User Manual

9
Crimson
USB Port
Connect here your computer. Alternatively you can connect an iPad or iPhone with the original
Apple camera adapter. The USB port complies with the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 specification with a
data transfer rate of 480 MBit/s, and is Apple Class 2 compliant as well.
USB 3 is backward compatible with USB 2, which means that the Crimson can also be
connected to any USB 3 port. The Hi-Speed USB 2 specification is enough to provide the
Crimson with the necessary data throughput. We decided to use the USB 2 interface due to
the reliability of the drivers.
By the way, we intentionally did not include a USB cable in the supply. The reason being that
the vast majority of us already have several lying around, so we would only be contributing to
the unnecessary generation of waste. And like with all other signal cables, we do not know the
length and quality needs of our customers. So we decided to not include any signal cables —
which in the end also helps us keep the prices down.
The Hi-Speed USB 2 specification recommends a cable length of up to five meters. We recom-
mend to keep the cables as short as possible, remember: the shorter, the better. For cable
runs extending over five meters, you could use a hub or a line extender, in which case you
should get the advice of an expert.
The cable quality is something that should not be underestimated: low-quality USB cables
can often lead to unstable system behaviors, interferences and more. High-quality cables
can be recognized by their manufacturing: thick, flexible cables have a good shielding, which
is the most important characteristic of a cable, from a technical point of view. High-quality
connectors can also be spotted right away. And while the price is no guarantee of quality, you
can rest assured that little money will not get you the best quality. If in doubt, ask for advice at
your local audio specialist shop.
SPDIF In/Out
The coaxial SPDIF input allows you to connect a CD player, for example. But you can also
connect any other source with a digital SPDIF output (synthesizer, drum machine...).
The SPDIF output can be connected to a sampler or a DAT/CD/MP3 recorder for instance.
The SPDIF input and output are AES3 compatible, often called „SPDIF Professional.“ Do note
that there are electric differences between the SPDIF and AES specifications. Generally spea-
king, any AES device ought to be able to receive SPDIF Professional from the Crimson without
problems. In very rare occasions, it might happen that the AES signals are not correctly
received by the SPDIF input of the Crimson.
MIDI In/Out
The Crimson is equipped with two 5-pin DIN connectors to send and receive MIDI. To commu-
nicate with a computer via MIDI, the Crimson features a MIDI interface that translates the
voltage level and provides galvanic isolation.
Use the MIDI input to connect a master keyboard, for example. Such a keyboard generates
note information in MIDI format and, thus, can control a software synthesizer, for instance,
or can also be used to record key movements when inputing data into the sequencer. In such
cases, the MIDI output of the master keyboard is connected to the MIDI input of the Crimson.
The MIDI output of the Crimson can also be used to play back pre-recorded MIDI tracks, in
order to use the sound generator of an external synthesizer, sampler, drum machine, etc. You
can then record the audio outputs of the latter via the Crimson Line inputs 1-4, when analog,
or via the SPDIF input, when digital.
Rear Panel: Digital Connections
USB
USB
IN
SPDIF
SPDIF
OUT
MIDI
MIDI
OUT IN
IN OUT