Digidesign 888 - 24 - IO - Guide
Digidesign 888 - 24 - IO - Guide
Digidesign 888 - 24 - IO - Guide
Digidesign Inc.
3401-A Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
tel: 6508427900
fax: 6508427999
Product Information
6508426602
8003332137
Fax on Demand
1-888-USE-DIGI (873-3444)
Contents iii
iv 888/24 I/O
Using the 888/24 I/O
If you own a Pro Tools system, most of the Front panel of the 888/24 I/O
information in this guide is covered in your
Pro Tools TDM Hardware Installation Guide. 1. Power
This switch applies power to the 888/24.
The I position is on. The O position is
off.
2. Sync Mode
The Sync Mode LEDs indicate which sam-
ple rate clock reference is currently used by
the analog-to-digital converters (ADCs)
and the digital-to-analog converters
(DACs).
Using the 888/24 I/O 1
Internal This is the 888/24 I/O standard set-
Because some digital audio devices do not
ting. In this mode, the 888/24 I/O sample
output proper clock when they are not playing
rate is generated by its internal crystal oscil-
back, leaving the 888/24 I/O in Digital Sync
lator (whose frequency is determined by Mode may cause Pro Tools audio playback
the Sample Rate setting in the Session quality to suffer, or play back at the wrong
Setup window). Internal mode should be pitch. If you are using digital I/O, reset the
active whenever the 888/24 I/O is not syn- Sync Mode from Digital to Internal after input-
chronized to an external clock source. ting material.
Digital This setting indicates that an
AES/EBU or S/PDIF word clock signal is cur- Slave This LED is lit when the 888/24 I/O
rently the source for the 888/24 I/O sample sample rate is synchronized to another
rate. This is the setting to use for inputting Digidesign Audio Interface or synchroniza-
material from DAT recorders or other digi- tion peripheral. In this mode, the sample
tal devices. rate of the slave interface is derived from
the frequency of the incoming master
To use the 888/24 I/O digital inputs and clock signal present at the Slave Clock
outputs as effects sends and returns to dig- (256x) port.
ital effects devices, you should set the
888/24 I/O to Internal Sync Mode. You The 888/24 I/O automatically switches to
should then set the digital effects device to this mode when a Slave Clock Out signal
accept an external digital clock (from the from another Digidesign Interface, Univer-
888/24 I/O) so it synchronizes itself to sal Slave Driver, Video Slave Driver, or
Pro Tools. SMPTE Slave Driver is connected to the
888/24 I/O Slave Clock In port.
The 888/24 I/O can only synchronize to
and receive word clock lock on channels In expanded Pro Tools systems, the Super
12 of its digital inputs. To synchronize Clock output of the master Audio Interface
your system to an external digital clock locks all other interfaces together with
source, it must be connected to digital in- sample accuracy, keeping all signals phase-
puts 12 of the 888/24 I/O. In an expanded synchronous.
Pro Tools system, the system clock is car-
When slaving to a Digidesign Universal
ried by the Audio Interface connected to
Slave Driver, Video Slave Driver, or SMPTE
the first Pro Tools card in your system. This
Slave Driver, set the clock source to Internal.
Audio Interface will act as the master inter-
The Audio Interface will automatically switch to
face in your system. All other Audio Inter-
Slave mode when it detects the 256x input
faces will be slaved to it. clock.
2 888/24 I/O
3. Sample Rate and 12 Format The 888/24 I/O is factory calibrated so that
Indicators a meter reading of 18 dB corresponds to
the 888/24 I/O nominal operating level
These LEDs indicate the sample rate of the
(which can be set to either +4 dBu or
888/24 I/O internal crystal oscillator and
10 dBV). If you sent the output to an ana-
the digital format (AES/EBU or S/PDIF) of
log device with a VU meter, this would cor-
the audio input signal to channels 1 and 2.
respond to 0 VU on the VU meter.
The choice of digital format for these two
The red LED indicators on the Audio Inter-
channels is made in the Session Setup win-
face indicate both full-code (highest level
dow or Hardware Setup dialog. Digital in-
before clipping) and clipping of Pro Tools
put pairs 34, 56, and 78 of the
output signals. The on-screen meters in
888/24 I/O are always AES/EBU. Sample
Pro Tools software indicate clipping when
Rate is set in the Session Setup window or
at least three consecutive full-code samples
Hardware dialog in Pro Tools.
follow each other.
The 888/24 I/O provides the following
sample rates: 5. Input Level Trims
48 kHz This is a standard sampling rate of The 888/24 I/O analog inputs are factory
many professional audio devices. It is rec- calibrated at a 18 dB nominal level, refer-
ommended for use with devices that can- enced to a full code signal. This means at
not receive digital transfers at 44.1 kHz. the nominal reference input level (either
44.1 kHz This is the compact disc standard +4 dBu or 10 dBV), you have 18 dB of
sampling rate and the Pro Tools default headroom before clipping. The input level
sample rate. To avoid the need for sample trim pots allow adjustment of the
rate conversion, you should use this rate 888/24 I/O input levels to match the oper-
when you are recording material that will ating level of your external equipment. Ad-
ultimately be published on a compact disc. justments can be made with a Phillips
screwdriver.
When you are using an external digital
source such as a DAT recorder, the front panel 6. Output Level Trims
of the 888/24 I/O indicates only the internal
The 888/24 I/O analog outputs are factory
oscillator sample rate, not that of the external
digital source. calibrated at a 18 dB nominal level, refer-
enced to a full code signal. This means at
the nominal reference output level (either
4. Level Meters +4 dBu or 10 dBV), you have 18 dB of
headroom before clipping. The output
The 888/24 I/O level meters monitor the
level trim pots allow adjustment of the
channel outputs of Pro Tools. Input levels
888/24 I/O output levels to match the op-
are monitored on-screen in the Pro Tools
erating level of your external equipment.
software.
Adjustments can be made with a Phillips
screwdriver.
4 888/24 I/O
5. 50-pin Interface Connector 7/9. Slave Clock In/Out
This 50-pin Computer connector is used to The Slave Clock Out jack is a standard BNC
connect the 888/24 I/O to a MIX card, d24 type connector that outputs a 256 times
audio card, Disk I/O card, or a DSP Farm sample rate Super Clock signal for slaving
card. The necessary cable is supplied with and synchronizing multiple Digidesign In-
your Audio Interface. If you plan to con- terfaces and synchronization peripherals
nect two 888/24 I/O Interfaces to a MIX together.
card or d24 card, a 16-channel peripheral
When the 888/24 I/O Sync Mode is set to
cable adapter is necessary. (This cable is
Internal, connecting a valid Slave Clock
available from your Digidesign dealer.)
Out signal to this port will cause the
888/24 I/O to automatically switch to Slave
6. S/PDIF Digital Input/Output mode. When the 888/24 I/O is the master
The Sony Phillips Digital Interface Format interface or the first interface in a chain,
(S/PDIF) is used in many professional and Digital sync mode overrides the Slave
consumer CD players and DAT recorders. Clock input, and an incoming Slave Clock
The 888/24 I/O S/PDIF in/out jacks are un- Out signal will not switch the 888/24 I/O
balanced 2-conductor phono (RCA) jacks to Slave mode.
which utilize a full 24-bit digital data Because crucial timing data is passed over
stream. To avoid RF interference, use 75- these ports, you should use high-quality,
ohm coaxial cable for S/PDIF transfers and 75-ohm RG-59 cables for making connec-
keep the cable length to a maximum of 10 tions, and keep total cable length to less
meters. than 3 meters between interfaces.
Because input channels 12 of the
888/24 I/O are software selectable between 8. Power Input
analog or digital format, input to these two
This connector accepts a standard AC
digital channels is disabled when analog
power cable. The Interface is auto power-
input is chosen or when AES/EBU digital
selecting (100V to 240V) and will automat-
format is chosen in the Pro Tools Session
ically work with a standard modular cable
Setup window. Output is continuously ac-
to connect to AC power receptacles in any
tive on both the AES/EBU and S/PDIF out-
country.
put jacks, regardless of which digital input
format is selected for channels 12. To
avoid RF interference, use 75-ohm coaxial
cable for S/PDIF transfers and do not ex-
ceed a cable length of 10 meters.
+4 -10
+4 -10
+4 -10
input level
Setting the input level jumper switches
adjustment switches
+4 dBu or -10 dBV
To change the operating level of an output
The location of input and output level switches inside
channel:
the 888/24 I/O
1 Turn off your computer and the
To change the operating level of an input 888/24 I/O.
channel:
2 Using the 1/16-inch hex wrench in-
1 Turn off your computer and the
cluded with the 888/24 I/O, carefully re-
888/24 I/O.
move the front four panel screws as noted
2 With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the on the bag containing the hex wrench.
screws from the top of the 888/24 I/O.
3 With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the
3 Using the 1/16-inch hex wrench in- screws from the top of the 888/24 I/O and
cluded with the 888/24 I/O, carefully re- lift the top off of the 888/24 I/O.
move the front four panel screws as noted
4 To find the channel output switches, de-
on the bag containing the hex wrench.
tach the front part of the ribbon cable at
4 Lift the top off of the 888/24 I/O. the right side of the chassis. To do this, grip
5 Inside the 888/24 I/O chassis, next to both sides of the black connector and gen-
each of the channel input trims, there is a tly pull up.
jumper switch with a removable cap. Lo-
6 888/24 I/O
5 With the ribbon cable out of the way
youll see eight 3-pronged jumper switches, Making Signal Connections
each with a removable cap. Locate the to the 888/24 I/O
switch for the channel you wish to modify.
Depending on how you plan to use the
888/24 I/O, the way you connect it to your
studio will vary.
1/2
5/6 BU INPUT CLOCK
Digital Effects Devices
1/2
5/6 BU OUTPU
AES/E 3/4
T
AES/E
7/8
3/4
S/PDIF
S/PDIF OUT
SLAVE
CLOCK
IN
SLAVE
OUT
(set to external sync)
1 IN
7/8
3
5 2
G INPUT
7 ANALO 4
1 6
Digital Inputs/Outputs
3 8
T 2
5 G OUTPU
7 ANALO 4
8
6
Channel 1-2
Analog
Audio
To DAT Recorder
Before you use the 888/24 I/O in stand-
Inputs 5-8
Analog
Audio
Effects Devices alone mode:
Outputs 5-8
8 888/24 I/O
To use the 888/24 I/O as a stand alone D/A
converter: Changing the Default
1 Make sure that a digital device providing Sample Rate of the
a word clock signal is connected to 888/24 I/O in A/D Stand-
AES/EBU inputs 12 of the 888/24 I/O and
turned on.
Alone Mode
2 Turn on the 888/24 I/O. The 888/24 I/O The default sample rate of the 888/24 I/O
will search for a valid word clock or a word in stand alone A/D mode is 44.1kHz. If you
clock signal on channels 12 of its digital wish to change this default setting to
input ports. 48 kHz, you must open the 888/24 I/O and
manually reset it by moving an internal
3 When a valid word clock lock is recog-
jumper switch.
nized, the 888/24 I/O will enter digital
sync mode and function as a stand-alone
To change the default sample rate of the
D/A converter using AES/EBU inputs 18
888/24 I/O in stand alone A/D mode:
and analog outputs 18.
1 Make sure that your computer and
The 888/24 I/O D/A sample rate is deter- 888/24 I/O are turned off.
mined by the sample rate it detects on 2 With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the
channels 12 of its AES/EBU inputs. screws from the top of the 888/24 I/O.
The 888/24 I/O defaults to listening to a 3 Using the 1/16 inch hex wrench in-
digital word clock signal on channels 12 of its cluded with the 888/24 I/O, carefully re-
AES/EBU digital input ports. To use a S/PDIF move the front four panel screws as noted
device as your source of word clock, you must on the bag containing the hex wrench.
reset this default by opening the 888/24 I/O 4 Lift the top off of the 888/24 I/O.
and moving an internal jumper switch. See
5 Inside the left-front of 888/24 I/Os chas-
Changing the Default Word Clock Lock Port of
sis, near the large FPGA chip, is a set of
the 888/24 I/O in D/A Stand-Alone Mode on
three jumper switches, each with a remov-
page 10.
able cap. Each of these switches controls a
different default function which is shown
To return the 888/24 I/O to Pro Tools-based in Figure 1 and 2.
operation:
6 Locate the jumper switch for the default
Turn on your computer. that you wish to modify and gently lift the
or cap off the 3-pronged connector.
If your computer is on, launch Pro Tools. 7 Place it in the position corresponding to
the value that you desire. For a 44.1 kHz de-
fault sample rate, it should be placed over
the right two prongs. For a 48 kHz default
sample rate, it should be placed over the
left two prongs. Refer to Figure 1 and 2 for
details.
10 888/24 I/O
7 Place it in the position corresponding to 3 Using the 1/16 inch hex wrench in-
the value that you desire. For an AES/EBU cluded with the 888/24 I/O, carefully re-
word clock lock port, it should be placed move the front four panel screws as noted
over the right two prongs. For a S/PDIF on the bag containing the hex wrench.
word clock lock port, it should be placed 4 Lift the top off of the 888/24 I/O.
over the left two prongs. Refer to Figure 1
5 Inside the left-front of 888/24 I/Os chas-
and 2 for details.
sis, near the large FPGA chip, is a set of
8 After you have made the desired changes, three jumper switches, each with a remov-
replace the top of the 888/24 I/O. able cap. Each of these switches controls a
9 Replace the four front panel screws using different default function as shown in Fig-
the hex wrench. ure 1 and 2.
10 Replace the top screws with a Phillips 6 Locate the jumper switch for the DAC
screwdriver. muting default (the middle jumper) and
gently lift the cap off the 3-pronged con-
nector.
7 Place it in the position corresponding to
Muting the DAC Outputs of the value that you desire. To mute the
the 888/24 I/O in A/D DACs, it should be placed over the left two
Stand-Alone Mode prongs. To unmute the DACs (as in normal
operation), it should be placed over the
In certain cases, you may wish to mute the
right two prongs. Refer to Figure 1 and 2 for
888/24 I/Os D/A converters when in A/D
details.
stand-alone mode. This is useful if, for ex-
ample, you need to eliminate potential ex- 8 After you have made the desired changes,
ternal analog feedback through a console. replace the top of the 888/24 I/O.
9 Replace the four front panel screws using
To do this, you must open the 888/24 I/O
the hex wrench.
and move an internal jumper switch so
that the DACs are muted during stand- 10 Replace the top screws with a Phillips
alone operation. screwdriver.
Technical Specifications
Clock Reference:
Super Clock (256x) sample clock In/Out;
headroom
THD:
0.003% 0.01dB @ 1kHz; 20 Hz- 20 kHz
(band-limited)
Frequency Response:
1dB, 20 Hz20 kHz
Physical Specifications
Power requirements:
90260 VAC, 47 63 Hz; 30 VA;
auto-switching
Weight:
7.6 lbs (4.1 kg)
Dimensions:
2U external rackmount device
14 888/24 I/O
appendix b
16 888/24 I/O
12 Create an additional mono auxiliary in- The Automatch indicator arrows on each
put track for each 888/24 I/O input you track show the direction of adjustment re-
want to calibrate. Set the input assignment quired for alignment:
for each of these auxiliary inputs to its re- When the incoming level is higher than
spective 888/24 I/O input. Then set the the reference level, the down arrow will ap-
output of each of these auxiliary inputs to pear lit (blue). In this case, trim the
an unused bus pair (for example bus 3132) 888/24 I/O input level down.
so that feedback doesnt occur when mon-
When the incoming level is lower than
itoring main outputs 12.
the reference level the up arrow will appear
13 Connect an external VU meter to each lit (red). In this case, trim the 888/24 I/O
of the 888/24 I/O outputs in turn. (One at a input level up.
time as you calibrate.)
When you have properly aligned the in-
14 Adjust the 888/24 I/O output level trim
coming peak signal levels to match the cal-
pots with a Phillips screwdriver to align the
ibration reference level, both Automatch
outputs to read 0 VU on the external VU
indicator arrows will light: the up arrow red
meter.
and the down arrow blue.
15 Connect each output of the 888/24 I/O
18 When you have finished, choose Oper-
directly to its input: Connect channel 1
ations > Calibration Mode again to deselect
output to channel 1 input, and so on for
Calibration Mode.
each channel.
16 In Pro Tools, choose Operations > Cali-
bration Mode. Calibrating a System With Both
888/24 I/O and 882/20 I/O
The names of all uncalibrated tracks begin
Audio Interfaces
to flash. In addition, the track volume indi-
cator of each auxiliary input track receiving The 888/24 I/O is factory preset with 18 dB
an external input signal now displays the of headroom in its +4 dB line level operat-
reference level coming from the calibrated ing mode. The 882/20 I/O, however, is
output. fixed at 14 dB of headroom and its inputs
17 Adjust the 888/24 I/O input level trim
are not adjustable.
pots with a Phillips screwdriver to align the When setting up an 882/20 I/O (particu-
inputs to match the reference level. When larly in systems using a combination of the
the level is properly matched, the track 882/20 I/O and 888/24 I/O), make sure
name will stop flashing. that you use a headroom setting of 14 dB
for your system. This helps ensure that re-
corded audio files have the same relative
levels regardless of which interface they are
recorded with.
If you are using Pro Tools 4.3.1 or earlier, Headroom Use this field to enter an amount
you can use the Calibration Tool applica- of headroom between your 0 dB level and
tion (available on your Pro Tools Installer the 888/24 I/O full scale digital value. Any
CD-ROM) to calibrate the outputs and in- values above the full scale digital value will
puts of the 888/24 I//O. cause digital clipping.
If you are using Pro Tools 5.0 or later, refer Oscillator Use this to turn the audio wave-
to Appendix B: Calibrating the 888/24 I/O form generator on or off.
(Pro Tools 5.0) for calibration instructions. Frequency Click on this pop-up to select
the output frequency of the audio wave-
form generator. You can choose a 100 Hz,
1 kHz, or 10 kHz signal.
20 888/24 I/O
Level Use this to select the output level rel- 2 In the Headroom field, enter the amount
ative to the Headroom for the audio wave- of headroom you desire. The default setting
form generator. for the 888/24 I/O is 18 dB.
Wave Type Use this to select the type of au- 3 Send a 1kHz tone into the 888/24 I/O
dio waveform generated the waveform from your external source.
generator. 4 In the software, select 888/24 I/O 1
Channel 1 from the Channel pop-up
Output Every Channel If this option is se-
menu. You should get some level in the on-
lected and the Oscillator is on, every out-
screen level meter.
put will generate an audio waveform signal
at the selected frequency. If this option is 5 Adjust the 888/24 I/O Channel 1 Input
not selected and the Oscillator is on, only Level trim pot by inserting a screwdriver
the selected output Channel will generate into the Input Level trim pot and turning it
the audio waveform signal. If the Oscillator until the Calibration Tools on-screen
is off, this option has no effect. meter reaches 0 VU and the numeric read-
out says 0.0 dB. The input is now aligned.
Hardware Setup Use this to choose which
6 Repeat this procedure for each
Digidesign audio interface and card you
888/24 I/O input by selecting them from
wish to adjust using Calibration Tool.
the Channel pop-up menu and adjusting
In order to align your system with this soft- the appropriate front panel Input Level
ware, you must have one of the following: trim pot on the 888/24 I/O.
A device (such as sine wave or test tone 7 When you have finished aligning the in-
generator) that can send a 1 kHz audio puts, connect each output of the
waveform wave into the 888/24 I/O at 888/24 I/O directly to its input: Connect
0 VU. Channel 1 output to Channel 1 input, and
or so on.
A device (such as a mixing console with 8 Select 1kHz from the oscillator Fre-
accurate VU meters) that can measure the quency pop-up menu, and turn the oscilla-
level of a 1kHz audio waveform produced tor on by clicking On.
by the 888/24 I/O. 9 Choose 888/24 I/O 1 Channel 1 from
the Channel pop-up. Adjust the Output
Using an External Tone Level trim pots by inserting the Phillips
Generator screwdriver into the pot and turning it un-
til the on-screen meter reaches 0 VU and
If you have a sine wave generator that can the numeric readout says 0.0 dB.
produce a 0 VU 1 kHz tone, use the follow-
10 Repeat this procedure for each Audio In-
ing calibration procedure:
terface output.
To calibrate the 888/24 I/O with Calibration
Tool using an external source:
1 Start the Calibration Tool application.
22 888/24 I/O