TOPPING E8x8 Pre User Manual

1. Package Contents

• E8x8 Pre Main Unit
• AC Power Cable
• USB A-to-C Cable
• USB C-to-C Cable
• 6.35mm to 3.5mm Adapter
• Quick Start Guide

2. Product Attributes

Dimensions: 43.0cm x 17.5cm x 5.3cm (without rack mounting ears), 48.5cm x 17.5cm x 5.3cm (with rack mounting ears)

Weight: 1.720Kg

Power Input: 100-240VAC 50Hz/60Hz

Interface Type: USB 2.0

Microphone Inputs: 8x Combo connectors (with 48V phantom power switches)

Instrument Inputs: 2x Combo connectors

Line Inputs: 8x Combo connectors

Line Outputs: 8x (balanced)

Headphone Outputs: 2x

Direct Monitoring: Yes (adjustable monitor mix ratio)

Input Meter: Yes (8x8 LED indicators)

Output Meter: Yes (8x8 LED indicators)

Preamp Technology: Ultra-linear

Headphone Amp Technology: NFCA-LE

Supported Sample Rates: 24bits/44.1kHz - 24bits/96kHz

Software Control: Yes (TOPPING Professional Control Center)

DAW Channels: 8x

Loopback Channels: 6x

Operating System Support: Mac/Win/iOS/Android

Power Switch: Yes

3. Parts and Names

Front Panel

The front panel features input connectors, gain controls, phantom power switches, direct monitoring buttons, LED level indicators, and headphone outputs.

• IN1-8: Input level indicators. The CLIP indicator at the top of the meter lights up when the signal is clipped; reduce the signal level.
• IN1-2 (Combo): Input connectors for microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line-level devices. These combo connectors support XLR plugs, 6.35mm TRS balanced plugs, and 6.35mm TS unbalanced plugs. Microphones use XLR, instruments use 6.35mm TS, and line-level devices use 6.35mm TRS.
• INST (IN1-2): Line/Instrument input switch. The button light is off for Line input and on for Instrument input.
• Input Gain Knob (IN1-8): Adjusts the gain level of microphone, instrument, or line input signals. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease and clockwise to increase. Monitor the LED level meter while adjusting gain; reduce gain if the CLIP light illuminates.
• 48V (IN1-8): Phantom Power switch for XLR inputs. When the button light is on, 48V phantom power is supplied to the corresponding XLR input. Caution: Phantom power is typically required for condenser microphones and may damage equipment that does not need it. Turn off when not required. Ensure your microphone needs 48V phantom power before enabling it. Lower the volume before turning phantom power on or off.
• MON (IN1-8): Direct Monitoring switch. Pressing and lighting the button enables direct monitoring, routing the input signal directly to the headphone and Line out outputs. It outputs a mono signal to both left and right channels for zero-latency monitoring.
• LED Meters: IN1-8 are input level indicators, OUT1-8 are output level indicators. CLIP lights up when clipping occurs.
• Power Indicator: Solid light indicates working status; light off indicates power off. A breathing light indicates standby status. Automatic standby activates if power is detected but no USB or analog input signals are present, entering standby after one minute. It will resume normal operation upon detecting a USB signal. Automatic standby settings are configured in ToppingPro.
• MONITOR Knob: Adjusts the signal level for LINE OUT 1&2. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease and clockwise to increase. LINE OUT 3-8 levels are adjusted via the ToppingPro control center.
• GAIN (Headphone): Headphone amplifier gain setting. Button light off for low gain, on for high gain.
• Headphone Volume Knob: Adjusts headphone volume. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease and clockwise to increase.
• 6.35mm Headphone Output Jack: For connecting headphones. Includes a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter for compatibility with both plug sizes.

Rear Panel

• 1. Power Switch: Turns the unit on/off.
• 2. Power Input: AC 100-240V 50Hz/60Hz.
• 3. USB-C Ports: Two USB ports are available. USB-1 is used by default when connecting both simultaneously.
• 4. ADAT Optical OUT (OUT2): Provides 8-channel output at 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate, and 4-channel output at 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rate.
• 5. S/PDIF Optical OUT (OUT1): Provides 2-channel output, supporting up to 96kHz.
• 6. WORD CLOCK OUT (BNC connector): Outputs word clock signal for synchronizing with other digital audio devices. The E8x8 Pre acts as the master clock. Proper synchronization prevents issues like stuttering or noise.
• 7. LINE OUT: For connecting to active speakers or amplifiers. LINE OUT 1-2 feature 6.35mm TRS balanced jacks plus XLR balanced jacks. LINE OUT 3-8 feature 6.35mm TRS balanced jacks.
• 8. IN3-8 (Combo): Input connectors for microphones or line-level devices; do not support instruments. These combo connectors support XLR plugs, 6.35mm TRS balanced plugs, and 6.35mm TS unbalanced plugs. Microphones use XLR, and line-level devices use 6.35mm TRS.

4. Basic Operation

Power On/Off

Connect the power supply and use the rear panel power switch to turn the unit on or off.

Factory Reset

1. Turn the power switch to OFF.

2. Press and hold the IN1 MON button while powering on the device. Continue holding until all meter indicators light up to restore factory settings.

5. Connections

Refer to the diagrams for connection examples.

Connecting a Microphone

1. Connect the microphone to any of the IN1-8 connectors using an XLR cable.

2. Turn the input gain knob for the desired input to minimum. Ensure the 48V and INST buttons are off.

3. If your microphone requires 48V phantom power, turn ON the corresponding 48V button (e.g., IN1).

Caution: Phantom power is only required for condenser microphones and may damage equipment that does not need it. Turn phantom power off when not required. Ensure your microphone needs 48V phantom power before turning it on. Set all volume levels to minimum before turning phantom power on or off.

4. Proceed to the "Adjust the Input Gain" section.

Connecting a Guitar/Bass

1. Connect the guitar/bass to IN1 or IN2 using a TS cable.

2. Press and light up the corresponding INST button (e.g., IN1).

3. Proceed to the "Adjust the Input Gain" section.

Connecting a Line-Level Device

1. Connect the line-level device to any of the IN1-8 connectors.

2. Turn the input gain knob for the desired input to minimum. Ensure the 48V and INST buttons are off (e.g., IN1).

3. Connect the line-level device using a TRS cable (e.g., to IN1&IN2).

Adjusting Input Gain

After connecting the input, adjust the input gain knob to amplify the input signal. Observe the level meter (IN1-8) and the CLIP indicator. While singing or playing, slowly turn up the input gain knob until the signal is sufficiently strong and does not clip easily.

Connecting Headphones

1. Connect headphones to the headphone output jacks (1 or 2).

2. Use the upper knob and GAIN button, or slide the fader in ToppingPro, to adjust headphone volume.

3. In ToppingPro, select the signal to be transmitted to the headphones. Headphone 1 corresponds to Output 1+2, and Headphone 2 corresponds to Output 3+4. Ensure the headphone icon is lit; if it is off, the output is muted. Refer to the ToppingPro Reference Guide for details.

Connecting to Active Speakers/Amplifiers

1. Connect active speakers or amplifiers to the LINE OUT using balanced TRS or XLR cables.

2. In ToppingPro, select the signal to be transmitted to the LINE OUT. LINE OUT 1-8 correspond to Output 1-8. For LINE OUT 1-4, ensure the plug icon is lit; if it is off, the output is muted. Refer to the ToppingPro Reference Guide for details.

3. Adjust the volume. The volume level of LINE OUT 1&2 can be adjusted by the ToppingPro software or the MONITOR knob on the front panel. LINE OUT 3-8 can only be set via ToppingPro.

Connecting to S/PDIF Optical Device

1. Connect the S/PDIF optical device to the "OPT OUT1" port.

2. In ToppingPro, select the signal to be transmitted to the S/PDIF OUT. Refer to the ToppingPro Reference Guide for details.

3. Adjust volume using the fader in ToppingPro.

Connecting to ADAT Optical Device

1. Connect the ADAT optical device to the "OPT OUT2" port.

2. In ToppingPro, select the signal to be transmitted to ADAT. Refer to the ToppingPro Reference Guide for details.

3. Ensure the E8x8 Pre and the connected ADAT device use the same sampling rate. Note: 8-channel output is available at 44.1 or 48 kHz, and 4-channel output at 88.2 or 96 kHz. The sampling rate can be set in ToppingPro or the DAW.

WORD CLOCK OUT

When connecting with digital devices, ensure synchronization to prevent noise or other issues. Connect the WORD CLOCK OUT of the E8x8 Pre to the WORD CLOCK IN of the connected digital device. The E8x8 Pre will act as the master clock for synchronization.

6. TOPPING Professional Control Center (ToppingPro)

Download the ToppingPro software and its reference guide from the official TOPPING website:

• ToppingPro Download: https://cn.topping.pro/download
• ToppingPro Reference Guide: https://www.topping.pro/downloads/TOPPING Professional Control Reference Guide.pdf

7. Audio Set-up in your DAW

The E8x8 Pre is compatible with DAWs that support Core Audio on Mac or ASIO on Windows. Ensure the E8x8 Pre is selected as the ASIO driver (Windows) or Core Audio driver (Mac) in your DAW's preferences/playback settings. Consult your DAW's user guide for specific instructions.

8. Precautions

• Do not keep the unit in a hot, humid environment or subject it to strong impacts.
• Opening the case instantly voids the warranty.
• For indoor use only.
• TOPPING accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the failure of the E8x8 Pre.
• Specifications are subject to change without prior notice for product improvement purposes.

9. Troubleshooting

No Power (Power Indicator is not on)

1. Check if the rear panel power switch is in the ON position.
2. Try another power cable.
3. Try another power outlet.

The PC Does Not Recognize This Unit

(Power indicator blinks/breathes, ToppingPro shows "no device connected".)

1. Check the operating system for compliance: macOS 12 or later (optional driver requires 10.13 or later); Windows 10 or later.
2. Ensure connection cables are fully inserted.
3. There are two USB ports on the device; use either one. USB-1 is used by default when connecting both simultaneously.
4. Turn off all antivirus applications, uninstall ToppingPro, and reinstall it.
5. Confirm if the USB cable is broken or damaged. Replace it with a new USB cable no longer than 2 meters.
6. Try using other USB ports on your computer and avoid using USB hubs.
7. Check if the problem lies with the computer; try another one.

No Sound

1. Check speaker connections and volume settings on the speakers.
2. Adjust the E8x8 Pre line output and headphone amp output volume.
3. Check the settings in ToppingPro.
4. Connect the E8x8 Pre directly to your computer, bypassing any USB hub.
5. Disconnect any unused USB devices connected to your computer.
6. Close all applications that are not in use.

Recorded Audio is Too Loud, Too Quiet, or Silent

1. Adjust the E8x8 Pre input gain level.
2. If using a condenser microphone that requires 48V phantom power, ensure the phantom power is turned on.
3. Check the settings in ToppingPro.

Sound Breaks Up

1. Increase the buffer size (latency) in the audio application or in ToppingPro (Windows only).
2. Check if the problem is on the computer; try another one.

Input Sound Distortion

Monitor the input meter and reduce the input gain level if the clipping indicator is on.

Cannot Play or Record

1. Confirm that the E8x8 Pre is set as the input and output device in your software.
2. Ensure the E8x8 Pre is correctly connected to the computer.
3. Quit all software that is using the E8x8 Pre, unplug and replug the USB cable connected to the E8x8 Pre.

10. Specifications (@24bits/96kHz)

Microphone Input

Line Input

Instrument Input

Line Output

Headphone Output

*Note: The above data is the result of the test in TOPPING laboratory.