ESI U22XT Professional 24-bit USB Audio Interface

1. Introduction

The ESI U22XT is a professional 24-bit USB 2.0 audio interface designed to provide high-quality audio recording and playback for musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts. It offers maximum flexibility with its USB bus-powered design, delivering lossless professional 24-bit audio quality. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your U22XT to ensure optimal performance.

2. Package Contents

Please check the box for the following items:

• ESI U22XT Audio Interface
• USB Cable
• User Manual (Benutzerhandbuch)
• Installation CD (may include drivers and bundled software)
• Software Licenses (e.g., Bitwig 8-Track, inTone 2 ESI Edition)

3. Product Overview

3.1 Front Panel

• Microphone Input (XLR): For connecting microphones, with +48V phantom power support.
• Gain Controls: Adjust input levels for Microphone and Hi-Z/Line inputs.
• +48V Button: Activates phantom power for condenser microphones.
• Hi-Z Input (TS): For connecting instruments like electric guitars.
• Peak Indicators: LEDs to show when input signals are clipping.
• In/Mix/Out Knob: Controls the balance between direct input monitoring and playback from your computer.
• PWR LED: Indicates power status.
• Master Volume Knob: Controls the overall output volume to speakers.
• Headphone Output (TRS): For connecting headphones.
• Headphone Gain Knob: Adjusts headphone volume.

3.2 Rear Panel

• Inputs (RCA): Left-1 and Right-2 RCA unbalanced inputs for line-level signals.
• Outputs (TRS): Left-1 and Right-2 TRS balanced outputs for connecting to studio monitors.
• USB 2.0 Port: For connecting to your computer and bus power.

4. Setup Guide

4.1 Driver Installation

Before connecting the U22XT to your computer, it is recommended to install the latest drivers. Drivers are typically provided on an installation CD or can be downloaded from the official ESI website.

1. Insert the installation CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive or download the latest drivers from the ESI website.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
3. For Mac OS X (10.4 and above), the native CoreAudio USB audio driver is supported, and no additional driver installation is required. A Mac control panel may be available for advanced settings.

4.2 Connecting to PC/Mac

The U22XT is USB bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from your computer via the USB connection.

1. Ensure your computer is powered on.
2. Connect one end of the provided USB cable to the USB 2.0 port on the rear of the U22XT.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your computer.
4. The PWR LED on the front panel of the U22XT should illuminate, indicating it is receiving power.

4.3 Connecting Microphones and Instruments

• Microphone: Connect your microphone to the XLR input on the front panel. If using a condenser microphone, press the +48V button to activate phantom power. Adjust the 'GAIN' knob for the microphone input to set the appropriate level.
• Instrument (Hi-Z): Connect your electric guitar or other high-impedance instrument to the TS (1/4") Hi-Z input on the front panel. Adjust the 'GAIN' knob for the Hi-Z input.
• Line-Level Devices: Connect line-level devices (e.g., synthesizers, media players) to the RCA inputs (Left-1, Right-2) on the rear panel.

4.4 Connecting Speakers and Headphones

• Studio Monitors: Connect your active studio monitors to the TRS balanced outputs (Left-1, Right-2) on the rear panel using 1/4" TRS cables.
• Headphones: Connect your headphones to the 1/4" TRS headphone output on the front panel. Adjust the 'L. HEADPHONE' gain knob for headphone volume.

5. Operation

5.1 Input Gain Control

Use the individual 'GAIN' knobs for the microphone and Hi-Z inputs to set the input level. Monitor the 'PEAK' LEDs; they should light up only occasionally on the loudest parts of your signal to avoid clipping.

5.2 Phantom Power (+48V)

The +48V button activates phantom power for the XLR microphone input. This is necessary for most condenser microphones. Ensure your microphone supports phantom power before activating it. Do not activate +48V for ribbon microphones or dynamic microphones unless specified by the manufacturer.

5.3 Direct Monitoring (In/Mix/Out)

The 'IN MIX OUT' knob allows you to blend between the direct input signal (IN) and the playback signal from your computer (OUT). This is useful for monitoring your input signal with zero latency, preventing delays during recording. Turn the knob towards 'IN' to hear more of your live input, and towards 'OUT' to hear more of your computer's playback.

5.4 Master Output Volume

The large 'MASTER' knob controls the overall output volume to your connected studio monitors. Adjust this to a comfortable listening level.

5.5 Headphone Volume

The 'L. HEADPHONE' gain knob controls the volume of the headphone output independently of the master output. This allows you to set a separate monitoring level for your headphones.

6. Software Integration

The ESI U22XT comes bundled with professional audio software to enhance your recording and production workflow:

• Bitwig Studio 8-Track: A powerful and intuitive Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for creating and arranging music. Use the provided license to activate your copy.
• inTone 2 ESI Edition from Audified: This software provides additional tools for processing and effects.

Refer to the respective software manuals for detailed instructions on their use.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Power/Device Not Recognized: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the U22XT and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable. Verify that the necessary drivers are installed correctly.
• No Sound Output: Check all cable connections to your speakers and headphones. Ensure the 'MASTER' and 'L. HEADPHONE' volume knobs are turned up. Verify that the U22XT is selected as the default audio output device in your computer's sound settings and your DAW.
• No Input Signal: Check microphone/instrument connections. Ensure +48V phantom power is activated for condenser microphones. Adjust the input 'GAIN' knobs. Verify the U22XT is selected as the input device in your computer's sound settings and your DAW.
• Latency Issues: Ensure you are using the correct ASIO (Windows) or CoreAudio (Mac) drivers. Adjust the buffer size in your DAW's audio settings (lower buffer size reduces latency but requires more CPU power). Use the 'IN MIX OUT' knob for direct monitoring to bypass software latency.
• Distorted Sound: Check input 'GAIN' levels to ensure the 'PEAK' LEDs are not constantly lit. Reduce the input gain if necessary. Ensure output levels are not too high, causing clipping at your speakers/headphones.

8. Specifications

9. User Tips

• Optimal Driver Performance: Always ensure you have the latest drivers installed from the ESI website for the best performance and compatibility with your operating system.
• Cable Quality: Use high-quality XLR and TRS cables to minimize noise and ensure clear audio transmission.
• Gain Staging: Properly set your input gain levels to avoid clipping (distortion) and to achieve a strong signal-to-noise ratio. The 'PEAK' LEDs are your guide.
• Direct Monitoring for Recording: Utilize the 'IN MIX OUT' knob to monitor your input signal directly from the interface, which eliminates latency during recording sessions.
• Software Activation: Make sure to register and activate your bundled software (Bitwig Studio 8-Track, inTone 2 ESI Edition) using the provided license keys to unlock their full functionality.

10. Support and Warranty

For technical support, driver updates, or further information, please visit the official ESI Audio website. Refer to the warranty card included in your package for details regarding warranty coverage and service procedures. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Contact Information:

• ESI Audio Website: www.esi-audio.com
• Service Hotline (China): 400-688-1581 or 021-54133718 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)