AUDITION

M-AUDIO PROJECTMIX I/O

FIREWIRE CONTROL SURFACE AND AUDIO INTERFACE (MAC, PC)

by Stephen Fortner

WHICH PRO TOOLS? Digidesign owns M-Audio now, which begs the question, How easily can I use ProjectMix with Pro Tools? Its control surface features will work with any version via HUI emulation, but to get audio in and out of PT, you'll need the MPowered version that works with M-Audio interfaces. To create music for film or video (in Pro Tools, that is), go for a Digi 002 with PTLE instead, as M-Powered does not support Digidesign's DV Toolkit.
I was pleasantly surprised to get to know ProjectMix I/O, whose four-digit price feels more mid-market than the high-quality entry-level gear M-Audio is known for. You certainly wont see many computer recording solutions with moving faders for much less, though. Project Mix doesnt skimp on analog inputs: all have XLR and 1/4" balanced jacks, and a 1/4" guitar input for channel 1 is smartly located on the front. Dedicated word clock I/O is a nice some would say essential pro feature, and a footswitch input is for punching in and out. I used the control surface with Apple Logic, MOTU Digital Performer, and Digidesign Pro Tools on my Mac, then Steinberg Cubase SX and PT on my Windows laptop. While I needed some time with the online manual (a quick-start card comes in the box) to learn all the controls in each program, studying was handsomely rewarded. The PM handled like a controller built exclusively for whatever DAW I had running, from simple volume changes to writing passes of plug-in automation. Switching programs requires turning it off, then on again while holding down the right button. Thats easy enough, but possibly a workflow de-railer. The manual says to shut off your computer during this process, but on the Mac, I could get away with just putting it to sleep. Whatever you've heard about FireWire, do not hot-plug this rig: The digital noise burst ensuing from my attempt was by far the least enjoyable way Ive ever killed brain cells. Another word to the wise: your ProjectMix must be the last device in your FireWire chain; with only
one FireWire port to work with, youll figure it out pretty fast. As for sound thats supposed to come out, an A-B with my old faithful MOTU 1296, which still holds its own next to newer and pricier interfaces, was nano-close. After a lot of listening to everything from a 24-bit, 88.2kHz jazz recording Id made to low-bitrate MP3s, high-end transients and reverb tails seemed to have ever so slightly roomier living quarters in the ProjectMix. On the input end, mic inputs were low-noise and detailed, and Id have no qualms using them for anything in a demo or pop recording, though I might reach for a dedicated preamp to capture every nuance of an intimate vocal. Competition? The comparably-priced TASCAM FW-1884 has more I/O, including four MIDI ports and eight analog outs; four on the ProjectMix mean you cant hook it directly to a 5.1 powered-speaker setup. On the other hand, the Pro Mixs LCD scribble strip is on the unit itself where it belongs; on the FW-1884 its on the computer screen to keep costs down, requiring a precise lineup between the box and your monitor. The Pro Mix cant double as stand-alone digital mixer (unlike Yamahas O1X), but its 100mm skin-sensitive faders are superior. In a word, compatibility is ProjectMixs trump card, and its what pushes it into Key Buy territory. Its the box to buy if you use multiple applications, especially if you want to have Pro Tools as one of your options. It handles and sounds thoroughly professional, and should further elevate the recording worlds perception of M-Audio.

VITAL STATS

ANALOG INPUTS 8 channels, mic/line, XLR and 1/4" balanced. ANALOG OUTPUTS 4 channels, 1/4" balanced, 2 stereo headphone outs. DIGITAL I/O 8-ch. ADAT lightpipe, 2-ch. S/PDIF. MIDI In, out. DISPLAYS 2 line x 55 character LCD; 2-digit LED. AUDIO FORMATS CoreAudio (Mac); ASIO, DirectX, MME, WDM, GSIF2 (WinXP). PROGRAM TEMPLATES Steinberg Cubase, Digidesign Pro Tools, Apple Logic, Cakewalk Sonar. MOTU Digital Performer, Ableton Live 5. CLAIM CHECK M-Audio says, ProjectMix I/O is a centralized control surface and audio interface for any size studio. It exploits HUI, Mackie Control, Logic Control, and standard MIDI protocols, making it a perfect companion for any combination of software, even Pro Tools MPowered, since many musicians use a wide variety of programs when composing. Controlling software is only half the solution, so ProjectMix I/Os integrated audio interface completes the feature set, sporting multiple mic pres, line ins and outs, and digital connections. Any way you cut it, the ProjectMix I/O is a great value for the studio.

PROS Open, detailed sound quality. Tight, thorough control surface integration with all programs tested. Low-latency direct monitoring. Endless rotary knobs. CONS Power-down routine required to change modes. M-Audio software control panel cant be addressed by the physical faders at this time. M-Audio, www.m-audio.com. $1,599

GORY DETAILS

ProjectMix supports 24-bit recording at sample rates up to 96kHz. Though it wont do lightpipe and S/PDIF digital I/O at the same time, it will take eight channels of ADAT lightpipe alongside the eight analog ins. Add an 8-channel mic pre with ADAT out, and you can record 16 mic inputs at once; not bad! At 88.2 or 96kHz, lightpipe carries four channels, thanks to support of the SMUX protocol.

keyboard

03-2006

Introduction What's in the Bowx About ProjectMix I/O
Features and Technical Features
< Eight low-noise mic/instrument preamps with gain controls, signal and peak LED metering, phantom power and 66dB of available
< Eight XLR inputs < Eight analog inputs and four analog outputs on 1/4" TRS jacks < S/PDIF I/O on TOSLink optical or RCA coaxial connectors < Supports sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz < Two headphone outputs with selectable source and A/B controls < Software-assigned rotary encoder knobs for tactile control of monitor levels < 1 x 1 MIDI I/O

System Requirements

Important: The ProjectMix I/O is supported under Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later. It is not supported under Windows 2000, Windows 98 or Windows Me. Visit the Windows update web pages to make certain you have the most current updates and xes supplied by Microsoft.
On the Mac, the ProjectMix I/O is supported under Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later. Earlier versions of Mac operating systems are not supported.

Windows

< Pentium 3 800MHz or higher (may be higher for laptops) < 512 MB RAM < Windows XP (SP2) < DirectX 9.0c or higher < Available FireWire port or FireWire expansion card

Mac OS

< Macintosh G3 800MHz or G4 733MHz higher (may be higher for laptops) < 512MB RAM < Mac OS X 10.3.9 / 10.4.21 < Available FireWire port or FireWire expansion card
*G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported Before you begin, please conrm that your computer meets or exceeds all of the specications listed above. If your computer does not meet all of these requirements, the ProjectMix I/O may not function properly (or at all) with it. We also recommend that you check the minimum requirements of your DAW software as they may be higher.
Features and Technical Features System Requirements
Controls and Connectors Overview
Controls and Connectors Descriptions
1. Instrument Input Selector Switch (INST): The INST switch enables the front-panel instrument input (50) and allows you to connect an instrument-level input (guitar, bass, etc.) to this jack. The front-panel instrument jack shares its input with the rear-panel Channel 1 Line Input (52) which means that the ProjectMix I/O can receive a signal from only one of these input jacks at a time. To enable the frontpanel jack, press the INST switch to the down position. To disable the front-panel jack and enable the rear-panel Channel 1 Line Input, press the INST switch to the up position. The Gain 1 (2) control is used to adjust the record level.
NOTE: The MIC/LINE switch on input 1 must be in the LINE (down) position for the front-panel instrument input to work. If the MIC/LINE switch is in the up position, input 1 will receive signal from the XLR input on the back of the ProjectMix I/O, regardless of the setting of the INST switch.

53. Line Inputs (LINE INPUTS): Balanced line-level (+4 dBu) 14" analog inputs. These inputs are wired in parallel with their associated MIC INPUTS, and selected with the channel MIC/LINE switches (3). To use the Line Input jack as the input source for a channel, the corresponding MIC/LINE switch (3) must be in the down position. 54. Line Outputs (LINE OUT 1 4): Balanced +4dBu line-level outputs on 14" jacks. Two independent output mixes may be congured using Outputs 1 and 2, or Outputs 3 and 4, using the Control Panel for routing. See the Control Panel section for more information. 55. Word Clock In and Out (WORD CLOCK IN, OUT): Coaxial BNC connectors for input of external word clock signal from another device (input), or for output of the ProjectMix I/O word clock signal to another device (output). 56. S/PDIF In and Out (S-PDIF IN, OUT): S/PDIF coaxial digital input and also on RCA connectors. 57. ADAT In and Out (ADAT IN / OUT): Fiber-optic input and output to accommodate eight-channel ADAT digital lightpipe format. 58. Kensington Lock Port: This connector is compatible with Kensington security cables to protect your device from theft. 59. FireWire Input: FireWire (IEEE 1394) input for connecting the ProjectMix I/O to your computer. 60. Power Input: Connect the 12VDC power supply to this jack. 61. Foot Switch Input (FOOT SWITCH): Accommodates a standard momentary contact-closure footswitch on 14" connector. This input automatically detects the polarity of a connected footswitch upon power-up. 62. MIDI In and Out (MIDI IN / OUT): MIDI input and output on standard 5-pin DIN connectors.

Hardware Connections

Once the ProjectMix I/O driver software is installed and the unit is connected to your computer's FireWire interface, you can connect the rest of your gear to the ProjectMix I/O. (Refer to the printed Quick Start Guide enclosed in the ProjectMix I/O packaging for information about installing the driver software.) Pick the connection options from the list below that apply to the hardware in your studio.
< Speakers: Connect your main monitor speakers to line outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel of the ProjectMix I/O. LINE OUT 1 is the left
channel and LINE OUT 2 is the right channel. These are both line-level outputs, so you'll need to use powered monitors, such as the M-Audio BX8a's, or a combination of passive monitors and an amplier.
< Headphones: Connect headphones to either (or both) of the headphone outputs on the front right of the ProjectMix I/O. < Microphones: Connect microphones to the XLR jacks (MIC INPUTS) on the back panel of the ProjectMix I/O. Since the ProjectMix I/O has
phantom power, you can use dynamic or condenser microphones.
< Line-level signal: Connect line-level signals such as a drum machine, tape player, or keyboard to the 14" TRS input jacks on the back

Aux Channel The aux output channel contains controls for adjusting the aux bus, such as balance and volume, before it is sent to an output. You probably won't have to use this too often, but adjusting the volume here for example allows you to match levels when you're switching back and forth between the aux bus and main outputs with the A/B button. Headphone Outputs The two controls to the right of aux are for assigning audio to the two headphone outputs. By default, both headphone outputs are assigned to use the 1/2 bus as their source. Therefore, anything you hear on LINE OUTs 1 and 2 can also be heard on the headphones.
You can create two separate headphone mixes by assigning one of the headphone channels to monitor a different source, such as the 3/4 bus or the aux bus, using the small buttons under "mon" in these channels. You'll also notice that you have direct control of the headphone volume faders using the two headphone level knobs on the ProjectMix I/O control surface. Below the output channels are miniature meters for the software return and input buses. These mirror the levels on the mixer page.

Hardware Page

The hardware page is where you congure various options for the ProjectMix I/O audio interface (click the hardware tab to open this page). This window is divided into four sub-windows, described below:
Sample Settings Sub-Window (sample settings) The sample settings window has two parameters:
< Sample Rate (sample rate detected) is a display-only value that shows the current sample rate which is set within your digital audio

software.

< Buffer Size (ASIO/WDM buffer size) is only available for Windows users. In this eld, you can select the buffer size you wish to work with.
Smaller buffer sizes result in lower latency (the time it takes for your input signal to pass through your audio software and appear at the outputs), but may not function well with slower systems. The default buffer size setting is 256. This setting may adequately serve your purposes, but if you wish, you can experiment with lower settings. If you experience stuttering or crackling in your audio playback, try using a larger buffer size.
NOTE: On the Mac, buffer size adjustment is set within your DAW software. Sync Source Sub-Window (sync source) The four radio buttons in sync source select the clock source for the ProjectMix I/O:
< Internal Digital Inputs Muted Setting (internal digital inputs muted): This setting uses the ProjectMix I/O internal crystal as the
clock source and mutes the digital inputs. This is useful if you have digital equipment continuously connected to a digital input on the ProjectMix I/O. In this type of setup, if you switch to internal clock, the external gear will no longer be synchronized with the ProjectMix I/O resulting in a horrendous noise. In this situation, select "internal digital inputs muted" as your sync source.

When spdif output is selected, the digital output channels on the output page will appear as spdif outputs L and R. Monitoring Settings Sub-Window (monitoring settings)
< Disable ASIO Direct Monitoring Setting (disable ASIO monitoring): When this box is checked, the ProjectMix I/O will ignore any ASIO
direct monitoring commands received from the host audio application. This allows you to manually create a monitor mix in the mixer page which will not be affected by changes in the audio softwares settings. (This option is for PC users only.)
< A/B Switch Function Settings (a/b switch function): The following two radio buttons determine the function of the A/B switch on the
ProjectMix I/O surface: direct monitoring: The A/B switch will toggle the mute status of all the ProjectMix I/O audio inputs on and off. headphone out 1 A/B: Toggles the source of headphone output 1 between two selectable audio streams (labeled A and B). To select these A and B audio sources, click the set source button in the right of the text eld. Another window will open, allowing you to select from one of three sources for each of the A and B states: analog output 1/2, analog output 3/4, or aux bus. The aux bus selection is useful for creating a unique headphone mix.

Global Controls

The following controls are located on the right hand side of all pages of the Control Panel.
Mini-Meters (view) Meters view is a condensed view of the input and output volume meters, which can be left open while you are using your audio applications (the mini-meters window will oat above any other window on your screen). This provides a way for you to monitor the input levels of your recordings. The mini-meters may be displayed in horizontal and vertical orientation. Settings Options (settings)
The following settings options are available:
< save: Saves the current routing scheme into your computer's memory. < load: Loads a previously saved routing scheme. < reset: Resets all settings to their default values. < Delete: Deletes the current preset.
Level Controller Options (level controller)
The following radio buttons determine the function of the level knob on the ProjectMix I/O control surface:

NOTE: Many of Cubase's features consist of multiple pages of editing parameters. To move between multiple pages, hold the ALT button and press the tBANK or BANKu button. (In most cases of multiple-page parameter controls specic to Cubase, we have attempted to document the full range of editing parameters. (For example, the FX send and EQ parameters). However, many VST instruments and plug-ins can contain in excess of 50 pages of parameters; this, combined with the sheer number of plug-ins and VST instruments available, makes it nearly impossible to document them all. We have therefore focused this documentation on those control aspects specic to the program itself. We have not documented the functions that are obvious and covered elsewhere in this manual, such as channel faders, MUTE, SOLO, SEL, REC and transport buttons.) To change between pages press the ALT+tBANK or ALT+ BANKucombination.
How the ProjectMix I/O Control Surface Works with Cubase
Aux 1 Button (AUX 1): FX Send
Page 1: Encoders control aux send levels on selected channel Page 2: Encoders control aux send off/on on selected channel Page 3: Encoders control aux send pre/post on selected channel Page 4: Encoders scroll through the send assignments on selected channel
Aux 2 Button (AUX 2): Edit FX
Page 1: Encoder 1 scrolls through FX Encoder 2 turns selected FX off/on Encoder 3 selects which effect your encoders will edit
Page 2 and above: Encoders control parameters specic to individual plug-ins
Aux 3 Button (AUX 3): VST Instruments
Page 1: Encoder 1 scrolls through VST instruments Encoder 2 turns selected VST instruments off/on Encoder 3 selects a different VST instrument Page 2 and above: Encoders control parameters specic to individual VST instruments
Aux 4 Button (AUX 4): Master FX Edit
Page 1: Encoder 1 scrolls thorough master FX Encoder 2 turns selected master effect off/on Encoder 3 selects the master effect Page 2 and above: Encoders control parameters specic to individual master FX

Please note that this section does not cover the functions that are obvious and covered elsewhere in this manual, such as channel faders, MUTE, SOLO, SEL, REC and transport buttons.
How the ProjectMix I/O Control Surface Works with Logic
Aux 1 Button (AUX 1): Track Functions
Track Assignment Modes The AUX 1 button selects Assignment modes, which allow the editing of a number of global track parameters. Pressing the AUX button again toggles between all displayed channels and the individual parameters of the selected channel (Track Multi Channel view or Track Channel Strip view). The parameters in Track Multi Channel view include: Volume, Pan, Track Mode, Track Input, Track Output and Automation. In Track Channel Strip view, you get an overview of the most important track parameters: Volume, Pan, Instrument, Insert 1, Insert 2, Send 1 Level, Send 2 Level and Send 3 Level. Multi Channel View Track Multi Channel view allows you to edit a single global track parameter for all tracks: Volume, Pan, Track Mode, Input, Output or Automation. The parameter being edited will be displayed briey when switching to this mode.

< <

The 2-digit display shows "tr" (track). The upper row of the LCD shows track names. Audio2 Volume Audio3 Volume Audio4 Volume Audio5 Volume Audio6 Volume Audio7 Volume Audio8 Volume

Audio1 Volume

By pressing the CHAN INFO button, you can toggle the display mode and instead see the parameter values in the lower row: Audio1 +0.1dB Audio2 -1.8dB Audio3 +01.dB Audio4 -30.0 Audio5 +0.0dB Audio6 -50.2 Audio7 -24.7 Audio8 -1.2dB
The display variants for different modes toggle the same way in all Multi Channel Strip views. The following exemplies how they toggle in Value mode. However, their behavior will be virtually the same in other modes as well.
< Turning the encoder knobs change the associated track parameter. < Pressing the SHIFT + SEL button combination for one second sets the parameter value to its default value. < Arrow left and right buttons (t, u) switch to the next or previous track parameter. The selected parameter will be displayed
briey in the upper LCD row. Channel Strip View Track Channel Strip view allows you to edit the parameters listed above, for the selected individual track.
< The 2-digit LED display shows "tr" (track channel strip). < The upper row of the LCD shows the name of the track and the track parameters.
Track 1 "Audio 1" Volume +0.5dB Pan 0 Inst ES2 Ins.1 Dstrtn Ins.2 AutFlt

Tip: Ensure that the ZOOM button isn't active when using the arrow buttons.
Channel Strip View Send Channel Strip view allows you to edit all Send parameters for the selected track.
< The mode display shows "SE" (send channel strip). < The upper row of the LCD shows the name of the track, the sends, the page number and the total number of pagese. g. "Page
1/4." Track 1 Snd3Ds "Audio 1" Send 3 Snd3Ps Snd3Mt Sends Snd4Ds Send 4 Snd4Ps Page 1/2 Snd4Mt
< Encoder knob 1edits the Destination parameter of odd-numbered Sends.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 1 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 2edits the Level parameter of odd-numbered Sends.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 2 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 3edits the Position parameter (pre/post) of odd-numbered Send.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 3 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 4edits the Mute parameter of odd-numbered Sends.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 4 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 5edits the Destination parameter of even-numbered Sends.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 5 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 6edits the Level parameter of even-numbered Sends.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 6 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 7edits the Position parameter (pre/post) of even-numbered Send.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 7 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 8edits the Mute parameter of even-numbered Sends.
The value can be defaulted to 0 by pressing the SEL 8 button for one second.
< Use the arrow left and right buttons (t, u) to move from page to page.
Aux 3 Button (AUX 3): Built-In Channel EQ Functions
EQ Assignment Modes Press the AUX 3 button to toggle between the EQ Multi Channel view and EQ Channel Strip view. Pressing AUX 3 will automatically bring up the channel EQ in the channel strip even if another EQ is present in the channel strip. Multi Channel View EQ Multi Channel view allows you to edit one equalizer parameter for all tracks: Frequency, Gain, Q or EQ bypass. The EQ band number and parameter being edited will be displayed for one second when switching to this mode.
< The mode display shows "E1" to "E8," depending on the selected EQ band number. < Arrow up and down buttons (p,q) switch to the next or previous EQ band. < Arrow left and right buttons (t, u) switch to the next or previous EQ parameter. The selected parameter will be displayed briey

in the upper LCD row.

< The upper row of the LCD shows track names. < Turning the encoder knobs changes the EQ parameter. < When Flip mode is enabled, the MUTE buttons display and edit the current EQ band's bypass status.

Channel Strip View

< EQ Channel Strip view allows you to edit all EQ parametersin all bandsfor the selected individual track. < The mode display will show "EQ" (EQ channel strip). The upper row of the LCD shows the name of the track, the EQs, the page
number and the total number of pagese. g. "Page 1/2."
< Encoder knob 1edits the Frequency parameter of odd-numbered EQs.
< Encoder knob 2edits the Gain parameter of odd-numbered EQs.
< Encoder knob 3edits the Q parameter of odd-numbered EQs.
The value can be defaulted to 0 pressing the SEL 3 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 4edits the Bypass parameter of odd-numbered EQs.
The value can be defaulted to 0 pressing the SEL 4 button for one second.
< Encoder knob 5edits the Frequency parameter of even-numbered EQs.
< Encoder knob 6edits the Gain parameter of even-numbered EQs.
< Encoder knob 7edits the Q parameter of even-numbered EQs.
< Encoder knob 8edits the Bypass parameter of even-numbered EQs.
< The arrow left and right buttons (t, u) switch to the next or previous EQ band.
Aux 4 Button (AUX 4): Send Functions
Instrument Assignment Modes Press the AUX 4 button to switch to Instrument Multi Channel view.
Please note that when in Plug-In Edit view, pressing the AUX 4 button a second time switches to Instrument Edit view.
If you can't see the Audio Instrument channels, use the BANK or CHANNEL buttons in the Fader Banks zone of the ProjectMix I/O, or switch to Global view by pressing the AUX 4 button. (This assumes that you have created at least one Audio Instrument channel in the Environment Audio layer of Logic). Multi Channel View This mode shows the instrument insert slot (slot 1) for all channels.
< The mode display shows "In." < The upper row of the LCD shows track names. < The lower row of the LCD shows the currently selected Instrument. Bypassed instrument names are preceded by an asterisk. < Turning the encoder knobs pre-selects a new instrument. Until activated, the pre-selected instrument name ashes. To activate,
press and hold the already lit SEL button for that channel until Logic begins to load the new instrument.
< Turning another encoder knob will cancel any previous pre-selection and start pre-selection on the newly selected track.
To remove an instrument plug-in, pre-select the value of "--" (by turning the encoder knob all the way counterclockwise), and press the SEL button for one second. Logic Control will not switch to Instrument Edit view, and no plug-in window will be launched. If one was previously opened, it will be closed (if the chain icon is inactive).

Instrument Edit View

< The mode display will show "In." < Dependent on the CHAN INFO button, the LCD changes in the following ways: < CHAN INFO (LED blinking on)The upper LCD row shows the track's name, instrument name, current parameter page and total

number of parameter pages. The lower LCD row shows the name of the parameter edited with the encoder knob below it.
< CHAN INFO (LED off)The upper LCD row shows the name of the parameter edited with the encoder knob below it. The lower
LCD row shows the current value of the parameter edited with the encoder knob. If there is sufcient space left, the unit is appended.
< Turning the encoder knobs change the corresponding parameters and toggle between these values.
Aux 5 Button (AUX 5): Write key This is a global Write Automation key. Pan Buttons (PAN) Pressing the PAN button toggles between Pan/Surround Multi Channel and Pan/Surround Channel Strip views.
Channel Strip view for pan - Moves the pan control for the selected channel to encoder knob 1. Multi Channel view for pan - Allows each encoder knob to be the pan control for its associated channel. Channel Strip view for surround - Shows each surround parameter for the selected channel:
< Angle - This allows your encoder knob to pan the cursor around in a 360 degree circle. < Diversity - This allows the encoder knob to move the cursor toward and away from the absolute center of the room. < LFE - This encoder knob determines how much signal from this channel is sent to the LFE (Low Frequency Effect) output. < Mode - This allows you to select a different surround mode (5.1, 7.1, etc.) After selecting a different surround mode, hold down
the SEL button under the fourth encoder for one second to activate. Logic will then reect changes in the channel strip.
< X Position - Moves the cursor left and right. < Y Position - Moves the cursor up and down.
Multi Channel view for surround - Shows only the angle control for each surround assigned channel. This allows you to easily pan a channel in 360 degrees.

Plug In Button (PLUG IN)

Plug-In Assignment Modes Pressing the PLUG IN button toggles between Plug-In Multi Channel and Plug-In Channel Strip views.
Please note that there is one exception to this behavior: if you are in Instrument Edit view, pressing this button switches to Plug-In Edit view.

Select In Button (SEL IN) The SEL IN button works in the following ways with Pages 1-4:
Page One: Scrolls Output types on SELected channel. Page Two: Scrolls Output channels on SELected channel. Page Three: Scrolls Input types on SELected channel. Page Four: Scrolls Input channels on SELected channel.
Select Out Button (SEL OUT) Function is identical to SEL IN button.
Meter Button (MTR) This button activates the ProjectMix I/O channel meters, which show up as horizontal bar meters in the LCD display. Flip Button (FLIP) Press the FLIP button to switch the parameter assignment between the faders and the encoder knobs (i.e., the parameter assigned to the encoder knob is now controlled by the fader, and vice-versa). As the faders are touch-sensitive and the encoder knobs are not, assigning the encoder knob functions to the faders allows you to write smoother automation. Channel Information Button (CHAN INFO) Toggles Lives Clip/Track View pane between Clip and Track views. Set Up Button (SET UP) Press the SET UP button and follow the instructions on the LCD display to access the utility functions of the ProjectMix I/O. MIDI Button (MIDI) The MIDI button activates MIDI mode on the ProjectMix I/O and opens the built in MIDI application (see the section of this manual on MIDI Application). Pressing the MIDI button again puts the ProjectMix I/O back in to DAW Mode. Lock Button (LOCK) The LOCK button disengages the transport buttons (20-24). It does not affect the jog wheel (19). Loop Button (LOOP) The LOOP button activates and deactivates Loop mode. Nudge Buttons (t NUDGE u) The tNUDGE button moves the transport to the beginning of the track (HOME).
The NUDGEu button moves the transport to the end of the track (END).
Locate Buttons (t LOCATE u) The LOCATE (t / u) buttons move the transport to the previous or next assigned marker. Set Button (SET) Press the SET button to place a marker at the transports current location. In and Out Buttons (IN / OUT) The IN/OUT buttons toggle Lives Punch In and Punch Out switches, respectively. Window Button (WINDOW) The WINDOW button toggles between Arrangement and Session views. Arrow Buttons (t, p, u, q) In Arrangement view, the up/down (p, q) arrow buttons navigate through the tracks. In Session view, the four arrow buttons (t, p, u, q) navigate through channels and loaded sounds. Zoom Button (ZOOM) In Arrangement View, press the ZOOM button and then press the arrow buttons to zoom in and out. In Session View, press the ZOOM button to launch the selected Clip. Scrub Buttton (SCRUB) In Session View, this button will launch the selected Scene. Jog Wheel In Arrangement View, the Jog wheel scrolls the transport. In Session View, the Jog wheel will scroll up and down through the available Scenes.

Digital Performer Mode

To enter Digital Performer mode: Hold down the PAN button while powering on the unit. Digital Performer mode is conrmed on the LCD display when the ProjectMix I/O has initialized.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The ProjectMix I/O has been tested with Digital Performer version 4.6. A few known control surface bugs have been documented with earlier versions of Digital Performer, which may lead to erratic behavior. We strongly suggest upgrading to version 4.6; earlier versions of the program are not fully supported.
Setup: With the ProjectMix I/O in Digital Performer mode, open your Macs Audio MIDI setup (found under the Utilities menu). Select the MIDI Devices tab. Click on Add New Device and a new external device icon will appear. Double click on this icon to open its Properties page. Select Mackie from the drop-down Manufacturers list, and Mackie Control from the Model list; Mackie Control will appear in the Device Name eld. Clicking on the Icon browser will allow you to select a mixer icon.
Click Apply. Now click the Less Information arrow twice to view the properties page, which will display the MIDI settings information. Make your settings as shown in the screenshot below:
Drag and drop your MIDI connections between the ProjectMix I/O and Mackie Control icons, as shown below:
Now launch Digital Performer. Select Control Surface Setup from the SETUP menu. Under Driver, select Mackie Control. Under Unit, select Mackie Control. Under MIDI, select Mackie Control 1. Click Okay.
Your ProjectMix I/O is now ready to control Digital Performer. NOTE: In most cases, a single control on the ProjectMix I/O is mapped to a single function in Digital Performer. In the case of virtual instruments and plug-ins, sometimes multiple button presses will bring up different functions. Many virtual instruments and plug-ins can contain up to 50 pages of parameters or more; this, combined with the sheer number of plug-ins and virtual instruments available, makes it beyond the scope of this manual to document them all. We have therefore focused on the control aspects specic to Digital Performer itself. In addition, we have not included in this section control functions that are covered elsewhere in this manual, such as Channel Faders, Mute, Solo, Select, Record and Transport buttons. These controls operate in Digital Performer the same way as described earlier the section about the Pro Tools mode. NOTE: You may occasionally notice a delay of up to a full second after sending a command from the ProjectMix I/O before it is reected in Digital Performers GUI. This is due to the way Digital Performer interfaces with all control surfaces, and is considered normal behavior. AUX 1 Button

Do I Need To Change the MIDI Settings?
The ProjectMix I/O will always operate parameters on a receiving device when the MIDI settings of a controller on the ProjectMix I/O (knob, button etc) match the MIDI settings on the receiver. For example, if the rst fader on the ProjectMix I/O is set to Channel 1, CC 7, it will operate the parameter on the receiver that is also set to Channel 1, CC 7 (CC7 or continuous controller #7 is assigned to adjust volume by the MIDI Specication, so you can expect that if you assign a fader or knob on the ProjectMix I/O to CC7 it will control volume on the receiving device). So, in order for you to use the ProjectMix I/O as a MIDI control device, you need to set the channel number and parameter number of each controller you want to use to match the parameter settings of the receiver. You can choose to either adjust the settings of the receiving device so they match the ProjectMix I/O, or you can change the settings in the ProjectMix I/O to match those of the receiver (not all devices are adjustable, so in many cases you will need to make the setting changes on the ProjectMix I/O). With regard to plug-ins, virtual synthesizers and sound modules in your computer, technology has made communication between a controlling device and a receiver even easier with a function called MIDI Learn.

MIDI Learn

It is becoming standard for software applications to include a feature called MIDI Learn. This is, by far, the most convenient way to set up MIDI communication between two devices. In fact, it doesnt require you to change anything on the ProjectMix I/O. Instead, the program will match itself to any incoming MIDI messages it receives. While different programs implement this function in various ways, the general method to follow takes three steps. First, enable the MIDI Learn feature on the software. Second, click on the on-screen control that you want to assign, and nally, move the fader or knob (or press the button) on the ProjectMix I/O that you want to use. When you move or press the desired control on the ProjectMix I/O, the software receives these messages and instantly locks control of its parameter to the fader or knob youre adjusting. Repeat this simple process for every control on the ProjectMix I/O you want to assign. After youre nished and you disengage MIDI Learn, your settings are saved in the software. The default MIDI settings in the ProjectMix I/O give each separate control on the unit a completely unique MIDI assignment. Therefore, you can use the MIDI Learn function successfully by leaving the ProjectMix I/O at its default setting.

Reprogramming

If you want to control a DAW or other device that does not have MIDI Learn capabilities, you need to recongure the ProjectMix I/O to match the settings in the software or device. This is not difcult, but somewhat more involved than using MIDI Learn. First, you need to nd out how the parameters in the receiving device are assigned. This is usually spelled out in the users manual for the device or software. For instance, if you want to control the brightness lter on a synth, look at the MIDI Specication table commonly found at the back of the synths users manual. Once you have this information, pick a controller on the ProjectMix I/O and assign the same CC number to that knob or fader. If youve done it correctly, when you move the controller on the ProjectMix I/O, the parameter on the receiving device will change.

Warranty

Warranty Terms M-Audio warrants products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use and provided that the product is owned by the original, registered user. Visit www.m-audio.com/warranty for terms and limitations applying to your specic product. Warranty Registration Thank you for registering your new M-Audio product. Doing so immediately both entitles you to full warranty coverage and helps M-Audio develop and manufacture the nest quality products available. Register online at www.m-audio.com/register to receive FREE product updates.

Specications

Mic Inputs (A/D) Input Impedance Maximum Input Level at Minimum Gain Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk SNR Dynamic Range THD+N Frequency Response Preamp Gain Phantom Power 3.4k -3dBu, balanced < -110dB @ 1kHz -104dB, A-weighted 104dB, A-weighted 0.00188 % (-94.6dB) @ -1 dBFS, 1kHz 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB 55dB 48 Volts DC @ 16mA Headphone Output (D/A) 560k bal/280k unbal +14 dBu bal/+11.8 dBV unbal -100dB, A-weighted 100dB, A-weighted 0.00243 % (-92.3dB) @ -1 dBFS, 1kHz 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB @ 48kHz Supported Sampling Rates Analog Ports S/PDIF Digital I/O ADAT Digital I/O Line Inputs (A/D) Input Impedance Maximum Input Level at Minimum Gain Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk SNR Dynamic Range THD+N Frequency Response 20k bal/10k unbal +10dBu bal/+7.8dBV unbal < -110dB @ 1kHz -104dB, A-weighted 104dB, A-weighted 0.00243 % (-92.3dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB @ 48kHz Digital Parameters Converter Bit Depth 24 bits 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz. 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz. 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz. Maximum Output Working Range -2.9dBV at THD+N < 0.03% into to 600 Line Outputs (D/A) Output Impedance Maximum Output Level Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk SNR Dynamic Range THD+N Frequency Response 300 bal/150 unbal +10dBu bal/+1.8dBV, unbal < -109dB -110dB, A-weighted 110dB, A-weighted 0.00205 % (-93.8dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz 20Hz to 22kHz, +/- 0.1dB @ 48kHz 20Hz to 44kHz, +/- 0.2dB @ 96kHz
Instrument Input (A/D) Input Impedance Maximum Input Level at Minimum Gain SNR Dynamic Range THD+N Frequency Response

ProjectMix I/O

Tested to comply with FCC standards

FOR HOME OR STUDIO USE

051130_ProjMix_UG_EN01

Warranty Specications