Creative Emu 1820m Manual

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
E-MU Digital Audio System31
You can now select one of the factory template sessions. The factory templates are pre-
programmed with specific setups such as audio recording or mixing. The selector tabs 
categorize Template Sessions into three groups based on sample rate, 44.1kHz/48kHz, 
88.2kHz/96kHz, and 176.4kHz/192kHz.
You can create your own templates by simply copying or saving sessions into the 
“Session Templates” folder (Program Files\Creative Professional\E-MU PatchMix 
DSP\Session Templates). The system model number in parenthesis (1820) or (1212) 
must precede the template name in order to be recognized as a template.
The “Session Path” allows you to choose the destination for your Session. The default 
location is in the “My Sessions” folder within the “My Documents” folder.
There is also a Comment area that you can use to give yourself some clue as to what you 
were thinking when you created the session.
Open Session
To Open a saved session, click on the Open Session button. A dialog box appears 
allowing you to choose one of your saved Sessions to open. Choose one of your saved 
sessions and click on the Open button.
Save Session
fSaving a session 
“defragments” the effect/
DSP resources. If you 
have used all your effects 
and need another, try 
saving the session.To Save a session, click on the Save Session button. A Save dialog box appears allowing 
you to choose a location in which to save the current Session. The “My Sessions” folder 
is chosen by default.
Get in the habit of saving the session whenever you have created a special mixer setup. 
This will make you life much easier as you can recall a setup for many different audio 
modes such as: recording, mixing, special ASIO routings, etc.
Session Settings
System Settings
Pressing the Session Settings button on the toolbar brings up the System Settings 
window shown below. Click the tabs to select System, MIDI, or I/O options.
   
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
32Creative Professional
The System Settings include the following:E Note: if set to 
“External” without an 
external clock present, 
PatchMix DSP defaults to 
the internal 48kHz clock 
rate.
Using External Clock
ENote: The maximum 
supported sample rate for 
S/PDIF is 96kHz.Whenever you are using any digital I/O such as ADAT or S/PDIF, one of the digital 
devices MUST supply the master clock to the others. This master clock runs at the system 
sample rate (44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, 96k, 176.4k or 192 k) and can be distributed using a 
dedicated cable (word clock) or embedded into a data stream such as S/PDIF or 
ADAT. Common symptoms of unsynced digital audio include, random clicks or pops in 
the audio or failure of the digital stream to be recognized. Always check for the 
presence of the “LOCKED” indicator whenever you are using a digital interface.
If an External Clock is interrupted or switched after the Session has been created (except 
between 44.1k  48k), the “LOCKED” indicator will be extinguished and PatchMix 
will attempt to receive the external data. The two units are NOT sample locked however, 
and you should correct this condition to avoid intermittent clicks in the audio.
MIDI Settings
EThe SMPTE Input will 
not function and the 
Sync Card control panel 
will not be updated 
when Dock MIDI 2 In is 
selected.
 
Word Clock and SMPTE 
Out 
will operate with 
Dock MIDI 2 selected.
This option allows you to use either the MIDI In jack on the rear of the AudioDock or 
the Sync Card MIDI jack as a MTC Output. (The MTC Out only transmits MTC.)
• Internal/External ClockSelects between internal or external word clock source 
as the master clock source for the system
• Sample RateSelects the sample rate when using internal clock.
Your choices are: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96kHz, 
176.4kHz, 192kHz.
• External Clock Source 
    (ext. clock only)Select from: ADAT, S/PDIF, or Word Clock (Sync card 
only) as an external sample clock source.
• Dock MIDI 2 InSelects the rear MIDI Input on the AudioDock as MIDI 2.
• Sync Card EnabledSelects the Sync Card functions. This selection disables 
MIDI 2 In on the rear panel of the AudioDock. MIDI 2 
Out on the rear panel of the AudioDock duplicates MIDI 
1 Out in this mode.   
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
E-MU Digital Audio System33
I/O Settings
You can set the level (-10dBV or +4 dBu) for each pair of analog outputs and the input 
gain setting for each pair of analog inputs.
An output setting of +4 provides the most output and is compatible with professional 
audio gear. Balanced output cables provide a +6dB hotter signal than unbalanced cables 
when used with balanced inputs. Do NOT use balanced cables unless your other gear 
has balanced inputs. See “
Cables - balanced or unbalanced?” in the Appendix for more 
information.
An input setting of -10 is compatible with consumer audio gear and works best with low 
level signals. (-10dBV is approximately 12dB lower than +4dBu.) Choose the setting that 
allows you to send or receive a full scale signal without clipping.
Setting correct input and output levels is important! You can measure the level of an 
input by inserting a meter into the first effect location in the strip. Adjust your external 
equipment outputs for the optimum signal level. See “
To Set the Input Levels of a Strip” 
for details.
fInput too weak? 
Use -10 Input setting.
Output too weak?
Use +4 Output setting
Consumer
HeadroomHeadroom
Professional
+20 dBu
+8 dBu + 6 dBV
+4 dBu + 2 dBV
-8 dBu =
=
=
-10 dBV
{}
Clipping -->

						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
The Session
34Creative Professional
• Inputs +4 or -10Selects between Consumer level (-10dBV) or 
Professional level (+4dBu) inputs. 
(Use the -10dBV setting if your input is too weak.)
• Outputs +4 or -10Selects between Consumer level (-10dBV) or 
Professional level (+4dBu) outputs. 
(The +4 dBu setting outputs a hotter level.)
• PCI Card Optical InputSelects between ADAT or optical S/PDIF for the 1010 
PCI card ADAT Input. The coaxial S/PDIF input is 
disabled when S/PDIF optical is selected. 
• PCI Card Optical OutputSelects between ADAT or optical S/PDIF for the 1010 
PCI card ADAT Output. The coaxial S/PDIF Output is 
disabled when S/PDIF optical is selected. 
• S/PDIF Optical FormatSelects between S/PDIF or AES/EBU format for S/PDIF. 
This sets the S/PDIF-AES status bit, but does not affect 
the signal level. 
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Input Mixer Strips
E-MU Digital Audio System35
Input Mixer Strips
PatchMix DSP Input Mixer Strips are stereo except for the AudioDock Mic/Line inputs 
and the 0202 card inputs. Each input mixer strip can be divided into four basic sections.
Input Type
The very top of the strip is labeled 
mono or stereo and displays the type 
of the assigned input. Input mixer 
strips can be added as desired and can 
be configured to input the following:
Inserts
You can drag and drop effects from the 
Effects Palette or Right-click to insert a 
Physical or ASIO Send or Send/Return 
A Peak Meter, Trim Control or Test 
Signal can also be inserted by Right-
clicking.
Pan Controls
These controls allow to you position 
the channel in the stereo sound field. 
Dual controls on stereo strips allow 
you to position each side indepen-
dently.
Aux Sends
These controls send the signal to 
sidechain effect processors such as 
reverb and delay. They can also be used 
to create separate mixes for the artist or 
for recording.
Volume Control
Controls the output level of the strip 
into the main/monitor mix bus.
Mute/Solo Buttons
These convenient buttons allow you to 
solo or mute selected channels.
Scribble Strips
Click inside the scribble strip and type 
a name of up to eight characters.
•Insert SectionEffects, EQ, External/Host Sends & Returns can be inserted into the signal path.
•Pan ControlsThese controls position the signal in the stereo sound field.
•Aux SendsUsed to send the signal to sidechain effects or to create separate mixes.
•Volume ControlControls the output level of the channel.
•Physical input
(Analog/SPDIF/ADAT).
•Host Input
(Direct Sound, WAV, ASIO source)
Mono/Stereo
Input Type
Insert Section
Aux Sends
Channel 
Volume 
Control Pan Controls
Mute/Solo 
Buttons
Scribble Strip
This screen shows a mono strip on the left and a 
stereo strip on the right.
fPhysical input strips 
are shown with BLUE text. 
fHost input strips are 
shown with WHITE text.
fThe Input Type will 
turn RED if the input is not 
available. (The AudioDock 
may be disconnected.)   
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
36Creative Professional
Mixer Strip Creation
fAdding or deleting a 
strip “defragments” the 
effect/DSP resources. If 
you have used all your 
effects and need another, 
try deleting an unused 
strip.PatchMix DSP is a dynamically configurable mixer. Each mixer session can contain an 
arbitrary number of strips up to a limit set by the number of available input sources and 
available DSP resources.
You must create a strip for each mono or stereo audio input, and for each ASIO stream 
you wish to use in your software application. This is important because outputs will not 
appear in your software application until you have created ASIO strips in PatchMix.
•Host refers to a computer application such as Cubase.
•Physical refers to hardware input or output such as a output jack.
To Add a New Strip:
1.Click on the “New Mixer Strip” button. See Overview of the Mixer
2.The New Mixer Strip Input Dialog appears:
fCDs & MP3s: The 
WAVE 1/2 strip is used 
to playback CDs, 
Windows Media Player, 
and Direct Sound. 3.Select the desired input to the mixer strip from the following choices:
Physical 
Sources
ASIO 
Sources
• Physical Source:Analog or digital input (Analog, ADAT, S/PDIF)
• Host - ASIO Source inputStreaming audio from an ASIO software application.
• Host - WAVE input Window sound sources — WAVE, WDM, CD
Mixer Strip TypeFunction
Physical: I/O Card In24-bit mono or stereo analog input from the 0202 Daughter Card.
Physical: Dock Mic/Line24-bit mono or stereo analog input from the AudioDock.
Physical: Dock In24-bit mono or stereo analog input from the AudioDock.
Physical: PCI Card S/PDIF 2 channel digital audio from the S/PDIF input on the E-MU 1010 card.
Physical: PCI Card ADAT2 channel digital audio from the ADAT input on the E-MU 1010 card
HOST SOURCEFunction
Host ASIO Output Source
From software applicationMono or stereo digital audio from an ASIO source (recording or 
software app). ASIO: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14 … 31/32    
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
E-MU Digital Audio System37
fSee “Pre or Post Fader 
Aux Sends” on page 47.
4.Select Pre-Fader Aux Sends or leave the box unchecked for Post-Fader Aux Sends.
5.Click OK to create a new strip or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To Delete a Mixer Strip:
1.Click the top of the mixer strip you wish to delete. A red border appears around the 
strip, indicating that it is selected.
2.Click on the Delete Mixer Strip button, or right-click and choose Delete, or use the 
Delete key on the PC keyboard. See 
Overview of the Mixer
Multichannel WAVE Files
2 channels of WAVE recording and 8 channels of multichannel WAVE playback are 
supported. The WAVE channels are available for the following types of WDM devices:
•Classic MME
•DirectSound
•Direct WDM / Kernel Streaming (KS)
DirectSound and the WDM/KS interfaces allow up to Eight channels of Wave Out  
while the classic MME interface only exposes 2 channels.
The WAVE channels operate at all sample rates. For additional information about WDM 
behavior at high sample rates, see  “WDM R
ecording and Playback Behavior”.
192kHz/96kHz DVD-Audio disks are protected against digital copying. However, most 
DVD-Audio disks contain duplicate 48kHz audio tracks which will play back on the 
Digital Audio System.
Windows Media Player/DVD/Surround Sound Playback
Select DirectSound as the output format when using Windows Media Player and other 
DVD player applications.
Eight channel WAVE playback supports 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround audio. 
The chart below shows how to connect the outputs for surround sound playback. Use 
outputs 1-3 for 5.1 surround; use outputs 1-4 for 7.1 surround.
Host Windows Source 
From Windows
Direct Sound, WDM, Windows Media 
(Sound generated or handled by Windows.)
WAVE 1/2 - Default stereo source such as game sound, CD player, 
beep sounds, etc. 
WAVE 3/4, WAVE 5/6, WAVE 7/8 - Additional WDM channels Mixer Strip Type Function
Multichannel WAVE to Surround Sound Speaker Channels
(using the 5.1 DVD Playback Session)
WAVE Strip Surround Channels 1/4” Outputs 1/8” Outputs
E-DSP WAVE 1/2 Front Left / Front Right1L = FL   1R = FR 1 (Tip = FL   Ring = FR)
E-DSP WAVE 3/4 Center / Subwoofer3L = C   3R = Sub 3 (Tip = C   Ring = Sub)
E-DSP WAVE 5/6 Rear Left / Rear Right2L = RL   2R = RR 2 (Tip = RL   Ring = RR)
E-DSP WAVE 7/8 Side Left / Side Right4L =SL   4R = SR 4 (Tip = SL   Ring = SR) 
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
38Creative Professional
Insert Section
The Insert Section is next in line. PatchMix DSP effects can be selected from the Effects 
Palette and dropped into the insert locations. See “The Effects P
alette”. Any number of 
effects can be inserted in series.
The Inserts also have the unique ability to patch into ASIO/WAVE and external 
equipment. ASIO/WAVE Sends, External Sends and External Send/Returns can be 
dropped into the insert section to route the signal anywhere you want.
fYou have to create an 
ASIO strip or ASIO Send in 
order to activate these 
ASIO channels in your 
software.The Insert/Patch Bay is incredibly flexible. Want to send the input of the strip to your 
audio recorder? Simply insert an ASIO send into the insert section and select the ASIO 
pair you want. That’s it! That input is now available in your ASIO software.
Suppose you wanted to record a submix of several instruments. Simply place a HOST 
ASIO SEND into the Aux Insert section and turn up the Aux Sends on the input 
channels you want in the mix (as shown in the Mixer Overview on page 
27). Note that 
Mic/Line A and B are routed to Aux Send 1, which has a HOST ASIO SEND insert to the 
recording application.
The following types of inserts can be selected.
Working with Inserts
The Inserts are one of most powerful features of the PatchMix DSP system as they allow 
you to configure the mixer for a wide variety of applications. 
To Add an Effect to an Insert Location:
1.Press the FX button. The effects palette appears.
2.The effects are organized into categories. Click on a folder to open it.
3.Select the effect you want, drag it over the insert section, then drop it into an insert 
location.
4.To rearrange the order of effects, simply drag and drop them into the desired order.
Hardware EffectReverb, EQ, Compressor, Flanger, etc. using PatchMix DSP’s effects 
which do not load your CPU.
Host ASIO SendSplits off the signal and sends it to an ASIO host input such as a 
software audio recorder or anything that uses ASIO.
ASIO Direct 
MonitorSends the signal to a selected ASIO host input, then returns a selected 
ASIO host output to the chain. Use for recording with “Dir
ect 
Monitoring” 
Ext. Send/ReturnSends signal to a selected external output, then returns it to the chain 
via a physical input.
External SendSends the signal to an external output. See “To Add a Send Insert:”.
Peak MeterPeak meters allow you to monitor the signal level anywhere in the 
chain. See “
Meter Inserts”.
Trim PotYou can insert a gain control with up to 30 dB of gain or attenuation. 
A peak level meter and phase inverter are also included. 
See “
Trim Pot Insert”.
Test ToneThis special insert outputs a calibrated sine wave or noise source, 
which can be used to track down audio problems. 
See “
Test Tone/Signal Generator Insert”. 
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
E-MU Digital Audio System39
The Insert Menu
Right-Clicking over the insert section brings up a pop-up selection box containing 
various insert options to help you control and manage your inserts.
To Add a Send Insert:
This type of insert send splits the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the selected 
destination. (An “ASIO Send” becomes an input on your recording application, a 
“Physical Out” goes to a pair of output jacks. the signal also continues down the strip to 
the Aux Sends and main mixer outputs.)
1.Right-Click over the Insert section. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2.Select “Insert Send” (to ASIO/WAVE or physical output) from the list of options. The 
following dialog box appears.
3.Choose one of the Send Outputs. Click on a destination to select it.
4.Click OK to select the output or Cancel to cancel the operation.
To Add a Send/Return Insert:
This type of insert send breaks the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the 
selected destination such as an external effect processor. A return source signal is also 
selected which returns the signal to the channel strip after processing.
1.Right-Click over the Insert section. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2.Select “Insert Send/Return (Physical Output and Input)” from the list of options. 
The following dialog box appears.
From Left Input
To
Recording
Application
To connect an input to your recording 
software: Add a Host ASIO Insert.
Insert
Send
Input
Fader
Panning
Main Output BusAux 1 Bus
Aux 2 Bus
To ASIO, WAV orPhysical Output   
						

							4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
40Creative Professional
3.Choose one of the Send Outputs. Click on a destination to select it.
4.Choose one of the Return Inputs. Click on a source to select it.
5.Click OK to select the Send and Return, or Cancel to cancel the operation.
Using External Sends & Returns
An External Send/Return breaks the signal at the insert point and sends it out to the 
selected external destination such as a compressor, a stereo effect processor or any other 
audio device. Any physical input or output can be used.
To Insert an External Signal Processing Device:
1.Right-click on the insert chain and select the Insert Send/Return (Physical Output 
and Input). The popup dialog box shown above appears.
2.Select the output and input you wish to use.
3.Connect your external audio gear to the appropriate analog or digital connectors.
4.If you’re using the analog outputs and inputs, you may have to adjust the levels in 
the I/O Session Settings. See 
page 33. You can insert a level meter after the Send/
Return to make sure you’re getting a strong signal back from the external device.
5.If you’re using a digital Send/Return, make sure that the external digital device is 
synchronized to the digital input. Otherwise, poor audio quality will result.
(Alternatively, you can synchronize PatchMix DSP to your external device in the System 
Session Settings. 
See page 32.)
Insert
Send/Return
Input
Fader Panning
Main Output BusAux 1 Bus
Aux 2 Bus
To Physical Output
From Physical Input

If the source or 
destination you want to 
use is not available in the 
list, they are probably 
already being used 
elsewhere. Check the 
input Strips, Inserts and 
Output Assignments.
S/PDIF
Input
S/PDIF
Output
Outboard Signal Processor
The Send/Return Inserts allow you to connect your favorite external analog or digital gear.