M-AUDIO OmniStudio USB - Manual (Page 31)

the device that is attached to that particular input or output. You can, in fact, have an input set to one line level and the corresponding output
set to another, depending on your needs.
Generally speaking, a device that runs at a -10dB line level will have outputs or inputs that are single conductor with a ground, such as RCA
jacks, or 1/4” tip-sleeve phone jacks. Devices that run at a +4dB line level will have outputs or inputs that are two conductor with a ground, such
as XLR or 1/4” tip-ring-sleeve jacks.
Using the Inserts
Using the inserts, you can connect external processing devices to input channels 1 and 2. Typically, these inserts would be used to place a
dynamics processor such as a hardware compressor/limiter into the input chain. The insert point is after the Mic/Inst preamp and before
the A/D converter, thus allowing you to affect the input signal going to your audio software.
The inserts accept a standard stereo 1/4” TRS connector, which is typically found on a standard “insert cable.” The insert cable should
terminate at the other end with two mono 1/4” TS connectors, one for the device’s inputs and one for its outputs. Pre-wired insert cables can
be purchased from most music and proaudio retailers. (Do not mistake an insert cable with a “Y” cable.)
Using the Aux Inputs
The OmniStudio USB has four rear panel Stereo Aux Inputs. Each of these inputs accepts a stereo 1/4” TRS connector. A standard insert cable
will give you this type of connector, while also providing L/R mono connectors for the outputs of your stereo device. Typically these inputs
would be used for the audio output of MIDI keyboards or sound modules. You can also connect a stereo effects return to these inputs.
Using the channel Aux Mon/Rec switches, you can bus the Aux Inputs’ audio to the main stereo bus (Aux Mon/Rec switch in Mon (OUT)
position). By selecting the Rec (IN) position, you can bus up to two Stereo Aux Input pairs to the OmniStudio USB’s A/D converters, and directly
to your audio software for recording.
Refer to Section 12, “Recording your MIDI instruments as Audio Tracks,” for more details.
Using the FX Sends and Returns
Located on the OmniStudio USB’s rear panel, the hardware send and return allow you to connect an external hardware processor such as
a reverb, delay or other multi-effects unit. The FX Send accepts a standard 1/4” balanced mono TRS connector, and is typically used to
connect to the input of your external processor. The FX Returns accept two standard 1/4” unbalanced mono TS connectors, and are typically
connected to the stereo outputs of your external processor. If your external processor has only a mono output, you may plug that into the
Left FX Return only, which will pan that signal to the center position.
Using the front panel FX Send Level controls, you can send the output signals from any of the OmniStudio USB’s four outputs directly to the
FX Send output, and on to your external device. This is especially useful when using the zero-latency Direct Monitor circuitry, and not
monitoring through you audio software. It gives you the ability to add effects to the Direct Monitor signal, and hear those same effects when
you playback the audio from your computer (see Section 12, Using ASIO or WDM Software Monitoring, for more information.)
Using the Direct Outs 1-4
The Direct Outs 1-4 are directly connected to the OmniStudio USB’s D/A outputs, and are unaffected by the internal mixer. They can be used
to send a direct signal to an external device. Typically they could be used to connect to additional effects units during mixdown, or to an
external mixer.
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