1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the M-Audio FireWire Solo. The FireWire Solo has been designed to give you a professional, portable audio interface for
your laptop or desktop computer. Using the convenience and dependability of the IEEE-1394 (FireWire™) bus, the FireWire Solo provides your
computer with a high-performance, high-resolution audio interface, complete with microphone, instrument and line-level inputs, in a rugged,
lightweight, and highly portable design.
The FireWire Solo was created with portability and versatility in mind. Offering professional 24-bit audio quality in a durable and mobile design,
the FireWire Solo is the perfect interface for your FireWire (IEEE 1394) equipped computer. Add a pair of M-Audio’s DX4 Desktop Monitors, our Nova
microphone and your guitar, and you’ve got all you need to compose and record your music.
Even if you are an experienced musician and digital recording enthusiast, we recommend you take a few moments to read through this owners’
manual and familiarize yourself with the FireWire Solo’s features and operation. You may also want to refer to your audio software’s documentation,
to better understand how the FireWire Solo’s features are integrated with the audio program. Your experience and enjoyment of your FireWire Solo
will be greatly enhanced by a good working knowledge of your audio software.
What’s in the Box
Your FireWire Solo package contains the following:
<
FireWire Solo Recording Interface
<
CD-ROM containing driver software and user manual in PDF form
<
Printed Quick Start Guide
<
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable – 6 pin to 6 pin
<
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable – 6 pin to 4 pin
<
12VDC 1A Power Supply
About the FireWire Solo
The FireWire Solo is equipped with a front panel Microphone (XLR) input, front panel Instrument (1/4”)
input, and two rear panel line inputs, as well as two rear panel line outputs. The Mic and Instrument
inputs each have their own dedicated level controls. A front panel switch is provided to select the front
(Mic and Instrument) or rear (line) inputs. With additional rear panel S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs, the
FireWire Solo can function as a four-input, four-output audio interface. A single IEEE 1394 cable connects
the FireWire Solo to your computer’s FireWire port. If your computer is not equipped with a native FireWire
port, you may purchase a FireWire PCI card at any computer electronics retailer.
The FireWire Solo can deliver high-quality analog and digital I/O in full 24-bit resolution, at sampling rates
up to 96 kHz for recording and playback. Its S/PDIF digital I/O supports output of AC3 and DTS-encoded
multichannel digital audio under Windows and Mac OS 10.3.5.
IMPORTANT:
The FireWire Solo comes with a high-quality six-pin to six-pin FireWire cable. We strongly
suggest you use this cable, or one of equal quality, for optimum audio performance. If your computer is
equipped with a four-pin interface, you will need to use the included four-pin to six-pin FireWire cable.
Note that the FireWire Solo requires a six-pin FireWire connection in order to supply bus power; if you have
a four-pin connection you will need to use the supplied power adapter.
NOTE:
Some computer manufacturers may use a different nomenclature to refer to their FireWire connections, such as Sony’s “iLink”, or simply
“1394.” When in doubt, consult your computer owner’s manual.
IMPORTANT - IEEE 1394 “FireWire” Users:
Reports have come to our attention of isolated
problems when hot-plugging IEEE 1394 (aka “FireWire”)
devices
. Hot-plugging refers to making IEEE 1394/FireWire connections when one or more of the devices is powered on (including the computer).
There have been rare occurrences when, after hot-plugging, either the FireWire peripheral or the host computer’s FireWire port are rendered
permanently inoperable. While M-Audio products adhere rigidly to the FireWire industry standard and pass stringent internal testing, the possibility
remains that hot-plugging your M-Audio FireWire interface to some computers may result in this type of problem.
We strongly encourage you to protect your equipment by refraining from hot-plugging any bus-powered FireWire device, including the M-
Audio family of FireWire products. Only connect your FireWire device while both the computer and FireWire device are powered off. Power
on the FireWire device first, and then turn the computer on last.
If you are using bus power (on systems with IEEE 1394 6-pin connectors), make
sure to make the cable connection first, and turn the computer system on last.
M-Audio is being proactive in investigating any issues that may adversely affect our customers.
Please consult the Knowledge Base in the
Support section at www.m-audio.com for updates on this important issue.
