ART TubeFire 8

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – READ FIRST

[!] CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

[!] ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

[High Voltage Symbol] This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure. Voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

[Information Symbol] This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read manual.

Read instructions:

Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide.

Do not open:

Aside from four vacuum tubes, there are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical personnel only.

Power sources:

Only connect the unit to mains power of the type marked on the rear panel. The power source must provide a good ground connection.

Power cord:

Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local mains supply as provided with the equipment. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult your service agent. Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against.

Grounding:

Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or tamper with the ground connection on the power cord.

Ventilation:

Do not obstruct the ventilation slots or position the unit where the air required for ventilation is impeded. If the unit is to be operated in a rack, case or other furniture, ensure that it is constructed to allow adequate ventilation.

Moisture:

To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or use in damp or wet conditions. Do not place a container of liquid on it, which may spill into any openings.

Heat:

Do not locate the unit in a place close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could be a fire hazard. Locate the unit away from any equipment, which produces heat such as: power supplies, power amplifiers and heaters.

Environment:

Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, drink spillage and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.

Handling:

To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid rough handling and excessive vibration. Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment take care when lifting, moving or carrying the unit.

Servicing:

Switch off the equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is exposed to moisture, spilled liquid, objects fallen into opening, or the power cord or plug becomes damaged during a lightning storm or if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel only.

Installation:

Install the unit in accordance with the instructions printed in the user guide.

INTRODUCTION

The ART TubeFire 8™ is the answer to your recording and computer interface needs. Eight high quality vacuum tube microphone preamps are packaged in a single rack high package. Its second generation discrete class-A mic preamps provide clean quiet gain while maintaining incredible transparency. Either the analog mic preamps, or the internal high quality D/A converters can drive the eight balanced outputs, selectable in banks of two channels at a time.

Connect to a PC or Mac with the Firewire interface and gain your computer eight analog inputs and eight analog outputs.

The eight outputs are also summed into the headphone output, providing a mono or stereo mixer function for low latency input monitoring, foldback monitoring from the CPU, and a mixed output of both.

Every input channel offers balanced 1/4" phone or XLR input, 70dB of gain, Pad switch, Low-Cut filter switch, Phase Invert switch, and a wide range LED meter to monitor the preamp output levels. The clip indicators monitor mic-preamp peak levels. Each channel has a variable output level control, allowing you to use the tube stage for warming effects and adjust to various system levels, or just to completely mute the channel.

INSTALLATION

The TubeFire 8™ may be used in a wide variety of applications and environments. In a rack-mountable, all-steel enclosure, the unit is designed for continuous professional use. Mounting location is not critical. However, for greater performance reliability, it is recommended not to place the unit on top of power amps or other sources of heat, or strong magnetic fields. The tube circuitry needs about a minute to “warm up” and stabilize from a cold power up.

AC Power Hookup

The TubeFire 8™ has an internal power supply. Only connect the unit to mains power of the type marked on the rear panel. The power source must provide a good ground connection, and the ground pin on the mains plug should never be defeated.

Analog Audio Connections

Audio connections to and from the TubeFire 8™ are:

• Rear balanced combo input: [XLR] Pin 2 = Hot (+), Pin 3 = Cold (-), Pin 1 = Ground; [1/4"] Tip = Hot (+), Ring = Cold (-), Sleeve = Ground
• Rear balanced 1/4" output: Tip = Hot (+), Ring = Cold (-), Sleeve = Ground
• Front 1/4" input: Tip = Hot (+), Ring = Cold (-), Sleeve = Ground

Firewire (IEEE 1394) (Sony iLINK®) Connections

The TubeFire 8™ has two 6-pin Firewire ports located on the rear panel. Both ports are identical and can be used interchangeably.

Use a quality Firewire cable to connect the TubeFire 8™ to your computer. NOTE: Make all connections with both the Computer and TubeFire 8™ powered off. First power on the computer, and after the system OS has fully loaded, then power on the TubeFire 8™. While Firewire is considered to be a “hot swappable” technology, experience indicates that to avoid system errors and lockups, it is best to not disconnect and connect the Firewire cable while the AC power is on.

Multiple TubeFire 8™ units can be daisy-chained by using the ports on the rear panel, but care should be taken to minimize the number of TubeFire 8™ units placed on each Firewire buss due to bandwidth limits. The TubeFire 8™ utilizes Firewire 400 which handles 400Mbits/sec. Depending on the number of units running, you may notice limits in sample rate and total channel count. Adjust your system configuration accordingly. Individual cable lengths should be limited to 4.5m (14.76 ft.) maximum. Shorter is better.

CONTROLS and JACKS

FRONT PANEL

Textual Description of Front Panel (Refer to FIGURE 1):

• Phantom Power for Mics: +48V button provides phantom power to XLR inputs.
• Mic/Instrument signals: Input section for microphones or instruments.
• Gain Reduction for Line Level: Gain control knob.
• Low filter for pop and wind noise reduction: Low Cut switch.
• Phase Invert: Phase switch for 180-degree phase inversion.
• Gain Control: Adjusts mic pre-amp and instrument input gain. Markings apply to mic pre-amp without Pad engaged.
• PAD: Pad switch reduces mic pre-amp gain for high-level signals. Does not affect instrument input.
• +48V: Switch to enable phantom power.
• INSTRUMENT INPUT: 1/4" TS jack for high impedance unbalanced instrument input. Automatically switches off mic pre-amp.
• CLIP: Preamp AND Output level clip indicator.
• -10, -20, -30: LED meter indicators for output level to the A/D converter.
• OUTPUT: Output Control knob for gain/attenuation.
• Channel Output Level Metering: Four-segment LED meter showing signal level at A/D converter input.

Headphone / Line Mixer

Textual Description of Output Mix/Headphone Section (Refer to FIGURE 2):

• Output jack and Mixer Source Select: Switches to select sources for output jacks and headphone mix (preamp or computer audio).
• Zero Latency Mixer: Controls the mix of selected sources.
• Headphone/Line Mixer Output: 1/4" jack for headphone or line output.
• Mono/Stereo Output Level: Mix Level control knob for headphone output volume. Mutes at 12 o'clock. Stereo mix: odd channels left, even channels right.

Power Switch

This switch controls and indicates that the unit is powered up and operational. When dimly lit, it indicates a low power source or an internal problem.

REAR PANEL

Textual Description of Rear Panel (Refer to FIGURE 3):

• Balanced Input Jacks – XLR & 1/4" TRS Combo Jacks: For microphone and line level signals. XLR impedance is 6.4K Ohms, 1/4" TRS is 20K Ohms. Front panel Pad switch affects both.
• Balanced Output Jacks: Low impedance 1/4" TRS balanced jacks for each channel.
• Output Level Switch: Optimizes output level for +4dBm (switch depressed) or -10dBV (switch out) systems.
• Wordclock Input and Thru Jacks: BNC connectors for external clock synchronization. Input is high impedance. A 75 Ohm BNC terminator is recommended on the Thru jack if the Input is used alone.
• Firewire Jacks: Two 6-pin Firewire ports for computer and daisy-chaining other Firewire devices. Ensure the unit is OFF when connecting/disconnecting Firewire cables.

HARDWARE OPERATION

How to adjust the controls for the lowest noise

Start with GAIN and OUTPUT knobs centered, Pad switch IN (provides ~20dB gain). Increase Gain until Clip LED just barely lights on loudest peaks, then back off slightly. If more level is needed, set Gain to 12 o'clock, disengage Pad switch, and readjust Gain. Adjust Output control so the -10 light is on most of the time during loud passages. Increasing input gain and decreasing Output level can add tube warmth. Remember: Clip LED monitors preamp input/output peaks; -10, -20, -30 LEDs monitor A/D converter input level.

How to set the Output Level switch (on the rear panel)

This switch optimizes output level for your system. Send audio from the TubeFire 8™ to a mixer or signal processor and check its meters. Set the switch so external gear meters do not show excessive clipping but provide good full-scale deflection.

How to use the Headphone / Line Mixer Output

The TubeFire 8™ provides eight D/A outputs assignable to the headphone output via Output Source switches (in pairs for stereo). When a switch is OUT, computer audio (D/A) is mixed. When depressed, analog preamp outputs are mixed. For monitoring, select desired computer channels (e.g., 7 & 8) via Output Source switches. Then, depress switches for desired input channels to monitor. Adjust Output level controls on unused channels. Select Record Arm switches in your software for channels to record. Vary the balance between pre-computer and post-computer audio using computer volume controls (e.g., Channels 7 & 8). Adjust Mix Level knob for overall headphone output volume and mono/stereo mix. Mono mode pans mono sources to the center.

Note: You can maintain a stereo mix by patching analog output of channel 1 into input of channel 2 and adjusting its gain until the analog input is panned center, assuming Channel 2 is unused.

PC SOFTWARE OPERATION

Installing the Windows PC driver

Visit www.artproaudio.com for driver updates. Run SETUP.EXE from the driver disk to install the ART Firewire Driver. Follow installer prompts; default directory is suggested. Connect the TubeFire 8™ to the computer's Firewire port ONLY when prompted. An icon will be placed on your desktop and in your STARTUP folder. The ART Driver runs automatically unless removed from STARTUP. Run the driver to use the TubeFire 8™ with recording software.

Using the Windows PC driver panel

The ART Card Control Panel allows adjustment of sample rate, latency optimization, Wordclock source selection, unit status check, and device renaming. Changes are saved to non-volatile flash memory. The unit may mute audio and report “trying to lock” during changes, which is normal.

Changing the name of your TubeFire 8™ with a Windows PC

In the ART Card Control Panel, double-click the Device Name column and enter a descriptive name for easier identification in recording software (see FIGURE 5).

Textual Description of FIGURE 5 (Renaming your TubeFire 8™): The figure shows the ART Card Control Panel with a dialog box titled "Edit Device Name" where a user can input a new name for the device.

Renaming information is saved in flash memory. (This function is not available for Mac operation.)

Changing the sample rate

STEP ONE: Open the ART Card Control panel and modify the sample rate setting (see FIGURE 6).

Textual Description of FIGURE 6 (Control Panel Sample Rate): The figure shows the ART Card Control Panel interface with the "Sample Rate" dropdown menu visible, displaying options like 44.1 KHz, 48.0 KHz, and 88.2 KHz.

STEP TWO: Change the sample rate in your recording software (e.g., Cubase's PROJECT SETUP dialog, see FIGURE 7).

Textual Description of FIGURE 7 (Cubase Sample Rate Selection): The figure shows the Cubase LE 4 software interface, highlighting the "Project Setup" dialog where the sample rate can be set to 44.100 kHz, 48.000 kHz, etc.

Changing the sample rate may cause audio dropouts. Monitor ASIO Drop Outs for 10-20 seconds; if not zero, increase buffer length until they reduce to zero. The front panel Sample Rate display is a histogram; all lights lit indicate 96KHz (see FIGURE 8).

Textual Description of FIGURE 8 (Sample Rate Indication): The figure shows the front panel of the TubeFire 8 with its Sample Rate indicator lights. Different combinations of lit lights represent different sample rates (e.g., 48KHz, 96KHz).

Adjusting system latency with a Windows PC

Buffer depth varies latency. Adjusting the buffer depth control left reduces buffer size and latency. The actual time readout is for one buffer. Most programs use multiple buffers (input, output, processing). Click and hold the WDM or ASIO slider knob to adjust buffer length (time and samples). Click Apply to activate changes. Cubase LE uses the ASIO driver (see FIGURE 9).

Textual Description of FIGURE 9 (ART ASIO Driver buffer depth adjustment): The figure shows the ART Card Control Panel with the ASIO buffer depth slider and its numerical readout (e.g., 1.0 ms, 44 samples). The ASIO Drop Outs counter is also visible.

A buffer depth setting that is too short causes audible dropouts. Monitor ASIO Drop Outs; if not zero, increase buffer length until it reaches zero.

Using the wordclock input with a Windows PC

For synchronized digital audio performance, use a master wordclock to synchronize all digital processing units, reducing timing offset and drift. Connect the TubeFire 8™ to a wordclock generator running at the intended sample rate. Multiple units can be daisy-chained via Wordclock Input/Thru jacks, with a 75 Ohm BNC terminator on the last unit's Thru jack. Alternatively, connect each unit directly to the generator's outputs, each requiring a terminator on its Thru jack. Set the ART Card Control Panel's Sync Mode to "External - Word" and match the sample rate to the generator. Then, set the sample rate in your recording software (see FIGURE 10).

Textual Description of FIGURE 10 (Wordclock connections): The figures illustrate two scenarios: a single unit connected to a wordclock source via Input/Thru jacks, and multiple units daisy-chained, with a terminator on the last unit.

Mac SOFTWARE OPERATION

Changing the sample rate with a Mac

Use the AUDIO/MIDI Setup utility. Select properties for the "ART Firewire nnnn" device. Under Audio Input, use the Format pull-down menu to select the desired sample rate. Audio Input and Output formats track each other. Volume, mute, and thru controls are typically managed by the recording software (see FIGURE 11).

Textual Description of FIGURE 11 (Audio/MIDI Setup Utility): The figure shows the Mac's Audio MIDI Setup utility, displaying Audio Devices, with properties for an ART Firewire device, showing sample rate and bit depth settings.

Using the wordclock input with a Mac

To synchronize multiple devices, connect the TubeFire 8™ to a wordclock generator. Run the ART Panel for Macintosh utility, set SYNC MODE to "External" (downloadable from www.artproaudio.com). Click AUDIO/MIDI SETUP and select the expected sample rate from the external generator. The TubeFire 8™ is now slaved. Finally, set the sample rate in your recording software (see FIGURE 12).

Textual Description of FIGURE 12 (ART Panel program): The figure shows the ART Panel program for Macintosh, with options to select SYNC MODE (Internal/External) and a button to access AUDIO/MIDI SETUP.

Creating an Aggregate Device with a Mac

To control multiple audio devices on a Mac, create a single Aggregate Device. Run the Audio/MIDI Setup utility, then select "Open Aggregate Device Editor" from the Audio menu (see FIGURE 13). Click the "+" (Add) button, select audio devices by clicking "Use" buttons, and rename the Aggregate Device (e.g., "TubeFire 8™ pair") (see FIGURE 14).

Textual Description of FIGURE 13 (Audio/MIDI Setup - Audio pull-down menu): The figure shows the Mac's Audio MIDI Setup utility with the Audio menu open, highlighting the "Open Aggregate Device Editor" option.

Textual Description of FIGURE 14 (Aggregate Device Editor window): The figure displays the Aggregate Device Editor, showing a list of audio devices (e.g., ART Firewire) that can be included in an aggregate device, with options to select them and view their input/output channels.

APPLICATIONS

Adding more TubeFire 8™ units to your system

Expand system inputs/outputs by adding more TubeFire 8™ units. Firewire buss bandwidth and selected sample rate limit the number of units. At 88.2KHz or 96KHz, max is two units (16 channels). At 44.1KHz or 48KHz, max is four units (32 channels). Connect units to the Firewire buss (FIGURE 3), daisy-chaining via "To Computer" and "Expansion" ports, or connect directly if enough ports are available. Use ART Card Control Panel (Windows) or AUDIO/MIDI Setup (Mac) to configure multiple units (see FIGURE 15).

Textual Description of FIGURE 15 (ART Card control panel for multiple TubeFire 8™ units): The figure shows the ART Card Control Panel listing multiple connected TubeFire 8™ units, indicating their device names, serial numbers, versions, and channel modes.

Typical applications

• Home and Commercial Recording Studios
• Live Sound Recording
• Broadcast/Radio/TV - Multi-channel playback and recording

Troubleshooting

Check the following:

1. Power Switch: Should be lit red when depressed. If not, check power connections and rear panel fuse.
2. Sample Rate Lights: At least one should be lit. On power up, they all light, then sequentially from 44K to 96K, settling to the current rate. If this sequence fails within 5 seconds, there's a digital section problem.
3. Computer Recognition: Check ART Driver panel (PC) or Audio/MIDI setup (Mac) to see if the unit is recognized. Check Firewire connection; try a different port on the unit or computer. Turn the unit OFF when connecting/disconnecting Firewire cables. Firewire ports can fail due to static or voltage issues.
4. Windows XP Wireless: Turn off wireless connections, as they consume CPU resources causing audio click/drop-outs.
5. Minimize Apps: Run the absolute minimum number of applications for best audio performance.
6. Cubase: Ensure TubeFire 8™ inputs/outputs are assigned and enabled in VST Connections. Cubase LE 4 is limited to 8 inputs/outputs total.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Limited Warranty:

Applied Research and Technology (ART) warrants this product and its components to the original purchaser to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for three years from the date of purchase. ART will, at its option, repair or replace defective products or parts free of charge upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or an authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase (sales receipt).

Exclusions:

This warranty does not apply to misuse, abuse, unauthorized alterations, or repairs. It is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed. ART reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without obligation to install them on previously manufactured products. ART is not liable for consequential damages, including loss of use. Some states may not limit incidental or consequential damages. This warranty provides specific rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state. For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor will provide service.

SERVICE

If your unit requires service:

1. Ensure the unit is the cause of the problem. Check power, cable connections, and cable condition. Consult your dealer for assistance.
2. If the ART unit is at fault, visit www.artproaudio.com. Contact Customer Service or request a Return Authorization in the "resources" area of the website.
3. For service returns, pack the unit in its original carton or a suitable substitute. Consider using an additional box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box.
4. Include a note with the RA number and your contact information (including a daytime phone number), preferably attached to the top of the unit.

For your reference:

Date of purchase: ___________________

Purchased from: ___________________

Serial number: ___________________

TubeFire 8™ SPECIFICATIONS

Input Impedance

• Mic: 6.4K Ohm
• Line: 20K Ohm
• Instrument: 2.5M Ohm

Output Impedance

• Balanced outputs: 200 Ohm balanced
• Headphone output: 33 Ohms

Frequency Response

• Analog in to Analog out: 12Hz - 60KHz +0, -1dB
• Analog in to Digital out: 12Hz - 20KHz +0, -1dB @ 44.1 KHz sample rate; 16Hz - 42KHz +0, -1dB @ 96 KHz sample rate

THD

• 1KHz: < .015% @ -30dB ref clipping
• 20-20KHz: < .033%

HPF

• 80Hz, 1-pole

Equivalent Input Noise

• Mic/Line: -130dBu, Input shorted, Max gain, "A" wtd.
• Instrument: -105dBu, Input shorted, Max gain, “A” wtd.

Maximum Input Level

• Mic/line: +18dBu balanced w/Pad
• Instrument: +15dBu

Maximum Gain

• Mic: 70dB (XLR to balanced output)
• Instrument: 40dB (1/4" to balanced output)

Maximum Output level

• Balanced: +24dBu
• Unbalanced: +18dBu
• Output level switch: Lowers Max. Output by 10dB @ -10dB setting
• Headphones: +6dBu
• Meter clip light: +20dBu ref. Balanced output, -2dB ref. A/D clip

Wordclock Range

• 40 - 52 KHz or 80 - 104KHz, set by computer

Sample Rates

• 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz

Firewire

• 2 - six pin connectors, 100 - 400 Mb/Sec., 1394a

Dimensions

• 1.75"H x 19.0"W x 14.4"D

Weight

• 13.2 lbs.

Power Requirements

• USA – 105-125VAC AC 60Hz. Export units configured for country of destination.

Minimum System Requirements

• Firewire port, PC: 1GHz P4, 256MB RAM, Windows XP; Mac: G4 OS-X

Note: 0 dBu = 0.775V RMS, 0dBV = 1V RMS

ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement. ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.

NOTES

Contact ART for further information:

Website: www.artproaudio.com

Email: support@artproaudio.com

© 2006 Applied Research & Technology

Part Number: 164-5004-102