-bit/96kHz audio upgrade for laptops and desktops Digital connector for surround sound receiver or MiniDisc Analog connector for powered speakers or stereo receiver Supports Dolby Digital 5.
System Requirements Windows: Minimum: • • • • • 200 MHz Pentium with MMX 64 MB RAM CD-ROM Drive Available USB 1.1 port Windows® Me, 2000, or XP Recommended: • • • • • 500 mHz Pentium III 128 MB RAM DVD-ROM Drive and DVD Player application (For Dolby Digital Playback) Available USB 1.1 port Windows® Me, 2000, or XP Apple Macintosh®: Minimum: • • • • • G3, G4, iBook, or PowerBook with available built-in USB port 64 MB RAM CD-ROM Drive Mac OS 9.2.2 or later Mac OS X version 10.1.
A Closer Look... The following is an illustration of your Sonica, with a description of its connectors and components. Please see the section, “Hooking Up Your Sonica,” for more information. 1. USB Connector: Connect the “device end” of the USB cable that came with your Sonica to this USB connector. 2. Power LED: This LED will be lit bright blue when the Sonica receives power from the USB port.
Software Installation Your Sonica comes with software that allows it to communicate with your particular operating system and platform (PC or Mac). Please locate the operating system for your computer in this section and follow those instructions. Sonica’s “driver” software, which includes the SRS TruSurround XT virtual surround sound software, will load during this installation. Your Sonica has a USB connector for a standard USB cable, which is supplied with the unit.
6. The Hardware Installation window appears with a warning that the driver has not passed Windows Logo testing. Press the button "Continue Anyway." 7. After the installation, the M-Audio Sonica Control Panel icon appears in the System Tray of your Windows Taskbar. See section, “Using the SRS TruSurround XT Software” for more information on using this control panel. Windows XP Installation is now complete. Windows 2000 1. Place the Sonica Software CD in your CD-ROM Drive. 2.
Windows Me 1. Place the Sonica Software CD in your CD-ROM Drive. 2. Plug the Sonica into your computer’s USB port. 3. The New Hardware Wizard will appear, and state that "This wizard helps you install software for: Unknown." Select "Install the software automatically (Recommended)." Click "Next." 4. The New Hardware Wizard will prompt that it has finished installing the software for the “M-Audio Sonica DFU” device. Click "Finish" to continue. 5.
Mac OS 9.2.2 1. Insert Sonica Software CD into your CD-ROM drive. AutoRun will open the CD and allow you to view its contents. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Double click the “M-Audio Sonica Installer.” Click "Continue" at the M-Powered Screen. Read the "Instructions for using M-Audio Sonica." Click "Continue." Select your install location, or simply choose the OS 9 boot drive (which is the default). Click "Install" to continue. Installation requires a restart of the computer. Click "Continue" to restart.
Mac OS X (10.1.3 or later) 1. Insert the Sonica Software CD into your CD-ROM Drive and open the CD to view its contents. 2. Double click "M-Audio Sonica Installer.dmg" file. An Icon will appear on your desktop marked "Sonica." 3. Double click the "Sonica" icon on your desktop. 4. Now double click on the "M-Audio Sonica Installer.mpkg." 5. You will need your Administrator Password for the next step.
Hooking Up Your Sonica Your Sonica has an 1/8” mini jack.This is an “analog” audio output that you can connect to your powered speakers.You may also connect this output to the stereo analog inputs of a home stereo or surround receiver. The Sonica also has a standard optical connector. This is a “digital” audio output that that will transmit either a stereo digital audio signal or a multichannel “surround sound” encoded digital audio signal.
Using Analog Connection: USB Analog Cable Cable sonica Desktop or Laptop Computer Stereo or Surround Receiver Powered Speakers Using Optical Digital Connection: Digital Optical Cable Cable USB Desktop or Laptop Computer sonica Surround Speakers With Optical Digital Input Stereo or Surround Receiver With Optical Digital Input MiniDisc NOTE: For those who have a coaxial digital connector rather than optical connector on your surround receiver or other digital device, you may use the CO2 Coaxial/O
Using the Sonica with a Software DVD Player The Sonica will work with any software DVD player. What type of audio signal your DVD player sends to the Sonica depends on the setting in your DVD player software. Generally, your DVD player software will provide a series of audio setup options or preferences.The exact location of these audio options may vary, so check your DVD player’s documentation for more information.
Using the SRS TruSurround XT™ Software TruSurround XT is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multi-channel content over two speakers. TruSurround XT delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system. It is fully compatible with all multi-channel formats up to 6.1 channels.
(Stereo) Cinema Mode: If you are using a DVD software application that only supports a 2-channel output and you wish to play a Dolby Digital or DTS movie (or DTS music CD), then choose this mode. This should also be used for sources that are encoded with Dolby Surround encoding, which is used for almost all 2channel mix downs of movie content and some games. 5.1 Cinema Mode (Windows only): This mode should only be used when the audio from the application or DVD player is providing a 5.
WOW: WOW is an award winning stereo enhancement technology that significantly improves the performance of stereo (non-surround sound encoded material) signals through any twospeaker system. It extends the sound image in both the horizontal and vertical planes well beyond the speakers themselves. In addition, WOW incorporates TruBass and SRS Dialog Clarity Enhancement. When TruSurround XT accepts a stereo signal, WOW is enabled for a better listening experience.
Sonica and the Windows Sound System The Sonica’s Windows Multimedia drivers will allow you to use the Sonica as your Windows system sound device. If the Sonica is the only audio device installed in your computer, then Windows will “select” it automatically. Otherwise, you may need to tell Windows to use the Sonica. To check your Windows Audio setting and select the Sonica: 1. Go to the Start menu, and then choose Control Panel. 2. Open “Sounds and Audio Devices,” then click the “Audio” tab. 3.
Sonica Warranty MIDIMAN/ M-AUDIO warrants this product, under normal use, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of One (1) Year from date of purchase, so long as: the product is owned by the original purchaser, with proof of purchase from an authorized MIDIMAN dealer and, the product has been registered to the original purchaser, the purchaser having returned to MIDIMAN the completed product warranty card.
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