User Guide
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Recording with a DAW (digital audio workstation)
When recording to a DAW, the input sources provided by the Black Box software driver are 1 (left DSP output), 2 (right DSP output),
3 (dry guitar), 4 (dry mic)—the last two inputs will only be available if you’ve installed the Black Box driver. If “Guitar” is selected,
the dry, unprocessed instrument signal will be recorded on that track. If “Mic” is selected, the dry, unprocessed microphone signal is
recorded on that track. If “DSP Output” is selected, the stereo effect-processed signal of the guitar or mic (whichever is selected as
the FX Input Source) will be recorded to that track. The Guitar, Mic and DSP inputs can all be recorded simultaneously on different
tracks. However, only the input that is selected as the FX Input Source will be able to be “monitored” post-FX processor. For
example, if “Guitar” is chosen as the FX Input Source, you will only be able to monitor the processed guitar signal although you may
be recording both the dry and processed guitar signals simultaneously.
Using the Black Box
The following sections address a number of real-life situations that you may encounter while using your Black Box. These brief
tutorials should help guide you. We also recommend you check the M-Audio website from time to time for other tutorials or FAQ’s
that might provide additional valuable information.
Using the Mic and Guitar Inputs
Connect your dynamic microphone’s XLR cable to the Mic Input. Connect your guitar or bass’s instrument cable to the front-panel
Guitar Input. Adjust the mic and guitar level inputs so that your strongest signals only peak the red clip indicator occasionally and the
green signal indicator remains steadily green while you’re playing. Instruments with active pickups or hot “humbucker” pickups will
need less input gain while instruments with passive single-coil pickups will require more gain.
Monitoring Your Inputs for Recording
The Black Box has a Mix (Input/Playback) knob on the top panel. This is a ratio control of the “balance” between your input signal
and your playback signal. When turned all the way counter-clockwise to Input, only the output of the DSP FX and the dry mic or
guitar signal will be heard. When turned all they way to the right, only the main stereo bus output of the DAW will be heard. When
set anywhere between, a blend of both input and playback signals will be heard.
General Recording Instructions
The Black Box’s DAW inputs (DSP Outputs, Guitar and Mic) will appear in your audio software. Depending on your chosen application,
these may also be labeled as ASIO inputs, WDM inputs or Core Audio inputs. Typically, the inputs will be shown simply as numbers
1-4.
<
1 (left output of DSP)
<
3 (dry guitar)
<
2 (right output of DSP)
<
4 (dry mic)
Mounting the device to a mic stand
A mic stand mounting bracket with four mounting screws is included in the box. Once the mounting bracket has been screwed into
the Black Box, a mic stand can be screwed into the bracket. This can be handy for operating the device at a convenient height while
standing up to play, such as in a live setting.
