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2 . 1 C O M P U T E R R E Q U I R E M E N T S
Below are the minimum computer system requirements for your FIREBOX.
Windows
- OS: Microsoft Windows XP
- Computer: Windows compatible computer with FireWire port.
- CPU/Clock: Pentium, Celeron with 900Mhz or higher (Dual 1.2 GHz recommended)
- Memory(RAM): 256 MB (512MB recommended)
Macintosh
- OS: MacOS X 10.3.7 or later
- Computer: Apple Macintosh series with on-board Firewire port.
- CPU/Clock: PowerPC G4/800Mhz or higher (G4/Dual 1 GHZ recommended)
- Memory(RAM): 512 MB or more
Note that the speed of your processor, amount of RAM and size and speed of your hard drive will
greatly affect the overall performance of your recording system. Also, a more powerful system
(faster processor with more RAM) will allow for lower latency (signal delay) that you might
experience while monitoring audio or MIDI signals.
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2 . 2 I N S T A L L A T I O N O F F I R E B O X
D R I V E R S
Windows XP
Installation Steps:
- Quit all currently running applications
- Insert CD-ROM Driver Installation included with your FIREBOX into your
computer. (DO NOT CONNECT YOUR FIREBOX AT THIS TIME.)
- CD should auto run. (If not, navigate to CD and double click on
FIREBOX_Installer.exe
)
Carefully read and follow the FIREBOX installation instructions. The installer will
prompt you to connect your FIREBOX at the proper time. (NOTE: If you are you
connecting the FIREBOX via a standard 6-pin Firewire cable, power for the unit
will be supplied via the Firewire cable. If you are using a 4 to 6-pin Firewire cable,
you will need to connect the included external power supply to power the
FIREBOX.) This installation procedure will also install the FIREBOX Control
Panel and Mixer software.
Note: If at any point during installation a “Software Installation” message appears
from Windows regarding Windows Logo testing click “Continue Anyway” to
continue installation.
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Macintosh OSX (10.3.7 or later)
The audio drivers for the FIREBOX are included in the CORE AUDIO of
Macintosh OSX 10.3.7 and later.
Once you have verified that you are running OSX 10.3.7 or later, connect your
FIREBOX to a FireWire port on your computer (power for the unit will be supplied
via the Firewire cable). Your FIREBOX sync light should flash red and then stay
blue to signify that your FIREBOX is properly sync’d to your computer.
2 . 3 F I R E B O X C O N T R O L P A N E L
WINDOWS XP
Once you have successfully installed your audio drivers, the FIREBOX Control Panel
will be available from your system tray (typically located at the bottom right hand
corner of your screen near your clock).
Double click on the FIREBOX Control Panel ICON to open the FIREBOX Hardware
Control Panel.
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FIREBOX HARDWARE CONTROL PANEL (Windows XP)
Sample Rate: Drop down the menu to select the sample rate of the FIREBOX – 44.1,
48, 88.2, 96k. This
must be set
to the same sample rate in your recording software.
Clock Source: Drop down the menu to select the FIREBOX’s digital sync source.
INTERNAL
SPDIF – Must be selected to use the SPDIF input.
(Note that Control Panel settings will be saved upon power down.)
Latency: – Sets the amount of delay time of your FIREBOX (1.5ms – 24ms). Latency
is the time it takes for the computer to process audio. Lower latency settings demand
more CPU resources. In the case of inconsistent audio, (i.e. drop outs, pops and
clicks, digital distortion, etc) we recommend that you increase this setting.
Input Level Boost: clicking this button will boost the input level of each corresponding
analog input on the FIREBOX by +12dB. Use this feature for recording quiet
instruments or devices with low output.
