The Card Connections and their Usage.
The connection possibilities of the SiXPack 5.1 + are plentiful. Nearly everything that can be used with a PC in respect to sound can be connected to the card and used without a problem.
In the following section we would like to show all the options that allow you to correctly configure your SiXPack 5.1 + to accomplish the task at hand. You will also find tips for the frequently used applications. Please be sure to read the explanation of the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel in
the section "The SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel." (page 51).
Card Diagram
l m n o r s k i t p d f e q d
Game/MIDI port f
Digital Out h
Line Out 2 j
Line In / Headphone Out l
CD In 1 n
Aux In p
Gameport Connector r
Jumper JP2 t
Jumper JP1 e
Digital In g
Line Out 3 i
Line Out 1 k
Mic In m
CD In 2 o
Digital In q
Wavetable Xtension s
Jumper JP3
30 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Line Outputs.
The line outs operate with a normal "HiFi signal". Use Out 1 to connect your amplifier or your active speakers.
The Basics.
The most important connection option for a sound card - the experts all agree on this - is the playback system. The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + offers you three such outputs, for example to position the sound in a 5.1 loudspeaker system. The connectors are three mini-jack plugs
(3,5mm stereo), whereby at least the first out should be connected to a HiFi amplifier or active loudspeakers. The output plug marked Out 1 delivers a "normal line level".
OUT1
On HiFi amplifiers there are several inputs that can be used to connect the card.So you can, for example, keep an eye out for a connector labeled AUX, TAPE (Play), CD, or VIDEO. However, a phono input cannot be used.
If your amplifier has a digital input in S/PDIF format (optical (TOS-Link) port with a black cap) you can of course use this as well.Keep in mind, however, that only the signal from the first analog out is sent to the digital out of the SiXPack 5.1 +. You will find more information on this
subject on page 39 and following.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 31
Headphone Operation.
Instead of using an amplifier system, you can also use headphones. The Line In is alternatively useable as a headphone output by activating the onboard (60mWatt an 32 Ohm) amplifier by changing the position of Jumper (JP1). Carefully, move the small plastic jumper from position A to position B.
1 5
Position A - headphone amplifier deactivated... (Line In mode)
1
Position B - ... and activated. (headphone operation)
5
Safety Instruction
Please remember to switch off all (analog) devices before connecting them. This is to avoid the danger of an electric shock - even a weak one
- it also protects your speaker membranes and your hearing from sudden signal spikes. For digital devices, the volume of your playback system should at least be turned to low.
32 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
6 Speakers.
In order to totally enjoy the sound over 6 (5.1) speakers, connect the Out 1, Out 2 und Out 3 to a
5.1 speaker system.
OUT3
OUT2
Don't worry if the signal is not quite as loud when you switch to the 4 or 5.1 speaker mode. This is perfectly normal for this setting.
Position the speakers for optimal 3D sound.
As with processor-controlled room simulation over the speakers, the correct positioning of the speakers is also important since - as opposed to using headphones - the position of the ears is always slightly different.
The following images should help you to find the optimal positioning for the speakers.
2(.1) Speaker
4(.1) Speaker
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 33
5.1 Speaker
Obviously, you don't have to hold your head at the exact angle relative to the system, that would be too uncomfortable in the long run. This is only a guide so that you can find the best position suitable for you.
The included SiXPack 5.1 + 3D sound software and the Control Panel offer you the option to switch between three different playback modes,which you should of course pay attention to.
The exact position of basic algorithms differs greatly depending on the application. Therefore: setting the playback to 5.1 speakers and then putting on headphones is pointless.
Internal access to the input port.
Last but not least, we would like to bring your attention to the internal pins located behind the input jack. These can be used to divert the audio signal from the jack and alternatively for internal connections. There are, for example, front modules with control options on the front of the PC which make use of these connections.
34 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Line In.
The Basics.
Recording from audio sources like cassette players, video recorders, or record players can be routed through the port SiXPack 5.1 + labelled Line In.
Line In
The port format is mini-jack (3,5mm stereo) which can, for example, be connected to the TAPE deck RECORD output on your amplifier or with the AUX SEND port of a mixer. The input sensitivity can be regulated, and is so designed that by a signal level of about 2V
RMS maximal level is reached when the appropriate recording slider in the Control Panel is set to o dB.
To record go to the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel under "Record" and choose the source "Line In".
Safety Instructions
Please remember to switch off all (analog) devices before connecting them. This is to avoid the danger of an electric shock - even a weak one
- it also protects your speaker membranes and your hearing from sudden signal spikes.
Connecting and recording from a record player.
At the moment the restoration and archiving of old records is very popular. With the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + you are equiped for a high quality recording. In order to connect a record player there are certain things to take into considertation.
A direct connection between a record player and a soundcard like the SiXPack 5.1 + is not possible, because record players– due to their pick-up system – deliver a signal that is too weak and irregular. Therefore it is necessary to use a phono amplifier (HiFi amplifier with Phono input or a special Phono amplifier with a integrated signal equalizer). In the case of a HiFi amplifier there is typically a TAPE Record output that you can connect to the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +.
For those cases where no phono input exists on the amplifier, we recommend the TerraTec phonoPreAmp, a high quality phono amplifier that is ready to be connected to the Line In on your SiXPack 5.1 +.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 35
You can find more information at
www.terratec.net.
Software to digitalize and edit your recordings is included: The program WaveLab Lite from
Steinberg is optimized for editing large files and due to its intuitive user interface is also appropriate for beginners. However, customary audio software alone is not completely suitable for tasks related to sound restoration. In addition to the normal functions like cutting, equalizing, and level adjustment other options are often needed like "de-hiss", "de-click", or "normalization" as well as expanders or softeners to complete the restoration process. Last but not least, a CD burning function would also be nice. All of these functions are contained in specialized software which you can obtain, for example, from the following leading manufacturers:
Algorithmix
Dartech
Diamond Cut Productions www.algorithmix.com
www.dartech.com
www.diamondcut.com
Sonic Foundry
Steinberg www.sonicfoundry.com
www.steinberg.net
Internal access to the input port.
Last but not least, we would like to bring your attention to the internal pins located behind the input jack. This can be used to divert the audio signal from the jack and alternatively for internal connections. There are, for example, front modules with control options on the front of the
PC which make use of these connections.
36 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Microphone Input.
The MIC In is for connecting a normal condensor Mic (with or without a battery). The input capacity is approximately 0.1V
RMS
.
!
The Basics.
Microphone recordings, for example for voice recognition or Internet telephony, can be made through the port marked Mic In on your SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +. Use a standard condensor microphone or headset with a mono mini-jack (3,5 mm mini-jack).
Mic In
The sensitivity can be regulated in the Control Panel of the SiXPack 5.1 +.A switch for the Mic input amplifier is also included. The button marked "Boost" strengthens the input signal by about +20dB, but of course also raises the background noise level as well.
Safety Instructions
When using the microphone, unpleasant feedback can occur suddenly
(loud whistling) which can be bad for your speakers as well as your hearing. Always reduce the volume when first using a microphone and increase the volume carefully if necessary.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 37
Misunderstandings
To avoid misunderstandings: quality miracles should not be expected from a "sound card" microphone input – not even one from TerraTec ;-). Please note that the microphone input does not support microphones with integrated amplifiers (48V with extra power supply). These devices, which are usualy found in professional studios or used for live shows usually have a
6,3mm jack or 3 poled XLR jack– so save your time and money trying to build your own adaptor for the mini-jack. If you are planning to make a recording of professional quality (e.g. for voice, song or instrumental recordings), there's no getting around professional auxiliary peripherals.
Dedicated microphone boosters or mixing units with the corresponding inputs and AUX Send paths (or subgroups) can be purchased at any music store.
Please also keep in mind that the microphone input on the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + is mono - not stereo.
Internal Microphone Input Pins.
Last but not least, we would like to bring your attention to the internal pins located behind the microphone jack. This can be used to divert the audio signal from the jack and alternatively for internal connections. There are, for example, front modules with control options on the front of the PC which make use of these connections.
38 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Digital Output.
The digital output supplies a standard S/PDIF signal at 48 kHz for consumer devices. These include, for example, digital amplifiers, MiniDisc recorders or DAT recorders.
!
The Basics.
If you want to digitally send music from your PC to another device you will want to use the optical digital output (often called TOS-Link).
Digital Out
In the Control Panel under "Digital" > "Digital Output" there are two different modes for the digital transfer over the digital output at your disposal.
· Digital In Source Direct – permits you to forward 1:1 data present at the digital input to the digital output, i.e. in this mode, the frequencies 32 kHz and 44.1 kHz are also output at the digital output. It is not possible to adjust the volume.
· Digital Mix / DVD – with this setting all the digital sources (Wave, MIDI, Digital In) are played over the digital output at 48kHz. This setting can also be used to route an encoded AC-3 data stream to an external decoder.
Tip.
Devices like MiniDisc recorders work with a samplerate of 44.1kHz. The digital Out on the SiXPack 5.1 + with the setting "Digital Mix" functions at 48kHz, however. In order to obtain a "Drop Out" free recording your
MiniDisc device must have its own samplerate convertor (SRC- Sample
Rate Conversion).
The volume for the digital signal can be regulated using the appropriately marked slider in the
"Sources" menu of the Control Panel – when you want to adjust the Wave playback volume use the WAVE slider. Note that this controller not only audibly affects the playback volume (in monitoring), it also changes the digital signal.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 39
A digital recording with the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + is not affected by the settings mentioned above.
The Copy Protection.
It is possible to place a copy protection onto recordings during transfer to another device. This makes sense if, for example, you record a composition on DAT or MiniDisc as a demo but do not want further (digital) copies to be made. To do this, activate the "Copyright Bit" button for the digital output in the Digital menu of the Control Panel.
Backup.
The digital interface of the SoundSystem as well as the accompanying software cannot be used for data backup on DAT. In principle, this can be done, however - cheaper backup options such as CDs are common today and are less time intensive.
Further valuable information about the digital interface and the use of digital cable can be
found in the next section "The Digital In.".
Therefore, keep reading if you please ... ;-)
40 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Digital In.
The Basics.
The SiXPack 5.1+ offers you two possible digital inputs. In addition to the external optical digital In there is an internal coaxial In. Which one is activated is controlled by the Jumper 3 (JP3) as indicated in the following diagram:
Jumper 3 (JP3).
1 1
Position B – external input Position A – internal input
The External Digital In
The digital input can recieve standard S/PDIF signals at 32/44.1/48kHz from normal consumer devices. CD players, MiniDisc or DAT players fall into this category.
!
The Basics.
If you want to digitally recieve music from another device to your PC you will want to use the optical digital input (often called TOS-Link).
The Internal Digital In
Digital In
The internal digital input can be set to support two different fomats by adjusting the Jumper 2 (JP2). In the jumper position S/PDIF In, the digital input corresponds to the S/PDIF standard known from consumer devices, such as MiniDisc or DAT recorders. The jumper position TTL is intended for connecting the digital output of most CD-ROM drives because these usually operate with TTL levels.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 41
Jumper 2 (JP2).
5
6
1
2
5
6
Position B – S/PDIF In
1
2
Position A - TTL-In (standard)
The Basics.
Should you want to connect an internal digital device to the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +, use the two-poled connector as shown in the following diagram next to the Aux In. To connect the digital output of your CD-ROM drive, use the supplied connection cable which ensures correct polarity.
General Information to the Digital Inputs
The digital interface on the SiXPack 5.1 + works with all standard frequencies with 16Bit resolution, i.e. 32, 44.1 and 48kHz.
To be able to work with the digital input, you should first ensure that this has also been activated. Go to the "Digital" menu in the Control Panel and in the field "Digital input" select either
"Always on" – in this case, the digital input is always active, regardless of whether or not a signal is actually present.
or
"Automatic sensing" – the signal input is only activated when data is actually present.
For digital recording. The signal on the digital input can be recorded using the option "S/PDIF" in the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel. In your recording software choose the recording driver "SiX-
Pack 5.1 + Wave". Pay attention when recording that all the sources you don't want to record are muted in the "Sources" menu of the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel. By the way: Any previously set copy protection (the so-called SCMS or Copy Protection Bit) will be ignored and not recorded.
Stuff Worth Knowing
Even when transfering audio data over an optical cable - small, normally not hearable, errors can occur. You should therefore pay attention to use a high quality cable that is not too long
(optical fiberglass cable up to aprox. 2m). Ensure that the cable is free of kinks.
42 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
Differences in the sound reproduction from different digital cables sounds crazy at first glance, but they can occur. This is proven, among other things, by the fact that error correction algorithms are obviously used more frequently at some times than at others to correct cables of differing qualities. In any case these audio changes are usually so minimal that you need to be careful not to mix up the myth with the reality. If you are interested: there are many somewhat entertaining militant newsgroups dealing with this subject on the Internet ;-).
Last but not least some information about the transfer protocol: Only data following the S/PDIF
(Sony/Philips digital interface) standard is transmitted over the optical interface. The connection of ADATs or compatible devices is not supported.
Also devices with AES/EBU interfaces normally can't be used - the ambitious attempt to build an adaptor will get you nowhere. Because the AES/EBU protocol is nearly identical to S/PDIF and the transmission essentially only differs in the signal strength, you can make your own converter with just a little soldering.
A small diagram and further information can be found in the Internet or in the following diagram as well:
AES/EBU to S/PDIF
AES Out: 2-------330 ohm------------------- SPDIF in
|
3--- 91 ohm
| |
1---------|-----------------------
-
ground
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 43
S/PDIF to AES/EBU
_
+ 5 volt | \
SPDIF out: | +-| O-+
_ | |_/ |
diode ^ +-4,7 k-+ _ | _ |
10 u (+) | | | | \ | | \ | 100 n
O-----+-||-+--------+--+--IC--+--+-| O-+-| O-+-120 r-||-+----+-- 2
| | | | | | |_/ |_/ | |
| +-||-+ 100n _ 2,2k | 1 k |
75r ^ diode | | IC | | AES in
| | --- | --- |
--- --- | _ 220r
| | \ 100 n |
+--+---| O---+--120 r-||-+---+--- 3
Diode = 1N914 or 1N4148 | |_/ | |
| _ | 1 k +--- 1
| | \ | | |
IC = 74HC04 or CMOS 4049 +---| O---+ --- ---
|_/
Please note. We do not guarantee in any way the safety or the func-
tioning of this circuit. Nor can we give any technical support for its implementation.
!
44 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Analog CD Audio Connectors.
The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + offers two separate connectors for the analog output of your CD drive(s). In the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel the controller is marked "CD".
!
The Basics.
A particularly nice feature of the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + is the possibility to connect two CD drives (e.g. your CD ROM drive and a Burner) to the card without any loss in in the signal strength. The inputs CD1 and CD2 are electrically separated from one another and combined in the mixer. The volume control for both is labeled "CD".
When recording from a CD drive, select the "CD" setting in the ControlPanel under "Record".
The connector jacks are compatible with the widely available MPC3 standard. The pin configuration of the signal and ground circuit is shown in the following:
Appropriate cables can normally be found included with your CD drive or in a PC shop.
If you need an independent controller for each drive you can use the AUX In on the SiXPack 5.1
+. In any case, the input sensitivity here is pretty much the same: approx. 1.5 V
RMS
for the CD inputs, approx. 1 V
RMS
for the AUX input. To record from both of these sources choose the setting
"Stereo Mix" in the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel under "Record".
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 45
46
The AUX In.
The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + is equipped with an internal audio input e.g. for video cards. You could also connect a CD drive here. In the
SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel there is an AUX controller.
!
The Basics.
The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + has another input for extra PC devices. A video/grabber card or the analog audio output of a DVD card can be connected at the internal AUX input, for example.
It is also possible to connect another CD drive, but the input sensitivity for the AUX connection is slightly higher than for the CD inputs (approx. 1 V
RMS
for the AUX input, approx. 1.5 V
RMS
for the
CD inputs).
The volume can be controlled in the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel using the slider marked "AUX".
When recording, select the setting "AUX" under "Record".
Important:The signals of a daughter board docked with the wavetable connector flow together with the AUX signal. Contrary to both CD inputs, these are not electrically separated from one another. Therefore, simultaneous operation should be avoided where possible. If you connect two devices to "one line", you will experience considerable signal loss in both devices. In addition, we cannot guarantee that this will not have a long-term negative effect on both devices.
The connector jack is compatible with the widely available MPC3 standard. The pin configuration of the signal and ground circuit is shown above.
Appropriate cables can normally be found included with your product or in a PC shop.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Wavetable Connector and the Internal Synthesizer.
The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + is also equipped with a connector for a wavetable daughterboard. Installation information can be found on
page 10 in the section "Connecting a Wavetable Daughterboard.". The
volume control is found on the Control Panel under the controller labeled "AUX".
The installation of a wavetable daughterboard is as easy as ready further on page 10 in the section "Connecting a Wavetable Daughterboard.". The volume control is found in the Control
Panel under the controller labeled "AUX". To record go to the SiXPack 5.1 + Control Panel under
"Record" and choose the source "AUX".
Important: Like mentioned in the section "The AUX In", the signal from a connected wavetable is is routed together with the AUX signal. Contrary to both CD inputs, these are not electrically separated from one another. Therefore, simultaneous operation should be avoided where possible. If you connect two devices to "one line", you will experience considerable signal loss in both devices. In addition, we cannot guarantee that this will not have a long-term negative effect on both devices.
Information on the integrated wavetable and the future of sound synthesis.
The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + plays MIDI files using a wavetable synthesizer (hardware with
64 voices) integrated in the chipset. The future of (General MIDI) wavetable technology lies, according to the experts, definately in host based software synthesis. Sound synthesis should regain in popularity with the introduction of DirectMusic because it will enable music and MIDI to take on an interactive form in applications such as games. The DLS format for the sample sets is supported completely by the SiXPack 5.1 +. Some applications are already using the new versions of DirectSound integrated GS soundset from the cherished SoundCanvas series licensed by Roland.
Please note that no system exclusive parameters can be processed.
And finally, on this card there is a connection for an additional wavetable daughter board. The
WaveSystem series is available as an option for this purpose. Modules from other manufacturers– like Yamahas DB-50 XG or Rolands SCD-10/15 – can be used with the SiXPack 5.1 + without problems.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 47
The MIDI Driver.
A separate driver is available for the playback of MIDI information via an external wavetable module. This driver is named "SiXPack 5.1 + External MIDI" and can be chosen where it is appropriate. In the sequencer programs like Logic (Fun), Cubase or Cakewalk, next to the driver
"SiXPack 5.1 + MIDI" for the internal synthesizer the driver for the wavetable module can be chosen. This driver is also used when externally connected devices are played from the GAME
Port. If your MIDI files are to be played over the Windows media player – or if you are using a program that doesn't allow any other MIDI settings – then you should go in the Windows Control Panel, open the Multimedia Properties menu and choose the appropriate driver.
48 SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
The Joystick/MIDI Interface.
On the GAME/MIDI port of the SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + analog and digital joysticks as well as - over an optional adaptor – MIDI devices can be connected. The interface is controlled via a DirectInputcompatible driver.
!
The Basics.
The SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + offers a combined connector for old game controllers as well as for modern devices– ForceFeedback joysticks, gamepads, flightsticks, wheels and all those other things you can't live without.
With an optional adaptor cable more than just one device can be connected to the gameport.
The driver support under the Microsoft Direct Input specification allows for a quicker access to the hardware as well as extra features like ForceFeedback steering signals to be transferred.
Game-/MIDI-Port
MIDI
Also MIDI devices can be connected to the SiXPack 5.1 + over the adaptor cable. This cable is available as an optional extra in specialty stores or directly from TerraTec. Please visit our Online Shop at
http://www.terratec.net/.
Because we are often asked for a diagram for just such an adaptor cable, we have included the necessary information here. As you can see, it is a GAME Port / MIDI adapter and not just a simple cable. You will require additional components such as optocouplers and transistors. For this reason, we suggest that you acquire the parts from an electronics store – they don't cost the earth.
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 + 49
The Circuitry of the MIDI Interface
50
Please note. We do not guarantee in any way the safety or the func-
tioning of this circuit. Nor can we give any technical support for its implementation.
!
SoundSystem SiXPack 5.1 +
