Chapter 1: Introduction
We know you don’t like to read manuals—you just want to play! And we certainly
understand. So, you have two options.
If you’re familiar with computers and driver installation:
The printed Quick Start
guide is probably all you need. But after you’re up and running, return to this manual
and read about the Console application and the various tips and tricks.
If you’re new to computer-based music:
Please read this manual in its entirety so you
can get the most out of Dark Fire and RIP.
Overview: What Is RIP?
The Robot Interface Pack (RIP) can send all available Dark Fire signals (magnetic
pickups, piezo pickup, and hex pickup) into a computer for recording or live use. RIP is
compatible with virtually all current Mac and Windows computers, as well as many older
models.
Setting up RIP involves three main steps:
Installing RIP’s software on your computer.
On Windows, this includes
drivers
—small programs that let RIP communicate with the computer. Mac OS X
already includes suitable drivers. For both computers, a virtual mixing Console
program—very much like a hardware digital mixer—lets you adjust the RIP’s
levels and routing within the computer.
Hooking Up RIP.
RIP transfers audio to the computer via an industry-standard
FireWire (also called IEEE1394) cable. This physically connects RIP’s FireWire
port to a similar port on your computer. Most computers include a FireWire port,
but you can add FireWire ports to desktop and laptop computers via accessory
cards. See Appendix B for information on doing this, as well as other helpful
FireWire tips. RIP also needs power from the included AC adapter.
Customizing RIP for your particular computer or application.
This involves
making adjustments to the virtual mixing Console.
Although RIP is designed and optimized for music programs, it can also provide
traditional “sound card” capabilities for Windows computers (see Appendix E).
