User`s guide

ABOUT THE 896HD
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The 896HD front panel also displays stereo meters
for the main analog outs and AES/EBU. The AES/
EBU meters can display either input or output as
specified in the MOTU FireWire Audio Console
software. A status LED to the right shows whether
you are viewing input or output.
16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING
The 896HD system handles all data with a 24-bit
signal path, regardless of the I/O format. You can
record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at
any supported sample rate via any of the 896HD’s
analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio
files can be recorded with any compatible host
application that supports 24-bit recording.
AUDIODESK
AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio
workstation software package included with the
896HD system (for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X only).
AudioDesk provides multi-channel waveform
editing, automated virtual mixing, graphic editing
of ramp automation, real-time effects plug-ins with
32-bit floating point processing, crossfades,
support for many third-party audio plug-ins,
background processing of file-based operations,
sample-accurate editing and placement of audio,
and more.
DIGITAL PERFORMER
The 896HD system is fully integrated with MOTU’s
award-winning Digital Performer audio sequencer
software package.
OTHER HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE
The 896HD system includes a standard Mac OS X
CoreAudio driver for multichannel I/O with any
audio application that supports CoreAudio.
The 896HD also includes a Mac OS 9 Macintosh
ASIO driver for multi-channel compatibility with
any Mac OS 9 audio application that supports
ASIO drivers.
A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM
Regardless of what software you use with the
896HD, the host computer determines the number
of tracks the software can record and play simulta-
neously, as well as the amount of real-time effects
processing you can apply to your mix. A faster
computer with more RAM and faster hard drives
will allow more simultaneous tracks and real-time
effects than a slower computer with less RAM and
slower hard drives. Today’s fastest computers can
typically play as many as 72 tracks or more.