Problems w/ the DMAN 2044 (or maybe just me)

[amonte]

I recently installed a MidiMan DMAN 2044 in my computer to repace the SoundBlaster 32 that I had been using to record (although I left the SB in for use of SoundFonts and MIDI).

I was able to install the DMAN system and it does record and playback. I have tried to contact tech support and let me save every one else here some time and aggravation - don't bother. They are absolutely worthless. If you want proof, I will send you a copy of our conversations. Instead, I have turned to the real experts, the people using this product every day. Here are the problems I am experincing:

1) Recording level seems very low

I read in the manual that the DMAN can be switched from -10db inputs (factory default) to +4db inputs. I currently have them set at -10db. Following a diagram I saw for the card, I plugged my Strat directly into the DMAN (which seemed like an odd thing to do, for a recording standpoint - no amp, no preamp, etc.) and plugged the output into a mixer (Fostex MiniMixer - 12 channel, very small, very basic). In order to get the volume to a reasonable level, I had to crank the mic/line dial very high. When I did this, I got a fair shair of static through the head phones. When I playback this recording through my AWE 32, it doesn't sound bad - there's no static - but the level seems very low. What should the card be set at for studio purposes - -10db or +4db?

2) How do I record four tracks at once?

I am using Cakewalk Professional 7, and quite simply, this doesn't seem possible. I only have the ability to pick DMAN Channel 1/2 or DMAN Channel 3/4 (or my AWE card) - so how could I possibly assign 4 tracks if the software only allows me to assign two at a time.

3) How do you use/activate the DSP?

This card also claims to perform DSP (reverb and chorus). IF that's the case, how do you turn it on? I can't seem to find a way to even get this effect on, let alone alter the settings.

Any information would be EXTREMELY helpful.

Thanks,

Jer

 

[Rhoadz]

hey tony,

1.)use a pre amp before the DMAN Input.

2.) I use Pro Audio 8 and can't speak for professional but... I can choose DMAN Left 1/2 or Right 1/2 and the same for 3/4. Left being input 1 and right being input 2 and so forth. If your conputer isn't "seeing" the DMAN as 2 stereo I/O's there may be a driver problem. But this however is where my answer goes from friendly psudeoknowledge to the realm of I'm making this up

3.) I'll dig out my manual but i'm not aware of any on-board DSP...it'd be kinda cool though

hope i said something useful

rhoadz

 

[amonte]

Hey Roadz,

Thanks for responding. I will try the preamp. How do you have your jumpers set? For +4db or -10db - the default being -10db.

I am not sure if Cakewalk has the ability to select both 1/2 and 3/4. In the Tools | Audio Options screen, I have a drop down window for PLayback Wave Device and Record Wave Device. Since it's a drop down, I can't select more then one. I guess it's not possible.

As for the DSP I am POSITIVE about it - it's in the manual and even says it on the box. THere's got to be a way to do it somehow.

Thanks again,

Jer

 

[camn]

Hey jer.
I had a DMAN for a year or so, and just ditched it.. But I LOVED it. However, I never did get the dsp stuff to work.

Leave your jumpers at -10db unless your sending a +4 signal. (if you don't know that you are, you're probably not) -10 would be appropriate off of the outs on your fostex.

Now, the four inputs... I dont use cakewalk, but it's a multitraker, so there must be a way to record four at once. Consult your manual.. It's totally do-able.

see ya
cameron

 

[Cakey2]

I hope I can help you - I've had a DMAN2044 for a couple of years, and have found it very useful... digital 4-track, anyone?

Now, I haven't used Cakewalk 7, but I have used 6 and 9. Now, firstly, have you profiled your DMAN in Cakewalk? You do this by going to options | audio | profile button, or something similar (I'll check all this when I get hope and changed this message if necessary).

OK, now you can be sure CW knows what it's looking at.

Now, in the track window of CW, there should be columns called port and source. If you double click on one of the boxes under these headings, it will bring up the track properties window (same as right click the track and selecting properties) this is where you do all the configuration for recording and playback in CW. To set where you want to record from, you change the source setting, DMAN1/2 left corresponds to IN 1 on the cables, DMAN1/2 right to IN 2 etc.

Now, you should be able to set up 4 tracks on CW, each with a different source setting. Then, when you plug 4 things into your input sockets and record, you should get 4 seperate waveforms on the screen. Now, to get these to play back 4 streams, one on each output, you double-click your port setting for each of your 4 new tracks and change the port to DMAN 1/2 for the first two and DMAN 3/4 for the second two. Now, go back into the track view and alter the pan settings to 0 for track one, 127 for track 2, 0 for track 3, 127 for track 4.

Now, you should be getting each of the tracks you recorded on their respective outputs!

The window you bring up by going tools | audio options only selects the timing master for your recording/playback _not_ which cards you can use (i think).

As for the DSP, I'm afraid it may be useless to you anyway, as you can only apply it 'blanket' fashion to all of the outputs...anyway, I think you can turn it on in the Windows sound settings (y'know, the speaker icon in the bottom right of the screen). Make sure you're looking at the DMAN (go to the properties menu and select DMAN and playback) and examine the entire window and all the check-boxes for things you want displayed. I think there might be something around there. Like I said, i'll check later!

Hope all this is of some minute use!

Matt