Creative Emu 0204 Manual

							Software Installation
0204 USB Owner’s Manual11
17. Connect the new external device to the E-MU 0204|USB by dragging between 
the input and output connectors.
18. The window below shows a properly connected MIDI device.
19. Press the close button  to close the Audio MIDI Setup window.
Uninstalling the Audio Drivers and Applications
At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall the 0204 USB application and 
device drivers to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated 
drivers or applications. Before you begin, close the E-MU USB 2.0 Audio control 
panel application. Applications running during the uninstallation will not be 
removed.
1. Open the Applications folder.
2. Open the Creative Professional folder.
3. Open the E-MU USB Audio folder.
4. Click the E-MU USB Audio Uninstaller and follow the instructions. 
						

							Connection Diagram
12E-MU Systems
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
WARNING!
Use only a USB 2.0 
certified Hi-Speed cable 
(like the one supplied) for 
the USB connection. Using 
a USB 1.1 cable may cause 
erratic behavior and 
degraded performance.
Computer
Microphone
or Line 
1/4” male to 1/4” male(unbalanced)Powered Speakers
Electret
Mic 
						

							Controls & Headphone Output
0204 USB Owner’s Manual13
CONTROLS & HEADPHONE OUTPUT
1. Signal Level & Clip Indicators
The LED signal level indicators make it easy for you to set a proper signal 
level. When the input level is too low, the green and red LEDs will both be off. 
When the input level is correctly set, the green signal LED should be flick-
ering. If the signal level is too high, the green and red LEDs will both be on.
The red clip indicators show that the input level has exceeded 0dBFS. 
2. Left/Right Gain Controls
These controls set the input gain from 0dB to +60dB for the two inputs.
3. Direct Monitor Level Control
This digital encoder controls how much of the input signal is mixed with the 
signal from the computer and is adjustable from unity gain (no attenuation) 
to off. This feature allows you to hear your instrument through the monitor 
speakers while you are recording. The Direct Monitor Control does not have 
end-stops like the other controls and you may have to turn it more than one 
revolution to set the desired level.
4. Direct Monitor On/Off & Mono-Stereo Switch
Press the button to turn Direct Monitoring on and off and to switch modes. 
The stereo LED illuminates. The left and right channels are passed through to 
their respective outputs at the level set by the Direct Monitor Level control. 
Press the button again to sum the left and right direct monitor channels to 
mono. Mono mode is useful when the two inputs are being used for separate 
instruments. See “
Direct Monitoring” on page 17.
5. Headphone Jack
This is a 1/4” jack to connect your stereo headphones. If your headphones use 
the smaller 1/8” plug, you’ll need an adapter of the type shown on page 23
.
The stereo headphone channels can be configured to be independent of the 
main outputs. This allows you to create a separate headphone mix in your 
recording application or use the headphone jack as another pair of outputs. 
See page 23
 for an illustration of a headphone adapter cable.
6. Headphone Level Control / Power Switch
This knob controls the volume of the headphone output. This switch also 
turns the 0204 USB on or off.
7. Kensington Security Lock
1 7356 24 
						

							Input/Output
14E-MU Systems
INPUT/OUTPUT
8. USB
Connects the 0204 USB to your computer via the supplied USB cable. The 
USB connection provides two-way communication when connected to the 
computer.
The 0204 USB receives its power from the USB. Always connect to the USB 
jack on the computer itself and NOT to a low-power USB connection that 
may be present on your computer keyboard or other USB peripheral.
9. Main Outputs
The unbalanced outputs are normally connected to your monitoring system. 
The signal is duplicated on a stereo 1/8¨ jack for easy connection to desktop 
stereo speakers. The outputs have been designed using a special noise-
cancelling circuit which reduces problems relating to ground loops.
 
The main output volume can be controlled using the System Volume Control 
on your Mac or PC (WDM only on PC).
10. R - Hi Z / Line Input
This 1/4¨ input can be used as a Hi-Z instrument input (guitar/bass, etc.) or a 
line level input. The input is balanced, but accepts either balanced or unbal-
anced signals.
11. L - 1/8¨ Mic Input
This 1/8” mini-phone jack is designed to accept an electret condenser micro-
phone. The jack supplies +5VDC phantom power required by electret mics.
12. L - Hi-Z / Line / Mic Input
Use the XLR connector for microphones or balanced line level signals. Use the 
1/4¨ in the center of the XLR jack as a Hi-Z input for guitar/bass, or as a line 
level input. The input is balanced, but accepts either balanced or unbalanced 
signals.
13. Ground Lift Switches
The “ground lift” switches, located on the bottom of the unit, can be used to 
safely stop the hum if a ground loop occurs in your setup. See page 19
 for 
more information.
8101112 913
System Vo lume Control
Mac
PC 
L-GND LIFT R-GND LIFTInput Ground Lifted Input Grounded
The input ground is lifted when the A or B slide switch is closest to the GND LIFT label. 
						

							E-MU USB Audio Control Panel
0204 USB Owner’s Manual15
E-MU USB AUDIO CONTROL PANEL
After you have successfully installed the audio drivers, launch the E-MU USB 
Audio control panel. The E-MU USB Audio Control Panel is shown below.
•Windows:The E-MU USB Audio control icon will be visible in the Taskbar, 
which is normally located in the bottom right of the screen. It can 
also be launched from the Start Menu 
(All Programs, Creative Professional, E-MU USB Audio Application).
•OS XThe E-MU USB Audio control application is located in the Appli-
cations folder  . You can also open the application using the 
icon on the desktop.
1. Skin
Choose between several different appearances for the control panel. 
2. View
Hide the application (Ctrl+H, Windows). You can restore the application by 
clicking the E-MU icon  in the System Tray (Windows), or by clicking the 
E-MU icon in the Dock (OS X).
3. Help
About E-MU 0204 USB, Audio control, Launch Manual, Check Updates.
4. Device
If you are using more than one E-MU USB Audio device, you can choose 
which unit is currently being controlled.
5. Sample Rate
NOTE
Macintosh operation up to 
96kHz only at this time – 
check www.emu.com for 
updatesAllows you to set the system sample rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192 kHz.
6. Headphone Source
The Headphone Source controls whether the headphone output monitors the 
MainOut 1/2 or receives its signal from Aux 3/4 of your software application. 
The default setting is Main Out 1/2 (Headphones monitor main outputs). Refer 
to the following page for more information about this control.
7. USB Speed
Indicates if you are connected to a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port on your computer.
123
4
5
6
7 
						

							Headphone Source
16E-MU Systems
HEADPHONE SOURCE
The stereo headphone output can either duplicate the main outputs, or it can be 
used as another completely independent pair of outputs when using ASIO. This 
setting is controlled from the 0204 Control Panel. The headphone output is a high-
quality signal, with increased power for driving headphones.
With the Headphone Source set to Main Out 1/2, the headphone output duplicates 
the signal on the main outputs. With the Headphone Source set to Aux 3/4, the 
headphone output receives its signal from outputs 3/4 of your software appli-
cation.
Headphones Duplicate Main Outputs (Headphone Source  = Main Out 1/2)
This is the setting you’ll normally want if you’re only using one pair of outputs, 
such as stereo recording/playback or listening to music. This is the default setting.
Separate Headphone Mix
By selecting Headphone Source Aux 3/4, you can create a separate headphone mix 
for live performance or while recording.
Two Additional Outputs
With an appropriate cable adapter (see page 23
), the headphone output becomes 
another pair of signal outputs (3/4). The headphone signal is of the same excep-
tional quality as the main outputs with the addition of an analog volume control.
Note: At the highest sample rates (176.4/192 kHz), the Headphone Source feature 
is disabled. In this case, the headphone output duplicates the main outputs. 
The Headphone Source feature is also disabled when using WDM on a Windows 
computer. In this case, setting the Headphone Source to Aux 3/4 will turn off the 
headphone output. 
						

							Direct Monitoring
0204 USB Owner’s Manual17
DIRECT MONITORING
Direct monitoring allows you to monitor inputs without having any software 
open. It can also be used as an alternative to software monitoring if you desire the 
lowest latency monitoring possible.
When using a computer for digital recording, an audible time delay occurs while 
the audio signal is being input to the computer, processed by the software and then 
returned to the output for monitoring. This time delay is called Latency. 
Latency becomes a problem when you have to use high buffer settings to conserve 
CPU resources. Because the 0204 USB has hardware direct monitoring, you can 
enjoy zero latency regardless of your buffer setting. 
NOTE
Direct monitoring on 
channels 1/2 only  at 176.4 
or 192 kHz sample rates.The Direct Monitor feature connects the input signals to the output when recording 
so that you can hear your performance without delay. The Direct Monitor level 
control lets you adjust the volume of the input signal in relation to the recorded 
tracks.
Direct monitoring is controlled manually from the Direct Monitor switch on the 
0204 USB. It’s not necessary to turn it on in your recording application.
Direct Monitoring vs. Software Monitoring 
Direct monitoring is lower latency and can also be used without software running.
Software monitoring has the advantage of allowing audio effects or EQ added in 
the host software to be heard on the output. Its round-trip latency depends on 
what latency is chosen in the ASIO configuration. If you choose to software 
monitor, make sure to disable direct monitoring. If both are enabled, you will 
experience a ‘comb filter’ or doubling effect.
USB
Software Monitoring
Direct Monitoring Latency (delay)
Direct Monitoring allows you to listen to the direct sound of your instrument during 
recording, without the delay incurred by going to the computer and back. 
						

							Audio Recording Software
18E-MU Systems
AUDIO RECORDING SOFTWARE
Now that you’ve installed the 0204 USB, you probably want to start using it! The 
0204 USB is only one half of the equation—the hardware interface that translates 
audio signals into the digital language of your computer. The second half of the 
equation is the software recording application, which records and allows you to 
edit the audio on your computer.
Acoustica Mixcraft LE 4
™
We have included Acoustica Mixcraft LE 4 for PC users. Acoustica Mixcraft LE 4 is 
a full-featured multitrack recording application with effects, virtual instruments, 
VST
™ and DirectX™ support and much more.
Tutorials and Videos: http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/support.htm
Macintosh Users
Unfortunately we were not able to include a Macintosh recording application with 
the 0204 USB, however you can use Garage Band, a very cool music application 
that probably came bundled with your Mac. This application works well with the 
0204 USB and will get you started with audio recording.
NEED MORE HELP?
If you need additional help, please see: 
•Windows: Program Files\Creative Professional\E-MU 0204 
USB\Documents\3rdParty.htm
•OS X: Applications Drive\Library\Documentation\E-MU 0204 USB 
3rdParty.htm
Before you Begin...
• You should have already installed the E-MU software on your computer
WARNING!
Windows Users - After 
checking your audio, be 
sure to quit Windows 
Media Player.• You should hear the computer sounds coming out of the E-MU 0204 USB 
and your speakers when you play a CD or an MP3 using Windows Media 
Player or iTunes. If not, make sure your E-MU 0204 USB is properly 
connected according to the diagram on page 12
.
• A source of audio should be connected to the inputs (a microphone, musical 
instrument, or CD/MP3 player). 
						

							Troubleshooting
0204 USB Owner’s Manual19
TR O U B L E S H O O T I N G
Can’t hear Windows Media Player in Windows
If you have, or ever have had, another audio device installed in your PC, you may 
have to set the E-MU 0204 USB as the “Default Audio Device”.
1. Open the Control Panel, then select Sounds and Audio Devices.
2. Click the Audio tab and select the E-MU 0204 USB as the Default device under 
Sound Playback.
3. Click the Volume button under Sound Playback and turn up Wave volume.
You cannot record or monitor ASIO and WAVE at the same time. The first audio 
application you open controls the E-MU 0204 USB.
Lost Communication
Should you lose communication between your E-MU 0204 and an audio appli-
cation (Ableton Live, Cubase, Sonar, etc.), the E-MU 0204 USB drivers may need to 
be re-selected in your application.
1. Go to your applications I/O settings, de-select the E-MU 0204 USB for both 
input and output.
2. Apply these changes and exit the dialog.
3. Re-enter the applications preference settings and re-select the E-MU 0204 USB 
drivers. If this doesn’t work, the application may need to be restarted.
Ground Loops
In digital audio devices and computers, audio ground loops may appear as pitched 
tones, digital hash in the background, as well as the familiar 50/60 cycle hum. 
Ground loops are caused by a difference in ground potential between two pieces of 
equipment. Computer audio devices are particularly susceptible to ground loops 
because most computers were not designed with high quality audio in mind.
The E-MU 0204 USB contains built-in “ground lift” switches for both analog 
inputs in order to safely break the loop if a ground loop occurs in your setup.
The ground-lift switches are located on the bottom of the unit, close to the rear 
panel. The input ground is lifted when the A or B slide switch is closest to the GND 
LIFT label.
Pops & Crackles
Pops and crackling noises in the audio are most often caused by having the ASIO 
Buffer Size set too low. Adding audio tracks and VST plug-ins increases the load on 
your computer’s CPU. If your computer cannot keep up with all the tasks you are 
asking it to perform, pops and crackles may occur. In effect, increasing the ASIO 
buffer gives your computer “more time” to complete its assigned tasks. The 
hardware Direct Monitor feature of the 0204 USB allows you to increase the ASIO 
Buffer setting without the associated latency problems during recording and 
overdubbing.
USB hubs can create problems with digital audio and should be avoided whenever 
possible.
L-GND LIFT R-GND LIFTInput Ground Lifted Input Grounded 
						

							Internet References
20E-MU Systems
Simultaneous WDM/ASIO Playback (PC only)
The 0204 USB only supports playing back one stream format at a time on the PC. 
Each of the two mentioned stream types has an associated priority. If a higher 
priority stream type is opened while a lower priority stream is already playing, the 
lower priority stream will stop playing. The stream priorities, from highest to 
lowest, are ASIO, WDM.
Headphone Source using WDM  (PC only)
The Headphone Source feature only functions using ASIO at this time. The 
Headphone output will be disabled if the Headphone Source in the 0204 USB 
Control Panel is set to Aux 3/4.
USB 1.1 vs USB 2.0 Ports 
The 0204 requires a USB 2.0 port for error-free audio performance. The E-MU USB 
Audio Control panel indicates if you are connected to a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port on 
your computer.
0204 USB comes up in USB 1.1 mode (PC only)
Always turn the 0204 USB power off before connecting or disconnecting the USB 
cable. Hot-plugging the unit with the power on can cause the 0204 to power-up in 
USB 1.1 mode. If you see the Windows message, “This device could perform 
faster…”, simply turn power off, wait a few seconds, then turn power on again.
INTERNET REFERENCES
The internet contains vast resources for the computer musician. A few useful sites 
are listed here, but there are plenty more. Check it out.
Software Updates, Tips & Tutorials.http://www.emu.com/support
Setting up a PC for Digital Audio....http://www.musicxp.net
MIDI Basics.......................................... Search for “MIDI Basics” (many sites)
MIDI & Audio Recording...................http://www.midiworld.com
MIDI & Audio Recording...................http://www.synthzone.com
Mixcraft................................................http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/
index.htm
 
Forums
Unofficial E-MU Forum.....................  http://www.productionforums.com/emu
Sound-On-Sound Forum..................http://www.soundonsound.com
Computer Music Forum....................http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic
Home Recording Forum....................http://homerecording.com/bbs
Studio Central Forum........................http://www.tweakheadz.com
KVR Forum..........................................http://www.kvraudio.com/forum
Sound Card Benchmarking...............http://audio.rightmark.org
Driver Heaven Forum........................http://www.driverheaven.net