Safety Instructions CAUTION AVIS RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L’USAGER. CONFIER L’ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. FCC Information NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Mackie Software License Please read this license carefully before using the accompanying Software. By loading and using the Software, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this license.
without notice from LOUD Technologies if you fail to comply with any provisions of this License. Upon termination you must destroy the Software and related documentation and all copies thereof. 5. Export Law Assurances.
8. Disclaimer of Warranty on Software. You expressly acknowledge and agree that use of the Software is at your sole risk. The Software and related documentation are provided “AS IS” and without warranty of any kind. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE.
10. Controlling Law and Severability. This License shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Washington, as applied to agreements entered into and to be performed entirely within Washington between Washington residents.
Iconography This icon will lead you to some further explanations of features and practical tips. OCEAN LINER This icon marks information that is very important, so make sure you have a read. This icon does not appear in this guide. About this Guide This guide describes the XD-2 USB interface, the XD-2 software, and includes a short overview of the Tracktion software and the offside rule.
Contents Safety Instructions-----------------------------------2 Mackie Software License -------------------------- 4 Introduction----------------------------------------- 10 XD-2 USB Interface ------------------------------ 10 Bundled Software -------------------------------- 11 Special Offers ------------------------------------- 11 Getting Started --------------------------------------12 Installing PC Software ---------------------------12 Installing Mac Software-------------------------13 Installing and
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Mackie Spike Powered Recording System. This is a complete, compact solution for computer-based music production on either a Macintosh or a PC. Spike consists of the XD-2 USB Interface and all the software you need to record and create wonderful music using your computer. XD-2 USB Interface The XD-2 USB interface provides two analog audio inputs which can accept microphone level, line level, or direct instrument input signals.
Bundled Spikeware Spike comes with some incredibly powerful software to get you started with your own desktop multitrack audio recording music production studio. The XD-2 software application provides all the control you need for the XD-2 USB interface. Any adjustments you make to the EQ, Compressor/Limiter, and Gate/Expander, will be recorded as part of the audio signal. Each dynamics setting can be saved, recalled, copied, and pasted as needed.
Getting Started Use this section to get your Spike recording system set up quickly. Installing the Software • The Spike CD contains an installer which will help you install the various software applications, plug-ins and drivers. • Visit www.mackie.com/spikeauth to register your Spike, and download any updates to the software and firmware. • Your computer must meet the minimum system requirements (shown on page 64). • The XD-2 software application does not need authorization in order to run.
4. Follow the instructions in the installer to load and authorize the various software applications and plug-ins. A basic installation would be to install the XD-2 application, its drivers, and Tracktion. This will get you going fairly nicely. 5. If you want, go ahead and install Warmer Phaser (and other plug-ins from Nomad Factory), and Antares plug-ins. 6. You can accept the default directories, or specify different locations. We recommend that you use the default settings.
Installing and connecting the hardware • To stand the XD-2 upright, pull the stabilizer bar downwards and twist it out 90˚ from the body, as shown here. The spring is quite strong, so be careful not to nip yourself as it snaps back into place. • Turn down all XD-2 knobs to prevent any loud surprises. • Connect microphones using the XLR input connectors on the back of the XD-2. Press the 48V button if your microphone needs phantom power (mostly used for condenser microphones).
Typical Hookup Diagram Mackie Control (or other MIDI device) SPDIF MIDI IN IN OUT IN MIDI OUT DAT, CD/DVD player or CD-R recorder MIDI MIDI IN OUT MIDI OUT MONITOR L/R INPUT 1 Mackie HR624 or other Active Studio Monitors INPUT 2 Guitar Power Supply 9V DC 750mA USB Microphone Headphones USB Connection Laptop (plug into front panel) User’s Guide 15
Making a Recording The following example of a recording session uses a guitar plugged directly into the XD-2 channel 1 input, and a microphone plugged into the channel 2 input, to record audio tracks in the Tracktion software. We will also record some MIDI data that will trigger a softsynth within Tracktion. Before starting, make sure you have correctly installed the XD-2 and Tracktion software. 1. Connect your equipment using the diagram on the previous page as a guide. 2.
6. On the XD-2 front panel (with the MIX knob set to DIR) turn the PHONES knob gently to hear yourself through your headphones. Remember – to avoid feedback, keep your monitor volume turned down while using a microphone, especially if your mic is close to the monitors. 7. To reduce any low-end bass rumble, push in the front panel HP filter button (see page 25 for more details. 8. On the XD-2 Overview screen, click the DSP button to bring up the DSP graphic interface.
10. Launch the Tracktion software and select the Mackie XD-2 hardware under Settings menu/WAVE devices. Also select Mackie XD-2 (for Mac), USB Audio Device (for PC) under the Settings/MIDI devices menu. For more details of the Tracktion software, press "F12" on your keyboard, or click the HELP button in the lower left of the Tracktion screen. Tracktion Set tings screen 11. Click the NEW PROJECT button in the Projects Menu.
12. Navigate to a good location, enter a wonderful name for the new project in the pop-up dialog box, then click Save. All of this project's tracks, clips and edits will be saved here by Tracktion. Note: Do not create project folders inside the Tracktion main folder, or any software main folder. Otherwise, if you un-install/re-install software, your project folders will disappear (mine sure did). 13. “New edit #1” appears at the top of the Item List. Do not be alarmed.
14. Double click on “new edit #1” to open up the Edit Screen. This new project starts with eight horizontal tracks, stacked vertically. You can add or remove tracks once you get going. Tracks can also be renamed by selecting them and typing the new name in the Properties area. The audio icon represents Tracktion's stereo audio input (from your XD-2). The MIDI icon represents its MIDI input.
15. As we have a microphone and a guitar connected in this example, we want two independent channels instead of a stereo pair. Click the audio icon and uncheck the "treat as stereo channel pair" button in the Properties area. Two independent audio icons will then appear. Ch.1 Icon INPUT 1 Ch.
16. Click on the Ch.1 icon, hold down your mouse button, and drag it next to the track you want to record onto. As it gets closer, an arrow pops out and connects the icon to the track. This indicates the track is armed for recording. To disconnect an icon (disarm the track), drag it to the left and the arrow will disappear. In the Properties area, set the Bit Depth to 16 bit, or 24 bit as needed. We will begin by recording the guitar, so go ahead and arm track 1.
17. To record, click the Record button in the Transport area (or press keyboard R). Tracktion records any armed tracks (icon with arrow). Play your guitar as the vertical cursor line moves right. A pink bar shows the track recording. 18. To stop recording, click the Record button (or R) again. A squigglywiggle (amplitude vs time waveform) of your recording is displayed. 19.
23. MIDI data can be recorded using one of the softsynths supplied with Tracktion. Drag the MIDI icon to the left of a track, and Arm it. 24. Click the "New Filters" button, and drag down the new filter to the right of the track, in front of any existing filters. A list of plug-ins will appear, and you can choose the MDA DX10 or other synths. (Synths have a little keyboard icon). The properties area shows various options for the MDA DX10, including loading presets.
XD-2 Features Front Panel 1 1 INSTRUMENT button This button inserts a high-pass filter in the digital signal path (before the adjustable DSP section). You also have the option to enable a low-pass filter using the XD-2 software. The high-pass and low-pass filter corner frequencies can be adjusted in the software (see page 41). Green (-30) lights when a signal is present. These show that your input sources are passing signals into the XD-2. Yellow (0) lights when a nice average signal level is reached.
4 GAIN 1 and GAIN 2 knobs These knobs adjust the analog gain of the input signal (before the A/D converters). Adjust them so the LEDs light as described on the previous page. Note: The XD-2 detects whether an XLR or 1/4" plug is connected to the input jack, and it adjusts the preamp stage accordingly. Microphones must use the XLR inputs; line-level and instrumentlevel sources must use the 1/4" inputs. -30 Note: There are just a few microphones (mostly ribbons) that can be damaged by phantom power.
USB: The signal from Tracktion arrives via USB, and is sent directly to your monitors, headphones, and SPDIF output. If the MIX knob is set to USB, you will only hear the output from Tracktion (or other audio software). Note: For details of using the MIX knob, please see page 59. -30 0 OL GAIN 1 7 MONITOR knob This adjusts the level of the rear panel Monitor analog outputs. It does not affect the headphone or S/PDIF output levels.
Rear Panel 10 S/PDIF IN This coaxial RCA connector is used to connect the S/PDIF digital output from external devices such as a DAT or DVD/CD player. The S/PDIF input is engaged in the XD-2 software application (see page 39), at which time the analog inputs become inactive. The S/PDIF input is not affected by the GAIN knobs on the front panel. The input signals enter the signal path before the HP/LP filters and DSP section.
13 MONITOR L/R outputs These 1/4" TRS connectors provide a balanced stereo line-level output of the monitor mix. These outputs can be used to connect to a pair of active speakers, or to an amplifier connected to passive speakers. The signal level is controlled by the front panel MONITOR knob, and it can be selected in software to be stereo or mono (see page 45).
15 9 VDC Input Connect one end of the external power supply (included) to the XD-2's 9 VDC connector, and the other end to an AC power source between 90 VAC and 264 VAC (50–60 Hz). Note: There is no power switch on the XD-2, so as soon as the external power supply is plugged into AC power, it is powered up and ready to go. SPDIF IN OUT IN MIDI OUT MONITOR L/R 16 USB This is the main connection between the XD-2 and the host computer.
Connectors XLR Connectors The inputs on the XD-2 accept 3-pin male XLR connectors, typically used for microphone cables.
1/4" TS Connectors The XD-2 inputs also accept unbalanced 1/4" TS phone plugs, typically used for instruments like guitars and bass guitars, and found on the ends of guitar cords. Unbalanced line inputs can also be connected with TS connectors. TS stands for Tip Sleeve (famous Notre Dame linebacker, 1932-43), and the two connection points available on an unbalanced 1/4" phone jack or plug.
XD-2 Software The XD-2 software application gives you access to a number of setup parameters and the EQ and dynamics processing built-in to the XD-2 USB interface. See page 12 for instructions on how to load the XD-2 software. The on-screen user interface operates in the same way for the PC and Macintosh versions, except where noted (this guide uses the PC screens).
The Spike Powered Recording System is compatible with the following drivers: • • • ASIO 2.
The XD-2 Software screens Once the XD-2 software application is started, there are three main views which can be selected using the buttons on the right of the screen: Overview, Setup, and DSP. Overview (see page 38) This screen provides access to various channel functions such as: input select buttons, HP/LP filters, input and output metering, DSP enable and block ordering, output level controls, and master linking.
Basic Controls First, we'll look at a few basic controls common to all screens: Open The Setup Screen Current snapshot Min/Max/Inactive (if any) Save Click here to access this user's guide Open/Save/Window The SAVE button allows you to save a snapshot of all the current settings as a file on your computer's hard drive. This allows you to save and quickly recall all of your carefully created and delicately adjusted settings as snapshots. The Save–As dialog box opens and allows you to name the file.
Minimize/Maximize/Inactive These are standard controls to show or hide the screen display, or to inactivate the application. On a PC, if you click "X" the XD-2 software application closes, but the software continues to run the XD-2 in the background. This prevents accidental disconnection of signals to and from recording applications, as well as being a convenience to avoid extra windows and desktop clutter. On a Mac, only the Minimize button is active. To exit the XD-2 software, choose Command-Q or Quit.
Overview Screen When the Overview button is selected, the screen displays the following controls for both channels: input select buttons, HP filter indicators, LP filter buttons, adjustable frequency settings, input and output metering, DSP enable and ordering, output level controls, and master linking. USB The Overview Screen USB button When the USB button is off (not lit), the XD-2 operates in Rec/Play mode and acts as a standard USB audio interface for recording and overdubbing.
Overview screen continued HiZ SPDIF 48 V The Overview Screen HiZ indicator These indicators light when the XD-2 front panel INSTRUMENT (guitar icon) buttons are pushed in. They let you know when the high impedance (HiZ) instrument 1/4" TS inputs are active for guitars and other fine instruments. The left HiZ indicator is channel 1, the right is channel 2. S/PDIF button Click this button to enable the S/PDIF input and disable the analog inputs.
Overview screen continued Input/Output Meters The Overview Screen OL SIG Input/Output meters These meters indicate the signal levels for channel 1 and channel 2 relative to 0 dBFS (decibels full scale). The input meters indicate the signal level after the input GAIN control and just after the A/D converters. The output meters indicate the signal level after the output level controls and just before the D/A converters.
Overview screen continued HP/LP Filters The Overview Screen Frequency HP/LP Filter section The high pass (HP) and low pass (LP) filters are active when the HP and LP lights are on. You can turn the LP filters on and off here, and change the filter corner (cutoff) frequency. • The HP filters can only be enabled by pressing the front panel HIGH PASS filter buttons. (They cannot be turned on by clicking the HP lights in the software screen.
Overview screen continued DSP Select/Order Output Faders The Overview Screen DSP Selection and Ordering buttons Link All Link Faders You can enable or disable the individual DSP modules by clicking the buttons in this section. This is the same as clicking on the ACTIVE button in each DSP module window. If you right-click and drag (control+click on a Mac), you can rearrange the order of the DSP modules in the signal path.
Setup Screen When the Setup button is selected, various setup options and indicators are displayed. Boot at Power Up Save Template Load Template Reset Controls The Setup Screen Sample Clock Selection Clock Lock Detection Max Sample Rate Mode Monitor Source USB Connection Established Boot at Powerup Click here if you want the XD-2 software to automatically launch when the host computer is turned on. On a PC, the XD-2 software is added to the startup folder; on a Mac, it is added to Login Items.
Setup screen continued Save Template Load Template Reset Controls The Setup Screen Sample Clock Selection Clock Lock Detection Monitor Source Max Sample Rate Mode USB Connection Established Load Template button Click this to load the template settings to the XD-2. This overwrites all current settings and cannot be undone, so use it with care, perhaps counting to ten, or humming a little song before clicking.
Setup screen continued Note: The XD-2 follows the sample rate settings (44.1, or 48 kHz) and bit depth (16 or 24 bit) of Tracktion. To adjust the sample rate and/or bit depth, see the system settings in Tracktion (under the "Settings" tab), or the system preferences in your audio software application. If the sample clock is set to S/PDIF, the XD-2 will look for, and lock on to a connected S/PDIF device operating at 44.1, or 48 kHz sampling rates.
DSP Screen When the DSP button is selected, the DSP screen appears as if by magic: Zoom Ch. 1 Zoom Ch.
DSP screen continued In addition to the high-pass and low-pass filtering, each channel has its own 4-band EQ, Compressor/ Limiter, and Gate/Expander DSP module. Any adjustments you make to the settings of these three modules will affect your recording. Each module has a graphical display in which you can click and drag the nodes to change the parameters, or you can click and drag on the individual controls to fine tune the settings.
DSP screen continued Active DSP Single Channel View (with no Active modules) Active buttons This module has MENU activated, normally it shows the controls. Each DSP module is active when its ACTIVE button is lit. A second click will deactivate and bypass that particular module. The modules can also be activated by clicking on the buttons in the DSP section of the Overview section.
DSP screen continued Menu Menu DSP Single Channel View (with no Active modules) Menu buttons This module has MENU activated, normally it shows the controls. Click this button to reveal five menu buttons: SAVE (EQ – COMP – GATE) AS: allows you to save the individual DSP settings to its respective folder on the hard drive. This serves as a preset (or patch) for later recall. OPEN (EQ – COMP – GATE): allows you to open a previously saved DSP settings file.
DSP screen continued Link DSP Single Channel View (with no Active modules) Link buttons These link the channel 1 and channel 2 controls in the selected DSP module, so they are always identical. This is useful when recording or mastering a stereo source, in which identical adjustments are normally made to both left and right channels at once. It doesn't matter which channel's controls you operate, when they are linked, they change together.
Parametric Equalizer Module The Parametric Equalizer provides four bands of equalization, with controls to adjust the gain, center frequency, and quality factor (Q) for each band. Note: EQ is rather like makeup: use it wisely and tastefully for a subtle and pleasing effect. Do not overdo it. Nodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 In the graph display, there are four small node circles, labeled 1 to 4. You can either use these grab-points to adjust the bands, or use the sliders below.
Parametric EQ continued Shelf 1 and Shelf 4 buttons Click these buttons to convert band 1 into a low-frequency shelving filter, and band 4 into a high-frequency shelving filter, with gain and frequency control parameters (no Q adjustment). Nodes Gain sliders These sliders control the gain for each node, with a range from –15 dB to +15 dB. Frequency sliders HP/LP display Shelf 1 These sliders control the center frequency for each Shelf 4 band (or corner frequency, if SHELF 1 or SHELF 4 is selected).
Compressor Module The compressor is used to reduce or limit transient peaks in a signal, while providing make-up gain to compensate. As the input level to the compressor increases, the output level increases linearly until the threshold point is reached. After that point, the output level no longer increases linearly, but increases at a reduced rate that is determined by the ratio setting.
Compressor module continued Attack slider This control determines how fast the compressor reacts once the threshold has been exceeded. It ranges from 0.25 ms to 250 ms. For a softer attack, move the slider more to the right. Release slider This determines how fast the compressor turns off once the signal falls below the threshold. It ranges from 0.25 ms to 2.5 sec. Threshold slider This sets the level at which the compressor begins to act on the incoming signal. It ranges from –60 dB to 0 dB.
Compressor module continued Soft button This activates the soft knee feature. A Knee control appears in the controls section of the compressor. Increasing the Knee value causes the compressor to begin working slightly before the threshold value and gradually adjusts the gain reduction ratio to its set value slightly after the threshold value. This can be seen as a curve around the knee point on the compressor graphic display.
Gate/Expander Module A gate is used to lower the level of a channel when the signal level drops below a certain threshold level. This can reduce the overall noise level in your mix by muting unused or noisy channels. The XD-2 Gate has controls to adjust attack, release, hold, threshold, and range. It can also be turned into an Expander to allow ratio-based gain reduction. Note: When the gate opens, it means the gate is not acting on the signal and the signal is allowed to pass.
Gate/Expander module continued Attack slider This adjusts how fast the gate opens once the threshold has been exceeded. It ranges from 0.25 ms to 2.5 sec. Reduction Meter Threshold Node Release slider This determines how fast the gate closes once the signal falls below the threshold. It ranges from 0.25 ms to 2.5 sec. The release time follows the hold time.
Gate/Expander module continued Expand button This activates the expander feature, sometimes referred to as downward expansion. When the EXPAND button is activated, the Range and Hold controls are removed, and a Ratio control appears instead. Ratio slider Threshold Node Ratio Node This only appears when EXPAND is engaged. The slidInput er controls the change in output level as a function of Meter the change in input level, once the signal drops below the threshold.
Using Spike This section shows some of the ways to use Spike, and how to use the MIX knob during overdubbing and mixing. Although we mention Tracktion in this section, the information generally applies to any other recording software you might be using with your XD-2. Mix Knob Revisited As mentioned on pages 26/27, the MIX knob adjusts the signal going to your monitors, headphones and S/PDIF output.
Overdub (Direct Monitoring) MIX DIR USB Overdubbing means adding new material to an existing recording. You will need to hear both the input signal (Direct) as you perform, and the playback of the existing recording from Tracktion (USB). Set the MIX knob initially to the 12:00 position, start Tracktion playing and begin your vocal/guitar/sitar/whatev-ar performance. You should hear both the new performance and the previous recording in equal amounts. Adjust the MIX knob to taste.
Overdub (Software Monitoring) When you are playing and recording a guitar for example, you may want to listen through Tracktion. You may be thinking: “why? I have the MIX knob set to DIR and can hear myself just fine. Plus I’ve heard about this latency thing and I’m scared of running into it.” Well, let's say you found the newest, greatest Kongflingulator VST plug-in, and you want to use it on your recorded guitar track.
USB Processing Mode While you are mixing, you may want to apply processing to your finished mix. Tracktion comes with some nice effects, and we’ve included the Warmer Phaser plug-in and Mackie Final Mix to get you on your way. The great EQ and dynamics of the XD-2 can also be used for this purpose, by enabling the USB Processing mode. This is done by selecting the USB button in the XD-2 Overview screen.
There are many factors that contribute to latency, and there is one in particular that you can control: the software audio buffer size. The audio buffer (also referred to as ASIO buffer on a PC, or Core Audio buffer on a Mac) is an area in memory that Tracktion uses to hold your audio as it works. The buffer size is measured in samples, and usually ranges from just a few samples to thousands. The smaller the buffer, the faster the audio gets in and out of your computer, and the lower the latency.
Appendix A: Technical Information System Requirements PC requirements • WIN XP • Intel Pentium 3 or 4, or AMD Athlon (750 MHz or better is recommended for Tracktion). Hard Drive notes • To record a one minute 24-bit/44.1 kHz Mono track requires approximately 8 MB of hard drive space. • At least 128 MB RAM; 256 MB or more is recommended for Tracktion work. • Preferably, use a second drive for recording audio, not your main drive with the operating system.
XD-2 Analog Specifications Dynamic Range (Noise) • –101.5 dBr Mic in to Monitor Out, Gain at Min • –101.0 dBr Mic in to Monitor Out, Gain at nominal (+4 dBu XLR input) • –100.0 dBr Mic in to Monitor Out, Gain at nominal (+4 dBu 1/4” input) Mic Preamp EIN • –130.5 A-weighted @ 150 Ω source impedance (–116.
XD-2 Digital Specifications DSP Specifications A/D Conversion Parametric EQ • 24 bit, 44.1/48 kHz, 103 dB dynamic range (88.2/96 kHz in future software update) D/A Conversion • 24 bit, 44.1/48 kHz, 108 dB dynamic range (88.
XD-2 Physical Specifications Dimensions Depth (including front knobs) 8.7 in / 221 mm Height 8.85 in / 225 mm Max Width (feet in) 2.38 in / 60 mm Max Width (feet out) 5.6 in / 142 mm Net Weight • 2 lbs 4 oz / 1 kg 8.85 in 225 mm • • • • XD-2 1.60 in 42 mm Flavors • Pepperoni/Vindaloo/Jalapeño 3-Alarm special • Canadian Bacon/Pineapple with three cheeses • Sausage/Mushroom/Marshmallow SuperiorDeluxe Heartburn Combo Not a flying toy! 8.02 in 204 mm 8.70 in 221 mm 2.38 in 60 mm 5.
XD-2 Block Diagram SHARC DSP AND MICROCONTROLLER PHANTOM +48 VDC CHANNEL 1 GAIN MIC IN 1 CH 1/CH 2 INPUT INPUT SELECT 1/4" INPUT S/PDIF INPUT MODE REC/PLAY SELECT GATE/ EXPAND 4-BAND EQ COMP/ LIMIT OUTPUT LEVEL 1 USB OUTPUT (TO COMPUTER) ORDER CHANGEABLE USB HP/LP FILTER GATE/ EXPAND 4-BAND EQ COMP/ LIMIT CH 1/CH 2 OUTPUT LEVEL 2 ADC HiZ HP/LP FILTER MONO/ STEREO 2 S/PDIF OUTPUT ORDER CHANGEABLE USB INPUT USB DRY PHANTOM +48 VDC CHANNEL 2 GAIN MIC IN Not e: When the XD-2 is in
Appendix B: Troubleshooting Blinking Red LED on channel 1: This means the XD-2 did not boot properly. It can happen for a variety of reasons. • Remove power to your XD-2, and turn it back on again. • Check the USB connections, (but do not try plugging/unplugging the USB as a troubleshooting measure.) • Restart your computer if you are still having problems.
Glitchy/Distorted Playback from Computer: Increase the Buffer Size/Latency Setting: • Tracktion (PC): choose the Settings Tab and Audio Devices. Press the “show ASIO control panel” button and try a larger buffer size. • Try a song with fewer tracks, effects, and virtual instruments. If it plays fine, then you may be pushing your computer above it’s limits. Try increasing your latency settings as described above.
No Communication with XD-2 software: • The driver may not be installed correctly. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements. Uninstall the driver from the Add/Remove Programs control panel, restart your computer, and reinstall the driver. • Restart your computer and the XD-2. I hear my Windows/Mac sounds through my XD-2, but I don’t want to: The Mackie XD-2 should not be selected as your computer system sound source. To disable it: • On a PC, go to Control Panel>Sound and Audio Devices.
I get no Midi Input/Output: • Verify that your Midi cables are connected correctly and the correct input/output are selected in your DAW. • On the Mac, verify that XD-2 appears in the Midi tab of Audio Midi Setup • Verify that you are using the latest version of the XD-2 firmware. • Check the end-to-end and e-to-e are set correctly in Tracktion. (See Tracktion's Help menu by pressing F12 on your keyboard while in Tracktion.
Appendix C: Service Information Service 2. Keep this user's guide and your software. We If you think your XD-2 hardware has a problem, don’t need it to repair the XD-2. please do everything you can to confirm it before calling for service. If the problem is related to set3. Pack the XD-2 in its original packaging and box. ting up and using the XD-2 with the third-party This is very important.
Registration Please read the warranty information on the next page, then either register online at www.mackie.com/spikeauth or complete and return the product registration card included with your Spike system. This is the sad part where we say goodbye, but remember we are only a phone call or an e-mail away. We hope that Spike will help you have a great deal of fun.
MACKIE SPIKE POWERED RECORDING SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place. (Your old sock drawer does not constitute a safe place.) A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials, workmanship and proper operation of this product for a period of ONE year from the original date of purchase.
E. LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect any products which may be the subject of any warranty claims before repair or replacement is carried out. LOUD Technologies may, at our option, require proof of the original date of purchase in the form of a dated copy of the original dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely with LOUD Technologies Inc. F.