User Manual

ABOUT THE TRACK16
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dently, allowing you to mix and match any optical
formats on input and output. For example, you
could receive 4 channels of 96 kHz S/MUX input
while at the same time sending 96 kHz stereo
optical S/PDIF (“TOSLINK”) output.
MIDI I/O
The Track16’s standard MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
jacks supply 16 channels of MIDI I/O to and from
the computer.
On-board SMPTE synchronization
The Track16 can resolve directly to SMPTE time
code via any analog line input, without a separate
synchronizer. The Track16 can also generate
SMPTE time code via any analog output. The
Track16 provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine
with sophisticated filtering that provides fast
lockup times and sub-frame accuracy.
The included MOTU SMPTE Console™ software
provides a complete set of tools for generating and
regenerating SMPTE time code, which allows you
to slave other devices to the computer. Like
CueMix FX, the synchronization features are
cross-platform and compatible with all audio
sequencer software that supports the ASIO2
sample-accurate sync protocol.
Hybrid FireWire/USB2 connectivity
FireWire has long been recognized as a reliable,
high-performance connectivity standard for
professional MOTU audio interfaces. Meanwhile,
high-speed USB2 has also developed into a widely
adopted standard for connecting peripheral
devices to personal computers.
To fully support both formats, the Track16 audio
interface is equipped with both FireWire B (400
Mbit/sec) connectors and a high-speed USB2 (480
Mbit/sec) connector, and you can use either port to
connect the Track16 to your computer. This gives
you maximum flexibility and compatibility with
today’s ever-expanding universe of Mac and
Windows computers.
Bus-powered operation
When connecting to the computer with FireWire,
the Track16 can draw power from the FireWire
connection itself, without the Track16 power
adapter. For more information about bus powered
operation, see “Power options” on page 26.
THE TRACK16 TOP PANEL
Metering
The top panel of the Track16 displays four pairs of
7-segment ladder LEDs. Push the METERS button
to toggle between the channels indicated by the
white labels and channels indicated by the blue
labels. The right-hand meters are dedicated to the
main outs.
Multifunction volume knob with buttons
The multifunction volume knob controls the
volume for the currently selected input or output,
as chosen by the buttons below. Simply push the
button for the input or output you wish to control.
The multifunction knob can also be pushed to
mute and unmute the current channel. For the two
mic inputs, it can toggle pad and 48V phantom
power.
It is also possible to control input mix levels with
the volume knob.
For a summary of all knob functions, see “Quick
Reference: Track16 Operation” on page 7.
16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING
The Track16 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 Track16’s