MD22 Professional Sound Card User Manual

1. Introduction

The MD22 Professional Sound Card is a versatile 2-in-2-out USB audio interface designed for high-fidelity recording and monitoring. It offers a maximum sampling rate of 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring exceptional clarity and detail in your audio. Key features include 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, zero-latency direct monitoring, and a convenient loopback function for internet broadcasting. With independent gain controls and high/low impedance input switching, the MD22 is an ideal tool for musicians, podcasters, live streamers, and anyone requiring professional-grade audio capture.

2. Package Contents

Please check the package carefully to ensure all items are present and in good condition:

• 1 x MD22 Sound Card
• 1 x USB Connection Cable (Otc to USB)
• 1 x Type-C Power Supply Line

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the controls and ports of your MD22 Professional Sound Card.

3.1 Front Panel Controls

• GAIN Knobs (L, R): Adjust the input level for channels 1L and 2R.
• Hi-Z Keys: High impedance input switch for instruments like guitar/bass.
• Indicator Lights (PK, 48V): PK indicates peak signal, 48V indicates phantom power status.
• MIC/LINE Inputs (1L, 2R): Combo XLR/TRS inputs for microphones or line-level signals.
• MIX Knob: Adjusts the balance between direct input monitoring and computer playback.
• MON Button: Activates direct monitoring.
• DAW Button: Activates monitoring through your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
• OUT LoopBack Button: Enables the loopback function.
• Main Output Knob: Controls the overall output volume to your speakers.
• PHONE Jack: 6.35mm (1/4 inch) stereo headphone output.
• Headphone Volume Knob: Adjusts the volume for the headphone output.
• Low-Cut High-Pass Filter: Reduces low-frequency rumble and noise.
• Stereo Buttons: Switches between stereo and mono output modes.

3.2 Rear Panel Ports

• USB 2.0 Port: Connects the sound card to your computer for data and power.
• Power Source (5VDC): Auxiliary power input, typically for mobile devices or when USB power is insufficient.
• OFF/ON +48V Switch: Activates/deactivates 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
• 3.5 Total Output: 3.5mm stereo output jack.
• 6.5 Total Output Interface (1R, 2R): 6.35mm (1/4 inch) TRS/TS outputs for connecting to studio monitors or other audio equipment.

4. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your MD22 Professional Sound Card:

4.1 Connecting to a Computer or Mobile Device

1. Connect the MD22 Sound Card to your computer using the provided USB 2.0 cable. The device is driver-free for most operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS).
2. For mobile devices or if additional power is needed, connect the Type-C power supply line to the 5VDC port on the rear panel and to a suitable power adapter (not included).

4.2 Connecting Microphones and Instruments

1. Microphones: Connect your microphone(s) to the MIC/LINE inputs (1L, 2R) on the front panel. If using a condenser microphone, ensure the +48V phantom power switch on the rear panel is set to 'ON'.
2. Instruments (e.g., Guitar/Bass): Connect your instrument to a MIC/LINE input (1L or 2R) and press the corresponding 'Hi-Z' button to activate high impedance mode. This prevents overload and distortion.

4.3 Connecting Output Devices

1. Headphones: Plug your headphones into the 'PHONE' jack on the front panel. Adjust the 'Headphone Volume' knob for comfortable listening.
2. Studio Monitors/Speakers: Connect your studio monitors or speakers to the 6.5 Total Output Interfaces (1R, 2R) or the 3.5 Total Output on the rear panel. Adjust the 'Main Output Knob' for speaker volume.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Input Gain Control

Use the individual 'GAIN' knobs for channels 1L and 2R to set appropriate input levels. The 'PK' indicator light will flash if the signal is clipping (too loud). Adjust the gain until the 'PK' light only flashes occasionally during the loudest parts of your performance.

5.2 48V Phantom Power

For condenser microphones, ensure the '+48V' switch on the rear panel is set to 'ON'. The '48V' indicator light on the front panel will illuminate. Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power.

5.3 High Impedance (Hi-Z) Input

When connecting instruments like electric guitars or basses directly, press the 'Hi-Z' button for the corresponding input channel. This optimizes the input impedance for instruments, preventing signal degradation and ensuring a clear recording.

5.4 Direct Monitoring and DAW Monitoring

• Direct Monitoring (MON): Press the 'MON' button to enable zero-latency direct monitoring. This allows you to hear your input signal directly from the sound card without any delay, which is crucial for recording performances.
• DAW Monitoring (DAW): Press the 'DAW' button to monitor your audio through your Digital Audio Workstation. This allows you to hear effects and processing applied within your software.
• MIX Knob: Use the 'MIX' knob to blend between your direct input signal and the playback from your computer/DAW.

5.5 Loopback Function

The 'OUT LoopBack' button enables the loopback function. This feature allows you to mix the audio input from the MD22 with the audio playing on your computer and send it back as a stereo output. This is particularly useful for live streaming, podcasting, or online meetings where you need to share both your microphone and computer audio simultaneously.

5.6 Stereo/Mono Output

The 'Stereo' buttons allow you to switch between stereo and mono output modes. This is useful for accurately reflecting the spatial positioning of different sound sources during recording or for specific mixing needs.

5.7 Low-Cut High-Pass Filter

Engage the 'Low-Cut' button to activate the high-pass filter. This helps to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise such as rumble, handling noise, or proximity effect from microphones, resulting in a cleaner recording.

6. Multi-Scenario Usage

The MD22 Sound Card is suitable for a variety of audio applications:

• Online Live Streaming: Combine your voice with background music or game audio.
• Audio Book Recording: Capture clear vocals for narration.
• Music Production: Record instruments and vocals with high fidelity.
• Professional Recording: Ideal for studio-quality audio capture.
• Personal Recording: Perfect for demos, podcasts, and voiceovers.
• Recording Preparation: Practice and monitor your performance with precision.

7. Specifications

8. Troubleshooting

• No Sound or Low Volume from 6.5mm Inputs: If you experience a 'too small sound phenomenon' when using 6.5mm inputs, ensure that the 'Hi-Z' button is correctly engaged for instruments, or that the input gain is adequately adjusted. Also, verify that the correct input type (MIC/LINE) is selected in your recording software.
• No Sound from Condenser Microphone: Check that the '+48V' phantom power switch on the rear panel is 'ON' and the '48V' indicator light on the front panel is illuminated.
• Distorted Audio: Reduce the input 'GAIN' until the 'PK' (peak) indicator light no longer flashes continuously. Ensure your instrument's output level is not excessively high.
• Latency during Monitoring: If you experience delay while monitoring, ensure the 'MON' (direct monitoring) button is active. If using DAW monitoring, check your DAW's buffer size settings; a smaller buffer size can reduce latency but may require more processing power.
• Device Not Recognized by Computer: Try connecting the MD22 to a different USB port or using a different USB cable. Ensure your operating system is up to date.

9. User Tips

• Optimal Gain Staging: Always aim for a strong signal without clipping. Adjust the gain knobs so the 'PK' light only flickers on the loudest peaks.
• Cable Quality: Use high-quality XLR cables for microphones and TRS/TS cables for instruments and outputs to minimize noise and interference.
• Power Supply: While the MD22 can be USB bus-powered, using the dedicated Type-C power supply (if available) can provide more stable power, especially with mobile devices or power-hungry microphones.
• Experiment with Monitoring: Switch between 'MON' (direct monitoring) and 'DAW' monitoring to understand the difference and choose the best option for your recording workflow.

10. Safety Information

• Do not expose the device to rain, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
• Avoid placing the device near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• Do not open the casing or attempt to repair the device yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Use only specified power adapters and cables.
• Keep out of reach of children.

11. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the seller's policies or contact the point of purchase. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.