American Audio Digital Producer VMS2 User Manual

							IN BUTTON - “CUE ON THE FLY” - This function allows you to set a CUE POINT without music inter-
ruption (“on the fly”). This button also sets the starting point of a seamless loop.
OUT BUTTON - This button is used to set the ending point of a loop. A loop is started by pressing 
the in  button, pressing the out  button set the loop ending point. The loop will continue to play 
until the out  button is pressed once again.
RELOOP  BUTTON - If  a  SEAMLESS  LOOP  has  been  made,  but  the  player  is  not  actively  in 
SEAMLESS LOOP mode (a loop is not playing), pressing the reloop button will instantly reacti-
vate the SEAMLESS LOOP mode. To exit loop, press the out button. 
8.   SEARCH BUTTONS - 
      This search button allows you to quickly scan backwards through a track.       
      This search button allows you to quickly scan forwards through a track. 
9. vINYL - Pushing this button activates VINYL mode.
10. LOAD BUTTON - These buttons are used to load the selected song to the assigned deck in the 
software. 
11. CHANNEL  FADER - These faders are used to control the output signal of any source assigned to 
its particular player. 
12.  CROSSFADER - This  fader  is  used  to  blend  the  output  signals  of  channels  A  and  B  together. 
When the fader is in the full left position (channel A), the output signal of channel A will be controlled 
by the master volume level. The same fundamentals will apply for channel B. Sliding the fader from 
one position to another will vary the output signals of channels A and B respectively. When the cross-
fader  is  set  in  the  center  position,  the  output  signals  of  both  the  channels  A  and  channels  B  will  be 
even.
13.    CHANNEL  vOLUME  LEvEL  INDICATORS  - The  LED  indicators  that  run  along  each  channels 
EQ  section  are  used  to  measure  incoming  signal  levels.  Use  these  indicator  to  visually  maintain  an 
average signal output of +4dB. A consistent average output level of +4dB will produce a clean output 
signal. When no CUE sources are selected, these indicate the volume level on the MASTER OUTPUT. 
When one or more CUE sources are selected, these indicate the volume level on all of the CUE sources 
combined. At power-on, these indicate the VMS2 firmware version. If the left side lights up 1 LED, and 
the right side lights up 3 LEDs, the firmare version is 1.3.
14.  PAUSE BUTTON - Press this button to pauSe what ever music source is playing.
15.  PLAY BUTTON - Press this button to play your desired music source.
16.  CUE  -  Pressing  the cue  button  during  playback  immediately  pauses  playback  and  returns  the 
track to the last set cue point. The red CUE LED will glow when the unit is in cue mode. The LED will 
also  flash  every  time  a  new  CUE  POINT  is  set.  The  CUE  button  can  be  held  down  to  momentarily 
play the track. When you release the CUE button it instantly returns to the CUE POINT. You can also 
tap the CUE button to create a BOP EFFECT.
17. JOg WHEEL - This wheel has three functions;
Attention:  Make  sure  that nothing  is  touch  or  resting  on  the  jog  wheels  when  you  power  on  the 
VMS2.
A. The wheel works as a pitch bend during Playback. Turning the wheel clockwise can increase the   
  pitch percentage up to 100%, and turning the wheel in the counter-clockwise direction can de-
crease the pitch percentage down to -100%. The pitch bend will be determined on how long   
 gENErAL FUNCTIONS  AND CONTrOLS (Cont.)
©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 11 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 12
you turn the jog wheel continuously.
B. The jog wheel also controls the scratch effect, when the scratch effect is active.
C. The jog wheel can also serve as frame search. 
Note:  The  inside  of  the  wheel  is  touch  sensitive  and  the  outside  edge  of  the  wheel  is  not.  Example: 
You  can  scratch  by  touching  the  inside  or  center  of  the  wheel,  and  pitch  bend  when  you  touch  the 
outside edge of the wheel.
18. (-) PITCH BEND BUTTON - The (-) pitch bend function creates a momentary “Slow Down” in the 
BPM’s (Beats per minute) while it is playing. This will allow you to match the beats between two play-
ing  audio  sources.  Remember,  this  is  a  momentary  function.  When  you  remove  your  finger  from  the 
pitch  button,  the  BPM’s  will  automatically  return  to pitch Slider'S pitch  value  Holding  down  this 
button will give a maximum of -100% pitch. Use this function to slow to another playing music source. 
Be  sure  to  notice  that  this  function  is  a  momentary  pitch  adjustment,  for  a  more  precise  adjustment 
use the pitch Slider (7) to match the BPM’s with another playing music source.   
 (+)  PITCH  BEND  BUTTON  -  The (+)  pitch  bend  function  creates  a  momentary  “BUMP”  in  the 
BPM’s (Beats per minute) while it is playing.  This will allow you to match the beats between two play-
ing audio sources. Remember, this is a momentary function. When you remove your finger from this 
button, the BPM’s will automatically return to the pitch  Slider'S selected pitch. Holding down this 
button will give a maximum of +100% pitch. 
19. SHIFT - Enables secondary MIDI command on buttons and jog wheel. Example: Press SHIFT and 
VINYL to activate Keylock.
20.  PITCH  SLIDER  -  This  slider  is  used  to  adjust  the  playback  pitch  percentage.  The  slider  is  a  set 
adjustment  and  will  remain  set  until  the  pitch  slider  is  moved  or  the  pitch  function  has  been  turned 
off.  
 gENErAL FUNCTIONS  AND CONTrOLS (Cont.) 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 13
 FrONT  PANEL - gENErAL FUNCTIONS  AND CONTrOLS
FRONT PANEL - 
mic Section (21-23) - the  vmS2 is equipped with 1 microphone input, easy to use, no  aSio rout-
ing required. the microphone channel has an independent on/off switch, gain control, and tone con-
trol.
21. MIC ON/OFF - Turns the corresponding microphone on/off. When you Mic is on the button will 
be backlit by a red LED.
22. MIC gAIN CONTROL - Increase or decrease the microphone signal level.
23. MIC TONE - Adjust the vocal tone on the corresponding Mic inputs.
miXer controlS (24-25) - the  vmS2 can be used as a midi control, a stand alone mixer, or com-
bination giving you maximum control of your music collection whether it be on vinyl, digital  cd's or 
computer dJ software (v irtual dJ included).
24. USB/ANALOg SWITCH - These will switch the corresponding Channel from USB audio stream 
or analog audio input. USB will route the software assigned ASIO audio channel thru the corre-
sponding MIDILOG channel. Analog will route the analog audio input from the rear panel thru the 
corresponding MIDILOG channel.
25. NORMAL/REvERSE (CROSSFADER MODE) - Switches the crossfader from normal to reverse 
mode. In reverse mode the CF A assignments will be on the right of the crossfader and the CF B on 
the left.
26. CUE/MASTER  kNOB - Sets the headphone output from Cue or Master. When set to the Cue 
position, the headphones will receive the signal from any and all channels with the Cue button acti-
vated. When set to the Master position, the headphones will receive the pre fader master output 
signal, allowing you to cue the master at any output level and even if it is fully off. Any knob settings 
in between Cue and Master will blend the Cue and Master signals.  
27. HEADPHONE gAIN - Will set the output level of the headphones.
28. HEADPHONE JACk - Connect your headphones to this jack. The headphone signal is con-
trolled by the controls described previously.
29. CURvE kNOB - This knob will adjust the curve of the crossfader from mix curve, dipped curve, 
to scratch curve.
212223242524262728
29 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 14
 rEAr  PANEL  - gENErAL FUNCTIONS  AND CONTrOLS
3938
303132
3737
353334353436
REAR PANEL -
30. POWER SWITCH - This switch will turn the VMS2 on/off. When the unit is powered On, the 
power indicator LED will glow.
Attention:  Make  sure  that nothing  is  touch  or  resting  on  the  jog  wheels  when  you  power  on  the 
VMS2.
31. XLR BALANCED OUTPUTS - The VMS2 has RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connec-
tions to connect to amplifiers or connect directly to powered speakers. It is highly recommended 
that the XLR outs be used for any connection of more then 20ft. Never connect the XLR outs and 
the RCA master outs at the same time, this may affect your output. To set your desired volume use 
the Master volume knob.
32. BOOTH OUTPUTS - The VMS2 offers a secondary output usually used to monitor your mix 
or to route to an outboard recording device. This output has independent volume control "Booth" 
knob.
33. RCA OUTPUTS - The VMS2 has RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connections to connect 
to amplifiers or connect directly to powered speakers. It is highly recommended that the XLR outs 
be used for any connection of more then 20ft. Never connect the XLR outs and the RCA outs at the 
same time, this may affect your output. To set your desired volume use the Master volume knob.
34. RCA INPUTS - RCA connectors for CD, turntable, and other analog inputs.
  MIDILOG 1 & 2: Phono/line level RCA input use to connect turntables, CD players, Mp3 play-  
 ers, or other line level sources. The type of input must directly reflect the selected mode of     
 the line/phono Selector Switch. Turntables equipped with MM pickup cartridge (All    
 DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges) may be connected to these jacks as long as the   
 line/phono Selector Switch is in the “PHONO” position. CD players, Mp3 players,   
 and other line level instruments may only be connected to these jacks as long as the     
 line level Selector Switch is in the “LINE” position. 
35. PHONO gROUND - Be sure to connect turntable ground leads to either or both of the two 
available ground terminals. This will reduce the humming and popping noises associated with 
magnetic phono cartridges. 
36. MIC - XLR and 1/4" combo jack for microphone connection. The volume output level for this 
microphone will be controlled by its own respective volume knob. 
37. LINE/PHONO SELECTOR SWITCH - These switches are used to change the voltage line lev-
els of there respected Line/Phono RCA inputs jacks. When connecting turntables with magnetic 
cartridges to these jacks be sure the corresponding switch is in the “PHONO” position, and when 
using line level input devices be sure this switch is in the “LINE” position. 
38. USB PORT - Connect to your PC for MIDI interface and USB interface (audio in and outs). 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 15
39. POWER SUPPLY - The power supply is not required, but the headphones may be underpow-
ered, and there is an increased chance of audio distortion.
 rEAr  PANEL  - gENErAL FUNCTIONS  AND CONTrOLS 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 16
AUDIO INTErFACE  MODE
Audio Interface Mode:
4 Out Mode: The VMS2 can act like a 4x4 audio interface. Your USB audio is routed through the 
VMS2's MIDILOG Ch. #1 and #2 inputs. If you wish to route the inputs via USB for software play 
through or Time Code Control, set your desired VMS2 Channel to the USB setting and the chan-
nels' line/phono Selector Switch (37) to the correct setting.
Note: For the best performance, if no inputs are in use, set the Inputs to Disabled by "clicking" on 
the ASIO Driver Interface. Your inputs and outputs can be set to channels 1-8, but your software 
may not support the ASIO stream of the channel numbers. Check the software manual to make 
sure it does. 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 17
MIDI LATENCy  MODES
There are two MIDI Latency modes; Normal mode and Turbo mode. Normal mode has MIDI Latency 
of 10 milliseconds, this is the default mode. Turbo mode has a MIDI latency of 1 millisecond.
To set the VMS2 to "Turbo mode:
Before powering on press and hold the CUE, PLAY, and PAUSE buttons on the left side. 
Hold the buttons until channel  volume level indicatorS (13) light up with the code version. 
See page 11 CHANNEL VOLUME LEVEL INDICATORS for information on the code version.
It is recommended that you use the default mode if your computer does not meet the recommend-
ed system requirements or are using Windows Vista. It is also strongly recommended that you close 
all programs running in the background, this will free up RAM and minimize CPU process. If you are 
using a laptop, turn off your wireless card if possible since this may cause sound problems. Allow 
your computers hard drive to have at least 20% free space.
Eq MODES
The EQ for the USB audio can work in two different modes, Pre & Post EQ. These EQ modes work 
in the 4 out interface mode that is described on page 16. 
In Pre EQ the USB audio signal is affected by the VMS2 EQ. Pre EQ is the default EQ. In Pre EQ 
mode the ASIO Driver will list the VMS2 device number, the first number in the sequence will be a 
"0". Please see the window below.
***beware that mapping the  midi on the eq knobs in this mode will cause your audio to process the 
eq from the software and  vmS2 eq. 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 18
Eq MODES
Post EQ is for users who prefer using the EQ from their software. To toggle the post EQ mode on 
and off; before powering up the VMS2, press and hold the forward Search  button (8) on 
control deck 2 and then power "ON" the unit. Release the button, your computer may reinstall the 
VMS2 as a new device, please allow 10-20 seconds for the change to take place. Confirm the EQ 
change by checking the ASIO Driver configuration. The first number in the sequence will be a "1" in 
this mode. Please see the window below.
Make sure you are using software where you can map the MIDI from the EQ and that the EQ has 
been mapped when using this mode. 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 19
FIrMwArE UPDATE
The included version of Virtual DJ includes a Firmware update utility. It is necessary to install this. 
To update your VMS2:
1. Please check your computer audio setting and ensure that the VMS2 is not set as a default play-
back, playback recording, or MIDI device. This will interfere with the update and software applica-
tions.
2. Click the start menu > All Programs > Virtual DJ > FIRMWARE Update.
3. Select the VMS2 or USB Audio Device (Windows XP). Load the update file by clicking browse 
and going to the file location. 
						

							©American Audio®   -   www.americanaudio.us   -   VMS2™ Instruction Manual Page 20
FIrMwArE UPDATE
5. Unplug the USB and shut down the 
VMS2.
You may receive some Error windows like you see below.
Select proper device in device select window.
Please check your computer audio setting and ensure 
that the VMS2 is not set as a default playback, play-
back recording, or MIDI device. This will interfere with 
the update and software applications. Also, make sure 
that any software that uses MIDI or the Audio interface is 
closed.
4. Wait untill the bar is filled in completely 
and "Upgrade Complete" is displayed.