Terrasoniq PHASE X64 USB

English Manual
Version 1.0, last revised: January 2010
CE Declaration

We:

MUSONIK GmbH · Saarwerdenstrasse 8a · 40547 Düsseldorf · Germany

hereby declare that the product

PHASE X64 USB,

to which this declaration refers is in compliance with the following standards or standardis-
ing documents:

• EN 55022 :1998+Corrigendum July 2003+A1 :200+Corrigendum April 2003+A2 :2003

• EN 55024 :1998+A1 :2001+A2 :2003

The following are the stipulated operating and environmental conditions for said compli-
ance:

residential, business and commercial environments and small-company environments.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and shall not be deemed as a
warranty by the seller. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality,
suitability or accuracy of this document. The manufacturer reserves the right to change the
contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time without the provision of prior
notice to specific persons or organizations. The manufacturer shall not be held liable for damages
of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product or its documentation, even if the
possibility of such damage is known. The information in this document is subject to copyright. All
rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any
pur-pose without the express written permission of the copyright holders. Product and brand
names contained in this document are used for identification purposes only. All registered
trademarks, product designations or brand names used in this document are the registered
property of their respective owners.

©MUSONIK GmbH, 2009. All rights reserved (1/31/2010).

2 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Contents

Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 5

From unpacking the PHASE X64 USB to installing it.......................................................... 6

Scope of Delivery............................................................................................................. 6

Important Notes about Power Supply .............................................................................. 6

Overview of Technology...................................................................................................... 7

Installation ........................................................................................................................... 8

Windows XP, Vista und Windows 7................................................................................. 8

Mac OS X ........................................................................................................................ 9

Updating the Firmware .................................................................................................. 10

PHASE X64 USB as System Audio Device ................................................................... 10

The Connections of the PHASE X64 USB System ........................................................... 11

Front Side ...................................................................................................................... 11

Back Side....................................................................................................................... 13

Switches ........................................................................................................................ 15

Signal Routing ............................................................................................................... 15

The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel ................................................................................ 16

Windows Drivers ............................................................................................................... 20

MME and DirectSound................................................................................................... 20

ASIO .............................................................................................................................. 21
ASIO Latency ............................................................................................................. 21

Multi-Client Mode........................................................................................................... 21

MIDI ............................................................................................................................... 22

The MAC OS X Driver ....................................................................................................... 22

Application Examples ........................................................................................................ 23

Example: Studio Setup 1 ............................................................................................... 23

Example: Studio Setup 2 ............................................................................................... 25

Example: DJ Setup ........................................................................................................ 26

Example: lossless Recording of Playback Signals (loop-back) ..................................... 27

Example: direct Playback of Phono Inputs .................................................................... 29

Example: direct analog Playback of the Digital Input..................................................... 31

Retrofitting a DSP or Wavetable Module........................................................................... 33

Interesting Information’s .................................................................................................... 34

PHASE X64 USB Manual 3

 The RIAA Filter...............................................................................................................34

Brief Explanation about USB: the Ploytec FMC™ Algorithm .........................................34

Balanced Audio – fully-balanced versus quasi-balanced...............................................35

Technical Data...................................................................................................................37

Block Diagram ...................................................................................................................39

Safety Instructions

Please only ever connect analogue audio connections when swit-

ched off, in order to protect the speaker membranes and your
hearing against sudden sound level peaks.

For digital devices, be sure to at least lower the volume on your

playback equipment.

Connecting the device to the USB port of your computer may also cause a noise—please
turn down the volume of your playback system accordingly.

The PHASE X64 USB System requires an USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection and will not work
with USB 1.1 ports!

4 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Introduction
We are pleased that you have chosen a Terrasoniq audio system for your musical
endeavors and would like to congratulate you on your decision. With the PHASE X64 USB
System, you've purchased a sophisticated product representing the state of the art of
studio technology - and we're convinced this innovative development will prove extremely
useful to you in the coming years and, above all, provide you with a great deal of enter-
tainment.

We hope that this brochure is helpful to you while using the product. It is designed to
illustrate technical relationships based on practical examples from the studio environment.
However, it is designed not only for beginners, but also for those more advanced in this
complex matter: professionals, too, will surely learn something new here and there.

We hope you find this manual both informative and entertaining to read, and hope you find
lots of pleasure in the PHASE X64 USB System.

Your Terrasoniq Team

The widest Variety of Connecting Equipment. The PHASE X64 USB System is
designed with a great variety of connecting options to ensure that you can connect it to
your Mac, PC or notebook, and thus turn it into the central audio station of your home and
project studio.

With up to six simultaneously usable inputs (for example for your line device, microphone,
guitar or LP record player), four line outputs, two MIDI interface, DSP-/Wavetable-
connector and digital I/Os for a variety of uses, the PHASE X64 USB System offers
sufficient connections in all directions. Selected AD/DA converter modules as well as a
thoroughly thought-out circuit board design make the quality of your recordings crystal
clear, and provide perfect playback capabilities for high-quality audio productions with
audio resolutions of up to 24bit/96kHz.

► For everything you need to know about connections, see  page 11.

Nerve Center - the Software. As you know, a professional audio system is the heart of
your day-to-day studio work with your PC or MAC. And despite the extensive routing
options, the PHASE X64 USB software always provides you with a clear overview and -
depending on the complexity of your switching needs - remains transparent and intuitive.

► For everything you need to know about the control panel, see  page 16.

The drivers provided for the PHASE X64 USB System, too, leave nothing to be desired.
Highly developed software architecture guarantees problem-free use with all modern
Windows and Apple operating systems.

The ASIO drivers, tried and tested in studios, allow the lowest possible latency between
the software-based sound generation and audio output.

► For the details on driver use, please turn to  page 20.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 5

From unpacking the PHASE X64 USB to installing it
Before connecting the PHASE X64 USB System to your computer, please take note of
any special points pertaining to the configuration of your computer. Also refer to the
manual of your computer and other studio peripheral devices for their settings.

The installation should be trouble-free, especially on modern-equipped systems. If you still

have difficulties, please review carefully the relevant chapter in this manual. If you are still
having problems, please call our service hotline. The phone numbers and hours of the
hotline can be found at the end of this documentation.

Scope of Delivery
Start by making sure that the contents of the package are complete.

The PHASE X64 USB System package should contain the following items:
■ 1 x PHASE X64 USB device hardware.
■ 1 x USB connector cable.
■ 1 x soft carrying case.
■ 1 x installation and driver CD with software for Mac and PC.
■ 1 x quick-reference guide incl. customer service and registration card.

Important Notes about Power Supply

The PHASE X64 USB System generally can be operated from the USB port without the
need for a power adapter. You should ensure, however, that the port you wish to use can
provide the maximal USB power of 500mA. Normally, all computer USB interfaces and
HUBs that provide their own power provide 500mA. If necessary, check the technical
specifications of your computer or HUB to make sure. HUBs that are themselves supplied
with power by the bus cable provide a maximum of 100mA per port, and therefore are not
suitable for supplying power to the PHASE X64 USB System. In this case, you can use a
common 9 Volt DC power adapter that can supply a direct current of 1000mA to power the
PHASE X64 USB System (to be purchased separately). You will need to use an external
power adapter anyway if you want to integrate an optional DSP or wavetable module. If
you plan to build in such a module it is essential to read the regarding chapter of this
manual on  page 33 ->R R e t r o f i t t i n g a D S P o r W a v e t a b l e M o d u l e.

6 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Overview of Technology
Before you install the PHASE X64 USB System, we want to tell you about one of its
particular features, which make it different from “conventional” audio devices (such as PCI
cards and on-board sound cards).

The PHASE X64 USB System can be connected to your computer - Mac or PC - via a Hi-
Speed USB 2.0 connection, and then provides the inputs and outputs of audio and MIDI
signals.

The audio system is normally bus-powered, but it can also be powered by an optional
power supply, if necessary. The PHASE X64 USB System provides a variety of high-
grade inputs and outputs: 24bit Wolfson© converters for recording and playback with a
sample rate of up to 96kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of up to 108dB(A). Even the
headphone output is equipped with a separate amplifier stage and an analog volume
control.

The electronic design is based on 4-layer boards and guarantees highest performance
and ultimate disturbing signal rejection – and it occupies very little space. All analog audio
paths use separate high-grade amplifier circuits and the input and output signals can be
mixed in real-time using analog summing stages before they are routed. For example, you
can record your analog input signals, mix them with the output signals and play everything
back simultaneously (direct-monitoring). Of course, the audio system had to pass a lot of
technical tests, but we committed the final inspection to the ultimate measurement
equipment, called the “human ear”. At this point we would like to thank all our studio
testers, who encouraged us to evaluate certain facts from a different point of view (than
the traditional textbook). But what would be the point of all this nice hardware without the
right software? Audio and MIDI drivers are available for Windows PCs (XP, Vista and
Win7) and Mac OS X. You can control all functions using the PHASE X64 USB control
panel, which can be called up either as a standalone program, or - if possible integrated -
in your ASIO software.

And last but not least, there are many invisible details behind the background: such as the
™
Ploytec FMC (Fixed Master Clock) algorithm which ensures jitter-free audio data flow to
the USB. This doesn't only sound important, but actually also sounds really great because
™
FMC can give you a quality of sound that the basic architecture of the USB cannot pro-
vide … actually ;-).

PHASE X64 USB Manual 7

Installation

Windows XP, Vista und Windows 7

„ After you have inserted the product CD, the Autostarter window will appear automati-
cally. If this does not happen (it will depend on your Windows settings) you can launch
the Autostarter manually by double-clicking on "Autorun.exe" (in the root directory of
the CD). Now start the driver installation by clicking on the Software Installa-
tion button. Driver updates, which you have downloaded from the Musonik website
at a later time, are started from an unzipped archive with the file Setup.exe.
„ Now follow the instructions on screen.

„ At the end of the copy process, the system usually have to be restarted - however you
should first backup files and programs that are still running.
„ If you wish to uninstall the software, simply start the installation program again and
select Remove installed drivers.
„ The PHASE X64 USB control panel can be found within the Windows System and
Maintenance settings (by clicking the Start button and clicking Control Panel).
Leave the category view to make the PHASE X64 USB control panel icon visible. On
demand you can start the control panel from a different location (e.g. the Windows
Desktop). To do so right-click and drag-and-drop the icon to the new location for mak-
ing a shortcut. In addition the PHASE X64 USB control panel usually can be accessed
within your ASIO host software (e.g. FL-Studio or Cubase).

8 PHASE X64 USB (English)

„ After a successful driver installation, you should verify the correct condition of your
Windows system. The Windows Device Manager presents an overview of installed
and recognized hardware components of your computer.

The XP Device Manager after installation

Mac OS X
„ Insert the supplied CD-ROM or download the latest version from the Musonik web-
site. The CD contains the driver installation package as a DMG file
PHASEX64USB_Vx.x.x.dmg in the folder PHASE X64 USB \ Driver & Control
P a n e l \ M A C \.
„ Double-click on the DMG file to access the PHASEX64USB_Vx.x.x.mpkp installation
file and start the driver installation by double-clicking.
„ The wizard for the necessary driver and software installation starts now. Simply follow
the instructions on screen.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 9

„ At the end of the copy process, the system may have to be restarted - you should
therefore first backup files and programs that are still running.
„ After restarting the system, you can connect the PHASE X64 USB System and start
using it.
„ The PHASE X64 USB control panel can be found within the folder Programs.
„ If you wish to uninstall the software, simply start the relevant
PHASEX64USB_Driver_Remover program from the installation package.

Updating the Firmware

Thanks to the advanced software technology: future changes to existing standards and
new functions developed for the PHASE X64 USB System can be integrated simply by
updating the device's “firmware”, without having to replace or change any hardware. In
due time, updates will be available from the Musonik website provided as a small installa-
tion program.

PHASE X64 USB as System Audio Device

If you want to use the PHASE X64 USB System not only in your audio applications, but
also as the preferred audio device for Windows, simply open the Windows Control Panel,
go to Sounds and Multimedia > Audio, and select the PHASE X64 USB audio
driver as the Preferred Device for any or all system audio and MIDI functions.

Then you can use the standard speaker icon in the Windows taskbar to adjust volume.
For details on the mixer functions for your Windows operating system version, refer to the
Microsoft Windows help on your system. Under OS X you can set the standard audio
device within the System Preferences -> Sound.

10 PHASE X64 USB (English)

The Connections of the PHASE X64 USB System
The PHASE X64 USB audio interface offers you numerous connections for connecting
professional studio peripherals and hi-fi equipment. Following is a detailed overview of its
technical and electrical characteristics:

Tip: make full use of the 24-bit support of up-to-date software applications and connected
digital peripherals - even if you are planning to “just” release your production on CD and/or
MP3 format. The additional sound quality is audibly worthwhile, both in the sum of the
signals and, above all, during digital post-production.

Front Side

1. Mic/Line Gain. Controls the input gain of the signals connected to the Mic/Line combi
jack (TRS and XLR).

2. HiZ/Line Gain. Controls the input gain of the signals connected to the HiZ/Line input
jack (TRS).

3. +48V LED Display. Indicates, that 48V phantom power is supplied to the XLR pins of
the microphone input for the operation of condenser microphones.

4. Clip LED Display. Indicates, that the signal is approaching the clipping threshold
directly before the A/D input converters. All active channel 1 and 2 inputs are moni-
tored. The LED starts blinking at about -1.5dB below maximum level. As the signal
approaches the clipping threshold the LED blinks faster and lights steadily when the
threshold has been reached. Reduce the signal level on the PHASE X64 USB System
or on the external device, until the clipping LED only blinks at the highest peak levels.

5. Phones Volume. Controls the volume of the headphone output.

6. Phono/Aux Inputs. These RCA inputs can be connected to additional line sources or
turntables. The jacks are assigned to input channels 1/2 and 3/4, i.e. up to 2 stereo
sources can be connected.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 11

7. Grounding Terminal. Connect this terminal to the grounding cable of your turntable.

Tip: to eliminate AC hum, always connect the ground wire of the turntable to the
grounding terminal.

8. Mic/Line Input. This combi jack accepts XLR and ¼“ TRS plugs. The XLR connector
is permanently assigned to the microphone input stage and can be supplied with 48V
phantom power. The XLR jack can be used with dynamic and condenser micro-
phones. The TRS jack accepts line level signals. Set the Line/Mic se-
lector switch of the PHASE X64 USB System accordingly. Both of these
balanced input options are monophonic and assigned to channel 1.
Unbalanced mono TS plugs can also be connected.

9. HiZ/Line Input. This balanced ¼“ TRS jack is monophonic and assigned to input
channel 2. It can be connected to line level sources as well as guitars. Electric guitars
require a high-impedance input stage (HiZ), which can be activated
using the appropriate selector switch on the device. Unbalanced mono
TS plugs can also be connected. When HiZ is selected, the input ac-
cepts unbalanced signals of electric guitars (¼“ TS plugs).

Info: The discrete design of the HiZ stage uses FETs and other types of transistors
which give the signal processing a very “analog” sound. The circuit has extremely high
impedance which results in a very low pick-up charge. Signal clipping at the input
stage will be smoothed out gently.

10. Phones. Connect this ¼“ TRS jack to stereo headphones with a

minimum input impedance of 8 Ohms. You can use the switch on the
side panel of the PHASE X64 USB System to select which output sig-
nals (channel 1/2 or 3/4) will be routed to the headphones.

12 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Back Side

1. Power. In most cases the PHASE X64 USB System will be bus-powered (via USB)
and no external power supply will be required. You can connect a separate power
supply (not included) to the Power jack, if necessary. For further details please refer
to  page 6 -> Important Notice concerning Power Supplies.

Characteristics of optional power supplies *

■ Type: linear or switching power supply, DC (direct current). Switching power sup-
plies are recommended due to their much better power efficiency which reduces
the amount of dissipated heat in the power supply and PHASE X64 USB System.
■ Connector: 5.5 x 2.1 mm
■ Polarity: positive (plus terminal in the center)
■ Minimum output current: 1000mA
■ Output voltage: 9V DC (direct current).

*Info: To retrofit a DSP or wavetable module, a power supply with a minimum output
current of 1000mA must be used. Please also read the section “R
Retrofitting a
DSP or Wavetable Module” on  page 33.

2. USB. This jack connects the PHASE X64 USB System to the USB 2.0 port of your
computer or an interconnected hub. A suitable USB cable is included in the PHASE
X64 USB System package. The maximum length of USB cables is 16 feet (5 meters).
Only use high quality USB 2.0 compatible cables of sufficient gauge. If longer cables
must be used, interconnect an active USB 2.0 hub. This kind of hub is usually avail-
able in computer stores.

3. MIDI. Connect these input and output jacks to external MIDI devices. In the driver
software the MIDI jacks are assigned to MIDI port 1. Always connect MIDI OUT to
MIDI IN and MIDI IN to MIDI OUT.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 13

4. Digital. These jacks are used for the transmission of digital signals in various formats,
e.g. S/PDIF, AC3 or DTS. The digital output is assigned to playback channels 1/2 and
the input is permanently connected to recording channels 5/6.

Tip: If possible, use specially shielded RCA cables (75 Ohm impedance) for transfer-
ring digital audio data, at least if it is important to have an absolutely clean, jitter-free
signal flow (for example, when mastering).

5. Output Channels 3/4. The output jacks of the analog output channels 3/4 are
connected to unbalanced RCA lines. Only use high quality RCA audio cables.

6. Inserts. These ¼“ TRS jacks are used to insert dynamic processors, e.g. compres-
sors, limiters, channel strips etc., into the recording signal path after the Mic/Line
(XLR/TRS) and HiZ/Line (TRS) inputs and before the A/D converters.

Tip: First use the gain controllers to increase the signal level until the clipping thresh-
old is almost reached. Do not insert any external processors yet (or activate their by-
pass switches). When the level is just right, connect the insert effects and adjust the
level on the external device until the clipping LEDs of the PHASE X64 USB System
only blink at the highest peak levels.

7. Output Channels 1/2. The output jacks of the analog output channels 1/2 are
connected to balanced ¼“ TRS lines. Unbalanced mono TS lines can also be used.

14 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Switches

1. 48V (Off – On). This switch enables/disables phantom power supply for the micro-
phone input (XLR).

2. Ch. 1 (Line – Mic). Selects the microphone input (XLR) or line input (TRS) for use.

3. Ch. 2 (Line – HiZ). Use the Line setting for line signals and the HiZ setting for electric
guitars.

4. Phones Ch. (1/2 – 3/4). Assigns the headphone output to analog outputs 1/2 or 3/4.

5. Ch. 1/2 (Aux – Phono). Selects, whether the RCA jacks of input channels 1/2 accept
line level (Aux) or phono level signals.

6. Ch. 3/4 (Aux – Phono). Selects, whether the RCA jacks of input channels 3/4 accept
line level (Aux) or phono level signals.

Signal Routing
7. This detailed wiring diagram of the PHASE X64 USB System shall give you a better
understanding of the routing possibilities offered by the control panel and the hard-
ware switches. For a larger “high resolution” version of this diagram please refer to
 page 39.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 15

The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel
The PHASE X64 USB control panel is - beside the drivers - by far the most important
piece of software in the package. Here, depending on the requirements of each situation,
you can have total control of the audio interface, control the monitoring and carry out
system performance settings. To get a better understanding of the routing possibilities
refer to the signal routing diagram on  page 39.

Info: Layout and design of the Windows and OS X control panel are slightly different.
Those differences will be highlighted in the manual.

The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel under Windows

Tip: When you move the mouse pointer over a button, its function will be explained in a
text field on the lower margin of the control panel – Windows only!

The PHASE X64 USB Control Panel under OS X

16 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Input Channels 1/2 and 3/4. Before the signal reaches the analog/digital converters of
recording channels 1/2 and 3/4 it passes through analog mixing stages (input mixer).
Various signal sources can be routed to the two input mixers:
1. Mic-HiZ-Line connects the input channels Mic/Line (Ch. 1) and HiZ/Line (Ch. 2)
to the input mixer. The options Mic/Line and HiZ/Line are preselected on the
PHASE X64 USB System using the corresponding hardware switches.

2. Aux connects the RCA jacks (Ch. 1/2 or Ch. 3/4) to the corresponding input mixer.
These inputs accept line level signals. Set the assigned hardware switch to Aux.

3. Phono connects the RCA jacks (Ch. 1/2 or Ch. 3/4) to the corresponding input mixer.
This input accepts phono level signals (i.e. turntable signals). Set the assigned hard-
ware switch to Phono.

Info: Phono signals must pass through RIAA filtering first. When you press the Phono
button on the control panel, all additional input sources for channel 1/2 or 3/4 will be
disabled. For additional information on the Phono input und RIAA filtering please refer
to  page 31 -> The RIAA Filter.

4. Out 3/4 routes the output signals of channels 3/4 to the input mixer of channels 1/2.
5. Out 1/2 routes the output signals of channels 1/2 to the input mixer of channels 3/4.

Tip: The Out 1/2 and Out 3/4 buttons offer a lot of possibilities. For example, the
Direct buttons can be used to record the input signals of channels 3/4 to channels
1/2 or to directly play them back. Or you can record playback channels 1/2 via input
channels 3/4, e.g. to record internet radio programs.

6. DSP connects the output of an optional sound module, e.g. wavetable board, to the
input mixer. For further information please refer to  page 33 ->
> Retrofitting a
D S P o r W a v e t a b l e M o d u l e.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 17

Output Channels 1/2 and 3/4. Before the signal reaches output jacks 1/2 and 3/4 it
passes through analog mixing stages (output mixer). At this point up to 3 sources can be
added:

1. Playback connects the stereo output of the two digital/analog converters (channel 1/2
or 3/4 respectively) to the assigned output mixer.

2. Direct routes the input signals after the input mixers to the corresponding output
mixer. This way the input signal can be monitored in real-time while the playback sig-
nal from your audio software can be mixed in and played back together with the input
signals (direct monitoring).

3. DSP. The output of a retrofitted optional sound module can directly be mixed with the
output 3/4 signals.

Mono. Furthermore the playback signal can be switched to mono. The buttons are located
close to the corresponding playback buttons.

Mono > Direct. This special button affects channels 1/2 exclusively. It can only be
enabled after the Mic-HiZ-Line and Direct buttons have been enabled and it will be
disabled automatically as soon as one of these buttons is disabled. With the direct
monitoring function enabled this button routes a MONO signal of the balanced inputs (Mic,
HiZ or Line) to the output. Example: You want to record an electric guitar and a micro-
phone and monitor these signals in real-time in your headphones. As you will remember,
the microphone is assigned to channel 1 and the electric guitar is assigned to channel 2.
In your headphones you will hear the microphone panned hard left and the electric guitar
panned hard right, which can be pretty irritating. That’s when the Mono button comes in
which plays back both signals on both sides while all the other playback signals (e.g.
signals from an audio recording program) will remain stereo. This mono function does not
affect the actual recording, of course. The microphone will be recorded on channel 1 and
the electric guitar on channel 2.

The Info button (Windows only!) opens

another window, which displays system
information. With OS X all displays and
setting options are arranged in a single
window. Digital Status and Digital
Sync affect the digital input of the PHASE
X64 USB System.

18 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Digital Status

internal: indicates that no (or no valid) external digital signal (S/PDIF) is received. If
force internal has been selected, the status will always be internal.

external: a valid external digital signal has been detected and the PHASE X64 USB
System has synchronized successfully to the external sample rate.

Digital Sync: in internal mode the PHASE X64 USB System always generates and
uses its own clock. As soon as a valid signal has been detected at the digital input, the
PHASE X64 USB System will synchronize to the external source. When force inter-
nal is checked, the PHASE X64 USB System will not synchronize automatically to
external sources. In this case the internal clock will always be used and the digital status
will be displayed as internal.

Info: When the digital status of the PHASE X64 USB System is internal, the channel
1/2 playback signals are routed directly to recording channels 5/6. This way playback
signals (e.g. radio programs) can be re-recorded without any degradation. For an example
of use please refer to  page 27.

Samplerate displays the current sample rate of the audio system. The sample rate is only
displayed and cannot be switched manually – there is no need to do so anyway. The
sample rate is provided automatically by the audio software „in charge“, although multiple
programs using different sample rates can have access simultaneously. For more details
please refer to  page 21.

Info: Clock and sample rate have the same meaning.

ASIO Latency. This option mainly affects audio software based on the ASIO standard.
But system performance can be impaired by these settings even if ASIO functions are not
accessed. If faults occur, e.g. drop-outs, increase the ASIO latency by sliding the switch
into the slow direction. For a detailed description of the ASIO topic please refer to  page
21.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 19

Windows Drivers
The PHASE X64 USB System provides different drivers for different applications. The
standard integration into your audio software strictly adheres to the WDM audio specifica-
tion (MME and DirectSound etc.) defined by Microsoft. Almost all audio programs, e.g.
Microsoft Media Player, are integrated via MME or DirectSound. In addition the PHASE
X64 USB System features a very fast ASIO interface which facilitates optimized access of
your professional audio software.

MME and DirectSound

As mentioned before, the vast majority of Windows programs are based on MME or
DirectSound. Some programs let you choose between MME or DirectSound, but normally
audio programs simply use the Windows standard device (W
Windows Control Panel -
> Sounds and Multimedia -> Audio). So you don’t have to worry which option
(MME or DirectSound) you should use. The audio programs currently in use will make the
decision.

The Windows mixer manages everything and lets you adjust volume, pan, speaker setup
etc - under MME or DirectSound. In addition the Windows mixer ensures that audio
streams from multiple applications can be played back simultaneously (multi-client). This
multi-client capability also allows audio data streams with different sample rates to be
output simultaneously. The file which is called up first sets the sample frequency used for
all data streams. Any data stream which is played back while the first file is still playing will
be interpolated accordingly, while its pitch will not be altered. This kind of sample rate
conversion or interpolation always involves signal degradation. So when you strive for
maximum audio quality you must ensure that all running programs use the same sample
rate. For example, before you transfer music at a sample rate of 44.1kHz to an external
digital recorder, disable the Windows system sounds and close all programs except for
the playback software.

Multi-Channel. If an audio device has more than one stereo input and output, there are
basically two ways you can go: multi-device and multi-channel. Multi-device provides a
separate driver for each stereo pair. Multi-channel manages all channels within a single
device. Multi-channel represents a more modern approach, but this option must be
supported by the audio programs used (e.g. software DVD-player). Since the PHASE X64
USB System uses multi-channel drivers, it is not possible to freely assign the hardware
output channels as a standard device for audio (Windows system preferences). For
example, when Windows Media Player plays back a stereo file, it will always access
channels 1/2.

20 PHASE X64 USB (English)

ASIO
Audio output in "music programs" should, if possible, be used via the ASIO driver. The
ASIO driver can usually be selected within the audio settings of your audio program
Defaults, I/O Setup, etc). Wherever you select the ASIO for PHASE X64 USB
(D
driver you can also call up the settings dialogue associated with the driver. Usually via a
button such as ASIO Setup or in ASIO for PHASE X64 USB -> Settings.

ASIO Latency

With the help of the PHASE X64 USB control panel you can set the "speed" of the audio
processing. This really means that the lower the time set in milliseconds (ms), the faster a
software can play back or record sounds. This behavior is also called latency. A low
latency is especially important during live performances on software instruments or VST
plug-ins via MIDI keyboards: the lower the latency, the "crisper" the sounds. But the
opposite also applies ... if you hear a crackle or any other kind of background noise during
playback you unfortunately have to increase the latency. In general, the higher the overall
system load is, the more likely crackles and interruptions happen during audio playback
and recording. As you can see, the "right" latency setting is always a question of trial and
error.

For more details about latency in interaction with the USB please refer to  page 34 ->
B r i e f E x p l a n a t i o n a b o u t U S B : t h e P l o y t e c F M C ™ Al g o r i t h m .

Multi-Client Mode
The audio driver of the PHASE X64 USB System can be addressed by multiple music
programs simultaneously. The driver settings (ASIO, DirectSound or MME) used by the
respective software programs are irrelevant. Furthermore the hardware can be addressed
by multiple ASIO programs simultaneously, provided these programs have been set to the
same sample rate. Be careful though: each program can utilize the maximum dynamic
range (volume) of the PHASE X64 USB System. And if multiple programs output their
signals simultaneously, clipping and distortion can occur. In this case the output levels of
the music programs must be reduced accordingly. The ASIO support always uses the
sample rate set in the audio project. If a WDM or MME application uses a different sample
rate for playback, this sample rate will be converted in real-time to the ASIO rate. For
serious audio productions, e.g. mastering, you should limit yourself to a single software
program (e.g. FL-Studio, Cubase, etc.).

PHASE X64 USB Manual 21

MIDI
A separate driver, which allows access to two independent ports (input and output
respectively), is provided for playback and recording of MIDI information. Within the
system theses ports are called PHASE X64 USB MIDI 1 and 2. Use them as required.
MIDI Port 1 is assigned to the ports of the PHASE X64 USB System. MIDI Port 2 can
communicate with internally retrofitted sound modules, e.g. wavetable boards.

Tip: MIDI files, which are played back using the Windows Media Player, can also be
routed to external devices. Open the Sounds and Audio Devices tab in the Windows
system control panel and set MIDI Music Playback to one of the above mentioned
ports.

The MAC OS X Driver

Audio output in "music programs" on the Mac is usually used via the OS X-internal
CoreAudio system. CoreAudio offers a load of advantages and conveniences: for
example, you can access a single audio interface using several programs at the same
time – with low latencies. With Windows it is not usually possible to access the same
audio hardware simultaneously using ASIO and WDM applications without further action,
such as using Cubase together with Windows Mediaplayer. By the way, this doesn't mean
that we haven't offered this functionality under Windows too! This feature nonetheless
also has a disadvantage: as soon as several sources (programs) transmit your audio data
with different sample rates - which happens, for example, if a short system message
sounds at the same time as music plays - the data is mixed together. It happens unno-
ticed in real-time ... but a sharp ear inevitably picks it up as a permanent conversion of the
sample rates! This is why the PHASE X64 USB System also offers a real ASIO driver for
OS X, which you can use as an alternative to your music program (e.g. Logic). This
hardware-like driver is only "capable" of a predefined sample rate - but it can do it "right".
Usually you select the PHASE X64 USB ASIO driver via the audio settings dialogue of
your music software, such as "Preferences" (command key + , ), "Defaults", "I/O Setup",
etc. The ASIO driver appears under OS X as a "normal" CoreAudio device, so there is no
visual difference from the standard. In addition, this bypass of the CoreAudio standard
allows even better latencies!

22 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Application Examples

Example: Studio Setup 1

PHASE X64 USB Manual 23

■ A condenser microphone is connected to the channel 1 XLR jack.
■ The selector switch on the device is set to Mic and +48V phantom power is enabled.
■ An electric guitar is connected to the channel 2 TRS jack and the selector switch on
the device is set to HiZ.
■ A synthesizer is fed into input channels 3/4. In addition the synth is connected to the
MIDI ports. On the device the selector switch for input channels 3/4 is set to Aux.
■ On channels 1/2 limiters/compressors are inserted via the insert jacks which process
the microphone and guitar signals prior to A/D conversion.
■ A powered monitor system is connected to output channels 1 and 2. Output channels
1/2 or 3/4 can be monitored separately via the headphones jack.
■ Mic-HiZ-Line (channel 1/2), Aux (channel 3/4), Playback (channel 1/2), Direct
Mono are enabled in the control panel.
and (Direct)-M
■ ASIO software, e.g. FL-Studio, Cubase, etc., is used for recording and playback. The
ASIO for PHASE X64 USB driver is selected and software monitoring (direct moni-
toring of the inputs) is disabled.
■ Microphone and electric guitar are played back in real-time through output channels
1/2 (D
Direct switch enabled) and both signals can be heard on both stereo sides
Mono switch enabled).
(M
■ When you start recording, the microphone will be recorded on channel 1, the guitar on
channel 2 and the synth on channels 3/4. Simultaneous playback signals will be mixed
and sent in stereo to the input monitoring.

24 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Example: Studio Setup 2
In this studio example all signal sources, e.g.
microphone, electric guitar, etc., are connected to a
central mixer.
■ The 4 analog outputs on the device are connected
to the mixer’s line inputs.
■ The 4 analog inputs on the device are connected
to the mixer’s outputs, e.g. Direct Send or Aux
Send.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 25

Example: DJ Setup

26 PHASE X64 USB (English)

■ The phono inputs are connected to two turntables. Their grounding cables are
connected to the grounding terminal.
■ The selector switches on the device are set to Phono.
■ In the control panel both phono inputs are enabled and the signals are processed by
RIAA filtering. For this reason the remaining input selector switches are disabled. Do
not activate the Direct switch, as the phono signals would be played back directly
without filtering. To monitor the phono inputs please use the corresponding monitoring
functions of the ASIO software.
■ Output channels 1 and 2 are connected to a powered monitor system. Output
channels 1/2 or 3/4 can be monitored separately via the headphones jack.
■ The connected MIDI controller keyboard plays a soft synthesizer or controls your DJ
mixing software (e.g. Deckadance).

Example: lossless Recording of Playback Signals (loop-back)

Playback signals from Windows Media Player shall be recorded using the included
Windows audio editor Edison:
■ First the PHASE X64 USB System must be set up as the standard device for Win-
dows.
■ To avoid conflicts caused by differing sample rates, always open the ASIO software
first (Edison, in this case).
■ Run Edison and click the Options button.

PHASE X64 USB Manual 27

■ Select ASIO for PHASE X64 USB as audio device.
■ The sample rate should match the sample rate of the Media Player’s file, to avoid
sample rate conversion in the background. If necessary, first play back the file without
ASIO (Edison closed) and check what sample rate is displayed in the control panel of
the PHASE X64 USB System.
■ Audio buffer size is for display purposes only.
■ If noise or drop-outs occur, click show this devices’s control panel to open
slow).
the PHASE X64 USB panel and set the ASIO latency to a higher value (s
■ The Input channel mappings input selection must be set to Left -> In5 and
Right -> In6.
■ The setting of the output selection depends on your cable connections.
■ If the playback output matches the output of the standard device set in the Windows
operating system, the Mute Input button must be enabled in the Edison software
(speaker symbol crossed out) to keep Edison from routing the input directly to the
output.
■ When you play back the Media Player file the level should be displayed on Edison’s
level meter.
■ Now you can start recording.
Annotation: Both stereo outputs can also be connected to the opposite input converter
(Out 1/2 to In 3/4; Out 3/4 to In 1/2). Furthermore playback channels 1/2 can also be
recorded on a purely digital level without having to pass through the DA/AD converters. If
the digital status of the PHASE X64 USB System is internal, the digital input can be
used for internal tasks and is connected automatically to playback channels 1/2. Since the
digital input is permanently assigned to recording channels 5/6, you will need suitable
software (preferably ASIO under Windows) to access it.

28 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Example: direct Playback of Phono Inputs

PHASE X64 USB Manual 29

In the control panel one phono input is enabled and its signal passes through RIAA
filtering. For this reason the remaining input selector switches are disabled. Do not
activate the Direct switch, as the phono signal would be played back directly without
filtering. To monitor the phono inputs please use the corresponding monitoring functions
of the ASIO software, in this case Edison:
■ Run Edison and click the Options button.

■ Select ASIO for PHASE X64 USB as audio device.

■ Set the sample rate to the desired value, e.g. 44100Hz to burn an audio CD later on.
■ If noise or drop-outs occur, click show this devices’s control panel to open
slow).
the PHASE X64 USB panel and set the ASIO latency to a higher value (s
■ The Input channel mappings input selection must be set to Left -> In1 and
Right -> In2.
■ The setting of the output selection depends on your cable connections.
■ The Mute Input button must be disabled (speaker symbol is not crossed out).
■ Now you can hear the phono signal and record it, if you like.

30 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Example: direct analog Playback of the Digital Input

PHASE X64 USB Manual 31

■ The digital interface of the PHASE X64 USB System is connected to a digital audio
player/recorder (e.g. DAT, MiniDisk, etc.). If a valid S/PDIF signal is received at the
digital input, the system will synchronize to this external source. Note: in the control
panel the force internal function must be deselected.
■ The digital input is assigned to recording channels 5 and 6. To directly monitor the
signals through the analog outputs use the appropriate ASIO software, Edison in this
case.
■ Run Edison and click the Options button.
Select ASIO for PHASE X64 USB as audio device. Since the sample rate cannot
be modified manually during external synchronization, the current sample rate will be
displayed. If noise or drop-outs occur, click show this devices’s control
panel to open the PHASE X64 USB panel and set ASIO latency to a higher value
slow). The Input channel mappings input selection must be set to Left ->
(s
In5 and Right -> In6. The setting of the output selection depends on your cable
connections. The Mute Input button must be disabled (speaker symbol is not
crossed out).

■ Now you can hear the digital input signal and record it, if you like.

32 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Retrofitting a DSP or Wavetable Module
The PHASE X64 USB System can be expanded with an optional DSP sound module.
Although the connection complies with the wavetable board standard, we can only
recommend the TerraTec Producer WaveXtable at the moment. The differences among
wavetable boards as far as form factor and power consumption is concerned are simply
too big. Do not try to retrofit a WaveXtable board yourself, as you will have to open the
housing and doing so will void your warranty. Contact your dealer or Musonik GmbH
before you buy the board and let them coordinate the installation. You will also need an
external power supply with the following characteristics:

■ Type: linear or switching

power supply, DC (direct
current). Switching power
supplies are recommended
due to their power efficiency
which reduces the amount of
dissipated heat in the power
supply and PHASE X64 USB
System.
■ Connector: 5.5 x 2.1 mm
■ Polarity: positive (plus termi-
nal in the center)
■ Minimum output current:
1000mA
■ Output voltage: 9V DC (di-
rect current).

PHASE X64 USB Manual 33

Interesting Information’s

The RIAA Filter

The audio signal is stored on a record as a pattern in the record's groove. This pattern is
picked up mechanically by the turntable’s stylus, which converts the “audio data” pressed
into the vinyl into a weak electrical signal. There are two different pickup systems: Moving
Coil (MC) and Moving Magnet (MM or MD for magneto-dynamic). In MM systems a
permanent magnet is moved within a coil; in MC systems the coil follows the movement of
the record's groove within a permanent magnet. The advantage of MC systems is their
lower moving mass, but they have the disadvantage of an output signal which is lower
than that of MM systems by a factor of app. 10, making it more difficult to achieve a good
S/N ratio. Both MM and MC systems are capable of outstanding musical reproduction, but
in practice the first system is the more common one. Perhaps you've accidentally con-
nected your turntable to the wrong input of your hi-fi amplifier at one time or another. You
probably noticed that the signal was not only very quiet, but also distorted. The reason: as
the deflection of the needle is limited to specific range, high frequencies (= low amplitude)
are amplified and low frequencies (= high amplitude) are weakened on the record. The
signal from the pickup must therefore be processed (filtered) before it can be used. The
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has defined a standard for the changes
to the frequency ranges to ensure that all records can be played using the same filtering.
The quality of the equalization process is thus an important factor in the overall quality of a
phono preamplifier.

Brief Explanation about USB: the Ploytec FMC™ Algorithm

For anyone who's interested, here is a bit more background information on the subject of
audio & USB. Actually the beloved USB interface isn't best suited to audio data transmis-
sions. If you take a closer look at the principle of this bus system (or more accurately, the
architecture on which it is based), you quickly see that "studio quality" audio can't work
like this for many reasons ... and the "Universal Serial Bus" - itself in its 2nd generation -
should be reserved for uncritical peripherals such as WebCams or IPods. But let's be fair:
the USB shouldn't be condemned here and there are now numerous audio devices that
can be recommended with a clear conscience for a daily dose of music enjoyment. We
are purely talking about professional usage, and it’s not for nothing that many competitors
- including ourselves for other products - are happily giving way to a standard called IEEE
1394, better known as FireWire. The reasons for this is quite complex: for a professional
audio system it is important for the digital clock to be as stable as possible, even slight
fluctuations (also called jitter) decrease the audio quality. With a stable hardware clock,
the data flow from and to the driver is always constant. As audio applications can never
retrieve or deliver 100% sample for sample at the time set by the hardware clock, buffers
are used. By the way, the size of these buffers is set with the configurable ASIO latency. A
too small buffer size can cause the buffer processed by the hardware not to be emptied or
filled on time by the software and can therefore cause audible interruptions. On the other
hand, if the buffer is too large, the software has to "wait" and the response time (latency)

34 PHASE X64 USB (English)

is slower, which has a negative impact during a live performance on a software synthe-
sizer for example. The interaction between computer performance, buffer size and
hardware clock is therefore a very sensitive issue and is a measure for a professional
audio system. Now to the problem with USB: the transmission standard does not provide
a clean timing control here. The individual data packets (frames and sub-frames) are
transmitted with a timing of one millisecond, and this interval cannot be influenced or is
reliable. Fluctuations of different sizes are unavoidableness and are also slightly different
on every computer system. Many current systems compensate these fluctuations in such
a way that the hardware clock is recovering, i.e. constantly runs faster and then slower.
But this is only a workaround and while it is certainly acceptable for less professional
systems, it does not help the audio quality in any case. This is where the Ploytec FMC™
(Fixed Master Clock) algorithm comes into play. It works both in the hardware firmware
and in the driver. This absolutely guarantees that the hardware clock runs stable and that
there are no interruptions and/or crackling noises on the driver side, despite very small
buffer sizes. Of course we can't reveal the details of how this works here. But the fact is
that with FMC™ the USB bus is now also available for professional audio systems.

Balanced Audio – fully-balanced versus quasi-balanced

Here is a little background information about balanced lines: electrical connections,
analog and digital, only work in a closed circuit. One send and return line should normally
suffice. However, electrical lines are more or less prone to external interference. The
longer the line is, the larger is the „attack surface“. Of course, lines can be shielded, but
interference cannot be eliminated completely. For this reason a trick has to be used:
balanced lines. Instead of one send conductor there are two. The first conductor carries
the same signal as an unbalanced line and the second conductor also carries this signal,
but its phase has been inverted (180 degrees out-of-phase). If distortion interspersion
occurs, both active conductors are affected. At the end of the line a balanced receiver
(differential amplifier) only amplifies the difference of both conductors which is the actual
audio signal. Since there is no difference in the interference it will not be processed and
passed on by the differential amplifier. The following diagram explains how it all works. To
keep things simple we use a very simple signal: a sinus wave (all analog signals, from
voice to violin, consist of a mixture of sinus waves – but that’s a different story ;-)).

PHASE X64 USB Manual 35

The diagram clearly shows, that distortion interspersion can be eliminated by balanced
lines. First the transmitter must be able to generate an audio signal which is exactly 180
degrees out-of-phase, however. This is called fully-balanced. Since component
differences, especially across a wide temperature range, play an important role, high-
quality and expensive hardware has to be used. And no matter how great the effort there
will still be deviations which distort the signal to a certain extent. Another option are
quasi-balanced lines which do not actively invert the audio signal. The additional
conductor carries capacitive decoupled ground instead. Interferences are eliminated
completely, but the level of the difference signal is lower – and the higher the level the
better the signal-to-noise ratio (S/NR). So you must decide which type of transmission is
best for your type of environment. Since the PHASE X64 USB System will mostly be used
with cable lengths of up to 10 meters, we opted for a reasonable compromise and choose
a quasi-balanced design for the output stages of channels 1 and 2.

36 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Technical Data
■ USB 2.0 Hi-Speed audio system.
■ Power supply via USB (bus-powered) or optional external 9V DC power adapter (self-
powered).
■ 6 recording and 4 playback channels in total.
■ Input channel 1 for microphone (XLR, balanced), line signal (¼“ TRS, balanced),
phono- (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA, unbalanced).
- Microphone input adjustment range: -22dBu (62mVrms) to 7.4dBu (1.82Vrms).
Input impedance: 12.7kOhm.
- Line input adjustment range: -3.7dBu (0.51Vrms) to 9.7dBu (2.37Vrms). Input
impedance: 9.9kOhm.
- Phono input sensitivity: -28.5dBu (29mVrms) before RIAA filtering, -44.9dBu
(4.4mVrms) after RIAA filtering. Input impedance: 47kOhm.
- Aux input adjustment range: 8.6dBu (2.09Vrms). Input impedance: 10kOhm.
■ Input channel 2 for guitar (HiZ – ¼“/TS, unbalanced), line signal (¼“/TRS, balanced),
phono (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA, unbalanced).
- HiZ input adjustment range: -17.6dBu (0.29Vrms) to 21.4dBu (9.1Vrms). Input
sensitivity: 1.1MOhm.
- For line, phono, aux sensitivity and impedance refer to input channel 1.
■ Input channel 3 for phono- (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA,
unbalanced).
- For line, phono, aux sensitivity and impedance refer to input channel 1.
■ Input channel 4 for phono (cinch/RCA, unbalanced) or aux/line signal (cinch/RCA,
unbalanced).
- For line, phono, aux sensitivity and impedance refer to input channel 1.
■ Insert jacks for the input channels 1 and 2 (¼“/TRS, unbalanced).
- Output level and input sensitivity: -0.88dBu (0.7Vrms) max.
■ Output channels 1 and 2 (¼“/TRS, balanced).
- Output level: +5.4dBu (1.44Vrms). Impedance: 75Ohm.
■ Output channels 3 and 4 (cinch/RCA, unbalanced).
- Output level: +5.4dBu (1.44Vrms). Impedance: 10kOhm.
■ Headphone output with gain control and alternatively routing (hardware switch) to
output channels 1/2 or 3/4.
- Power: 250mW at 8Ohm (approx.). For headphones with >/= 8 Ohm impedance.
■ Digital interface (coax/RCA) for S/PDIF, AC3 or DTS formats.
■ Switchable +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
■ HiZ input for guitar: discrete design build up with FETs and transistors.
■ Input gain controls for the channels 1 and 2.
■ Clipping LEDs for the input channels 1 and 2 (threshold: -1.5dB).
■ MIDI interface (5-pin DIN).

PHASE X64 USB Manual 37

■ Additional internal MIDI port for optional DSP sound module.
■ Wavetable connector for sound module expansion like GM/XG wavetable boards.
■ Direct monitoring and playback summing (analogue mixing stage).
■ Electronic auto mute for start-up noise rejection.
■ Up to 24bit and 96kHz playback and recording resolution.
■ 2 x Wolfson© AD/DA converter with up to 108db(A) S/NR.
■ Signal-to-noise ration A/D, measured*: 100dB (A) @ 48 kHz.
■ Signal-to-noise ration D/A, measured*: 105dB (A) @ 48 kHz.
■ Ploytec FMC™ (Fixed Master Clock) USB algorithm eliminates the SOF jitter.
■ Low latency ASIO 2.0 und WDM drivers for Windows XP(32/64), Vista(32/64) and
Windows7(32/64).
■ Low latency HAL plug-in (ASIO like) driver for Mac OS X.
■ Mac OS X CoreAudio and CoreMIDI support.
■ Control panel for Windows and OS X.
■ Current consumption: bus-powered: 480mA max, self-powered (with ext. power supply
unit): 600mA max, self-powered (with ext. power supply unit and TerraTec WaveX-
table): 860mA max.
■ Dimensions: 146.5 x 46 x 185 [mm] (w/h/d).
■ Weight: 0.95kg.
■ Bundle software:
- Image-Line FL-Studio Express – Virtual Studio for Windows.
- Image-Line Deckadance LE – DJ Mixing for Windows and OS X.
- Image-Line Edison – Wave Editor for Windows.
■ System requirements:
- Windows PC running XP, Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit).
- Intel based Mac running OS X V10.4 or higher.
- USB 2.0 HI-Speed-Port.

* Audio measurements made with the Rohde & Schwarz UPL Audio Analyzer.

38 PHASE X64 USB (English)

Block Diagram

PHASE X64 USB Manual 39

Terrasoniq is a brand of

MUSONIK GmbH
Saarwerdenstr. 8a
40547 Düsseldorf
Germany

www.musonik.com

Technical hotline*:

Tel.: +49 (0)7000 / 22 22 22 6

Mo. -> Fr. 16:00 -> 18:00

or support@musonik.com

*Rate/min depending on local charges .

40 PHASE X64 USB (English)