Your new audio interface: DMX 6Fire USB.
Technology that will thrill you.
DMX 6Fire USBthe perfect audio system from
TerraTec for hi-fi fans, gamers and hobby musicians. The fantastic internal specifications include 24-bit/192 kHz, and the variety of connections feature four analogue inputs and outputs, gain-controlled connections for microphone (XLR, 1.4"/6.3 mm combo jack) and headphone, digital I/O (coaxial and optical), monitor level control, USB 2.0 connection and a MIDI I/O. All of this makes the DMX 6Fire USB the perfect sound delivery system for advanced gamers who want surround sound, as well as a valuable and versatile helper in the home studio. For everything you need to know about connections, see page 22.
Nerve centrethe software. So that you can explore the variety of technical possibilities without any difficulty, we have equipped the DMX 6Fire USB with an intuitive software mixer in which streamlined function, not graphical gimmicks, predominates. This keeps the Control Panel of the 6Fire clear and easy to understand at all times, making operation simple even for those with no previous knowledge. And, should something ever be unclear, this manual is guaranteed to answer any questions you may have. For everything you need to know about the DMX 6Fire USB Control Panel, see page 32.
The drivers provided for the DMX 6Fire USB, too, leave nothing to be desired. Our sophisticated software architecture guarantees trouble-free deployment in Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Windows Vista. The ASIO driversthoroughly proven throughout years of studio applicationallow the lowest possible latency between the software-based sound generation and audio output. For the details on driver use, please turn to page 27.
From opening the package to installation
Before connecting the DMX 6Fire USB with your computer, please note the details of your computer's configuration. Also refer to the manual of your computer and other studio peripherals for their settings. The installation should run without any problems, especially in recent systems. If you are experiencing difficulties all the same, please review carefully the relevant chapter in this manual. If you are still having problems, please call our service hotline.

Scope of delivery

Start by making sure that the contents of the package are complete. The DMX 6Fire USB package should contain the following items: 1 DMX 6Fire USB (the hardware) 1 network adapter 1 adapter (6.3 mm -> 3.5 mm, stereo) 1 adapter (6.3 mm -> 3.5 mm, mono) 1 USB cable (1.8 m) 1 installation CD (with detailed manual) 1 Quick Start Guide 1 customer service card 1 registration card with the serial number

Please fill out and return the enclosed registration card to us at your earliest convenience or register online at http://www.terratec.net/register.htm. This is important for support and hotline services.
Driver and Control Panel installationstep by step
Please follow the steps in the same exact order they appear here. Do not connect the DMX 6Fire USB to the computer until the point specified in the installation.

Which operating system?

Windows o The DMX 6Fire USB can be used with Windows XP (Service Pack 2) and Windows Vista only. Older Windows versions are not supported. Please ensure that you have applied the current service packs and updates to your Windows installation. Apple o MAC OS 10.4 and higher versions are supported.

Power supply

The DMX 6Fire USB is not bus-powered and thus cannot be used without a power adapter. Power supply via USB cable is feasible only for smaller USB devices; more complex systems like the DMX 6Fire USB require a separate power connection. Moreover, a power adapter provides much "cleaner" power than a USB port, which has a noticeable effect on sound quality. Therefore, connect the 6Fire to the power adapter provided.
Installing the DMX 6Fire USB driver in Windows XP
1. Before you start, ensure that your Windows XP version is up to date. Right-click the "My Computer" icon and choose "Properties" from the context menu. If you still have the default "Teletubbyland" desktop background image for XP, the following path will take you to the information you need: Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System. It is important for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2 for short) or Windows Vista to be installed on your computer. If this is not the case, please contact Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) to update your system. For Windows, this is generally free of charge. 2. After you insert the installation CD provided, the AutoStart program starts automatically. If AutoStart does not open, start it manually by double-clicking "Autorun.exe" in the CD's root directory. The "Installation" button in AutoStart installs the DMX 6Fire USB driver and the Control Panel in your operating system.
8 DMX 6Fire USB (English)
The installation wizard will now display its welcome message.
3. The default destination for the installation is specified in the following window. If you prefer another folder, select "Browse." and choose the corresponding directory. Then, click "Install".
4. You can disregard the following safety warning without concern. Click "Continue Anyway" to continue.
5. The driver is now installed in the system, and as soon as the message below appears, you can connect the DMX 6Fire USB to your computer's USB 2.0 port using the cable provided. Windows XP will automatically recognise the device as new hardware and open the driver installation dialogue.

1. After you insert the installation CD provided, the AutoStart program starts automatically. If AutoStart does not open, start it manually by double-clicking "Autorun.exe" in the CD's root directory. The "Software Installation" button in AutoStart installs the DMX 6Fire USB driver and the Control Panel in your operating system.
2. The installation wizard will now display its welcome message.
4. The driver is now installed in the system, and as soon as the message below appears, you can connect the DMX 6Fire USB to your computer's USB 2.0 port using the cable provided. Windows Vista will automatically recognise the device as new hardware.
The DMX 6Fire USB as a system audio device (Windows Vista)
To get started with the 6Fire, you have to select it as the default device in your operating system. Because in Windows Vista, a sound card consists only of inputs and outputs, you have to select the output to be used before playing back a file. The DMX 6Fire USB can log on to the system in either of two different ways. For more information, read the description of "Device Settings" on Page 35 Multi Channel: Open Start -> Control Panel -> Sound
1. Define "DMX 6Fire MC Out" as the default device by selecting the device and confirming with "Set default". Then, click "Configure" and follow point 2. Note: The green tick mark shows the selected output.
2. To test all 6 speakers, click the "Test" button. Then, you should hear a test signal from all connected speakers, one after the other. When you have connected all speakers, confirm with "Next". Note: You can also test the individual speakers. To do so, simply click the corresponding icon.
3. In the next menu item, you can select which speakers you want to use. Then, select the corresponding outputs by placing a tick mark. To continue, click "Next".
4. Now, select whether your speakers are full-spectrum speakers (usually 2 or 3-way speakers) or satellite speakers (treble and midrange) connected to a subwoofer. Then, continue with "Next".
Conclude the configuration by clicking "Finish".
Multi Device: Open Start -> Control Panel -> Sound
1. Define "DMX 6Fire Waveplay 1/2" as the default device by selecting the device and confirming with "Set default". Then, click "Configure" and follow point 2. Note: The green tick mark shows the selected output. Optionally, however, you can also use other devices (e.g. DMX 6Fire Waveplay 5/6).
2. To test all speakers, click the "Test" button. Then, you should hear a test signal from all connected speakers, one after the other. When you have connected all speakers, confirm with "Next". Note: You can also test the individual speakers yourself. To do so, simply click the corresponding icon. 3. Now, select whether your speakers are full-spectrum speakers (usually 2 or 3-way speakers) or satellite speakers (treble and midrange) connected to a subwoofer. Then, continue with "Next".

4. Conclude the configuration by clicking "Finish".
Installing the DMX 6Fire USB driver in MAC OS 10.4 or higher
Only Intel-based Apple computers are supported.
1. Insert the CD provided and open it using the CD / DVD symbol on your desktop.
2. A window with 3 folders opens. Please open the Software (a) folder and the Terratec (b) folder, each with a double click. (a) (b)
3. This contains the installation file *.dmg (a). Open the file and double-click on the *.mpgk (b) file to start the installation. Please follow the instructions given by the installation wizard to complete the driver and software installation. (a) (b)
4. After the installation, the DMX 6Fire USB Control Panel is located in your applications folder.

Updating the firmware

Thanks to software technology, updates to existing standards and new functions can be added to the DMX 6Fire USB without changes to the hardware by updating its so-called "firmware". Unlike DVD burners or other peripheral devices, you do not need to worry about installing the firmware. When a driver update is available, the firmware (where applicable) is included and installed together with the update.
The connections of the DMX 6Fire USB System
The DMX 6Fire USB audio interface offers you numerous connections for connecting professional studio peripherals and hi-fi devices. Following is a detailed overview of its technical and electrical characteristics: If you have any difficulties understanding the various connections, refer to our short cable tutorial in Appendix A, page 38 Front
1. Microphone jack (XLR-1/4" or 6.3 mm combo jack). This jack accepts both professional microphones equipped with an XLR connector and need phantom power (usually condenser microphones) and "normal" headphones, such as those on a headset. This jack is operated as an alternative to Line In 1 on the back and automatically reroutes the signal (auto priority) if an XLR or 1/4" (6.3 mm) plug is plugged into it. Line In 1 and 2 on the back are then switched off automatically. 2. Volume controller for the headphones. This should always be set to nilall the way to the leftwhen you put on the headphones, as otherwise it could get quite loud. You can always turn it up later. 3. Headphones connection. As stated above: turn the control all the way down before plugging in. The signal from Line Out 1/2 is always present at this jack. For more information, see the Software chapter. 4. Indicator LEDs for the microphone control. These LEDs are for visually monitoring the recording made with a microphone. Blue means "signal is present". If you see red, don't just sit thereturn down the gain control! Red means that the signal is clipping, causing distortion in the recording. 5. Gain controller for the microphone connector. Controls the preamplification of the signal present at the microphone input. The same rule applies here: control all the way down before plugging in the mic. 6. 48V phantom power. It is turned "on" when you connect a condenser microphone.

22 DMX 6Fire USB (English)
7. -20 dB pad switch. If the recording of the microphone is much too loud, set this switch to "on"the signal is then trimmed by 20 dB. 8. Indicator LEDs for gain control 2 (instrument input). Here, too, blue means "signal is present" and red "signal is clipping". 9. Gain controller for the instrument input. When a signal is present, turn it down until you no longer see the red LED. 10. Connector for guitar or bass. It can accept all high-impedance instruments without a detour through a preamp. This jack is operated as an alternative to Line In 2 on the back and automatically reroutes the signal (auto priority) if a 1/4" (6.3 mm) plug is plugged into it. Line In 1 and 2 on the back are then switched off automatically. 11. Indicator LEDs for the phono control. These indicate the signal from the record player you have connected to the PHONO IN jacks on the back of the 6FIRE. 12. Gain control for PHONO IN. Controls the gain of the input signal present at the PHONO IN jack on the back. 13. Control for the monitor signal. The DMX 6Fire USB has a "real" hardware monitor path, i.e. the input signals of inputs 1/2 (microphone / instrument or Line In 1/2) are tapped before the digital conversion and sent directly to the analogue output 1/2. There, they can be mixed into the output signal for these outputs (e.g. playback from the computer) without latency. 14. Optical digital In For connecting a digital source such as a CD player, DAT recorder or another PC via fibre-optic cable. 15. Optical digital Out Select this output to send digital data from your PC to another digital device via fibre-optic cable. 16. Coaxial digital In For connecting a digital source such as a CD player, DAT recorder or another PC via cinch (RCA) plug. 17. Coaxial digital Out Select this output to send digital data from your PC to another digital device via a cable with cinch (RCA) plugs. Back
1. Connector for the external power adapter 2. USB 2.0. Connect this port to your computer's USB 2.0 jack. 3. MIDI IN. You can connect equipment such as a controller keyboard or digital piano to this jack. Use a 5-pin DIN cable to your keyboard's MIDI OUT. 4. MIDI OUT. This is connected to the MIDI IN of your expander, synthesiser or other MIDI device. 5. Earth. Connect your turntable's earth cable here to prevent "hum". 6. PHONO IN. For directly connecting a turntable. 7. LINE IN 1/2, 3/4. Two analogue cinch (RCA) connector pairs for line level sources such as tape decks, tuners or synthesisers. 8. LINE OUT 1/2, 3/4, 5/6. Three analogue output pairs for active speakers/amplifiers or a mixer. The analogue outputs operate with music-compatible levels of 2.5 Vrms. Thanks to Microsoft, the analogue output pairs are arranged as follows: Line Out 1/2: Front Left / Front Right Line Out 3/4: Centre / Subwoofer Line Out 5/6: Rear Left / Rear Right

Analogue outputs

LINE OUT 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 (Back) The back of the DMX 6Fire USB has six high-quality analogue mono outputs (or three stereo pairs) configured as cinch jacksjust like the ones on your turntable, TV or hi-fi system. The individual connectors or connector pairs are controlled using the 6Fire's Control Panel; only the overall level, that of the "Main Out", can also be controlled using the old Windows mixer. You can connect your active speakers, your 5.1 system's speakers or your mixer to these ports. At full output, 2.5 Vrms are present here.
Headphone output (front) The front of the unit features the headphone output (1/4" or 6.3 mm phone jack), above which is a gain control that you can use to control the volume. This output always has the same signal as output 1/2, which can be set to any signal. Do yourself, and your hearing, a favourbefore switching on the unit, check the position of the gain control or turn it all the way down at first. Your ears will thank you! By the way, it's no coincidence that we've put the headphone output right next to the microphone inputthis allows you to conveniently plug in your headset. Drivers The DMX 6Fire USB can log on to the system in either of two different ways. For more information, read the description of "Device Settings" on Page 35 Multi-channel: here, all of the outputs are grouped in a multi-channel device. The relevant driver is called "DMX 6Fire MC Out". The channels can be addressed individually using common audio applications. Multi-device: here, the outputs are registered on the system as separate devices, and the drivers are then called "DMX 6Fire Waveplay 1/2, DMX 6Fire Waveplay 3/4, DMX 6Fire Waveplay 5/6 and DMX 6Fire Digital Play". For more information on drivers, turn to page 27.

Analogue inputs

MIC INPUT (Front) The front of the DMX 6Fire USB has a combo jack that can accept both phone plugs (1.4"/6.3 mm) and the XLR plugs commonly used for microphones. However, note that this input is intended solely for connecting a microphone, not for line-level signals. Condenser microphones usually require an additional 48 volts of phantom power for operation. To provide it, set the left switch under the "GAIN 1" controllabelled "48V"to ON. If you are not sure whether your microphone needs this additional power supply, please refer to the corresponding manual. Though an accidental switch-on usually does no harm, it is best to avoid it if possible. The input sensitivity is controlled using the "GAIN 1" knob. The blue LED indicates when a signal is present, and the red LED illuminates if the signal is clipping. If this happens, turn the knob down a little. If your microphone is so sensitive that you have to turn the gain control very far down, you can also lower the signal by 20 dB using the "PAD" switch. It is located below the "GAIN 1" control on the front of the 6Fire's housing. If you have connected a microphone, the "LINE IN 1+2" input pair is disabled. In this case, you can use either the "MIC IN" and/or "INSTRUMENT IN" on the front or "LINE IN 1+2" on the back. Despite this, you never have to go without an analogue input: "LINE IN 3+4" is available at all times. Instrument input (front) This input, a 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo jack, is marked with a guitar symbol. As the symbol indicates, this jack is for connecting high-impedance instruments such as an electric guitar or bass. There are active basses that have a battery and thus do not need a "Hi-Z" input, as this connector is sometimes called. LINE IN 1/2, 3/4 (back) The back of the DMX 6Fire USB system is equipped with four high-quality analogue cinch (RCA) mono inputs. You can connect line-level devices here. These include, for example, outputs from tape decks, synthesisers or the AUX or tape send of a mixer. IN 3/4 is operated as an alternative to the PHONO IN; you can toggle between them in the Control Panel. Simultaneous operation is not possible. PHONO (Back) This input has a special phono preamp with software-supported RIAA equalisation for turntables. The equalisation compensates for the undesirable effects (such as increased treble and weak bass) of the needle's limited deflection of the needle, as otherwise the sound would be distorted. This is also why a turntable needs a special inputif connected to the "normal" inputs, it would be too quiet and have an unnatural sound.

26 DMX 6Fire USB (English)
PHONO is operated as an alternative to the analogue input "LINE IN 3/4"; you can toggle between them in the Control Panel. Simultaneous operation is not possible. Drivers The inputs are viewed as stereo pairs (1/2, 3/4). There, the drivers are called "DMX 6Fire Input 1/2" or "DMX 6Fire Input 3/4". Normally, you can also use both channels in mono in common audio editors. For more information on drivers, turn to page 27.
Digital interface (S/PDIF)
At the coaxial and optical digital interface (cinch/RCA jacks and fibre-optic cables), you can connect devices that work with the S/PDIF protocol. These include DAT recorders and a wide range of HiFi components, as well as other computers. There are two separate coaxial (cinch) and optical jacks (TOS link) for recording and playback. However, both formats cannot be occupied simultaneously; you have to select the input format you want to use in the Control Panel. On the output side, the same signal is present at both jacks. The interface can send and receive sample rates of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. The corresponding driver for recording is called "DMX 6Fire Digital In", and the one for playback is called "DMX 6Fire Digital Play". Synchronisation. When recording from a digital source, make sure that the sampling rates of both devices (e.g. DAT recorder and DMX 6Fire USB) are synchronised. The S/PDIF protocol contains a signal for this purpose. If another digital signal is present than the one configured in the "Clock Settings," a sample rate conversion takes place in which the external signal is adapted to the internal clock.

MIDI Interface

A MIDI I/O is located on the back of the device, and is used for connecting correspondingly equipped peripherals such as MIDI keyboards, DAW controllers and many other devices. The cables for MIDI connections are always connected "crosswise," meaning OUT to IN and vice-versa.

Drivers

The Windows drivers
The DMX 6Fire USB audio interface features a range of drivers for a variety of applications. The audio drivers support all bit rates between 8 and 32 bits with all common sample rates between 32 and 192 kHz. (Digital I/O up to 96 kHz)

The MME wave driver. Multi-channel mode In most Windows programs, you will encounter drivers with the designation "DMX 6Fire MC Out" for recording and playback. This is a multi-channel driver that signals all six analogue output drivers to the operating system as one multi-channel driver. This is the standard operating mode for WDM drivers, and is routed back to the physical outputs by corresponding software. The digital driver is available separately, with the designation "DMX 6Fire Digital Out". Multi-device mode In this operating mode, all output pairs are registered on the system as separate drivers. They are found under the names "DMX 6Fire Waveplay 1/2, DMX 6Fire Waveplay 3/4, DMX 6Fire Waveplay 5/6, DMX 6Fire Digital Play". This allows you to, for example, access the same hardware with multiple programs at once via different drivers. You can listen to music from Winamp via output 1/2 and send music from Media Player to another room via output 3/4. Loopback The DMX 6Fire USB offers an additional, special recording driver that allows you to simultaneously record every signal that is played back through the device. This driver is called "DMX 6Fire Loopback". You can use it to record signals such as streaming Internet audio or podcasts. The ASIO driver and the ASIO Control Panel The abbreviation ASIO stands for "Audio Streaming Input Output" and refers to a 32-bit driver model developed by Steinberg. The advantage of the ASIO driver is the extremely low audio recording and playback delay times, also known as latency. Values significantly under 10msand less than 4 ms on fast, cleanly-configured systemsat sample rates exceeding 96kHz are quite realistic. The format also supports sound cards with multiple inputs and outputsso-called multi-I/O cardsas well as direct monitoring and multiclient mode (ASIO 2.0 or later). Programs that make use of Steinberg's ASIO interface indicate in the corresponding dialogues the ASIO drivers under "DMX 6Fire USB ASIO".
Device configuration in Cubase 4 The inputs and outputs (generally called "buses" or "channels") available in the individual programs are called "DMX 6Fire In 1, DMX 6Fire In 2, etc. and DMX 6Fire Out 1, DMX 6Fire Out 2" etc.
ASIO audio connections in Cubase 4
The MIDI driver For the recording and playback of MIDI data via the MIDI IN and OUT jacks, a separate driver is available. You can select these drivers, called "DMX 6Fire MIDI In" and "DMX 6Fire MIDI Out" in the system, wherever it makes sense to use them, such as in sequencer software or MIDI players. Practical tip: If MIDI files, which can be played back using Windows' media players, are also to be transferred to externally connected devices, open the "Sounds and Multimedia Properties" dialogue window from the Windows Control Panel and set the "MIDI Music Playback" device to the driver mentioned above.

In detailspecial properties of the drivers.
DirectSound & WDM It goes without saying that the drivers of the DMX 6Fire USB also support Microsoft's DirectSound or DirectSound 3D interface. What's more, the software complies strictly with Microsoft's WDM specification. For example, the drivers are able to play back audio data streams from multiple applications in parallel (multi-client, a "luxury" that faithful TerraTec customers have enjoyed since 1997). You can also run WDM and ASIO drivers in parallel. Unlike MME drivers, WDM (Windows Driver Model) drivers are based on 32-bit architecture. It is also the basis for advanced interfaces such as "ASIO" or "Direct-X". WDM sample rate (SR) interpolation The multi-client capability of the WDM architecture also permits the simultaneous playback of multiple audio data streams with differing sample rates. The sampler frequency used for all streams is based on the file called up first. All further data streams those called up during the run time of the first fileare interpolated as required and their pitch is not affected. Note: Unlike PCI cards, the DMX 6Fire USB cannot automatically synchronise the required sample rate. Select the sample rate manually using the drop-down menu in the Control Panel to avoid a sample rate conversion. The sample rate set in the control panel will always be applied. A sample rate conversion/interpolation does always result in a certain loss of quality, however. You should therefore ensure that you do not use several programs simultaneously with differing sample rates for applications in which the highest possible audio quality is vital. For example, it's best to only have the playback software running when transferring a piece of music at 44.1 kHz to a DAT recorder.
WDM kernel streaming WDM kernel streaming also represents a new technology for Microsoft. Like established models such as Steinberg's ASIO interface, kernel streaming is designed to provide extremely fast access to audio hardware, bypassing the mixer for direct hardware access. Thus the name "kernel streaming"the kernel of the Microsoft Windows operating system permits the audio data to stream directly through. This extension of the WDM format was designed after a proposal by Cakewalk and is now officially recognised by Microsoft. The deployed software (such as audio/MIDI sequencers or software synthesisers) must support the WDM function directly, however. One of these programs, for example, is the "Sonar" recording software produced by the Cakewalk company.

The Control Panel

The Control Panel isbeside the driversby far the most important piece of software in the package. Here, depending on the requirements of each situation, you can have total control of the audio interface, reduce volumes, route inputs to any output, set the Master Clock values or toggle the analogue inputs 3/4 between PHONO and LINE. The Control Panel is quite intuitive and should not present beginners with major problems. Nevertheless, the following section contains a number of explanations of the individual function blocks.
The control panel for Windows XP and Windows Vista.
The control panel for MAC OS 10.4 or higher.
Volumes The digital mixer works like any other mixer, i.e. you can adjust the volume of each signal present relative to the others. To do so, "grab" the fader using the mouse and slide it up or down. A separate fader is available for each mono channel. The individual channels can be joined using the switchable stereo link function. If this is switched on, you can move both faders simultaneously using the mouse. This does not affect the actual level control of the signals when recording; this is done using the GAIN controls (MIC/INST/PHONO) or the level control of the signals present (LINE IN). Each channel has a Mute button; if the channels are linked, you only have to click on one of the Mute buttons to mute both channels.
Note: If you are working with common audio/MIDI sequencers, you should also use this software for volume control. The advantage: the settings are usually saved together with your project (song, arrangement etc.). Signals INPUT 1/2 The controls for the analogue input pair 1/2 (MIC/INST IN on the front or LINE IN 1/2 on the back) of the DMX 6Fire USB. INPUT 3/4 The controls for the analogue input pair 3/4 (LINE IN 3/4 or PHONO) of the DMX 6Fire USB. You can use the two buttons to select the desired input. DIGITAL IN The controls for the digital input on the front of the DMX 6Fire USB. Here, select whether you want to use the optical or coaxial output. WAVEPLAY 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 Here, control the volume of the signals output from the computer via the drivers. DIGITAL PLAY Here, control the volume of the digital signals output from the computer via the drivers. Routing Using the small buttons "1/2, 3/4, 5/6, D" under the LINK button, you can route the signals present to any analogue input pair you want, as well as to the digital output pair. You can also place multiple signals to one and the same output or route one signal to multiple outputs. Go ahead and experiment a littlehowever, this makes sense only if the relevant outputs have speakers.

DMX 6Fire USB (English) 35
signals, resulting in a full, well-rounded soundscape. Output 1/2 is activated exactly as usual, and the signal is also mirrored to output 5/6; output 3 has a combined mono signal for the centre speaker, and a frequency-corrected subwoofer signal is sent to output 4. Attention: In surround mode, the settings configured in the mixer are disabled. Scenes Simply save all of your control and fader settings at the click of a button and reload them whenever you need them.
Scenes Miscellaneous ASIO
To open the ASIO panel, click the "ASIO" button (on the right-hand side of the Control Panel). Use the check box to adjust the latency (i.e. the delay between striking a key or a MIDI event and the output of the sound). If the value is too low (and the sample rate too high), this will negatively affect the performance of your overall systema more powerful computer will support a lower latency setting. With a fast system, you should achieve values of less than 5ms at 96kHz without problems. "Without problems" means that you will not detect any dropouts during audio recording or playback. If such dropouts occur,
increase the latency. Further options are generally available on the relevant panels of ASIO applications such as Cubase, Wavelab etc.
The About page of the DMX 6Fire USB Control Panel gives you all of the relevant facts on your Control Panel, audio drivers, firmware version and operating system. Note: you can select the contents with your mouse and copy it to the clipboard. This is a convenient feature for a quick description of your system for support requests. As usual, MAC users will find this information in the top menu bar under DMX 6Fire USB.
Appendix A Short cable tutorial
XLR, cinch (RCA), stereo plug, miniplug, optical, coaxialthese terms are not immediately understood by everyone, so the following is a short, illustrated cable tutorial. Before we begin, one thing is fundamentalnever skimp on your investment in good cables and plugs. 1/4" (6.3 mm) phone plug This is the standard for guitars, basses, synthesisers, effects units and professional speaker inputs and outputs. The 1/4" or 6.3 mm (6.35 mm, to be exact) refers not to the length of the plug, but to its shaft diameter. It exists in both a mono and a stereo versionthe stereo phone plug is identified by its second small separating ring. The mono phone plug transmits asymmetrical signals exclusively.
1/8" (3.5 mm) miniplug The small version of the phone plug is used primarily in computers and sound cards, especially for headphones and microphones.

XLR XLR stands for "Xternal Live Return". XLR connectors are used for microphones, AES/EBU and speaker cables (in professional applications). The three-pin plugs and jacks are most commonly used, but four-pin and five-pin versions also exist (e.g. for lighting control data or for transmitting timecodes). XLR plugs have many advantages. Most feature a locking mechanism that prevents them from being unplugged accidentally, and eliminates unpleasant pops when plugging them in (because the earth always makes contact first). Finally, unlike phone plugs, they can be used to carry symmetrical signals. To do so, two signal lines with equal, but reversed voltage is used, so that outside interference that consists of homopolar voltages is eliminated. In layman's terms, XLR connectors are less susceptible to interference and thus are primarily used in the professional field.
XLR left: plug, right: jack
Cinch or RCA The name probably comes from the US-based company "Cinch Connectors", who initially were the main producers of this type of plug. Another explanation would be the word "cinch" itself, which means "a firm grip". These plugs have been in use in the USA since the 1940s and are usually found on coaxial cables (asymmetrical two-core lines for transmission of high-frequency signals), as commonly used on stereo systems or in video applications. In the computer field, they are primarily used for cabling active speakers and digital devices.
Cinch plug Optical cables These cables use light waves to transmit the signal, with the advantage that interference from electromagnetic fields cannot affect the signal quality, and ground loops are prevented. However, only rather short distances of up to 1.5 meters can be covered longer cables are almost impossible to find on the market. Optical connections are to be preferred to digital coaxial connections.

Optical cable

MIDI cables Cables with five-pin DIN plugs are used for MIDI connections. Germans of a certain age may remember that these plugs were once used in that country to transmit audio signals (while in the USA, cinch/RCA plugs have long been used for this purpose).

5-pin DIN plug

Appendix B Technical data
Specifications External USB 2.0 audio system 1 microphone input with gain control (combo XLR / 6.3 mm jack) 48V phantom power - 20 dB pad switch 1 instrument input with gain control (6.3 mm jack) 4 analogue inputs (cinch) 1 phono input (RCA cinch) with RIAA equaliser and gain control 6 analogue outputs (cinch) 1 headphone jack (6.3 mm jack) with separate volume controller 1 coaxial digital input (cinch) 1 coaxial digital output (cinch) 1 optical digital input (TOS Link) 1 optical digital output (TOS Link) 1 MIDI interface In/Out (5-pin DIN) analogue recording and playback with up to 24 bit/192 kHz resolution digital recording and playback with up to 24 bit/96 kHz resolution digital interface for S/PDIF, AC3 and DTS formats 24 bit / 192 kHz A/D converter with 114 dB (A) SNR* (inputs 1/2) 24 bit / 192 kHz A/D converter with 105 dB (A) SNR* (inputs 3/4) 24 bit / 192 kHz D/A converter with 114 dB (A) SNR* (outputs 1-6)

* specifications of the converter used
Software WDM driver for Windows XP SP2, Vista ASIO 2.0 support Windows only Multiclient support ASIO and WDM Windows only WDM Kernel Streaming (e.g. Sonar)Windows only MME and DirectSound support Windows only Control panel for Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista and MAC OS 10.4 or higher
System requirements / recommendations Requirements Windows XP SP2, XP X64, Vista or Vista X64 MAC OS 10.4 or higher Intel-based Apple computer 256 MB RAM 1.4 GHz CPU or higher 1 available USB 2.0 interface CD/DVD drive (to install drivers/software)
Recommendation Windows XP with ServicePack MB RAM 2 GHz CPU

Nettetal, September 2008

Mac support included now! The Sound Card Specialist TerraTec Offers a New Optimized Audio Box - DMX 6 Fire USB
A legend returns Mac support included! The Nettetal-based audio card specialist TerraTec Electronic is set to relaunch the popular 6fire audio board, albeit in a revamped, optimized USB solution. DMX 6 Fire USB is the perfect outboard audio system for musicians, DJs, and gamers with high standards for quality. The unofficial successor to DMX 6Fire 24/96 has been overhauled completely and now delivers even more powerful performance. Rather than a PCI plug-in, it features an up-to-date USB 2.0 port, and instead of 24-bits and 96 kHz, it now offers 24 bits and 192 kHz. DMX 6Fire USB costs 199 euros. Designed for the consumer market, this sound box will also delight home studio owners with its four analog inputs and six analog outputs in RCA format, as well as a digital I/O (optical and coaxial). This configuration provides high-fidelity audio and well over 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Equipped with a microphone input (XLR/ combo jack) featuring switchable 48 V phantom power, a -20 dB pad switch, and a dedicated gain knob, DMX 6fire USB enables highest quality professional recordings. It also offers a separate adjustable input for instruments such as guitar and bass. A hardware monitoring setup lets users route input signals directly to the output and audition signals with zero latency. A MIDI interface and a headphones output round out this audio cards array of connections.
DJs also get what they need simply plugging the record player into the phono jack (with preamplifier) is all takes to get going. Monitor knobs let DJs audition tracks before they spin them. Microphone (1/4 jack or XLR, with a mini jack adapter) and headphones inputs are sited side by side. Users will find it easy to connect a headset for announcements and use Internet telephony services. Gamers are sure to enjoy these and other features such as 5.1 Surround sound, and stereo sound even if the game does not supply a stereo signal. DMX 6Fire USB is able to convert mono input signals into stereo.
Keyfeatures: 1 microphone input with gain knob (XLR / 6.3 mm/ jack combo) 48V phantom power -20 dB pad switch 1 instrument input with gain knob (6.3 mm/ jack) 4 analog inputs (RCA connector) 1 phono input (RCA connector) with an RIAA equalizer and gain knobregulator 6 analog outputs (RCA connector) Stereo to 5.1 Surround expander 1 headphones output (6.3 mm/ jack) with separate volume control 1 optical digital I/O (TOS link) 1 coaxial digital I/L (RCA connector) 1 MIDI interface I/O (5-pin DIN) 24-bit / 192-kHz A/D converter with 114 dB SNR (inputs 1/2) 24-bit / 192-kHz A/D converter with 105 dB SNR (inputs 3/4) 24-bit / 192-kHz D/A converter with 114 dB SNR (outputs 1-6)
Youll find this text at www.terratec.de in the press pages. Press contact: Christoph Mllers
PR Konstant Phone: +49 (0) - -0 Fax: +49 (0) - 75 E-mail: muellers@konstant.de Internet: www.terratec.com und www.konstant.de
Launched in 1994 in the Rhine region town of Nettetal, TerraTec Electronic swiftly made major inroads in its target markets. Today the company is the German TV, video and audio card maker and one of Europes premier multimedia enterprises. The companies portfolio encompasses offerings ranging from professional PC audio systems to TV / video solutions and hi-fi consumer products. As technology trendsetter, TerraTec charts the course of innovation in wireless home entertainment products, internet radios and digital television solutions for PCs and notebooks.