Presonus Audio electronic Recording Equipment PreSonus 2008 User Manual

F IR E S T U D IO  
L IG H T P IP E  
24-bit/96k Recording Interface  
w/ 32 channels of ADAT i/o  
User’s Manual  
Version 1.1  
© 2008, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.  
All Rights Reserved.  
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TAB LE O F C O N TEN TS  
1 OVERVIEW  
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 3  
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................................................ 4  
1.3 What is in the Box ................................................................................................................................. 5  
1.4 System Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 6  
2 OPERATION  
2.1 Quick Start Up ....................................................................................................................................... 7  
2.1.1 Installation in Microsoft Windows .................................................................................................. 7  
2.1.2 Installation in Mac OS X ................................................................................................................ 9  
2.2 Sample Hookup Diagram ..................................................................................................................... 12  
2.2.1 Connecting Your Digital Mixer ....................................................................................................... 12  
2.2.2 Using the FireStudio LightPipe with Multiple DigiMax D8 ............................................................. 13  
2.2.3 Mobile Recording Rig .................................................................................................................... 14  
2.3 Digital Connections & Synchronization ................................................................................................. 15  
2.3.1 What is ADAT Optical? ................................................................................................................ 15  
2.3.2 What is S/MUX? .......................................................................................................................... 15  
2.3.3 BNC Sync & Word Clock .............................................................................................................. 15  
2.3.4 Master/Slave and Multiple Digital Devices .................................................................................... 16  
3 CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS  
3.1 PreSonus FireStudio LightPipe Mixer Software ................................................................................... 17  
3.1.1 FireStudio LightPipe Mixer Application Icon ............................................................................... 18  
3.1.2 FireStudio LightPipe Mixer Hardware Settings ............................................................................ 18  
3.1.3 FireStudio LightPipe Mixer ......................................................................................................... 20  
3.2 Front Panel Layout .............................................................................................................................. 23  
3.3 Back Panel Layout ............................................................................................................................... 24  
4 TECHNICAL INFORMATION  
4.1 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................... 26  
4.2 Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 27  
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O VER VIEW  
1.1 INTRODUCTION  
Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus FireStudio LightPipe. PreSonus Audio Electronics has designed the  
FireStudio LightPipe utilizing high-grade components to ensure optimum performance that will last a lifetime.  
The PreSonus FireStudio LightPipe is a 24-bit/96k ADAT lightpipe to FireWire computer recording system for  
both PC and Macintosh computer systems. The FireStudio LightPipe allows you to convert up to 32 channels of  
ADAT optical lightpipe input/output to FireWire providing a multi-channel computer interface for digital  
mixers, AD/DA converters or ADAT recorders. FireStudio LightPipe features JetPLL jitter elimination  
technology for ultra tight synchronization and improved imaging and clarity along with a 34x4 DSP matrix  
mixer allowing you to create dual zero-latency monitor mixes. Fast-acting input/output LED meters are located  
on the front panel for quick and easy visual monitoring of all signals. Whether you’re recording live shows with  
a mobile rig or an entire orchestra in a studio, the FireStudio LightPipe is the perfect solution for your  
professional recording needs.  
We encourage you to contact us at 225-216-7887 or techsupport@presonus.com with any questions or  
comments you may have regarding your PreSonus FireStudio LightPipe. PreSonus Audio Electronics is  
committed to constant product improvement, and we highly value your suggestions. We believe the best way to  
achieve our goal of constant product improvement is by listening to the real experts, our valued customers. We  
appreciate the support you have shown us through the purchase of this product.  
We suggest you use this manual to familiarize yourself with the features, applications and correct connection  
procedure for your FireStudio LightPipe before trying to connect it to your computer. This will hopefully  
alleviate any unforeseen issues that you may encounter during installation and set up.  
Thank you, once again, for buying our product, and we hope you enjoy your FireStudio LightPipe!  
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O VER VIEW  
1.2 FEATURES  
The FireStudio LightPipe is a powerful and affordable computer recording system complete with everything  
needed for real-world recording applications. The FireStudio LightPipe comes complete with 4 ADAT/Dual  
SMUX, MIDI, and word clock I/O, rock solid drivers, expandability, and a 34X4 mixer matrix application.  
Summary of features  
24-bit/96K FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface  
Word Clock I/O  
MIDI I/O  
JetPLL Jitter Elimination Technology  
Balanced TRS Stereo main outputs with volume control  
Headphone amplifier with volume control  
Dual SMUX for 16 channels at 96k over ADAT  
Fast-acting LED input metering  
34 x 4 mixer matrix  
Mac OSX, Windows XP and Vista32 compatible  
Works with Cubase, Logic, Nuendo, Sonar and many other DAW host applications  
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O VER VIEW  
1.3 WHAT IS IN THE BOX  
Your FireStudio LightPipe package contains the following:  
FireStudio LightPipe Recording Interface  
6’ 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable  
6’ Standard IEC Power Cable  
PreSonus FireStudio Driver Installation Disc  
PreSonus Warranty Card  
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O VER VIEW  
1.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS  
Below are the minimum computer system requirements for your FireStudio LightPipe.  
Macintosh  
OS: Mac OS X 10.4.x or later  
Computer: Apple Macintosh series with FireWire 400 port  
CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/1 GHz or higher (Intel/Dual 1 GHz recommended)  
Memory (RAM): 512 MB (2 GB recommended)  
Windows  
OS: 32-bit Microsoft Windows Vista or XP SP2  
Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire 400 port.  
CPU/Clock: Pentium or AMD with 1 GHz or higher (Dual 1 GHz recommended)  
Memory (RAM): 512 MB (2 GB recommended)  
NOTE: The speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size & speed of your hard drives will greatly affect the  
overall performance of your recording system. A more powerful system (faster processor with more RAM)  
allows for lower latency (signal delay) and better overall performance  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.1 QUICK START UP  
2.1.1 Installation in Microsoft Windows  
After inserting the Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive, the FireStudio LightPipe installer will take you  
through each step of the installation process. Please read each message carefully – ensuring especially that  
you do not connect your FireStudio LightPipe early.  
1) The FireStudio LightPipe Installer was written to  
be as simple and easy-to-follow as possible.  
Please read each message carefully to ensure the  
FireStudio LightPipe is properly installed.  
Before continuing the FireStudio LightPipe  
Installation Setup, please close all multimedia  
applications and disconnect your FireStudio  
LightPipe from your computer.  
2) If you see any Windows Security alerts, click  
“Install this driver software anyway” (Vista) or  
Continue anyway” (XP).  
3) This installer can be used for the entire  
FireStudio family of interface products. Select  
“FireStudio LightPipe” from the menu on the  
left of the installer window.  
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O P ER ATIO N  
4) The installer will now display the directory path  
into which the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer  
application will be installed.  
Click Next.  
5) The installer is now ready to begin. Click  
“Install” to copy the correct components to your  
computer.  
6) The installer will now prompt you to reboot your  
computer to complete the installation. Click  
“Finish” to automatically restart your PC. Once  
your computer has rebooted, connect the  
FireStudio LightPipe. If a Found New Hardware  
wizard appears, follow the recommended steps.  
When the sync light remains solid blue, your  
FireStudio LightPipe is synced to your computer  
and ready to use!  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.1.2 Installation in Mac OS X  
After inserting the Installation CD into your disc drive, browse the disc and run the FireStudio LightPipe  
installer, which will take you through each step of the installation process.  
1) To install the FireStudio LightPipe driver on  
your Mac, double click on the PreSonus  
FireStudio Installer icon.  
2) You will be directed to the welcome screen.  
Click Continue.  
3) Take a moment to review the license agreement  
and click Continue.  
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O P ER ATIO N  
4) Click Agree” to continue installation.  
5) You will be directed to choose the hard drive  
onto which you want to install the drivers and  
FireStudio LightPipe Mixer Software. You  
must choose your system drive.  
Storage drives and partitions cannot be used as  
hosts for the driver.  
6) The FireStudio Installer contains the  
installations for the entire FireStudio family of  
interfaces.  
Select PreSonus FireStudio LightPipe” from  
the list. A  appears in the box to the left.  
Click Install” or “Upgrade”.  
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O P ER ATIO N  
7) The FireStudio LightPipe installer requires your  
user password be entered as a security measure.  
Enter your password and click OK.  
8) You will be notified that the FireStudio  
LightPipe installation requires that your Mac be  
restarted to finish the installation process.  
Click Continue Installation.  
9) Click Restart” to reboot your Mac.  
After rebooting your computer, connect your  
FireStudio LightPipe to your computer via the  
included FireWire cable. When the sync light  
remains solid blue, your FireStudio LightPipe is  
synced to your computer and ready to use!  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.2 SAMPLE HOOK UP DIAGRAM  
With the FireStudio LightPipe, you can simultaneously record and play back up to 32 channels. Because the  
FireStudio LightPipe can send and receive 32 channels simultaneously via its ADAT optical I/O, it is the perfect  
solution to connect your 32 channel digital mixer to your computer. It is also ideal to take out of the studio and  
record live performances. All you need are a few cables, a durable rack, and a road map.  
2.2.1 CONNECTING YOUR DIGITAL MIXER  
NOTE: In this scenario, the digital mixer is the master clock. In the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer application,  
the Clock Source is set to BNC” so the FireStudio LightPipe receives its clock externally via BNC.  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.2.2 USING THE FIRESTUDIO LIGHTPIPE WITH MULTIPLE DIGIMAX D8  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.2.3 MOBILE RECORDING RIG  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.3 DIGITAL CONNECTIONS AND SYNCHRONIZATION  
The FireStudio LightPipe works with any digital device equipped with ADAT lightpipe I/O. This includes digital  
mixers and standalone A/D devices like the DigiMax series of microphone preamps by PreSonus.  
2.3.1 What is ADAT optical?  
Alesis Digital Audio Tape” or ADAT was pioneered by Alesis to simultaneously record eight tracks of digital  
audio at one time. The ADAT lightpipe protocol was developed to stream eight channels of 20 or 24 bit audio  
over an optical cable at 44.1kHz or 48kHz to allow for digital transfers between ADAT digital recorders.  
Today ADAT” is used as the standard abbreviation for the ADAT lightpipe protocol and is still used to  
transfer eight channels of digital audio over a single fiber optic cable. The ADAT digital interface has been  
adopted by many audio manufacturers as a compact way to transfer digital audio data between devices. Today  
many audio devices ranging from consoles to synthesizers are equipped with ADAT I/O.  
ADAT optical uses the same type of optical cables as the TosLink two channel protocol. These cables can be  
purchased at your favorite local recording store.  
2.3.2 What is S/MUX?  
“Sample Multiplexing” or S/MUX is used to transmit high bandwidth digital audio using lower bandwidth  
technology, i.e. ADAT lightpipe. By using S/MUX, a 96 kHz digital audio stream can be transmitted through  
a protocol based on lower sample rates. S/MUX works by using demultiplexing to join two or more digital  
audio channels to represent a single higher bandwidth channel. As discussed earlier, the ADAT lightpipe  
protocol allows for eight channels of digital audio streaming at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. By using S/MUX  
technology, two channels are joined together to represent one channel at 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz. In this way,  
you can stream four channels of digital audio at 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz over the same lightpipe connection  
originally designed to stream eight channels of audio at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The FireStudio LightPipe is  
equipped with dual S/MUX technology so that, should you choose, you can record 16 channels of audio at  
88.2 kHz or 96 kHz.  
2.3.3 BNC Sync and Word Clock  
When using multiple devices connected through digital audio formats like S/PDIF, AES/EBU, ADAT or  
TDIF, it is necessary to synchronize them to a single word clock generator. Word clock is used to keep a  
perfectly timed and constant bit rate between all synced devices to avoid data errors. A word clock generator  
creates digital pulses that contain no other data (i.e. audio). These pulses clock the internal oscillators of  
each device and are essential to avoid frequency drift.  
A word clock signal is bundled with the audio data in the ADAT Lightpipe protocol; however, many engineers  
prefer to keep word clock sync and audio separate from each other. This is where BNC word clock  
connections come into play and the FireStudio LightPipe has BNC word clock input and output for just this  
purpose. You will find BNC cables used to deliver dedicated word clock in many quality studios and  
broadcast facilities worldwide. BNC cables are rugged, lock into position, and can carry clock signals much  
farther than the standard optical cable. A BNC word clock cable is a 75 , shielded coaxial cable with  
standard ‘twist-lock’ BNC-type connections on each end. Please note: BNC cables are made in several  
impedances. The FireStudio LightPipe requires an impedance of 75 to achieve consistent sync.  
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O P ER ATIO N  
2.3.4 Master/Slave and Multiple Digital Devices  
Whether you are using the BNC or ADAT outputs of the FireStudio LightPipe to generate word clock or you  
are using the BNC word clock output of another device as your word clock generator, it is necessary to denote  
one device as the master” word clock device to which all other digital devices are synced or slaved. The  
FireStudio LightPipe should perform equally well as a master or a slave in most cases, although syncing it to  
a lesser quality clock source may affect performance. Not all word clock generators are created equal. The  
general approach is to determine which device has the best clock from which to reference and to designate  
that device as the word clock master. This is done with careful listening and A/B testing.  
Once you’ve determined which device is to be your Master clock, you will need to sync the remaining digital  
devices either through series or parallel distribution or some combination thereof. Of course, if your digital  
device chain only consists of one master and one slave, syncing the two is as simple as connecting a 75 Ω  
BNC word clock cable from the output of your master device to the input of the device you are slaving. When  
working with multiple slaved devices, the job gets a bit more complicated. Series distribution requires that  
your digital devices have both a BNC word clock input and a BNC word clock output. Parallel distribution  
uses a BNC T-connector” attached to the BNC word clock input of each slaved device. This allows the word  
clock signal to be sent to that device and then sent on to another. A BNC word clock output on the slaved  
devices is not used or required for parallel word clock distribution. If the last device in the chain does not  
have a word clock terminate switch, it will require a BNC terminator plug to be attached to the other side of  
the “T-connector. This helps to stabilize the word clock sync as well as to keep the word clock signal clean.  
Both word clock terminator plugs and BNC T-connectors can be purchased at most recording supply  
retailers. For a complete description of parallel word clock distribution as it relates directly to the  
FireStudio LightPipe, see section 2.2.2: “Using FireStudio LightPipe with multiple DigiMax D8s.  
A third option for syncing your digital devices is to purchase a high quality dedicated word clock generator.  
Many engineers believe that using dedicated word clock generators, rather than utilizing series or parallel  
word clock distribution, enhances the performance of their digital audio devices. A dedicated word clock  
generator and distribution amplifier exists for one purpose and one purpose only: to be a Master clock. Word  
clock generators usually have one BNC word clock input and multiple BNC word clock outputs (sometimes  
TDIF, S/PDIF or ADAT outputs as well to make them compatible with as many types of digital devices as  
possible). Without a dedicated word clock generator, it is necessary to split the word clock signal generated  
by the Master device by daisy chaining the slaved devices as described above. Because of this, many engineers  
feel the resulting digital audio signals are of a higher quality when a dedicated word clock generator is used  
because all the digital devices are receiving the same digital pulse from the same source at the same time.  
Whichever approach one uses, it is always advisable to use good quality BNC cables that are not excessively  
longer than necessary for the job at hand and, as with any audio cabling, it is always good to keep word clock  
cables separate from AC cable lines or other possible sources of interference.  
To synchronize the FireStudio LightPipe via BNC word clock to an external word clock generator, you will  
need to run a BNC word clock cable from the BNC word clock output of your external device to the BNC  
word clock input of your LightPipe. From the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer application, select external BNC  
sync. In general, however, you will most likely be using your FireStudio LightPipe as the master clock  
generator for your external digital devices.  
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C O N TR O LS & C O N N EC TIO N S  
3.1 PRESONUS FIRESTUDIO LIGHTPIPE MIXER SOFTWARE  
The FireStudio LightPipe Mixer is a flexible and easy to use solution for creating zero-latency monitor mixes of  
your inputs. It allows you to create a zero-latency mix with all 32 inputs as well as a single stereo playback  
stream from your DAW for your FireStudio LightPipe’s analog outputs (main outs and headphones)  
The FireStudio LightPipe Mixer also acts as the FireStudio LightPipe’s control panel with the ability to change  
various hardware and software settings of the FireStudio LightPipe hardware and drivers.  
The Mixer section of the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer was designed to look and ‘feel’ like a hardware mixer, so  
most of the features may already be familiar to you. The following section describes in detail the FireStudio  
LightPipe Mixer layout and the functions of the various buttons found in the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer.  
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3.1.1 FireStudio LightPipe Mixer Application Icon  
Once you have successfully installed your FireStudio LightPipe, the FireStudio  
LightPipe Mixer will be available from the Notification Area of your taskbar  
(typically at the bottom right corner of your screen near the clock).  
The FireStudio LightPipe Mixer icon is red when your FireStudio LightPipe is disconnected or not installed  
and blue when the FireStudio LightPipe is connected and properly installed.  
Open the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer by double-clicking the blue FireStudio LightPipe Mixer icon or by  
right-clicking the icon and selecting Open PreSonus FireStudio LightPipe Mixer”.  
Right-click the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer icon and select Quit” to completely exit the  
FireStudio LightPipe Mixer application and remove it from your Taskbar.  
Mac OS X users will find the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer application in the Applications  
folder on their MacHD.  
3.1.2 FireStudio LightPipe Mixer Hardware Settings  
The Hardware Settings Section is always visible at the top of the window and gives you control over the  
Sample Rate, Clock Source and Buffer Size of the FireStudio drivers.  
Sample Rate Selector  
Changes FireStudio LightPipe Sample Rate  
A higher Sample Rate increases frequency range and  
sonic accuracy but increases recorded audio file sizes.  
Buffer Size Selector (PC Only)  
Changes the FireStudio LightPipe Buffer Size  
(Please Note: This selector is not present in Mac OS X)  
A large buffer increases latency but is more stable. In  
general, 512 samples will provide maximum stability with  
minimal latency.  
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Clock Source Selector  
Changes the FireStudio LightPipe Clock Source  
This option is used to slave the FireStudio LightPipe to  
an external device via ADAT or BNC Word Clock. If you  
are using your FireStudio LightPipe as the master clock  
source, set the Clock Source to Internal”  
Advanced Menu  
Provides additional options specific to Windows  
functionality  
Click on the arrow to the right of Advanced” to view the  
pulldown menu.  
Sets which types of applications can change the Sample  
Rate.  
Sample Rate Lock Mode (PC Only)  
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Unlock. Any WDM or ASIO application can  
change the Sample Rate.  
Lock WDM/Windows. Only ASIO applications can  
change the Sample Rate.  
Lock WDM and ASIO. Only the FireStudio  
LightPipe Mixer can change the Sample Rate.  
Enable WDM Audio (PC Only)  
Unchecking this disables WDM audio in Windows.  
Disabling WDM Audio is useful when the FireStudio  
LightPipe is dedicated for DAW use only.  
Speed (PC)  
Changes how the FireStudio drivers’ buffer size is set.  
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Normal Mode. Input and Output buffers are both  
identical to the Buffer Size.  
Safe Mode 1-3. Increases the output buffer size  
for added stability.  
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Changes how the FireStudio drivers’ buffer size is set.  
Speed (Mac)  
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Slow. Increases the output buffer size for added  
stability.  
Normal Mode. Input and Output buffers are both  
identical to the Buffer Size.  
DAW. Decreases the output buffer size for  
enhanced listening  
BNC Terminated  
Terminates the FireStudio LightPipe’s BNC output.  
3.1.3 FireStudio LightPipe Mixer  
The FireStudio LightPipe Mixer allows you to create two customized zero-latency mixes of all 32 of the  
FireStudio LightPipe’s hardware inputs with one stereo pair of software playback output and adjust their  
levels independently.  
These are the individual elements of the Mixer and their functions:  
Channel Pan Sliders  
Link Buttons  
Moves the channel’s audio left/right in the stereo field  
Double-clicking the slider returns the pan to center.  
Links the adjacent channels as a stereo pair  
When channels are linked, changing either channel’s level  
changes both, and pan states are hard left/right.  
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Channel Faders  
Changes the channel’s audio level  
Move the Channel Fader up and down to increase and  
decrease the channel’s audio level.  
The dB value of boost or attenuation is displayed below the  
Channel Fader from –infinity to +6 dB.  
A virtual LED meter to the right of each fader displays the  
post fader level of the channel’s audio.  
The peak value in dBFS of the channel’s audio is displayed  
directly above each channel’s virtual LED meter.  
Adds the channel to the Mute or Solo bus  
Channel Mutes and Solos  
Playback Stream Fader  
Muting a channel silences the channel’s audio.  
Soloing a channel mutes all other non-soloed channels.  
Changes the channel’s audio level  
Muting this channel silences the channel’s audio.  
Soloing this channel mutes all other non-soloed channels.  
This channel is a single stereo playback stream from your  
DAW. In general, you will use this channel to monitor the  
main outputs of your DAW, but you can route any single  
pair of the 16 stereo playback streams to this fader.  
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DAW Playback Stream assignment  
Assigns which of the 16 stereo pairs of playback streams  
is routed to the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer  
Clicking on the current DAW assigment will bring up the  
pulldown menu. You can assign a different playback  
stream to each mix.  
Main Output Fader  
Changes the overall level of the mix  
Muting this channel silences the mix on that analog output.  
Toggles between the two monitor mixes  
Mix Toggle  
Main” is the mix for the Main Analog outputs.  
“Phones” is the mix for the headphone outputs.  
Click on the tab to bring up the mix for that analog output  
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3.2 Front Panel Layout  
LED Meters / Clip Indicator. Indicate the input signal level (in dBFS) of each channel. The green  
LEDs illuminate when the channel’s input level reaches -40 and -18 dBFS respectively (-30 and -8 dBu)  
respectively. The yellow LED illuminates when the channel’s input level reaches -6 dBFS (+4 dBu).  
The red clip indicator LED illuminates when the channel’s input level reaches 0 dBFS (+10 dBu). At  
this level, your mic preamp/line trim signal of your external A/D will exhibit signs of clipping such as  
distortion. It is highly recommended you do not allow your converters to clip (the red clip indicators to  
light up) as the sound quality will typically not be desirable.  
Main. Controls the output level (volume) for the Main Outs on the back of the FireStudio LightPipe  
with a range of -80 db to +10 dB.  
Phones. Controls the output level (volume) for the Headphone output on the front of the FireStudio  
LightPipe. Notice the volume indicator goes to 11 … use this setting with extreme caution.  
¼ ” Headphone Jack. Connects headphones to the FireStudio LightPipe.  
Power. Turns the FireStudio LightPipe on or off. The FireStudio LightPipe is ON” when the Power  
button is depressed – which is also indicated when the Power button is illuminated with a blue light.  
Clock Source LEDs. Indicates the FireStudio LightPipe’s Synchronization status.  
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FireWire Sync Light. Indicates if the FireStudio LightPipe is synced internally via FireWire.  
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Solid Blue. The FireStudio LightPipe is correctly synced internally via FireWire  
Flashing Blue. FireWire sync source invalid or not present  
BNC Sync Light. Indicates if the FireStudio LightPipe is synced externally via BNC.  
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Solid Blue. The FireStudio LightPipe is correctly synced externally via BNC  
Flashing Blue. BNC sync source invalid or not present  
BNC Sync Light. Indicates if the FireStudio LightPipe is synced externally via ADAT  
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Solid Blue. The FireStudio LightPipe is correctly synced externally via ADAT  
Flashing Blue. ADAT sync source invalid or not present  
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C O N TR O LS & C O N N EC TIO N S  
3.3 Back Panel Layout  
Power Adaptor Input. Connects the FireStudio LightPipe to a 100-240V AC power source.  
FireWire Ports. Connects the FireStudio LightPipe to a computer. There are two standard 6-pin  
FireWire ports on the back of the FireStudio LightPipe. Either (and only one) should be used to  
connect your FireStudio LightPipe to a vacant FireWire port on your computer. If your computer has a  
4-pin connector (commonly found on laptops), you will need a 4 to 6-pin connector to connect your  
FireStudio LightPipe to your computer.  
Use the ‘extra’ FireWire port to connect additional FireWire devices in such as external Hard Drives.  
MIDI In and Out Ports. Receives and transmits MIDI data to/from the FireStudio LightPipe. MIDI  
stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. However, the MIDI standard goes well beyond just  
instrumentation and sequencing. The MIDI inputs and outputs allow connection and/or communication  
with external MIDI equipment. One function of this port is MIDI programming. These can also be used  
for MMC (MIDI Machine Control) and MTC (MIDI Time Code).  
NOTE: MIDI is not audio! It is frequently used to trigger or control an audio source (such as a VST  
plugin or a synthesizer). When using MIDI, ensure your MIDI data is correctly sent and received by the  
appropriate hardware or software instruments. When sequencing with or triggering external MIDI  
devices that generate an audio signal you wish to include in your audio mix, you must return those  
devices’ audio outputs into the FireStudio LightPipe and record them as audio. Please consult the  
User’s Manual for you DAW and for your MIDI device for more help with MIDI setup and usage.  
BNC Input and Output. Receives and transmits word clock via BNC to/from the FireStudio LightPipe.  
(See Section 2.3 for more information about external synchronization and when to use it.)  
‘BNC’ must be set in the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer as the Clock Source when using the BNC input.  
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C O N TR O LS & C O N N EC TIO N S  
Main Output. Connects the FireStudio LightPipe to studio monitors. These are balanced analog  
outputs to connect the FireStudio LightPipe to studio monitors or amplifier.  
ADAT – S/MUX Input and Output Receives and transmits digital audio via ADAT. When the Sample  
Rate is set to “44.1 kHz” or “48 kHz”, each ADAT I/O port provides 8 of the 32 total channels  
consecutively from right to left. When the Sample Rate is set to 88.2 kHz” or “96 kHz”, each ADAT  
I/O port provides 4 of the 16 total channels.  
o
o
o
o
ADAT 1: Channels 1-8 (44.1/48 kHz), 1-4 (88.2/96 kHz)  
ADAT 2: Channels 9-16 (44.1/48 kHz), 5-8 (88.2/96 kHz)  
ADAT 3: Channels 17-24 (44.1/48 kHz), 9-12 (88.2/96 kHz)  
ADAT 4: Channels 25-32 (44.1/48 kHz), 13-16 (88.2/96 kHz)  
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TEC H N IC AL IN FO R M ATIO N  
4.1 Troubleshooting  
Please note that many technical issues can arise when converting a standard computer into a DAW (Digital  
Audio Workstation). PreSonus will only provide support for issues that directly relate to the FireStudio  
LightPipe interface. It may be necessary to contact the manufacturer of the computer, operating system and/or  
software to obtain additional technical support. PreSonus does not provide support for issues in regards to  
operating systems, additional hardware or software. Please check our website, www.PreSonus.com regularly for  
software information and updates, firmware updates and technical support. Technical assistance may also be  
received by calling PreSonus at 225-216-7887 between the hours of 10 am and 5 PM Central Time.  
Pops and Clicks  
Pops and clicks in either your Input or Playback audio are typically caused by momentary losses of  
synchronization between the FireStudio LightPipe and its clock source. This can be due to a FireWire card not  
suited for FireWire audio or a lack of CPU power or available memory. Try closing all unnecessary programs,  
increasing the Buffer Size in the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer and optimizing your operating system for audio.  
Pops and clicks exclusive to the ADAT inputs or outputs are typically caused when the FireStudio LightPipe is  
not digitally synced to the external ADAT device. If this is the case, ensure your FireStudio LightPipe and  
external ADAT device are properly synced. Please consult your ADAT device’s User’s Manual for more details  
on syncing it to your FireStudio LightPipe.  
Flashing FireWire Sync Light  
The FireStudio LightPipe’s Sync light flashes blue when it is not synced internally via FireWire. Check the  
FireWire cable to ensure it hasn’t become disconnected and that the FireStudio Drivers have been properly  
installed on the computer the FireStudio LightPipe is connected to.  
If you are using an external word clock device and your Clock Source is set to ADAT (1-4)” or “BNC, set the  
FireStudio LightPipe Mixer’s Sample Rate to the same Sample Rate as your master clock device. If you are not  
using an external word clock master, set the Clock Source to Internal” in the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer.  
Audio Drop Outs  
Audio drop outs can occur when the speed of your processor cannot buffer audio fast enough. Increase your  
Buffer Size in the FireStudio LightPipe Mixer and try the different Operation Modes from the Advanced menu.  
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TEC H N IC AL IN FO R M ATIO N  
4.2 SPECIFICATIONS  
Analog Outputs  
Type .................................................................................................................................... ¼” TRS Balanced  
Output Impedance ................................................................................................................................... 51 Ω  
Headphone Output  
Type ............................................................................................................................. ¼” TRS Active Stereo  
Maximum Output ............................................................................................................................... 200 mW  
Frequency Response (+0, -0.5dB) ........................................................................................... 20 Hz to 24 kHz  
THD + N (unwtd, 1 kHz @ +4 dBu Output, Unity Gain) ................................................................... < 0.003%  
Digital Audio  
DAC Dynamic Range (Awtd, 48 kHz Sample Rate) ............................................................................... 118 dB  
Bit Depth .................................................................................................................................................... 24  
Reference Level for 0 dBFS ............................................................................................................... +10 dBu  
Digital Audio Output (4-Toslink™ Connectors, 32 channels ADAT / 16 channels SMUX) .......... ADAT / SMUX  
Digital Audio Input (4-Toslink™ Connectors, 32 channels ADAT / 16 channels SMUX) ............ ADAT / SMUX  
Internal Sample Frequency Selections (kHz) ....................................................................... 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96  
External Sample Frequency Inputs ................................................................................. BNC, ADAT (SMUX)  
BNC Word Clock Output Level (75 Ohm load) ......................................................................................... 4.5 V  
BNC Word Clock Input Level Range .............................................................................................. 3.0 to 5.5 V  
Signal Level LEDs  
Red / Clip (ꢀ0.5 dBu) ........................................................................... +10 dBu (0 dBFS)  
Yellow (ꢀ0.5 dBu) ................................................................................. +4 dBu (-6 dBFS)  
Green (ꢀ0.5 dBu) ................................................................................. -8 dBu (-18 dBFS)  
Green (ꢀ0.5 dBu) ............................................................................... -30 dBu (-40 dBFS)  
Clock  
Jitter ................................................................................................................ <20ps RMS (20 Hz – 20 kHz)  
Jitter Attenuation ............................................................................................... >60 dB (1 ns in => 1 ps out)  
Power  
Input Voltage Range ................................................................................................................ 85 to 240 VAC  
Power Requirements (Continuous) ........................................................................................................... 24 W  
Internal Switch Power Supply ...................................................................................................... 90-230 VAC  
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