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1 Enlish Manual 1.1 Deutsch Français TRIO S/P-DIF TRIO USB

2 Important: Please read safet instructions on pae before use! Wichti: Bitte lesen Sie vor der Inbetriebnahme die Sicherheitshinweise auf Seite 64-67! Important : Avant la mise en service, prière de lire les consines de sécurité à la pae 64-67! Importante: Prima di utilizzare lo strumento, leere attentamente li avvisi di sicurezza su paina 64-67! Importante: Antes de la puesta en servicio lea por favor las indicaciones de seuridad en la páina 64-67! 2

3 Table of contents Front View Rear Panel Bottom View Gettin started MIC/INSTR. input V LOW CUT GAIN HF LF FAT REC VOL MUTE INSERT Stereo LINE input L/MONO R HF LF REC VOL MUTE Zero Latenc Monitor Volumes MIC/INSTR LINE AUX input MONITOR ON DAW ON Monitor Manaement Section VOLUME SPEAKERS A, B und C DIRECT OUT MONO DIM SPEAKERS B LEVEL ADJUST Meterin Section METER SELECT Headphones Section PHONES A PHONES B Talkback Section TALKBACK TB VOLUME TB MIC Daw Interface ANALOG OUT L/R ANALOG OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUST ANALOG IN L/R ANALOG INPUT LEVEL ADJUST Diital Interface S/P-DIF IN S/P-DIF OUT SYNC LED ,1/ x1/x MASTER/SLAVE USB 10. Record/Monitor Mode Selector MIC/INSTR. RECORD MIC/INSTR. MONITOR LINE RECORD LINE MONITOR Other Features POWER Switch Mains Socket GND Troubleshootin Technical Specifications Safet Instructions Block Diaram Enlish 3

4 Welcome to MindPrint! We re delihted that ou opted for T.R.I.O! Please take the time to read this manual. It offers detailed explanations on how to handle T.R.I.O, provides a wealth of helpful information, and reveals lots of tips and tricks used b pros. Recordin is takin a turn towards total convenience, and a sea of chane is sweepin over the audio workplace. Where esterda a mondo mixin console crowded our desktop, toda a tin laptop is perched in its place. Where 19 racks with outboard effects and samplers/snths once stood, ou ll now find a couple of CD-ROMs with plu-ins and software snths. The future belons to the miht mite a small et powerful setup that costs less, saves space, handles eronomicall, and delivers hih-end audio despite its diminutive size. T.R.I.O is the nerve center of the mixer-less studio. It brins toether the three tpes of sinal routin portals - inputs, outputs and interfaces - to take the place of a mixer s input ports and monitor section. And it offers an IN/OUT interface to our DAW. When ou make T.R.I.O part of our contemporar computer-based studio, ou need no other audio handlin device. WARRANTY Please reister our T.R.I.O. It takes just a few minutes, and as a reward for our effort, ou ll enjo the added benefit of an extended warrant. Take advantae of our website s convenient ONLINE REGISTRATION option at If ou are unable to reister online, please fill out the enclosed warrant card completel and mail or fax it to us. The reistration is onl valid if the warrant reistration card is filled out and returned to MindPrint or the device is reistered via Internet within 30 das of the date of purchase. The reistration info also affords us insiht into how and b whom our devices are used. This information will help us desin future products. Your data is of course protected b privac laws. Thank ou! MindPrint Technical Service Postfach 1509 D St. Wendel, German Fax: Here s wishin ou tons of fun recordin with T.R.I.O! The Philosoph Behind T.R.I.O Before we et to it, allow us a few words on the philosoph behind the T.R.I.O : We made ever effort to ensure this device s functionalit and sinal flow is easil understood and convenientl handled, even if ou have never dealt with mixers, microphone preamplifiers and compressors before: The followin smbols stand for: eneral information pro tips and hints x safet relevant instructions In this operatin manual, we frequentl emplo the acronm DAW (= Diital Audio Workstation); it refers to our PC/MAC HD recordin setup The left side of the device handles input channels, amplifin sinals and portin them to the computer. Incomin sinals returnin from the computer are routed to the riht side and bussed on to the monitorin circuits. Below these sections at the center of the panel ou ll find monitor volume controls for the input channels. You ma be happ to learn that ou re dealin with a zero latenc monitor sinal. On the bottom riht, ou ll find a bi and ver important knob. It determines master monitor volume. Please note that in the interests of more practical and effective handlin, we made a conscious decision to steer clear of the standard parameters emploed b man manufacturers, tunin the equalizers and compressor accordin to insiht leaned from intensive research and lon experience in the field. The knowhow of man pros flowed into T.R.I.O, resultin in a device that despite its exceptionall compact format, enables ou to process audio sinals with pinpoint precision. 4

5 Front view Mic/Instrument Preamp V: activates 48-volt phantom power LOW CUT: activates the Low Cut Filter GAIN: controls input ain HF: cuts/boosts treble LF: cuts/boosts bass FAT: controls the compressor s intensit REC VOL.: controls to-daw recordin level MUTE: silences MIC/INSTR. Stereo LINE Preamp HF: cuts/boosts treble LF: cuts/boosts bass REC VOL.: controls to-daw recordin level MUTE: silences LINE Zero Latenc Monitor MIC/INSTR.: controls the channel strip s monitor level LINE: controls the LINE channel s monitor level AUX: controls the AUX input s monitor level MONITOR ON: routes MIC/INSTR., LINE and AUX to the monitor buss DAW ON: sends the incomin sinal from the Diital Audio Workstation to the monitor buss Monitor section VOLUME: controls the monitor section s master level (but not PHONES and DIRECT OUT) SPEAKERS A: routes output sinal to monitor pair A (main monitor) SPEAKERS B: routes output sinal to monitor pair B (alternative monitor) SPEAKERS C: routes output sinal to monitor pair C (or subwoofer) MONO: confiures a mono monitor sinal DIM: cuts the monitor s master level 20 db (except Headphones) PHONES A: controls the volume of headphones port A PHONES B: controls the volume of headphones port B TALKBACK: routes the TALKBACK microphone (MIC) to headphones (not to SPEAKERS) TB VOL: controls TALKBACK microphone volume INPUTS/OUTPUTS: assins LED indicators to the input or output sinal Enlish 5

6 Rear panel TRIO is available in two models: S/P-DIF USB 29 MIC IN: microphone input 39 DIRECT OUT: master output from DAW ON and MONITOR ON 30 INSTR. IN: instrument input 40 SPEAKERS C: output to monitor pair C 31 INSERT: insert send and return 41 SPEAKERS B: output to monitor pair B 32 LINE IN: stereo line input 42 SPEAKERS A: output to monitor pair A 33 AUX IN: stereo aux input 43 PHONES: headphones ports A and B 34 DAW DIGITAL IN: optical S/PDIF input 44 AC IN: accepts the included wall wart power suppl 35 DAW DIGITAL OUT: optical S/PDIF output 45 POWER: mains switch 36 SYNC Board: snchronization tool 46 GROUND: earthin screw 37 DAW ANALOG OUT: stereo output to the DAW 47 USB 38 DAW ANALOG IN: stereo input from the DAW Bottom View DIP switch for routin recordin /monitor busses Rotar knob for fine-tunin SPEAKERS B Rotar knob for fine-tunin the DAW Interface s analo inputs Rotar knob for fine-tunin the DAW Interface s analo outputs Ventilation slots - do not cover or obstruct! Vertical mountin bracket 6

7 Gettin Started Before ou fire up T.R.I.O for the first time, take a moment or two to confiure our ri. With our suested setup, handlin will be a pleasure rather than a pain. If our recordin ri comprises a computer, capacitor microphone, keboard, CD plaer and monitors, then a basic confiuration that lets ou deal with all connected sinal sources directl looks like this: FOR QUICK-STARTERS If ou re accustomed to workin with conventional mixers, ou should have no trouble handlin T.R.I.O without further fuss. However, there are a few thins ou should bear in mind: The two REC VOL. knobs control the recordin levels of the sinals sent to the DAW, and NOT the monitor busses levels! Twist the knobs at the bottom center (in the ZERO LATENCY MONITORING section) to adjust the monitor volume. So, don t be surprised to hear the LINE sinal even when the LINE REC VOL. knob at the bottom left is turned all the wa down. In most scenarios, T.R.I.O is connected directl to active x speakers or power amps that are able to put to painfull hih volume levels. Do our hearin and our speakers the favor of alwas exercisin utmost caution when twistin the VOLUME knob. When in doubt, roll back the VOLUME knob rather than crankin it wide open. to/from computer from keboard to monitor speakers from CD-plaer from microphone microphone input ain phantom microphone power DAW return on speakers on Enlish microphone recordin level keboard recordin level monitor volume for: mic keb. CD plaer master volume control monitor section on Input Section T.R.I.O features a full-fleded input section comprisin a low-noise, class A microphone input stae featurin switchable phantom power for capacitor microphones, a hih-impedance instrument input and a studio level line input. The MIC/INSTR. input and LINE input ma be used and recorded simultaneousl. 7

8 1. MIC/INSTR. Input Connectin sinal sources: Located on the T.R.I.O s rear panel is an XLR port desined to accept a microphone. It is wired in compliance with the international standard (pin 2 = hot). Switchable 48-volt phantom power is available for condenser microphones. T.R.I.O also offers a switchable low-cut filter for suppressin lowfrequenc noise. Connect instruments such as uitar/bass to the INSTRUMENT IN jack. When ou plu a mono 6.3 mm (1/4") plu into the hih-impedance instrument input, T.R.I.O automaticall enables this port, and it has priorit over the microphone input. The microphone/instrument input takes a mono sinal. A dip switch on the bottom panel of the device lets ou determine whether this sinal is routed to the left recordin and monitorin channel onl or distributed evenl to both channels. See to learn more. Handlin: V Switches on +48V phantom power for the microphone input. This buttons ellow LED lihts up when power is activated. Power is fed to the XLR port labeled MIC Input. 1.2 LOW CUT Inserts a hih-pass filter into the sinal path; a ellow LED indicates the iven switchin status. LOW CUT is located directl behind the input stae in the sinal path Linkwitz- Rile characteristic 80Hz center frequenc; 12dB/oct slope THE ONBOARD CHANNEL STRIP The MIC/INSTR. input is more than merel a preamp circuit. It comprises a full-fleded mixer channel strip offerin hip features like low cut, EQ and a compressor. It lets ou process the frequencies and dnamics of a sinal before recordin it. Switch phantom power on onl for microphones that require it. x Never feed power to unbalanced and ribbon microphones! Do not connect line level devices to the microphone input - this can damae T.R.I.O. The microphone input is automaticall disabled when a plu is inserted into the INSTRUMENT IN jack. This means that for the sake of convenience, ou can opt to leave a microphone cord connected to MIC input. INPUT SENSITIVITY Desined to handle instrument levels, the instrument input accepts uitar and bass sinals directl. With an impedance of 1 M-ohm, it does not load instruments pickups or derade their sound. The technolo that powers this input comes courtes of MindPrint s sister compan Huhes & Kettner, whose uitar amp know-how we have to thank for this input s top-drawer audio qualit. PREAMPLIFICATION Because the T.R.I.O s GAIN knob has such a formative impact on incomin sinals, it s a ood idea to be ver fuss about settin its level. If the input level is too hih, the sinal ma distort audibl. This kind of saturation is more than annoin it can render a reat performance unusable. So, proceed judiciousl, dialin in settins so that sinals peaks never (or rarel and then onl briefl) trier the red LED. REFRESHING SIGNALS Most microphones tend to deliver fairl dark sinals. You can make sinals such as vocals more articulate b boostin hih frequencies. The MIC/INSTR. Channel s HF EQ is similar in desin to the circuitr found in coveted analo hih-end equalizers. Its Chebshev-tpe filterin was borrowed from the MindPrint DTC: Hih mids are scooped slihtl before treble frequencies are boosted. This adds a silken sheen to vocals while suppressin hiss-soundin sibilants. The LF band of the MIC/INSTR. EQ also features Chebshev filterin. 1.3 GAIN This knob controls the amount of increase in microphones the T.R.I.O s channel strip. and instruments audio sinal strenth. Use this knob to adjust the level for the microphone/instrument patched into Control rane for microphones: -56 db to +4 db Control rane for instruments: -40 db to +14 db 8

9 Corner frequenc: 7.5 khz Control rane: +/- 12 db 1.4 HF Twist this knob to adjust the amount of treble in the sinal. Characteristic: Chebshev tpe hih shelvin filter (Vintae dip-before-boost desin) SIGNAL COMPRESSION As first impressions o, the FAT knob ma not bowl ou ever, but it puts a bona fide analo compressor at our finertips. And thouh it brins considerable sound-shapin power to the T.R.I.O, it handles ver easil. It literall lets ou dial in reat-soundin results for all microphone/instrument sinals at the twist of our wrist. 1.5 LF Twist this knob to adjust the amount of bass frequencies in the sinal. Characteristic: Chebshev tpe low shelvin filter Corner frequenc: 100 Hz Control rane: +/- 12 db REC VOL. determines the level of the sinal recorded to the DAW, and not the monitorin level. Adjust the monitorin level usin the MIC/INSTR. knob in the monitor section. The analo VOL. REC level depends on the settin of a trim knob on the bottom panel of the device with the word name DAW INTERFACE ANALOG OUT LEVEL ADJUST (see 8.1 to learn more). 1.6 FAT This is a soft knee-tpe compressor with auto ain make up and proram-dependent adjustment of time constants. Thouh that sounds prett complicated, handlin is as eas as it is effective: Far left settin = zero compression. Twist the knob clockwise to dial in everthin from sliht compression to ultra fat sinals. An LED provides visual indication of compression amounts. LED displa: reen - no compression orane red - normal compression - stron compression 1.7 REC VOL. Twist this knob to adjust the recordin level of the MIC/INSTR. sinal sent to the DAW (independentl of monitor volume). When turned full anti-clockwise, no sinal is sent to the DAWinterface. 1.8 MUTE Silences the MIC/INSTR input. When this button is enaed, its red LED lihts up. MUTE affects the recordin bus and monitor bus. 1.9 INSERT Connectin sinal sources: To insert external processors into the MIC/INSTR. circuit, connect them to the SEND and RETURN jacks located on the rear panel. MUTE comes in hand when ou want to silence the mike durin a break or swap instruments. TRIO is the perfect sidekick for laptop-based audio presentations with a headset microphone. To convenientl switch off the microphone durin breaks, simpl hit the MUTE button. PHANTOM POWER Equipped with a robust wall wart, T.R.I.O is able to provide 48 V phantom power that is stable enouh to satisf the demandin requirements of hih-qualit capacitor microphones. Most condenser microphones will work with less than 48 volts. However, an reduction in voltae lowers the peak ain level and derades sound qualit. LOW CUT attenuates bass frequencies. This feature serves to filter out low-frequenc noise, for example, footsteps or poppin noises associated with close-mikin vocals. The INSERT SEND ma also be emploed as an aux send, for example, to address an external reverb unit. What s more, ou can connect a tunin device to INSERT SEND. This wa, an instrument s tunin can be checked and adjusted on the fl without unpluin it. The sinal of an external device (for instance, EN-VOICE ) ma be patched into INSERT RETURN. Because INSERT RETURN is located post EQ/compressor, this option lets ou bpass the T.R.I.O s input stae and EQ/compressor. The external sinal is routed directl to the A/D converter and into the monitor section. Enlish 9

10 Handlin: When a plu is inserted into the RETURN jack, T.R.I.O automaticall injects the incomin sinal into the sinal path. The SEND jack is permanentl enabled; use it as an additional sinal tap, if ou wish. 2. Stereo Line Input Connect line level devices (such as keboards, line mixers or drum computers) to the LINE input. Equipped with a two-band EQ, it ma be confiured for both mono and stereo sinals. If a source sinal is patched into the L/MONO jack onl, it is automaticall distributed to both channels. Connectin sinal sources: Patch line level sinals into the two mono 6.3 mm (1/4 ) jacks on the rear panel. Use the four-wa DIP switch on the bottom panel of the device to confiure recordin and monitor routin busses. See 10.1 to learn more about this. The term routin is studio-speak for the process of assinin sinals to different destinations. In other words, routin is the process of mappin a sinal from, sa, a microphone via a circuit such as input 1 or input 2 to a taret such as our recordin software. Connect line level devices equipped with a sinle output (mono) to the LEFT/MONO jack. Then the same sinal is on both channels of the Line input. 2.1 L/MONO This jack accepts the left channel of a stereo sinal or channel 1 of an line source. 2.2 R This jack accepts the riht channel of a stereo sinal or channel 2 of an line source. Handlin: 2.3 HF Twist this knob to adjust the Line sinal s treble amount. Characteristic: Chebshev tpe hih shelvin filter Corner frequenc: 9 khz Control rane: +/- 12 db Control rane: +/- 12 db 2.4 LF Twist this knob to adjust the Line sinal s bass amount. Characteristic: Low shelvin filter Corner frequenc: 120 Hz 10

11 2.5 REC VOL. Twist this knob to adjust the level of the Line sinal recorded to the DAW (independentl of monitor volume). When turned full anti-clockwise, no sinal is sent to the DAW-interface 2.6 MUTE Silences the MIC/INSTR input. When this button is enaed, its red LED lihts up. MUTE affects both the recordin buss and monitor buss. REMINDER REC VOL. determines the level of the sinal recorded to the DAW, and not the monitorin level. Adjust the monitorin level usin the MIC/ INSTR. knob in the monitor section. The analo VOL. REC level depends on the settin of the DAW INTER- FACE ANALOG OUT LEVEL ADJUST trim knob on the bottom panel of the device (see 8.4 to learn more). MUTE is a convenient tool for instantl silencin a keboard connected to the LINE input if ou want to bpass its sound enerator and use its kes to pla a VST instrument. 3. Zero Latenc Monitor Volumes In this section, ou can route input sinals directl to the monitor buss for the purpose of latenc-free monitorin. A dip switch on the bottom panel of the device confiures monitor routin busses. See 10.2 to learn more. 3.1 MIC/INSTR. Twist this knob to adjust the MIC/INSTR. channel s monitor level. The sinal is tapped post equalizer/compressor. 3.2 LINE Twist this knob to adjust the Line channel s monitor level. The sinal is tapped post equalizer. 3.3 AUX Input Offerin an ancillar stereo feed, the AUX input serves to connect consumer level devices (such as CD and minidisk plaers). This sinal is routed to the monitor section. Connectin sinal sources: Patch consumer level devices into the two LEFT and RIGHT RCA connector ports on the rear panel. Handlin: AUX: Twist this knob to adjust the level of sinals sent from the AUX inputs to the monitor section. ZERO LATENCY MONITORING When recordin to a diital medium, there is a certain amount of latenc inherent in the recorded sinal. This dela is due to the time it takes to convert the sinal from analo to diital when it is patched into the computer and vice versa when it comes back out. You can well imaine the annoance this causes musicians and vocalists. So can we, which is wh endowed T.R.I.O with a ver practical DIRECT MONITORING section. A classic case of a fanc name for a straihtforward feature, the ZERO LATENCY MONITORING section lets ou hear input sinals without dela because the are routed directl to the outputs rather than to the computer and back via the DAW INTERFACE. We recommend that ou confiure our recordin software so that the recorded sinal is not routed out via the DAW s outputs (INPUT MONITORING = OFF ). The AUX inputs sinal is sent to the monitorin section onl, and cannot be recorded. The reasonin here is that the most common sinal source connected to an aux input is a CD plaer. If ou want to load a CD s audio tracks to our computer, the more convenient option is to use the computer s CD-ROM disk drive. You can connect other sources to the AUX input, for instance, a reverb unit whose dr sinal is provided via INSERT SEND. Thus ou can offer the vocalist some workin reverb. Thouh the vocalist hears the wet sinal over the headphones, the actual vocal track is recorded dr, that is, without reverb. The AUX input is also a cool tool for tweakin T.R.I.O s master level. Simpl connect a CD plaer and adjust the AUX knob so that the red output LEDs illuminate briefl and intermittentl. (Somewhere around 12 o clock, dependin on the CD plaer s level.) Use this level as a reference for the monitor volume. Want to make A/B comparisons to a reference CD? Simpl switch back and forth between DAW ON and MONITOR ON to compare the DAW s sinal to the reference CD s sinal. Enlish 11

12 3.4 MONITOR ON Routes the input section s sinals as well as sinals sent from the AUX input to the monitor buss. The LED on the button lihts up to indicate MONITOR ON is active. Want to make A/B comparisons to a reference CD? Simpl switch back and forth between DAW ON and MONITOR ON to compare the DAW s sinal to the reference CD s sinal. 3.5 DAW ON Routes the incomin sinal from the DAW to the monitor buss. The LED on the button lihts up to indicate DAW ON is active. 4. Monitor Manaement Section This section lets ou access a blend of monitor mix and DAW return sinal, adjust monitor volume, select monitor outputs and connect a DAT/MD recorder to record reference or backup tracks. In most scenarios, T.R.I.O is connected directl to active x speakers or power amps that are able to put to painfull hih volume levels. Do our hearin and our speakers the favor of alwas exercisin utmost caution when twistin the VOLUME knob. When in doubt, roll back the VOLUME knob rather than crankin it wide open. The VOLUME knob is of extra bi size makin it eas to be accessed even in stress situations. 4.1 VOLUME Twist this knob to adjust the master volume of the SPEAKERS A, B and C monitor outputs. Level is equal on all three outputs, SPEAKERS B output can be finetrimmed, see 4.5 to learn more 4.2 SPEAKERS A, B and C Connections: On the rear panel ou ll find three stereo outputs for connectin monitor speakers or other amplification sstems. Output A (two 6.3 mm (1/ 4 ) mono jacks) serves to connect the first-choice monitor speakers; output B (a pair of RCA connectors) serves to connect an alternative monitor pair. Output C (a pair of RCA connectors) serves to connect a subwoofer or a third pair of monitors. Handlin: SPEAKERS A, B, C Sends the monitor sinal to the selected outputs. The LED on the button lihts up to indicate the iven output is active. You can opt to address several pairs of speakers simultaneousl. If ou own a pair of speakers and a subwoofer, ou can connect the two satellites to SPEAKERS A and the subwoofer to SPEAKERS B or C. This lets ou address the speakers and subwoofer separatel and easil switch the latter off whenever ou wish. We opted to pass on a MUTE button for the simple reason that ou can enjo the same functionalit (silencin speakers) b simpl enain the SPEAKER A/B/C buttons or turnin down the volume! 12

13 4.3 DIRECT OUT You have a fourth stereo output at our disposal with DIRECT OUT. This sinal is tapped pre VOLUME knob (in contrast to the SPEAKER A/B/C outputs), which means its level is not adjustable. You can also use DIRECT OUT to connect meters such as peak level or correlation indicators. 4.4 MONO Press this button to blend the left and riht sinals and create a mono sinal. When enaed, it affects all monitor and headphones outputs. The LED on the button lihts up to indicate MONO is active. 4.5 DIM Press the DIM button to cut the master volume of the monitor outputs b 20 db. This affects the speaker outputs onl, and not the DIRECT OUT and PHONES circuits. 4.6 SPEAKERS B LEVEL ADJUST This stereo knob on the bottom panel of the T.R.I.O serves to fine-tune the SPEAKER B output s level. Control rane: - 4 db at the far left position, unit ain at 12 o clock, + 6 db at the far riht If ou decide to emplo T.R.I.O at is, ou can use the DIRECT OUTs to route the sinal to the FOH mixer, and control our own monitor mix via SPEAKER A/B/C. The MONO function serves to check mono compatibilit. This is a nift tool for detectin phase cancellations caused b reversed polarit in cords/connectors, poorl chosen modulation effect settins or extreme stereo processin operations, all of which ma not be clearl audible in a stereo soundscape. Some vocalists don t like to hear a bi stereo spread when trackin their parts. In this event, simpl press MONO, then the vocalist will no loner be irritated b a shaker sweepin across the stereo soundscape or a uitar part panned hard to the left ede. Man active monitors are ver sensitive so that even low MONITOR LEVEL settins elicit hih volume levels. The DIM button cuts the output level, enablin ou to fine-tune levels with reater precision and enjo a wide VOLUME knob control rane even at ver low monitor volumes. MONO and DIM do not affect DIRECT OUT. Otherwise, this circuit s sinal would be reduced to mono when ou press MONO and attenuated when ou press DIM for monitorin purposes. The SPEAKER B LEVEL ADJUST knob is helpful when ou want to balance the relative levels of two speaker pairs so that ou re dealin with similar levels when A/Bin between speaker pairs. 5. Meterin Section L (Left Meter): The left LED chain indicates the level of the sinal assined to the left side. R (Riht Meter): The riht LED chain indicates the level of the sinal assined to the riht side. THE RIGHT INPUT LEVEL The red level LEDs illuminate at a fairl low peak level of 1 db. The sinal is not necessaril saturated if the liht up briefl. However, it certainl is in the red zone and on the brink of overloadin the input. Your best bet is to adjust the ain so the red LEDs liht up from time to time. If a hih-level sinal is sent from DAW ON and sinals are plaed back via the MONITOR ON section, the LED meters ma well lune into the red zone because sinal levels add up. T.R.I.O has plent of headroom to handle saturated sinals such as these without ivin cause to worr about audible distortion. Enlish 5.1 METER SELECT Assins the level meter to input sinals or monitor sinals. A correspondin LED lihts up to indicate the assinment status. INPUTS: When set to this position, the left LED chain indicates the MIC/INSTR channel s input ain. In order to make best recordin level possible, the source sinal for the meter is tapped directl behind the input stae. The riht LED chain indicates the LINE 13

14 channel s input ain. If the LINE sinal is mono, the LED indicates its input ain. If the sinal is stereo, the LED indicates the mono composite s input ain. OUTPUTS: When set to this position, the LED chains indicate the composite level of the monitorin section (MONITOR ON) and the DAW return (DAW ON) sinals. The source sinal for the meter is tapped pre OUTPUT VOLUME knob. In other words, it indicates the level of the sinal routed to DIRECT OUT. 6. Headphones Section Connections: Connect standard headphones to the two stereo 6.3 mm (1/4 ) jacks on the rear panel. The two headphones amps are equipped with plent of power to drive even weaker headphones and deliver enouh volume to enable satisfactor monitorin. Handlin: 6.1 PHONES A Twist this knob to adjust the first headphones output s volume. 6.2 PHONES B Twist this knob to adjust the second headphones output s volume When set to INPUTS, the LED chains do not indicate the levels of the sinal recorded to the DAW. Instead, the offer a view of MIC/ INSTR. and LINE input levels. In other words, the VOL. REC knob s settin has no influence on T.R.I.O s level meter.the reasonin here this is that levels tend to var dependin on the iven DAW hardware/software, and level matchin will differ accordinl. All popular recordin applications feature ver precise diital input level meters. This means ou can easil view and adjust the level of the sinal sent to the DAW usin our recordin software s level meter. x When set to INPUTS, onl the riht LED chain indicates the Line input sinal level, even if ou re dealin with a stereo sinal. Wh? Because if ou re recordin to multiple channels, this lets ou monitor the input levels of the MIC/INSTR. channels (on the left LED chain) and the LINE channels (L+R on the riht LED chain) simultaneousl. We stronl suest that ou alwas emplo headphones with an x impedance reater than 30 ohms. Lower impedances or a short circuit caused b mono jack plus can do permanent damae to T.R.I.O s headphones outputs. Do not connect headphones to SPEAKERS A jacks because this can x harm T.R.I.O. Smart recordists ma want to use PHONES outputs for a purpose other than intended to connect further speakers via Y adapters (stereo jack on one end; two mono jacks on the other), to drive speakers sited in the studio s recordin room. This lets ou control these speakers volume separatel and communicate with musicians usin the TALKBACK microphone. But whatever ou do, never insert mono plus into the PHONES jack. For a happier and more conenial recordin experience, it s a ood idea for the vocalist and producer to don the same model of headphones when trackin vocals. 7. Talkback Section T.R.I.O comes with a full-fleded talkback section featurin a built-in talkback microphone. 7.1 TALKBACK Push this button to activate the talkback microphone. The sinal is routed to the headphones outputs until ou release the button. The monitor sinal sent to the headphones outputs is automaticall cut b 12 db. Talkback is the term used for a neat feature found on bi studio consoles that allows producers/enineers in the control room to speak to the artist in the studio via a microphone built into the console. To this end, the talkback microphone sinal is sent to the headphones busses. You ma have little reason to like the TALKBACK function now, but ou ma learn to love it later when ou discover our recordin mic capturin the rattlin of our computer s fan or other 14

15 7.2 TB VOLUME Twist this knob to adjust the volume of sinal the sent from the built-in talkback microphone to the headphones busses. 7.3 TB MIC The talkback microphone is sited midwa between the TALKBACK button and the TB VOLUME knob, below the three little holes in the housin. 8. Daw Interface Located on the T.R.I.O s rear panel is an interface that connects to the DAW. Linkin the T.R.I.O to the computer, this interface transports all audio data to and from the DAW. You have analo and diital ports at our disposal. In the heat of the moment, producers sometimes bein addressin the vocalist before pressin the TALKBACK button. If vocalists can t hear the beinnin of a sentence, the won t understand ou. Misunderstandin breeds insecurit; an insecure artist can t deliver a compellin performance. So in the interests of capturin happenin performances make a habit of pressin TALKBACK FIRST, and then talkin. You ll hear a soft pon sound when ou press the TALKBACK button. This not a malfunction. The TB microphone is extremel sensitive; indeed, it s so delicate it transmits the sound the button enain. Eventuall, ou ll find this to be an advantae: the pon sinals to vocalists that words of wisdom are comin their wa! :o) Do not place objects on the TB microphone or push in the microphone coverin with pointed x objects. The DAW interface has the job to carr the recordin sinals from TRIO to the DAW inputs, and brins back the DAW outputs to TRIO. The interface works in full duplex, so ou can record in the DAW while simultaneousl plain back the DAW outputs. Connections: Two pairs of RCA connectors for the inputs and the outputs, respectivel, provide analo access to the DAW. Adjust sinal levels to match the levels of the DAW usin the TRIM knobs on the bottom panel of the device. Two optical ports in TOSLINK format provide a diital link to the DAW. 8.1 ANALOG OUT L/R Use the two RCA connectors on the rear panel to set up an analo line to the DAW. The sinals of the MIC/INSTR and LINE busses are recorded to the DAW via these ports. 8.2 ANALOG OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUST Twist this knob on the bottom panel of T.R.I.O to adjust the level of recordin sinals sent to the DAW s analo inputs. The control rane is -oo to +6dB (0 db at the center detent position). 8.3 ANALOG IN L/R Use the two RCA connectors on the rear panel to return analo sinals from the DAW. Sinals sent from the DAW are routed to the monitor section via these ports. Analo and diital outputs ma be used simultaneousl. Case in point: If ou have set up a diital circuit to the DAW, ou can use the analo outputs to patch out recorded sinals, sa to back-up tracks to a minidisk. You can use the same approach to set up an aux send to an outboard sinal processor. The analo DAW INTERFACE outs ma also be used as aux sends, for example, to add makeshift workin reverb to recordin sinals. Ditto for analo and diital inputs. For instance, ou could use the DAW INTERFACE ANALOG INPUTS as an additional stereo in for connectin a CD plaer or effect device. This increases the number of simultaneousl accessible analo inputs available on T.R.I.O to one mono and three stereo ports. Enlish 15

16 8.4 ANALOG INPUT LEVEL ADJUST Twist this knob on the bottom panel of T.R.I.O to adjust the level of sinals plaback sent from the DAW s analo outputs. Control rane: -oo to +6 db (0 db at the center detent position) 9. Diital-Interface TRIO S/P-DIF: The TRIO S/P-DIF can be interated into an existin recordin environment via a diital interface in the optical S/P-DIF format (TOSLINK). Usin S/P-DIF, TRIO can be connected to all devices, which support this format, for example to the Apple G5 computer, which is also equipped ex-factor via an optical S/P-DIF interface. Numerous sound cards as well as DAT recorders, MD recorders, diital multitrackers, diital mixers, snthesisers/samplers/workstations with diital interfaces etc. are available usin an S/P-DIF interface. TRIO USB: The TRIO USB can be connected directl to a computer/laptop via a USB connection in the 1.1 format. As the audio connection takes place via the USB interface, specific audio hardware and/or sound card for this is no loner necessar. You will find more information about installin the driver and the driver operation under 9.7, on the enclosed CD-ROM and on the Internet at S/PDIF IN The diital output of the DAW connects to this input via the computer interface. The converted sinal is sent directl to the monitor buss. Developed b SONY and Philips and standardized b the IEC in 1987, S/PDIF is desined for semiprofessional and home use. Providin an unbalanced circuit, S/PDIF is toda the de facto standard worldwide. S/P-DIF optical (TOSLINK) The optical interface has some advantaes over its electrical coaxial counterpart: Special optical fiber cords rules out problems associated with usin the wron cables. Man devices optical ADAT interfaces ma be set to S/PDIF optical format. Galvanic separation prevents round loops and pickup of stra interference. Optical is more common than coaxial. The S/P-DIF interface offers separate diital input/output ports. The advantae here is that this allows ou to introduce other devices into our DAW s diital setup. For instance, ou could connect another device equipped with a diital output (sa, a DI- PORT for trackin with stereo microphones) to record to the DAW, and use T.R.I.O for monitorin purposes onl for the duration of this little exercise in flexibilit. If our DAW offers coaxial rather than optical S/PDIF ports, ou ll find S/P-DIF optical-to-coaxial converters in well-stocked music stores. 9.2 S/PDIF OUT This port connects to the DAW s S/PDIF diital input. The A-to-D converted sinals of the MIC/INSTR. and LINE busses are sent to this port. 9.3 SYNC LED This LED lihts up when the S/PDIF input receives a viable diital sinal. The SYNC LED tells ou that a viable sinal is patched into the S/PDIF INPUT. If our setup isn t workin properl, this liht helps ou narrow down the cause. 16

17 Snchronization Affordin flexible connections to diital studio environments, T.R.I.O s diital interface features a threewa selector providin all the options ou need to confiure a diital setup. SYNCHRONIZATION Once diital audio devices are connected, their internal clock frequencies must be snchronized. To this end, one device acts as the master, dictatin the samplin rate and bit rate to the rest, which are called slaves in this tpe of confiuration. Smptoms such as poppin noises durin recordin are tpical indications that devices aren t in snc and that settins require review ,1/48: This button (in combination with the neihborin x2 button) determines the samplin rate for T.R.I.O in stand-alone mode. Position 1 selects 44.1 khz. When set to position 2, T.R.I.O runs on 48 khz. SAMPLING RATE The samplin rate is the frequenc at which diital audio sinals are measured (sampled) at discrete points in time. In the case of an audio CD, this is 44,100 times per second, which equals a frequenc of 44.1 KHz. As a rule, the hiher the selected samplin rate, the better the audio sinal qualit; that is, the more accuratel the oriinal analo sinal is rendered. Note that hiher samplin rates require proportionatel more memor. 9.5 x1/x2 (= Double Samplin Rate) When this button is set to position 1, the device operates on the frequenc determined b the neihborin 44.1/48 button s settin. In position 2, the device works with double the samplin rate defined b the 44.1/48 button; that is 88.2 khz or 96 khz. 9.6 MASTER/SLAVE In position 1, T.R.I.O. is the MASTER, and runs on the internall selected samplin frequenc. To ensure proper snchronization, the connected DAW must be confiured as slave or external. In position 2 (=SLAVE), T.R.I.O. automaticall slaves to an incomin diital sinal once it has determined that this sinal is viable. The device runs in snc with the DAW s samplin rate. The SYNC LED lihts to indicate it is receivin a viable diital sinal. 9.7 USB Connection: On the back of the TRIO USB on the diital module, a USB socket is found on the B version. A USB connection cable (1.8 m, A/B connector) is included in the TRIO USB deliver. Software: So that TRIO USB can communicate with our computer, ou need to install the enclosed driver software. That wa, the TRIO USB will definitel be correctl identified and all recordin options are available. You will find a detailed description of the driver software and its installation on the CD-ROM provided and it can also be downloaded from Please visit the website reularl to read up on driver updates. As both TRIO and the DAW can work in MASTER mode, audible x interferences miht occur because both units use their own frequenc. An indication for this is e.. when the DAW plaback sinal sounds dull and mudd. In case of doubt please double check the snc settins of both units and make sure there is one MASTER and one SLAVE. T.R.I.O s diital interface processes audio at a resolution of up to 96 khz / 24 bits. Toda, USB on the computer is as natural as the pin socket on the mixer. Since first eneration USB audio interfaces showed obvious qualit deficiencies and performance problems compared to established formats such as S/P-DIF or ADAT, unfortunatel USB does not have the best reputation for audio qualit. From toda s view, however, these doubts are unfounded technolo has developed considerabl and USB as audio format is established. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, it comes from the computin world and refers to an interface, which is based on a star topolo. The transfer takes place via a 4-core cable; the 4-pin USB socket is available in two versions: the flat standard Tpe A version (hub socket) and the almost square Tpe B variation (terminal socket). The maximum cable lenth of a USB connection should not exceed 5 metres. One of the main advantaes of USB is the hot pluin abilit, which makes it possible to remove or add devices while the sstem is runnin without havin to reboot the computer. x The fewer USB devices that are connected to our DAW, the better the interface works. TRIO should not to be operated b a USB Hub or behind another USB device such as a printer or terminal. Your TRIO needs its own USB connection to the computer to ensure correct operation. USB 1.1 is used b man manufacturers and is absolutel sufficient for stereo use. The USB 1.1 interface (Full Speed USB) is full compatible with the USB 2 format (Hih Speed USB) and consequentl equipped for the future. With USB 1.1 bandwidth full duplex operation is possible (record while plain) a sstemdependent limitation onl takes places in the hih resolution 24bit/96kHz mode. The possible input/output confiurations can be selected in the driver menu. Enlish 17

18 10. Record/Monitor Mode Selector Located on the bottom panel of the T.R.I.OTM is a miniature four-wa DIP switch that serves to confiure recordin and monitorin busses. Thouh T.R.I.O is a device with two input channels, the two channels do not automaticall equate to a stereo setup. In purel stereo devices, channel 1 is alwas on the left; channel 2 is alwas on the riht. T.R.I.O is more flexible: You are free to route the mono as well as the stereo channel to the DAW input of our choosin and to determine to which side(s) of the headphones/speaker the are sent MIC/INSTR RECORD (1) Activate this switch to send the left side (= channel 1 of the recordin software) of the MIC/INSTR. channel s sinal to the left and riht sides of the recordin buss (sinal is routed to both channels simultaneousl) MIC/INSTR. MONITOR (2) Activate this switch to send the left side of the MIC/INSTR. channel s sinal to the left and riht sides (stereo center) of the monitor buss. This settin applies to PHONES, DIRECT OUT and SPEAKERS LINE RECORD (3) Activate this switch to send the riht side (= channel 2 of recordin software; possibl the mono composite) of the LINE channel s sinal to the left and riht sides (stereo) of the recordin buss. In the factor default confiuration, all four switches are set to ON = L/R. This means that the MIC/INSTR. sinal as well as the LINE sinal are sent to the DAW s input as well as to both sides of the headphones/speaker circuits. This ives ou flexible routin options for both sinals, for example, b simpl armin the desired DAW inputs. RECORD/MONITOR MODE SELECTOR settins appl to both the headphones, the DIRECT OUT and the speaker outputs. Dependin on DIP switch settins, ou ma encounter some interestin monitorin scenarios, for example, where the monitor sinal is audible on the left speaker onl. Thouh the RECORD/MONITOR MODE SELECTOR ma not mean much to ou now, it offers some ver convenient options that ou will come to appreciate later: Sa a uitarist wants to double a previousl recorded track: You can let him hear the canned track on the left side of the headphones/speaker sstem and the live recordin sinal on the riht. Another example: Sa ou want to record a uitar alon with a stereo effect enerated b a sinal processor. Simpl set all switches to ON (= default) to receive a sinal where the uitar is centered and the effect sinal is rendered in true stereo LINE MONITOR (4) Activate this switch to send the riht side (possibl the mono composite) of the LINE channel s sinal to the left and riht sides (stereo) of the monitor buss. This settin applies to PHONES, DIRECT OUT and SPEAKERS. 11. Other Features 11.1 POWER Switch Use the POWER switch on the left of the rear panel to switch T.R.I.O on and off. The INPUTS or OUTPUTS LED lihts up (dependin on switchin status) to indicate the device is powered up and runnin Mains Socket Use the external power suppl (wall wart) rated for 15 V alternatin current and 1700 ma power to connect T.R.I.O to the mains suppl. If the wall wart is lost or damaed, replace it with an oriinal x MindPrint replacement power suppl onl. Other power units can damae T.R.I.O. The oriinal MindPrint power suppl is available in authorized music stores and in the MindPrint Webshop at A clean power suppl is vital to ettin reat tone. This is wh T.R.I.O ships with a enerousl sized power unit desined to provide plent of power for the microphone input and the two headphones amps under an circumstances. 18

19 11.3 GND The GROUND screw is located below the mains socket. It works like the round screw of a record plaer. 12. Troubleshootin If ou encounter problems when ou re workin with T.R.I.O, run down the followin checklist. It will help troubleshoot errors. When a rounded device is connected to T.R.I.O (via a threeterminal non-heatin equipment mains cord), T.R.I.O rounds itself to this circuit. You ma hear a hummin noise if all the devices connected to T.R.I.O are powered b wall warts. For precisel this reason, T.R.I.O offers the nift option of roundin the device s chassis b means of a roundin cord connected to the GND screw. Are all external devices powered up, full functional and connected correctl? Are ou certain the cause is not a handlin error? Often enouh, the complete service department was in bi insurrection until it turned out that a broken fuse or a wron connection was the reason. The LED chain lihts up to indicate an incomin microphone sinal, but I can t hear anthin. Is the: MIC/INSTR. LEVEL knob in the monitorin section turned up? (see 3.1) MONITOR ON button enaed? (see 3.4) SPEAKERS A/B/C button enaed? (see 4.2) is there accidentall a jack in the INSERT RETURN? (see 1.9) MUTE button pressed? (see 1.6) The microphone sinal is audible, but I can t record it. Is the: REC VOL. knob of the microphone channel turned up? (see 1.5) ANALOG OUT LEVEL ADJUST knob turned down? (applies in case of an analo connection to the DAW onl; see 8.1) SYNC settins to DAW checked? (see 8.4) proper settin selected in the recordin software? The microphone sinal is audible on one speaker/headphones side onl. Is the: RECORD/MONITOR MODE SELECTOR on the bottom set to the correct position? (see 9.1) The record sinal is distorted. Is the: GAIN knob turned up too hih? (see 1.1/5.1) REC VOL. knob turned down too low? (see 1.5/2.5/5.1) Enlish The DAW s output is inaudible althouh visible. Is the: DAW ON button enaed? (see 3.5) ANALOG IN LEVEL ADJUST knob turned down? (applies in case of an analo connection to the DAW onl; see 8.2) SPEAKERS A/B/C button enaed? (see 4.2) proper settin selected in the recordin software? The line sinal is visible on the riht LED chain onl (Switch set to INPUTS): Onl the riht LED chain indicates the Line channel s input sinal, even if it s a stereo sinal (see 5.1). The AUX sinal is audible, but I can t record it: The AUX input addresses the monitor section ONLY and cannot be recorded connect the source ou want to record to the Line input! 19

20 13. Technical Specifications 13.1 Mechanical Data Dimensions (w x d x h) Device: 260 mm x 195 mm x 66 mm Power unit: Weiht Device: Power unit: 65 mm x 128 mm x 52 mm Electrical Data Mains input Power unit Primar: Secondar: 230 V AC/ 100 V AC/ 117 V AC 15 V 1700 ma 13.3 Inputs and outputs MIC IN: Port: XLR ( 1 = round; 2 = +; 3 = -) Input tpe: Input impedance: Min. input level: Max. input level: Gain control rane: Gain control rane: Peak amplification: Phantom power: Electronicall balanced & floatin 10 kohm -34 dbu (GAIN at peak settin, +12 dbu Speaker Out) -51 dbu (GAIN at peak settin, 0 dbu Speaker Out) 4 dbu (GAIN no hiher than 12 o clock) dbu = dbu input with compressor dbu = dbu input without compressor 30 db without compressor +48 VDC switchable INSTR. IN: Port: 1/4 jack ( tip = +; rin = -); Input tpe: Input impedance: Min. input level: MIC disabled when in use unbalanced 1 MeOhm -25 dbu (GAIN at peak settin, +12 dbu Speaker Out, - 3 dbfs) dbu (GAIN at peak settin, 0 dbu Speaker Out, -14 dbfs) Max. input level: +14 dbu (GAIN at 12 o clock) Gain control rane: Peak amplification: -18 dbu (GAIN at peak settin) db (-10 dbu to SEND, -29 dbu input, without compressor) 19 db LINE IN: Port: 1/4 jack ( tip = +; rin = - ) Input tpe: Input impedance: Min. input level: Max. input level: unbalanced 51 kohm 0 dbu (+12 dbu Speaker Out) -6 dbu (+6 dbu Speaker Out, -1 dbfs) + 21 db AUX IN: Port: RCA ( tip = +; rin = - ) Input tpe: Input impedance: Min. input level: Max. input level: unbalanced 51 kohm 0 dbu (+12 dbu Speaker Out) -6 dbu (+6 dbu Speaker Out, -1dBFS) + 12 db DAW IN: Port: RCA ( tip = +; rin = - ) Input tpe: Input impedance: Min. input level: Gain control rane: Max. input level: unbalanced 7 kohm 0 dbu (+12 dbu Speaker Out) db (0 db at 12 o clock) + 10 db (GAIN knob at 12 o clock) DAW OUT: Port: RCA ( tip = +; rin = -) Input tpe: Max. output imp.: Output level: Gain control rane: unbalanced 7 kohm 0 dbu (0 dbu LINE IN) db (0 db at 12 o clock) SPEAKERS OUT: Port: SPEAKER A 1/4 jack ( tip = +; rin = -) Input tpe: Output impedance: Output level: 1 SPEAKER B RCA ( tip = +; rin = -) SPEAKER C RCA ( tip = +; rin = -) unbalanced 47 Ohm 2 dbu (0 dbu LINE IN, MASTER Gain maxed, MONITOR Gain maxed) 20