SERAPH M2 SERAPH M2 MWX User Manual
The SERAPH M2 conforms the following standards: EN 55022: 1998 + A1: 2000 + A2: 2003; class A; EN 55024: 1998 + A1: 2000 + A2: 2003; class A; n order for an installation of this product maintain compliance with the limits of a class A device, shielded audio cables must be used, not longer than 50 cm. Attention: This is a device of the class A and can cause interference to radio or television reception within the residential area.
Contents 1 Welcome 1 2 Before you start ... 2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1 Scope of Supply . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2 System requirements . . . . . . . . 2.2.3 Hardware and software installation 2.2.4 Driver and firmware updates . . . 2.3 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 1 Welcome Welcome The MARIAN team proudly presents to you the SERAPH M2, thanking you for your confidence. Everywhere you look in the professional audio industry: if it comes to reliably sending/receiving extremely many signals with just one single cable, MADI is THE solution. Up to 64 channels per cable, integrated clock synchronization, long-range electrical or optical transmission – all these advantages and more you can now call your own with the MARIAN SERAPH M2.
2 2 Before you start ... Before you start ... 2.1 Features Your SERAPH M2 is equipped with many useful functions.
2 2.2.4 Before you start ... Driver and firmware updates In some cases, there is a driver update available for the SERAPH M2 in the download section of the MARIAN homepage.
2 2.3 Before you start ...
2 Before you start ... TDM SyncBus If other MARIAN sound systems with TDM SyncBus option are installed they may be connected using a TDM SyncBus cable2 . Other MARIAN sound systems with SyncBus option only, may be connected via an adapter cable. Both cables can be ordered in the MARIAN webshop. MWX2 Use the supplied ribbon cable to connect the optional MWX. MIDI Sub-D Using the included MIDI breakout cable 2 MIDI Inputs and 2 MIDI Outputs may be used.
3 3 Let’s start: Basics Let’s start: Basics In this chapter you will learn 3 The fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing, 3 To avoid problems/errors when connecting digital devices 3.1 Introduction The SERAPH M2 sound system is a purely digital system. For connecting other devices this brings along some specialties. Basic rules (an output is connected to an input, and vice versa) certainly do need not be explained here again. For digital audio signals, however, the clock plays an important role.
3 3.2.3 Let’s start: Basics The rules of the digital audio world If two or more digital audio devices are connected, the following three simple rules apply: 3 All devices must be synchronized with each other. (By the clock!) 3 There can be only one! And only one device that sets the clock (the master). All other devices must synchronize to the clock of the master and are therefore ’slaves’ 5 3 Digital audio connections already include a clock signal (S/PDIF, ADAT, MADI or AES/EBU).
4 4 Let’s start: Play Let’s start: Play In this chapter you will learn how to 3 Playback a signal with the SERAPH M2 4.1 Introduction In a recording studio there are a lot of cables going from the tape machine to the console in order to play back previously recorded signals. In the same way you can think of your audio software (the sequencer, etc.) being connected by many (virtual) wires to the SERAPH M2.
4 Let’s start: Play 5. By default all devices of the SERAPH M2 are activated in the ’ASIO Device Setup’ and can be used by the software. However you may also disable devices here, in order to use them in a different audio application. 6. For certain audio applications it is necessary to assign the devices to ’busses’ or similar in order to actually playback signals using these devices. For questions on this, please consult the manual of the application.
5 5 Let’s start: Recording Let’s start: Recording In this chapter you will learn how to 3 Record a signal with the SERAPH M2 5.1 Introduction In a recording studio there are a lot of cables going from the console to the tape machine in order to play back previously recorded signals. In the same way you can think of the SERAPH M2 being connected by many (virtual) wires to the audio software (the sequencer, etc.).
5 Let’s start: Recording 5. By default all devices of the SERAPH M2 are activated in the ’ASIO Device Setup’ and can be used by the software. However you may also disable devices here, in order to use them in a different audio application. 6. For certain audio applications it is necessary to assign the devices to ’busses’ or similar in order to actually playback signals using these devices. For questions on this, please consult the manual of the application.
6 6 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings In this chapter you will get to know: 3 the function and meaning of all system settings 3 how to do specific modifications to the ASIO driver 6.1 Introduction Besides the usage as explained in the examples of this manual, there are of course other possibilities to make the SERAPH M2 functionality fit to the specific needs of the daily work in the studio.
6 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings see the format of the MADI data stream. That means, you can see how many channels are included and if it is based on a 48k or 96k frame12 . In order to use the channels of the MADI signal, you must choose the appropriate configuration in < Settings > < MADI >. The second row of the MADI inputs signals, if the clock of the input is identical to the clock currently used. In this case the green LED as well as ’sync’ will appear.
6 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings Please keep in mind that it is thereby potentially possible to cause erroneous playback and recording, when the activating the above option. Synchronization Working with digital audio signals, a digital clock is always required. The following settings define, which source is to be used for retrieving the clock for the SERAPH M2 13 . The SERAPH M2 may be operated in three clock-modes alternatively.
6 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings Performance PCIe Performance For best results, we recommend the ”compatible” option, if the PCIe slot used is connected with the CPU directly. (e.g. 16x slots or small mainboards with just one or two PCIe slots) We recommend the ”boost” option for all other, standard cases, where the PCIe slot is connected with a PCIe host controller. DMA Buffer Size Via the upper slider you can adjust the minimal latency of the SERAPH M2.
6 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings The number of audio channels will be halved automatically to 28 or 32 channels depending on the samplerate16 . For a compatibility with older MADI devices it may be defined, if the transmission has to be done in 48k frame format. Set the option ”48k Frame S/MUX 88.2/96 kHz” if device are connected, that require the 48k frame format.
6 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings WDM This settings window allows for changes that apply only to the WDM driver part of the SERAPH M2. ASIO and other driver interfaces remain unaffected. Sample Format Usually, the samplerate and bit depth of an audio device (e.g. SERAPH M2 1-2; SERAPH M2 3-4 and so forth) are defined in the windows control panel, for each device separately.
6 6.4 The SERAPH M2 in Detail: System settings ASIO Device Setup In the field of professional music production on the PC, the ASIO interface has established itself as a standard. The ASIO device setup offers important setup features for using the SERAPH M2 with an ASIO interface. It is opened from within the audio application that supports the ASIO standard. Mostly there is a button called ’control panel’ or ’setup’ near the selection field for the ASIO driver.
7 7 Appendix Appendix 7.1 Service and Support Warranty Each SERAPH M2 leaving us is put under extensive functionality checks. We allow full 5 years of limited warranty. A copy of the receipt or bill serves as proof of purchase. If there is a deficiency occurring during the time of warranty, you can exchange the unit at your dealer. Damages originating in inappropriate handling or false operation are excluded from warranty. You can still send the unit in to us for repair after the warranty has expired.
7 7.2 Appendix Glossary ASIO ASIO stands for ’Audio Streaming Input Output’ and is a driver interface for soundcards developed by the company Steinberg. With ASIO very small latency times can be achieved. The ASIO driver is not multi-client capable. That means, different audio applications may not use the same audio device simultaneously. Audio Device In the field of digital audio processing, this mostly names an input or output of an audio system, the way it appears in an audio application.
7 Appendix MIDI MIDI stands for ’Musical instrument digital Interface’ and is a standard of transmitting control signals for sound expanders. It transmits e.g. note information, which request a sound expander to play certain notes. MME Is an abbreviation for ’Microsoft Multimedia Extension’. It is a driver interface for the audio transport on Windows Systems. Pitch In the field of audio techniques, this means the difference of a samplerate from a predefined one.
7 7.3 Appendix Special Notes The following sections include remarks on special aspects of clock and samplerate that result from the specifics of WindowsTM operating systems. The notes are of a general nature and valid in principle for other sound systems as well. For more transparency, though, we are referring to the SERAPH M2. 7.3.
7 7.3.5 Appendix Software devices and physical ports This table shows for differen samplerates (samplerates up to 48kHz or up to 96kHz) and different transfer modes (56 or 64 channels), which MADI channel corresponds to which devices of an audio application. This applies for playback and record devices. DAW Device 1-2 to 27-28 29-30 to 31-32 33-34 to 55-56 57-58 to 63-64 65-66 to 91-92 93-94 to 95-96 97-98 to 119-120 121-122 to 127-128 Samplerate up to 48kHz 56 ch. 64 ch.
8 8 Technical Facts Technical Facts Typ PCIe Audio Interface, 1 Lane (PCIe 1x), PCI Express Base Specification 1.
8 Technical Facts MWX Wordclock Superclock Input 1 x BNC Frequency Range Impedance 0 - 30 MHz 5 kOhm; 5 kOhm; software controlled termination to 75 Ohm 1,5 Vss - 5,0 Vss; DC-Offset free; Schmitt-triggered; Overvoltage Protection Sensitivity Features Wordclock and Superclock Output MIDI Input MIDI Output Cable 1x BNC Frequency Range 0 . . .
