TASCAM

TEAC Professional Division

Version 3.0 Edition

Universal Serial Bus

Digital Audio Workstation Controller

OWNERS MANUAL
 Important Safety Precautions
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons

For U.S.A WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,

This appliance has a serial number located on the DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
rear panel. Please record the model number and MOISTURE.
serial number and retain them for your records.
Model number ______________________
Serial number

IMPORTANT (for U.K. Customers) For U.S.A

TO THE USER
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an reasonable protection against harmful interference when
appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
dealer. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
harmful interference in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be
fitted, then follow the instructions given below: CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance could
accordance with the following code: void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW : EARTH
BLUE : NEUTRAL
BROWN : LIVE
For the consumers in Europe
WARNING: This apparatus must be earthed.
WARNING
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the product may cause radio interference in which case the
terminals in your plug proceed as follows: user may be required to take adequate measures.

The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be Pour les utilisateurs en Europe
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the AVERTISSEMENT
letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or Il s'agit d'un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement
GREEN-and-YELLOW. domes-tique, cet appareil peut provoquer des interfrences
radio, dans ce cas l'utilisateur peut tre amen prendre
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the des mesures appro-pries.
terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
Fr Kunden in Europa
Warnung
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the Dies is eine Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstrung nach
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. Klasse A besitzt. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich
CAUTION: Funkstrungen versursachen ; in diesem Fall kann vom
When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type Betrieber verlang werden, angemessene Manahmen
should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover. durchzufhren und dafr aufzukommen.

IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.

2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all of these Instructions. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed,
Save these Instructions for later use. sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a
Follow all Warnings and Instructions marked on the audio built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation
equipment. is provided or the manufacturers instructions have been adhered to.
11) Power Sources This product should be operated only from the
1) Read instructions All the safety and operating instructions should type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
be read before the product is operated. the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or
2) Retain instructions The safety and operating instructions should local power company. For products intended to operate from battery
be retained for future reference. power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
3) Heed Warnings All warnings on the product and in the operating 12) Grounding or Polarization This product may be equipped with a
instructions should be adhered to. polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
4) Follow instructions All operating and use instructions should be the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a
followed. safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
5) Cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
cleaning. polarized plug.
6) Attachments Do not use attachments not recommended by the 13) Power-Cord Protection Power-supply cords should be routed so
product manufacturer as they may cause hazards. that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon
7) Water and Moisture Do not use this product near water _ for or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like. 14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding If an outside antenna or cable
8) Accessories Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system
tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and
child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of
with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
manufacturers instructions, and should use a mounting accessory antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of
recommended by the manufacturer. antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and
9) A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick requirements for the grounding electrode.
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and
cart combination overturn. "Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installers attention to
Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
10) Ventilation Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as
ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it practical.
from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered.

Declaration of Conformity

Model Number : US-428

Trade Name : TASCAM
Responsible Party: TEAC AMERICA, INC
Address : 7733 Telegraph Road,
Montebello, California,
U.S.A.
Telephone Number : 1-323-726-0303

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept
any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

3
 Contents
1. Introduction ................................... 6 6.1.1 Audio Control Panel........ 26
1.1 Overview................................... 6 6.1.2. ASIO Control Panel ........ 26
1.2 Features.................................... 6 6.1.3 VST Remote..................... 27
1.3 Special Note Regarding 6.2 Setting the Sample Rate and Bit
Programming of the US-428.......... 6 Depth ............................................ 27
1.4 Whats in the package ............. 7 6.3 Input Enabling........................ 27
1.5 Nomenclature used in this 6.4 Transport Controls and Locate
manual............................................ 7 Points ........................................... 28
2. Controls and Indicators ................ 8 6.5 Mute/Solo ............................... 29
2.1 Front Panel............................... 8 6.6 EQ controls ............................ 29
2.2 Rear Panel ................................ 9 6.7 Aux Buttons ........................... 30
2.3 Front Panel Descriptions....... 10 6.8 Data Wheel ............................. 30
2.4 Rear Panel Descriptions........ 12 6.9 BANK Controls and FADER
NULL............................................. 30
3. Installation ................................... 13
6.10 ASIO2 Direct Monitoring..... 31
3.1 System Requirements ........... 13
7. A Sample Recording Session in
3.2 Installation.............................. 14
Cubasis ............................................ 32
3.2.1 Windows .......................... 15
7.1 Setting Up............................... 32
3.2.2 Macintosh ........................ 16
7.2 Recording Your Tracks ......... 33
3.3 Setting Up OMS (MacOS Only)
7.3 Overdubbing .......................... 34
...................................................... 16
7.4 Mixdown ................................. 34
3.4 Tuning Your PC...................... 17
8. Other Applications and Operational
3.5 Notes on USB interfacing...... 19
Modes............................................... 36
4. Hooking up Audio and MIDI to the
8.1 Cubase VST - Windows ......... 37
US-428 .............................................. 20
8.2 Cubase VST MacOS............ 38
4.1 Hooking up audio .................. 20
8.3 Nuendo - Windows and MacOS
4.2 Hooking up MIDI .................... 21
...................................................... 40
4.3 Using the Input Monitoring ... 22
8.4 ProTools Windows and
4.4 Monitor vs. Master Level ....... 22 MacOS .......................................... 41
5. The US-428 Control Panel ........... 23 8.4.1 Setting up SoundManager
5.1 Main Page.............................. 23 Support..................................... 46

5.2 Buffer Size Adjustment ........ 24 8.5 Digital Performer (MacOS) .... 48

5.3 The Chromatic Tuner............ 25 8.6 Cakewalk and Sonar ............. 53

6. Interfacing with your Audio 8.7 eMagic Logic.......................... 53

Software ........................................... 26 8.8 Propellerheads Reason ......... 54
6.1 Selecting the US-428 as your 8.9 Native Instruments B4 ........... 57
Audio Device................................ 26
8.10 Syntrillium Cool Edit........... 59

4
 8.11 Notes on Other Applications60
8.11.2 Four Control Banks Mode
.................................................. 60
8.11.2 Keystroke Emulation ... 65
9. Technical Support ....................... 67
9.1 Troubleshooting .................... 67
9.1 Troubleshooting FAQs .......... 68
9.2 Tech Support Contacts ......... 69
9.3 Software Downloads.............. 69
9.4 Programming the US-428 ...... 69
Appendix A - MIDI Implementation
Chart................................................. 70
Appendix B Control Protocol....... 71
Appendix C - US-428 Technical
Specifications .................................. 77

5
1. Introduction

1.1 Overview

The US-428 is a USB controller connectors, S/PDIF output, and

primarily designed for Digital Audio separate headphone output.
Workstation (DAW) software
applications. Its design incorporates a The US-428 also features two
four-input, two-output 24-bit audio independent MIDI I/O ports, allowing
interface, a dual MIDI interface, and a you to send and receive data and MIDI
control surface for your most-used Time Code from your MIDI-based
mouse functions. keyboards and other devices. You can,
for example, use one port for MIDI
Our goal was to create a device to make modules and devices, and the other to
your DAW software as easy to use as a synchronize your MIDI Time Code
Portastudio. The transport and other capable Portastudio, DTRS or other
controls are designed and laid out to multitrack tape machine with your digital
look and function just like a Portastudio audio software.
if youve ever used a tape recorder,
you know how to use the US-428. The US-428s control surface includes a
variety of controls which make working
Because the US-428 is USB based, its with audio software faster and easier.
the ideal companion to any desktop- or The channel section of the control
laptop-based digital recording setup. surface consists of eight channel faders
And since its as compact as a laptop, it (plus one master fader), eight mute
can be combined with one to create a buttons, a switch to toggle Solo and
complete portable digital audio Mute functions, and individual record-
workstation solution. ready and select switches. The master
section features four Aux Sends, a
dedicated EQ module (with continuous
controllers for level, frequency and Q, as
well as four band-selection buttons), a
data wheel and four application-defined
1.2 Features soft keys. Dedicated transport and
locate controls offer one-button access
to these often-used functions.
The input section comprises a 24-bit
audio interface, capable of streaming up
to four simultaneous tracks of audio into
your computer. Inputs include two 1.3 Special Note Regarding
balanced XLR mic inputs, two balanced
1/4 TRS inputs, two 1/4 unbalanced Programming of the US-428
line inputs (switchable to high-
impedance, for direct input of a guitar,
bass or other hi-Z source), and an The many faders, switches and other
S/PDIF digital input. Outputs include a controls on the US-428 make it an
pair of unbalanced line outputs on RCA extremely versatile device. The basic
operational premise behind the US-428

6
is that of a simple controller unit; that is, anything is missing, contact the dealer
most of the hardware controls on the where you purchased it.
US-428 are sending out simple MIDI
controller messages to and from the
US-428 Controller
host computers audio application. For
AC Adaptor PS-P428 (7.5 VAC,
simplicitys sake, this manual details the 1000 mA)
US-428s operation in conjunction with
USB Cable
Steinbergs Cubasis VST (which is
CD-ROM containing driver
included with the US-428); however the software and Cubasis VST
basis of the US-428s MIDI control
protocol allows other applications to
readily send and receive US-428 control
surface messages. Thus the US-428
can be used to control a wide variety of 1.5 Nomenclature used in
applications, from DAWs to virtual this manual
synths, video editing programs and
more.

In many cases, communication with a

The following conventions will be used
particular application can be
in this manual:
accomplished using the applications
ability to redirect or map the US-428
ALL CAPS will be used to designate
control surface messages to the
physical buttons, faders, controllers and
application. By making the programming
LED indicators on the US-428.
specifications publicly available both in
this manual and on our website,
BOLD CAPS will be used to designate
TASCAM has encouraged the creation
physical connectors on the US-428
of new applications for the US-428.
Setup and operation with many other
Italics will be used to designate software
currently supported applications are also
dialog messages
described in section eight of this
manual. As support is added for
Underlined Italics will be used to
additional applications, we will be
designate software menu functions and
posting up-to-date news and details on
on-screen controllers.
our website at www.tascam.com. There
youll also find an online users group,
where users will be encouraged to post
MIDI maps of their own creation, and
TASCAM product specialists will be on
line to help answer questions and field
suggestions.

1.4 Whats in the package

The US-428 package contains the

following items. When opening the
package, please make certain that all
the included items are present. If

7
2. Controls and Indicators

2.1 Front Panel

1 INPUT C/D Select and LEDs 12 AUX 1 through 4 Select Switches

2 INPUT Trim Pots 13 User Soft Keys
3 OVERLOAD LED 14 EQ Module
4 SIGNAL LED 15 Data Wheel
5 Channel MUTE and SOLO switches and LEDs 16 Fader NULL
6 REC and SELECT LEDs 17 INPUT MONITOR
7 REC and SELECT switches 18 BANK Selection Switches
8 CHANNEL faders 19 TRANSPORT Controls
9 MASTER fader 20 PAN Control
10 MIDI and USB Status LEDs 21 LOCATE Controls
11 LINE OUT and HEADPHONES Level Controls

8
2.2 Rear Panel

22 PHONES jack 28 POWER jack

23 OUTPUT L/R jacks 29 USB jack
24 INPUT C and D 30 MIDI Out 1 and 2
25 LINE/MIC / GUITAR switch 31 MIDI In 1 and 2
26 INPUT A and B 32 Digital In and Out
27 POWER switch 33 MIC INPUT A and B

9
2.3 Front Panel Descriptions

SOLO switch
1. INPUT C+D button
toggles between mute and solo status.
toggles inputs C and D between the
unbalanced analog inputs (1/4) and the
SOLO LED
digital S/PDIF inputs.
when illuminated, indicates MUTE
buttons and LEDs are toggled to solo
ANALOG LED
status.
indicates analog signal input to inputs C
and D.
6. SELECT LED
indicates selected status of channel.
DIGITAL LED
indicates digital signal input (via S/PDIF)
REC LED
to inputs C and D. When glowing
indicates record status of selected
steadily, indicates valid digital input.
channel.
When flashing, indicates an input error
on the digital inputs. Refer to the ASIO
7. SELECT button
control panel for error details.
selects channel for editing, recording,
etc.
2. INPUT TRIM A - D
input level adjustment. Rotate clockwise
REC button
to increase input level of analog
when held, pressing the SELECT button
sources.
toggles the selected channel(s) record-
ready status.
3. OL LED
indicates an overload on the input level
8. CHANNEL FADERS 1 through 8
to the respective channel. (Specifically,
send continuous controller information
a level of
for banks of eight faders, as selected by
2.5dBFS.) Only functions on analog
the BANK switch.
input.
9. MASTER FADER
4. SIGNAL LED
controls level to the stereo bus output,
indicates the presence of audio signal
and/or sends MIDI controller information
on the respective channel. (Specifically,
to the host.
when input level exceeds 42 dBFS.)
Only functions on analog input. 10. MIDI In LEDs 1 & 2
indicates presence of incoming MIDI
5. MUTE switch
data at MIDI input 1 or 2.
toggles mute or solo status for selected
channel.
MIDI Out LEDs 1 & 2
indicates transmission of MIDI data from
MUTE LED
MIDI output 1 or 2.
when illuminated, indicates mute status
of selected channel. (When SOLO LED
USB LED
is on, the associated channels MUTE
indicates an active USB connection.
LEDs indicate solo status when lit)
11. LINE OUT EQ HI MID
controls the level to the RCA (analog) selects the upper midrange band of EQ
outputs. in the host programs internal EQ (up to
a maximum of four bands).
HEADPHONE OUT
controls the level to the headphone EQ LO MID
outputs. selects the lower midrange band of EQ
in the host programs internal EQ (up to
12. AUX 1 through 4 a maximum of four bands).
selects the host applications auxiliary
sends 1 through 4. EQ LOW
selects the lowest band of EQ in the
13. ASGN host programs internal EQ (up to a
Application specific key. maximum of four bands).
(In Cubasis, ASGN + Aux 1 or 2 will
enable the Aux Send for the selected 15. DATA Wheel
channel. ASGN + EQ band switch will sends continuous controller information
enable the EQ for the selected channel.) to application. (In Cubasis, functions as
a shuttle wheel if no AUX LEDs are lit,
F1 through F3 or as Aux Send level if Aux key is
Application specific function keys. In selected.)
Cubasis VST, these keys perform the
following functions: 16. Fader NULL
F1 - Open Audio Mixer window (when when pressed, disengages physical
Bank 1 is selected); open MIDI Mixer faders from the application. Used to
(when Bank 2 or 3 selected). match US-428s faders with those of the
F2 - Open VST FX Send window. software applications internal mixer.
F3 - Toggle between open windows. When using FADER NULL, the selected
channels REC and SEL LEDs indicate
14. EQ GAIN the US-428s fader position relative to
controls the gain level of chosen band of the associated channel in Cubasis
EQ in the host programs internal EQ. mixer.

EQ FREQ 17. INPUT MONITOR

controls the center frequency of chosen toggles Input Monitor adjust mode.
band of EQ in the host programs When the associated LED is on, the
internal EQ. FADER and MUTE switches for channel
strips 1,2,3 and 4 control the level of
EQ Q Inputs A,B,C and D to the US-428s
controls the bandwidth surrounding the stereo output.
center frequency of the chosen band of
EQ in the host programs internal EQ. 18. BANK Selector
pages between successive banks of
EQ HIGH eight faders.
selects the highest band of EQ in the
host programs internal EQ (up to a
maximum of four bands).

11
19. REW
transport rewind. 2.4 Rear Panel Descriptions
FFWD
transport fast forward. 22. PHONES jack
standard 1/4 stereo headphone output.
STOP
transport stop. 23. OUTPUT L/R jacks
unbalanced (RCA) analog audio output
PLAY of stereo bus.
transport play.
24. INPUT C and D
RECORD unbalanced analog inputs C and D.
transport record.
25. LINE/MIC / GUITAR switch
20. PAN switches between line level and Hi-Z
controls L-R panning on selected track. (inputs C & D).

21. LOCATE << and >> 26. INPUT A and B

moves transport to L and R locate balanced analog inputs A and B.
points.
27. POWER switch
SET push on/push off power switch.
holding SET and pressing << and >>
buttons sets L or R locate points, either 28. POWER jack
on the fly or while stopped. input for AC Adaptor PS-428

29. USB jack

input for USB connection to host
computer.

30. MIDI Out 1 and 2

MIDI outputs 1 and 2.

31. MIDI In 1 and 2

MIDI inputs 1 and 2.

32. Digital In and Out

S/PDIF digital input and output.

33. MIC INPUT A and B

Balanced XLR Inputs A and B.

12
3. Installation

3.1 System Requirements

PC: Minimum requirements: Pentium and select Properties. Click on the

200 MHz (or equivalent) processor Device Manager tab, and then click on
running Windows 98 (Second or the plus (+) sign next to Universal Serial
Millennium Edition), Windows 2000 or Bus Controllers. (see illustration 3.01)
Windows XP, 96MB RAM.
Recommended: Pentium II 300MHz The following chipsets have been
processor with 128MB RAM or better. successfully run with the US-428:
(These requirements are for use with
Cubasis VST. Other applications will
Intel 82371 AB/EB PCI to USB
have different requirements. Consult Universal Host Controller
your application's manufacturer for
Intel 82371 SB PCI to USB
further information.) Universal Host Controller

Intel 82801 AA PCI to USB
NOTE: The US-428 is not supported Universal Host Controller
under Windows 95. We also do not
ALi PCI to USB Open Host
recommend Windows98 First Edition, Controller
due to its limited USB implementation. A
fast EIDE hard disk is required for Some other chipsets, notably those
throughput of multiple audio tracks. specifying Open Host Controllers or
96MB RAM is the minimum OHCI (rather than Universal Host
recommended, but with all digital audio Controllers or UHCI), have been subject
programs, youll have better results with to occasional incompatibilities. While
more RAM. An SVGA graphics card is most OHCI systems have no problems
suggested (min. 256 colors, 800x600 with the US-428, occasionally some
resolution or better). older OHCI systems will exhibit
problems. We have found that, in the
Although this product has been checked majority of these cases, a PCI-based
for use with standard configuration USB card utilizing an Opti-chip controller
computers which meet the specifications will work dependably. These cards (also
above, we cannot guarantee the available in PCMCIA format for laptops)
operation of the product, even with are available through a number of
computers meeting the specifications, manufacturers. Please consult the
due to differences in architecture and TASCAM website for further information.
implementation between computers.

Chipsets are also a concern with USB

audio. Weve found that the most
dependable motherboards are ones
which utilize Intel-based chipsets. You
can determine your chipset by going into
the Device Manager. On the Windows
98 desktop, right click on My Computer,

13
 3.2 Installation

Because the US-428 is a USB device,

connection is pretty straightforward.
Simply plug the USB cable into the US-
428, and the other end into your
computer.

Make certain that your computers USB

host port is enabled. (Normally, most
standard PC BIOS settings default to
enabled, but make certain that it hasnt
been turned off in the BIOS).

NOTE: Handle the enclosed CD-ROM

Illustration 3.01 - Determining your USB Controller with care. If it becomes dirty or
scratched, it will be impossible for a
computer to read it, and the software
cannot be installed. If the disc becomes
MacOS: PowerPC running MacOS 8.6 unreadable, a charge will be made for
or better, and a USB port. Any its replacement.
Macintosh computer with one or more
USB ports running Mac O/S 8.6 or later Do not attempt to play the enclosed CD-
(the US-428 has not been tested with ROM using an audio CD player, as this
Mac O/S X as of this writing. Please may cause damage to hearing, as well
check the website for updates). as to speakers, etc.

Very early iMac computers may need Use only the enclosed USB cable to
one (or more) firmware updates to use connect the US-428 and the computer.
the US-428. Which firmware update(s) Do not use other types of cable for this
is (are) needed depends on which Mac purpose, as some cables contain
O/S version is installed in the early resistors. If you attempt to use such a
iMac. Apple provides details in its Apple cable, the audio input and output will not
Support Article #58174. work properly, and the sound level will
be inaudible or very faint.
PowerBook G3 Series (or later) with
built in USB (or using a 3rd party
PCMCIA USB Card) have been tested
and work fine. Additionally, older
PowerMac computers using 3rd party
PCI-based USB cards also have been
tested and work fine. Any iMac, G3 or
G4 will work fine as well. A MacOS
version earlier than 8.6 will not
implement full USB support, and is not
recommended. Again, plenty of RAM
and fast drives are suggested.

14
3.2.1 Windows

The US-428 v3 drivers are available on In some cases, Add Hardware Wizard
the CD as executable installers. Youll may ask for the file "US428WDM.SYS".
find two executable installer files on the Should this occur, click Browse and
disk, labeled as direct it to the path
US428_Win9x_Install_3_05.exe (for Windows/System32/Drivers.
Windows 98 Second Edition and
Millennium Edition) and In some cases, Add Hardware Wizard
US428_Win2k_Install_3_05.exe (for may ask for your Win98 CD-ROM if it is
Windows 2000 and Windows XP). unable to find all the needed system
files. We suggest you have it handy.
Note that we have also included the
individual driver files as a ZIP file, for
The Setup Complete dialog will
users wishing to install via Windows appear. Click "Yes, I want to restart
Hardware Manager. However, we my computer", followed by the Finish
recommend using the installers, as they button. The computer will reboot.
will also locate and uninstall any files
pertaining to older versions of the US-
Connect the US-428 to the
428 drivers. computer, plug it in, and turn it on.
The Windows plug-n-play will notice
Also included on the CD are previous a new USB device and start the Add
(v2.0) drivers for your convenience. New Hardware wizard, which will
find the needed files on its own. This
will take about 30-60 seconds.

To install under Win98SE or ME: The drivers are now installed and the
US-428 is ready to operate.
Note: The US-428 will run under Win98
SE (Second Edition) or ME (Millennium
Edition). Due to its limited USB
capabilities, First Edition Win98 is not To install under Win2K or Windows
recommended. XP:

Note: Run the Installer with US-428 Note: Run the Installer with US-428
turned OFF. turned OFF.

Double click on the executable file
Double click on the executable file
US428_Win9x_Install_3_05.exe. US428_Win2k_Install_3_05.exe.
(The blue US-428 icon). The (The blue US-428 icon). The
installer will run. installer will run.

Click the "Setup" button. The
Click the "Setup" button. The
Welcome dialog box will appear. Welcome dialog box will appear.

Click the "Next" button. The driver
Click the "Next" button. The driver
files will be installed to your hard files will be installed to your hard
drive. drive.

15
NOTE: You may be prompted by a
Click "Finish" if prompted, and
message informing you that the reboot if prompted
software you are about to install does
not have a digital certificate. Simply
click Continue the installation anyway
and proceed.

If you are prompted to restart your

computer, do so.

Connect the US-428 to the

computer, plug it in, and turn it on.
The Windows plug-n-play will notice
a new USB device and start the Add
New Hardware wizard, which will
find the three needed files on its
own. This will take about 30-60
seconds. Illustration 3.02 - Windows 98 New Hardware Wizard

The drivers are now installed and the

US-428 is ready to operate. 3.2.2 Macintosh

Insert the CD-ROM into the

To install using Windows New
computer, double-click on the US-
Hardware Wizard:
428 installer, and follow its
instructions.

Unzip the driver files into a new
(empty) folder on the hard disk.
Connect the US-428 to the

Connect the US-428 to the computer, and connect power to the
computer, plug it in and turn it on unit. When the US-428 is connected
and powered up, the Mac will find

The Windows plug-n-play will notice the drivers itself.
a new USB device and start the Add
New Hardware wizard.

Choose "Search for a suitable driver

for my device" and press Next 3.3 Setting Up OMS (MacOS
Only)

Enter the path where the drivers are
stored and press OK

After Windows finds the "firmware Cubasis, ProTools and several other
download" driver, click Next applications rely on OMS for MIDI
implementation. OMS (Open Music

Click "Finish" The other driver System) is a standard for MIDI
components will be automatically management on the Macintosh. Since
discovered and loaded the US-428 relies on MIDI controller
commands for its communication with

16
the host computer, you will need to communicate with your host
install OMS. (The exception is Digital application.)
Performer, which utilizes FreeMIDI. The Once OMS setup is successfully
v3 drivers support OMS and FreeMIDI completed, you can proceed with setting
independently.) up the US-428 with your chosen
application. Please refer to the specific
To set up OMS to work with the US-428: documentation for your application for
more details.

First, run the OMS installer. If you
do not have the current version of
OMS, it may be freely downloaded
at www.opcode.com. 3.4 Tuning Your PC

Locate the US-428 Drivers folder,
which was placed on your desktop
A few words about computers and
when you ran the US-428 installer.
audio. Much has been written about the
In this folder, locate the US-428
best ways to optimize your PC for
OMS driver. Drag the US-428 OMS
handling audio applications, and
driver into the OMS folder inside
generally speaking, its a much deeper
your System folder. Do not drag
topic than weve got space for in this
this file into the Opcode folder on
manual. But here are a few basic points
your hard drive it will not work
to help you get the best out of your
correctly.
audio programs:

Restart your computer. Then turn

Dont run extraneous applications.
on the US-428 and start the OMS
While its likely youll sometimes use
Setup application (located in the
your computer for applications other
Opcode folder on your hard drive).
than audio, its strongly
recommended that you avoid

Select New Studio Setup from the
running other applications at the
File menu. When prompted to select
same time youre running audio
a serial (modem or printer) port,
programs. Processing digital audio
leave both selections unchecked.
requires considerable overhead from
Click yes and continue. OMS will
your computer, so dont overtax the
assess all the MIDI ports attached to
system by running other applications
your computer and build OMS
(especially graphics or internet tools)
instruments for the ones it
that can steal those resources.
recognizes.

Certain devices, such as network

When the setup is complete you
cards and WinModems, can cause
should see a list of all your
conflicts with the native handling of
connected MIDI ports. At the least
USB. Should you experience such
you should see four icons pertaining
conflicts, the offending device can
to the US-428 specifically: the US-
usually be temporarily disabled in
428 icon, US-428 MIDI ports 1 and
the Device Manager. Refer to your
2, and US-428 Control port.
Windows manual for detailed
instructions on how to resolve
(Ports 1 and 2 correspond to the US-
conflicts.
428s physical MIDI ports. US-428
Control is the virtual MIDI port with
which the US-428 and its control surface

17

Assuming your computer has an IDE 256 MB will markedly improve
hard disk (most do), enabling Direct performance.
Memory Addressing (DMA) on will
improve performance. Some
Consider the addition of a dedicated
programs (such as Cubase VST) hard disk for audio; preferably one
allow you to configure the DMA as with a high spindle rate (over 7200
enabled on install. If youve not RPM is recommended for most
already done this, heres how to audio applications). Using different
configure the DMA transfer mode: drives for program and audio data
On the Windows desktop, go to the speeds up the seek time for the
Start menu, Settings, Control Panel, audio track data. (Note that simply
System. In the System Properties partitioning a large drive will not
window, select the Device Manager have the same effect, as the
tab. Click on the plus sign next to computer will still be accessing the
Disk Drives, and highlight the IDE same physical drive.) For best
disk listing, then click on the results, add a SCSI or Wide-SCSI
Properties button. Check the DMA drive and SCSI controller card. SCSI
box under options. (see illustration (and particularly Wide and UW-SCSI
3.03) protocol) are capable of
considerably higher data transfer
speeds; youll notice a dramatic
increase in track count and in the
amount of signal processing plug-ins
your computer can handle. Note
that some of the recent UDMA-66
drives have proven to be almost as
fast (and certainly cheaper);
however, they are still limited in the
amount of physical drives allowed
and the bus length.

If youre presently using a PCI-

based graphics card, and your
motherboard has an AGP slot,
Illustration 3.03 - Enabling DMA on your IDE drives
consider getting an AGP-based
graphics card. This will decrease
traffic on the PCI bus and allow for
faster screen redraws.

In addition, a number of simple

hardware modifications and
enhancements can substantially
improve your computers handling of
audio, as well as your track count and Special Note: For even more detail on
DSP capability. optimizing your PC for audio, please
refer to the PDF document

Increase the amount of RAM in your PC_Optimization.pdf included on the
system. While most digital audio US-428 CD-ROM. This document is
software will function with a also available on the TASCAM website.
minimum of 32 MB, increasing your
computers RAM to 96, 128 or even

18
3.5 Notes on USB interfacing

The USB protocol is an extremely

versatile one, and much has been made
of the possibility of using multiple (over
100) devices on a single bus. While this
is certainly a possibility, we recommend
using as few other USB devices as
possible in a system equipped with the
US-428. The demands placed on the
USB bus by passing multiple tracks of
audio through it are considerable, and
adding additional devices will risk
reducing that bandwidth.

NOTE: The drivers of many other USB

devices, especially CD burners,
scanners, printers, and cameras, are
written to poll the USB buss on a regular
basis (usually once every millisecond).
This can lead to dropouts, clicks, pops
and other artifacts in your audio. We
strongly suggest unplugging any non-
essential USB devices while recording
with the US-428. (USB keyboards and
mice are the notable exceptions in
most cases they are passive devices
with very minor bandwidth
requirements.)

Another well-documented advantage of

USB is the ability to hot-plug devices
(that is, plug them in and out without
powering the computer down). While
this applies to the US-428 as well, we
recommend against plugging or
unplugging, or powering the unit on or
off, while running your audio application.
Doing so can result in audible pops, or
even hanging or crashing the program.

Youll find a listing of web links and

resources on hard disk recording on our
website at www.tascam.com.

19
4. Hooking up Audio and
MIDI to the US-428

4.1 Hooking up audio

To monitor output from your computer, To record audio from the US-428 into
connect the analog outputs of the US- your computer, simply connect a device
428 to your mixer, amplifier or powered to the appropriate input. Microphones
monitors. Output volume is controlled by should be plugged into the INPUT A or
the LINE OUT level pot. If youve got a B XLR inputs.
digital mixer, external D/A converter, or
other device with S/PDIF input, you may Note that the US-428 does not supply
prefer to monitor via the US-428s phantom power, so if youre using
S/PDIF output. condenser mics, youll need an external
preamp or power supply. You can
connect line-level sources (e.g.,
keyboards and sound modules) into one
of the four LINE INPUTS (A through D).
If you wish to plug in a guitar, bass,
or other high-impedance source, simply
use input C or D, and move the sliding
switch next to the input connector to the
Guitar position. Finally, digital sources
(e.g., CD players, DATs etc) may be
connected to the S/PDIF INPUT.

The inputs of channels A and B are

available as either balanced XLR mic-
level inputs or balanced TRS (1/4) line-
level inputs. While both sets of inputs
are capable of functioning
simultaneously, in actual practice this is
not recommended, as the signal level of
the inputs will be summed and very
likely interfere with each other.

Inputs C and D are switchable between

the unbalanced 1/4 analog inputs C
and D and the
S/PDIF digital input. The input source is
selected by pressing the INPUT C+D
switch.
Illustration 4.01 - Connecting audio to the US-428
Input level for analog sources is
regulated by the TRIM level pots
(diagram), located directly above the

20
faders. To use digital audio input, switch
the INPUT C+D selector to Digital. The 4.2 Hooking up MIDI
INPUT C and D TRIM controls do not
affect digital input. Sampled audio from
the S/PDIF digital input is passed The two MIDI in and out jacks are
directly to the application without independent, giving you a total of 32
modification. To reduce the level of the channels of MIDI I/O. Simply connect
digital audio signal at inputs C and D, the MIDI out of your keyboard or other
you will need to reduce the output level device to a MIDI in jack on the US-428,
of your digital source. and vice versa. If youve got a MIDI sync
box, you can dedicate one of the two
A note about levels and gain structure MIDI I/Os to sending and receiving
here. The TRIM controls directly affect MTC (MIDI Time Code). This allows you
the input level at the A/D converters on to sync tracks from your MTC-capable
the US-428, so its advisable to use the Portastudio, DTRS multitrack, or any
SIGNAL and OVER LEDs to help set other machine that accepts time code
your levels. Unlike analog tape, when with your digital audio software, for
recording digital audio, its important to transferring tracks back and forth for
keep your input level close to 0dB, but editing and processing.
never to exceed it. If the input level is
too high, the audio signal will clip - not a
desirable sound. If the input level is too
low, then the dynamic range that the
US-428s A/Ds are capable of is not
being used, and the signal will be closer
to the noise floor than it
needs to be. In either case, this can not
be fixed after the tracks have been
recorded, so its important to make this
adjustment carefully.

Illustration 4.02 - Input trims and level indicator LEDs

21
 E

4.3 Using the Input 4.4 Monitor vs. Master Level

Monitoring

In digital audio, the amount of time it Its important to make a distinction

takes for the input signal to pass between MONITOR LEVEL control and
through the circuitry of the unit and the level of the stereo bus output, as
software processing and arrive at the controlled by the MASTER FADER.
outputs will sometimes result in an
audible delay. (This is commonly When using the US-428s analog
referred to as audio latency.) This inputs, only the TRIM controls actually
added delay can be confusing when, for affect the input level to the audio
example, youre trying to overdub to software application. When using the
previously recorded tracks. US-428s Digital inputs, the digital audio
data received at the US-428s digital
The INPUT MONITOR mixer built into input is passed directly to the audio
the US-428 eliminates this problem by application without any gain or other
providing a way to listen to the signals modifications.
youre recording directly, without any
computer processing delay. When the When monitoring audio playback from
INPUT MONITOR button is depressed, the application via the US-428, the level
the first four channel faders control the is controlled by that tracks software
input levels of inputs A, B, C or D to the gain control (which, in turn, is controlled
US-428s internal mixer. Changes in by the US- 428s channel FADERs), the
these levels affect the monitor and MASTER FADER, and the LINE OUT or
headphones outputs, but have no effect PHONES OUT level controls.
on the audio levels seen by the audio The LINE OUT and PHONES level
software application. The first four controls directly affect the audio levels
MUTE buttons also affect the four that appear on the LINE OUTPUT and
inputs, and PAN is also available in this PHONES jacks, respectively. The audio
mode; the four inputs come up panned level produced at the DIGITAL
to center, but can be SELected and OUTPUT is not affected by either
PANned anywhere within the stereo control.
field.
The MASTER FADER is the final level
control affecting the digital stereo output
NOTE: In INPUT MONITOR mode to the application, consequently
faders 5-8 are inactive. changes made to the MASTER FADER
level will also affect the output level to
the speakers.
NOTE: All the controls mentioned here
are also accessible via the ASIO control Thus, if you want to simply reduce the
panel, which displays the current status volume of your listening environment,
of the INPUT MONITOR section. youll want to use the MONITOR
NOTE LEVEL control to do this without
affecting the level of your stereo mix.

22
5. The US-428 Control
Panel

5.1 Main Page

In the Control Panels main page, you The Master Fader always sends
can specify a number of options of the changes in position via MIDI. It can also
US-428s ASIO handling. be used to make the US-428 itself
change the output level coming from an
application. (This is useful for programs
that do not have their own master
volume control, such as Sound Forge.)
In Cubasis, select the MIDI only option.

The Status area provides a view of the

US-428s current settings:

Clock source: Internal or

Digital In

Sample rate: 44100 or 48000

Resolution: 24 Bit or 16 Bit

Illustration 5.01 - Control Panel Main Page
Digital input:

Signal:
The Control Surface Protocol setting o Red - no digital input
governs the type of MIDI messages o Green - digital input
used to send fader and button active
information from the US-428 to
applications. The corresponding drop-
Fmt:
down box allows you to select from a o Red - improper format
number of options, including US-428 o Green - proper S/PDIF
Native, JL Cooper CS-10 emulation format
(both standard and Pro-Tools specific),
Native Instruments B4, and two different
Lock:
Four Controller Banks modes. For more o Red - digital in not ready
information on the various non-native to record,
modes, refer to the specific chapters o Green - digital in ready to
pertaining to these applications and record
uses. For use with most DAW
applications, its recommended that you
leave the default US-428 Native The Input Monitor area is a viewable
selection. and controllable version of the US-428
INPUT MONITOR mixer. Here you can

23
control the level and position of each safety against other system activities
US-428 input as it will appear on the interrupting the audio and producing
LINE OUTPUT, DIGITAL OUT, and clicks, pops or other audible artifacts.
PHONES connectors. Three controls Smaller buffers provide lower latency
(level, pan and mute) are available for when using the computer to send input
each input A, B, C and D. Note that audio to output channels in order to
these controls can also be changed monitor the input. The initial driver for
from the US-428 by pressing the INPUT the US-428 had a fixed buffer size. This
MONITOR switch on the unit, and using version of the driver lets users select
channel strips 1-4. If you make the which buffer size works best for their
changes this way, the controls displayed computer and audio application. Note:
in the US-428 Control Panel will be This adjustment does not affect the
updated to reflect the new values. latency of the US-428s hardware input
monitor, which is always less than an
Any settings shown in the input monitor ultra-low 1.5 ms.
section of this control panel can be
saved as one of four Snapshots. To To adjust the buffer size, run the US-
save your settings as snapshot number 428 Control Panel and go to the System
1, for example. click on Save and then tab. The Audio Latency slider lets you
click on 1. Any snapshot can then be change the buffer size from a minimum
recalled by just clicking on its of 256 samples (128 samples on the
corresponding button. Mac) to a maximum of 2048 samples.
All audio programs that use the US-428
You can also control the input monitor must quit before a new audio latency
settings that will be used when the US- setting takes effect. Using Cubase VST
428 first starts up. You can choose at 44.1 kHz sampling rate, a 256 sample
either the last settings in effect at the buffer size gives appx. 12 ms of
previous system shutdown, or any one monitoring latency, while a 2048 sample
of the four snapshots. buffer gives appx 43 ms latency.

5.2 Buffer Size Adjustment

The US-428 Control Panel contains a

second page, tabbed System. On this
page the buffer size can be adjusted.
Smaller buffer sizes will result in lower
latency, but requires a faster system.

About Buffer Sizing:

Illustration 5.02 System Tab

The US-428 driver temporarily stores

input and output audio samples in
buffers. Larger buffers provide more

24
5.3 The Chromatic Tuner

Open the US-428s control panel and

select the Tuner tab.

In the Input section, select the US-428

input channel that you want to tune (A,
B, C, or D).

Play a note and adjust the trim knob for

that input until the signal is strong, but
not clipping.

The Level meter on the screen should

display bright green segments without
lighting the top red segment.

If desired, you can change the Tuning Illustration 5.03 The Chromatic Tuner Page
Standard in the Reference section.
Normally, the Tuning Standard is set to
440 cycles per second for a middle A
note, but you can use the up/down
arrows to change it to a number Note: The chromatic tuner consumes
between 430 and 450 cycles per some CPU bandwidth in your system.
second. Therefore, when you finish using the
tuner, we recommend that you either
As you play, the detected note will be select another control panel tab or close
displayed below the Tuning lights (A# or the control panel.
E, for example). If the note is sharp, the
Sharp arrow and a Tuning light to the
right of 0 are bright red; if the note is
flat, the Flat arrow and a Tuning light
to the left of 0 are bright red.

The numbers below the tuning lights

indicate how far out of tune the note is,
in cents (100 cents is one semitone).
When the note is in tune, the center 0
light and both the Flat and Sharp arrows
are bright green.

25
6. Interfacing with your
Audio Software

This section is intended to present the bit recording, a 16 bit driver has also
basic concepts needed to interface the been included.
US-428 with an audio software
application. Its important to note that
different programs will implement some
of the features described here
differently. As it would be beyond the
scope of this manual to detail the
operation of each individual program,
well discuss the concepts presented
here as they relate to the operation of
the US-428 with the Cubasis VST audio
software included in the US-428
package. Details on using the US-428
with a number of other applications may
be found in section eight of this manual.
Please refer to the manual for your
particular audio application for further
details. Illustration 6.01 - Cubasis Audio Control Panel.

This discussion, however, is not

intended to replace your softwares
users manual. If youve got questions
specific to Cubasis (or your digital audio In the Audio Control Panel, you can
software of choice), please refer to the select the number of audio channels you
User Manual for the program for further wish to use, as well as the sampling
detail. rate, Disk Cache settings, and MIDI to
Audio offset. See the Cubasis manual
for more information on these settings.

6.1 Selecting the US-428 as

your Audio Device

6.1.2. ASIO Control Panel

6.1.1 Audio Control Panel
In the Audio Control Panel, click on the
button marked ASIO Control Panel. The
In Cubasis, open the Audio Control US-428 Control Panel will appear. In
Panel (see illustration 6.01). Its located Cubasis, make certain the protocol is
in the Audio pulldown menu, under set to US-428 Native Mode. Refer to
System. Select the ASIO Device pull- chapter five, US-428 Control Panel for
down menu, and select ASIO US-428 information on these settings.
Driver. If your software only supports 16

26
6.1.3 VST Remote
The US-428 control protocol includes
In Cubasis, the program will two separate drivers for 16-bit or 24-bit
automatically recognize the US-428 as a operation. This selection is made in the
remote controller unit. In most other Audio Control Panel (see illustration
applications, you will need to select the 6.04).
US-428 as the programs remote
control. To do this in Cubase (full
versions), for example, select the VST
Remote option from the Audio menu,
and choose the US-428 option (See
illustration 6.03). You will also need to
set the Input and Output devices to US-
428 Control Port and the Remote
setting should match the setting chosen
in the US-428 Control Panel (see
illustration 6.03).

Illustration 6.04 - VST/24 Audio Control Panel

6.3 Input Enabling

Illustration 6.03 - Cubase VST Remote Panel You will need to enable the inputs on
Cubasis. Open the Audio Input window
(see Illustration 6.05) and select any
one mono track or stereo pair.

6.2 Setting the Sample Rate

and Bit Depth

The US-428 supports sample rates of

44.1kHz and 48kHz. In the Audio
Control Panel, select the pull-down
menu for Sample Rate and select either Illustration 6.05 - Input window
44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.

27
NOTE: Cubasis supports only one input
for recording (though this can be a
mono or stereo track). To fully utilize the
US-428s four input capabilities, youll
need to run it with a full version of
Cubase VST, Emagic Logic, Cakewalk,
or another application that supports
multiple inputs on record.
NOTE

Then select the inputs on Cubasis

internal mixer. Hold Control and left click
on the input selector above the channel
strip, and select the desired input. Verify
that the designated channels' inputs
("IN") are selected, and the associated
channels are receiving signal. (see Illustration 6.07 - Record Enable
illustration 6.06)

Verify that the drop-in and drop-out

features in Cubasis (on the transport
bar) are not enabled (or if so, that they
are enabled at the desired locate
points). Press the RECORD button on
the US-428. Cubasis will issue a one or
two bar countoff (depending on whats
set in Cubasis Metronome preferences
menu), then commence recording.

Illustration 6.06 - Input selection window,

showing Mutes and Solos
6.4 Transport Controls and
Locate Points

Highlight a track in the arrange window, The transport controls on the US-428
and that track will automatically be are set up to directly correspond to the
Record- Enabled. (see illustration 6.07) on-screen transport controls in Cubasis.
So, for example, pressing PLAY on the
US-428 will activate the PLAY mode in
Cubasis. Pressing STOP will halt
playback on Cubasis. Pressing REW or
FFWD will activate Cubasis transports
to Rewind or Fast Forward, respectively.
The DATA WHEEL, when AUX is not
selected, will also act as a shuttle wheel
for the transport. Rotating the wheel
clockwise will advance the song position
forward, and rotating it counter-

28
clockwise will move the transport mode. When the SOLO button is
backward. pressed and the SOLO LED is lit, the
MUTE buttons act as SOLO buttons,
Cubasis will record audio or MIDI into soloing the selected channel(s). (See
the track that is highlighted on the illustration 6.06)
Arrange screen (see above). Pressing
RECORD will start Cubasis into a count-
off, after which it will begin recording
audio or MIDI data into the selected
track.
6.6 EQ controls

The US-428 control surface has

dedicated EQ controls that let you make
changes to the setting on up to four
Illustration 6.08 - Transport Bar bands of EQ in the internal mixer of your
audio recording program. In the case of
Cubasis, the US-428s LOW and HIGH
EQ buttons address the lower and upper
The locate points function much like the
left and right mouse buttons in Cubasis. bands of Cubasis two bands of internal
To jump to the Left locate point, press EQ, respectively.
the LOCATE << button, and to jump to
the right point, press the LOCATE >> Press one of the EQ band selection
button. buttons (LOW, LOW-MID, HI-MID or
HIGH) to activate the associated band
To set locate points, hold the SET of internal EQ in the software. Once you
button and press the << or >> button to have activated a particular band, the
set the corresponding locate point. This EQ GAIN control regulates the amount
will work when the transport is stopped of equalization, in dB, which is added or
or when moving, allowing you to set subtracted from the signal. The EQ
locate points on the fly. FREQ controls the center frequency
around which the EQ cut or gain is
6.5 Mute/Solo centered. The EQ Q controls the width
of the band of frequencies affected by
the EQ GAIN control.
The MUTE buttons toggle the Mute
function in Cubasis VST Channel Mixer To open a selected channels EQ panel
for the selected channel. When a via the US-428, press one of the EQ
channel is muted, there are two selection buttons and then the
indications: the Mute button in the SELECT key on any channel, and the
Cubasis VST Channel Mixers display EQ/Aux Send panel for the selected
will be activated, and the MUTE LED on channel will open.
the US-428 corresponding to the muted
track(s) will be illuminated.

The SOLO switch works by toggling the

status of the MUTE switches to SOLO

29
 6.7 Aux Buttons

The AUX buttons 1 through 4 select the

corresponding AUX SEND in the
software. When an AUX LED is
illuminated, the selected AUX level is
controlled via the DATAWHEEL. To
open a channels Aux Send panel in
Cubasis, press one of the AUX SEND
buttons, and then the SELECT key on
any channel; the EQ/Aux Send panel for
the currently selected channel will
open.

6.8 Data Wheel

Illustration 6.10 - EQ Control Panel in Cubasis

The DATA WHEEL acts as a continuous

controller, and is capable of a variety of
functions. In Cubasis, when an AUX LED is
illuminated, the level of the selected AUX
Send is controlled via the DATAWHEEL.
When no AUX LEDs are selected, the
DATAWHEEL functions as a shuttle wheel,
moving the transport in the direction the
wheel is turned.

6.9 BANK Controls and

FADER NULL

The BANK SELECT keys page between

successive banks of eight faders.
Illustration 6.11 - EQ Control Panel in VST/32 Selecting any of the eight faders will
control the corresponding channel in the
softwares internal mixer.

30
The US-428 will support an unlimited
number of channels. It is only limited to
the maximum amount of channels your
audio software will support.

When changing to a different bank of

faders, you may find that the fader on
the US-428 is now out of position with
the associated channels fader in
Cubasis. Pressing the FADER NULL
button will disengage the US-428s
faders from the program, allowing you
to move the US-428s fader to match the
fader in the softwares internal mixer.
The REC and SEL LEDs function as
up/down indicators, guiding you to the
correct fader position. For best results, it
is recommended that FADER NULL
function be utilized with the transport
stopped.

6.10 ASIO2 Direct Monitoring

Some audio programs that can use

ASIO 2 for audio input and output, such
as Steinbergs Cubase VST, support a
feature called Direct Monitoring. This
lets the programs user interface control
hardware input-to-output monitoring
paths. Without Direct Monitoring
enabled, the latency is controlled by
your buffer size setting (see section 5.2)
and your program can add effects such
as reverb and EQ in both the monitor
and record paths. With Direct Monitoring
enabled the latency is ultra-low (less
than 1.5ms), but you cant hear effects
in the monitor path (although they will be
recorded if enabled).

To enable Direct Monitoring in Cubase

VST, open the Audio Control Panel. In
the Monitoring section of the window,
check ASIO Direct Monitor. (You also
need either Record Enable Type or
Tape Type monitoring enabled.)

31
7. A Sample Recording
Session in Cubasis

Okay. Youve got your US-428 operate the softwares controls, perform
connected to your computer, and youve MIDI I/O, or record or play back audio.
loaded the drivers. Your audio software Likewise, many software applications
is loaded, and youre ready to cut some dont expect that devices will be
tracks. Lets walk through a typical removed while the program is running.
recording session with the US-428 and So make sure to exit your audio
Cubasis. application programs before
disconnecting or turning off the power to
NOTE: This chapter is intended as a the US-428.
quick start guide toward recording and
mixing with Steinberg Cubasis and the It is also advisable, as with all audio
US-428. It is in no way meant to be a devices, that you turn your amplifier or
comprehensive guide to Cubasis. For powered monitors off until the program
full details on the Cubasis application, is up and running, to avoid audio spikes.
please refer to the Steinberg Cubasis
manual on the US-428 CD. Youll find Once you are certain that the US-428 is
Windows and MacOS versions. up and running, start the Cubasis
application by double- clicking on its
icon on the screen. Open the Audio
Control Panel and select the US-428 as
your audio device (see Selecting the
7.1 Setting Up US-428 as your audio device in
previous chapter.) If you dont see the
US-428 listed in your Audio Control
Before starting Cubasis, make sure that Panel, make sure its been installed
the US-428 is turned ON, that its USB correctly by referring to the section on
cable is connected to your computers Troubleshooting.
USB port, and that the device has been
initialized. Select the ASIO Control Panel, and
choose a sample Rate (44.1kHz or 48
NOTE: When turning the US-428 on or kHz). Your Audio Clock Source should
off, or launching or closing the be set to internal, unless youre using
application (e.g. Cubasis VST), turn S/PDIF digital input (INPUT C and D
down the LINE OUT and PHONES set to DIGITAL), or otherwise slaving
LEVEL controls. Cubasis to an external source.
NOTE
When Cubasis VST is running, do not Select the Disk Caching Scheme.
turn off the US-428, or disconnect the Option 1 is Virtual Tape Recorder,
power supply. Also, you should not used primarily when your tracks are
disconnect or connect the cables of the linear and of longer duration. Option 2
US-428 or any other USB equipment corresponds to Audio Sequencer, and
while Cubasis VST is running. is more applicable when using loops
and shorter segments of audio. Option
If you launch Cubasis or another audio 3, Tape Recorder/Sequencer, is your
program before the US-428 has been best choice when working with a
initialized, the software will not see the combination of short audio clips and
US-428 and you will not be able to longer linear tracks. (For further

32
information on Disk Caching, please very quickly on your hard disk, and
refer to the Cubasis VST manual.) keeping them organized can get pretty
complicated.
If youre using Cubasis, the program
automatically connects to the US-428 Once youve enabled your tracks, youll
control surface and LEDs, but if youre want to monitor audio through them to
using another program, you will set your levels. Open Cubasis Monitor
probably need to select the US-428 Mixer (Audio/Monitor menu), and make
Control Port MIDI In and Out devices certain youve assigned your channel
in that programs MIDI Setup menu. inputs and enabled them. You should
see audio signal on those channels
If youre using the US-428s internal meters (assuming youre sending signal
MIDI interface, youll need to enable it in from your source).
the Options/MIDI Setup menu. Each of
the US-428s independent MIDI Ins and If your input signal is too high, the OL
Outs can be enabled separately. For LED will glow steadily red. If the signal
more information on setting up VSTs level is too low, you might only see a
very sophisticated MIDI functions, flicker, or nothing at all, on the SIGNAL
please refer to the VST manual. LED.

Connect your audio sources to the US- You can regulate the input level of the
428. Connect an analog source via the input source in several ways. First,
XLR or 1/4 inputs, or a digital source make sure that the signal youre
via the S/PDIF input. sending to the US-428 is within a
reasonable range it should illuminate
the green SIGNAL LED, but the red OL
7.2 Recording Your Tracks LED should only flicker occasionally.
You can then fine adjust the level with
the TRIM knobs for the selected
channel(s).
In Cubasis, choose the input(s) you wish
to enable on the US-428. In the Audio NOTE: The SIGNAL and OL LEDs do
menu, select Input, and click on the not function with digital input.
input pair (or pairs, in Cubase VST)
youll be using on the US-428. The In the case of digital input, input level is
green Input icons will light in VSTs Input regulated by the output level of the
window for active inputs. source, and passed directly to the
software application without
Select the Audio track(s) to record to by modification.
highlighting that track in the Arrange
window. On Cubasis Transport Bar, you can
enable the recording to drop in or out of
NOTE: All four will only appear if youve Record based on the locate points
enabled their Inputs, as described youve set. If you do not wish to enable
above. If this is the first track recorded this function, make certain the buttons
in a given project, Cubasis will probably for drop in and drop out are not enabled.
respond with a dialog box asking you
for a path to save the audio files. It is Press the RECORD button on the US-
highly recommended that you create a 428. If youve got the metronomes
unique folder for each song or project, Count-off function enabled, youll hear a
as audio .WAV files can accumulate one or two bar countoff, and then the

33
 7.4 Mixdown

program will enter Record mode. It will

stop recording when it reaches the drop You can control the mix of the channels
out point, or if none is enabled, when youve recorded via the US-428. Make
you hit the STOP button. certain youve got the correct bank
selected - the small on-screen window
Cubasis will now create a display of the that indicates VST Mixer 1-8, or GM
track(s) youve just recorded. This can Mixer 1-8 or GM Mixer 9-16 is your
take a few seconds to a few minutes, best indication of the currently selected
depending on how long the recorded bank. The LEDs next to the BANK
tracks are and how many there are. buttons on the US-428 also indicate the
Youll then see the tracks appear in your selected bank:
arrange window.

VST Mixer =
only

GM Mixer 1-8 =
and 

GM Mixer 9-16 = only.
7.3 Overdubbing
You can change the level of a track by
adjusting its corresponding fader on the
To overdub more tracks, simply select US-428 control surface. To adjust other
and enable additional tracks as you did parameters on a particular channel, first
the previous ones, and repeat the press the SELECT key for that channel
procedure. You can monitor the tracks on the US-428. The selected channel
youve already recorded via the US- will be highlighted below that channels
428s outputs, while recording fader on the screen.
additional tracks into Cubasis via the
US-428s inputs. Be sure to assign Moving the channel fader on the US-428
each track to its own channel in the will adjust the relative volume of the
programs internal mixer. For more selected channel in Cubasis. The
information on Cubasis mixer corresponding fader on screen will
functions, including groups and output update as you move the US-428s fader.
assigns, please refer to the Cubasis
manual. The PAN control on the US-428 will pan
the selected channel from Left to Right
When overdubbing, you can also select on the stereo buss. To open the EQ
the INPUT MONITOR mode by pressing panel, select the desired channel and
the INPUT MONITOR button on the then press ASGN and select any of the
US-428. When the corresponding LED four bands of EQ on the US-428s EQ
is illuminated, channel strips 1,2,3 and 4 pod. The EQs level, center frequency
can be used to adjust the level, pan and and Q can then be controlled via the
mute status of inputs A, B, C and D, US-428s EQ knobs.
respectively. This will enable the first
four faders as Input level monitors, To select a channels FX sends, select
allowing you to hear the inputs at the the desired channel and then press
source, in sync with the previously ASGN and select any of the four AUX
recorded tracks. buttons. The level of the Aux send is
controlled via the DATA WHEEL.

34
Once your tracks are recorded, mixing
can be automated on Cubasis internal
mixer. By selecting Write on the mixer
panel in Cubasis, your fader moves, EQ
and FX settings and changes, panning,
etc., can all be recorded into Cubasis
automated mixer settings. To play back
the automated mix, select Read on the
mixer panel. (You can play back existing
mix moves while continuing to update
your mix by selecting both Read and
Write.)

For more detail on Cubasis mixdown

procedure, refer to the Cubasis manual.

35
8. Other Applications and
Operational Modes

As weve mentioned throughout this

manual, the US-428 is an extremely
versatile device. Its capabilities as a
controller go well beyond those weve
described thus far with the bundled
Cubasis program. Clearly it would be
impossible to fully document the US-
428s operational details with each
application, but weve attempted in this
chapter to give a brief overview of some
of the many other currently supported
operational modes and interfaces of the
US-428.

Its also important to note that the US-

428 is fully functional as a 16- and 24-bit
audio interface and 32 channel MIDI
interface with virtually all Windows and
MacOS compatible applications. Even
those applications which do not support
the US-428 as a controller can still use
the US-428 as an audio MIDI interface.

Since the US-428s release, TASCAM

has been working together with
developers from all over the
professional audio industry to create
support for new applications with the
US-428. While weve included
documentation on a number of currently
supported applications here, the
development of new support for the US-
428 is ongoing and expanding. We
recommend you visit the US-428 area of
www.tascam.com for current news and
information, and check out the online
users forum as well.

These individual documents are also

available on the CD-ROM, as well as on
our website. As new application support
becomes available, we will be posting
the information for free download.

36
8.1 Cubase VST - Windows

The US-428 is fully supported under
Under the OPTIONS / AUDIO

Cubase v5.xx for Windows, including SETUP / SYSTEM menu, locate the
ASIO 16 and 24 bit drivers and control ASIO DEVICE selector and choose
surface mapping. Note that the US-428 one of the US-428s ASIO drivers
is fully functional as both an audio and (16 or 24 bit) as the device.
32 channel MIDI interface in earlier
Under VST INPUTS, make sure both
versions of Cubase as well. In the pairs of inputs are open (green input
previous version (v3.7x), partial indicators are lit).
functionality of the controller surface is
supported; however, to fully utilize the Note: these parameters save with the
features of the US-428 under Cubase song and are not globally remembered.
VST, it is necessary to run v5.00 or You will need to save the song as
later. DEF.ALL if you want the US-428 remote
setup to load automatically.
The full version of Cubase VST (as well
as VST Score and VST/32) support a
Open the US-428s Control Panel
four band fully parametric EQ on each (Device Manager). From the
channel. Of course, its supported on the pulldown menu, select US-428
US-428 - each of the four bands of VST Native.
are controlled by the four associated EQ
band selector buttons. You should now be ready to use
Cubase 5.0 with the US-428.
Before setting up the US-428 to work
with Cubase, please install the US-428 v
3.0 drivers. Begin the setup procedure With Cubase 3.7 and earlier:
below with the US-428 plugged in and
powered on. If you have not already
Open the Cubase application.
done so, install Cubase VST
From the AUDIO pulldown menu,
choose SYSTEM. In the ASIO drop-
NOTE: Several revisions and bug fixes down menu, select the US-428 16-
were implemented in subsequent or 24-bit ASIO drivers.
updates to VST 5. We suggest you visit
From the OPTIONS / VST REMOTE
Steinbergs website and make sure menu, select CS-10. Select the US-
youve got the most current version. 428 CONTROL PORT for the in and
out communication.

You should now be ready to use
Installing under Cubase 5.0 and later: Cubase 3.7x.

Open the Cubase application. Note that support under older versions

From the OPTIONS pulldown menu, of Cubase is limited. You will not have
choose REMOTE SETUP / SETUP. access to unlimited fader channels or all
o Under REMOTE, select US- EQ and Aux sends. Full control will only
428. be available in VST 5.0 and later.
o Select US-428 CONTROL
for INPUT and OUTPUT.

37
8.2 Cubase VST MacOS

The US-428 is fully supported under
Under the OPTIONS / AUDIO SETUP /
Cubase v5.00 for MacOS, including SYSTEM menu, locate the ASIO
ASIO 16 and 24 bit drivers and control DEVICE selector and choose one of
surface mapping. Note: the US-428 is the US-428s ASIO drivers (16 or 24
fully functional as both an audio and 32 bit) as the device.
channel MIDI interface in earlier
versions of Cubase as well. In v4.1, Note: these parameters save with the
partial functionality of the controller song and are not globally remembered.
surface is supported; however, to fully You will need to save the song as
utilize the features of the US-428 under DEF.ALL if you want the OMS MIDI
Cubase Mac, it is necessary to run setup to load automatically.
v5.00 or later.

Open the US-428s Control Panel
Before setting up the US-428 to work (Apple menu). From the pulldown
with Cubase, please install the US-428 menu, select US-428 Native.
MacOS v2.00 drivers, and set up the
OMS. (Refer to the enclosed You should now be ready to use
documents on setting up both the Cubase 5.0 with the US-428.
drivers and OMS.) Begin the setup
procedure below with the US-428
plugged in and powered on. With Cubase 4.1 and earlier:

Open the Cubase application.

Installing under Cubase 5.0 and later:

From the OPTIONS pulldown menu,
Open the Cubase application. choose MIDI SETUP / SYSTEM. Under
OMS COMPATIBILITY, select IN AND
From the OPTIONS pulldown menu, OUT.
choose MIDI SETUP / SYSTEM. Under
OMS COMPATIBILITY, select IN AND OUT.
Still under the Options / MIDI Setup /
System menu, open the INPUT FROM
Still under the OPTIONS / MIDI SETUP / dialog and enable all Inputs shown
SYSTEM menu, open the INPUT FROM for the US 428 (MIDI 1 AND 2 AND
menu and enable all inputs shown for US-428 CONTROL)
the US-428 (MIDI 1, MIDI 2 and US-428
CONTROL)
Note: these parameters save with
the song and are not globally
Under the Options / Remote Setup remembered. You will need to save
menu, select SETUP, and in the resulting the song as DEF.ALL if you want the
VST REMOTE dialog, select the US-428, OMS MIDI setup to load
and US-428 CONTROL PORT for the automatically.
INPUT and OUTPUT communication.

From the OPTIONS / VST REMOTE
menu, select CS-10. Select the US-
428 CONTROL PORT for the in and
out communication.

38

From the OPTIONS / AUDIO / SYSTEM
menu, select the ASIO device tab
and choose one of the US 428s
ASIO drivers (16 or 24 bit) as the
device.

Note: these parameters save with the

song and are not globally remembered.
You will need to save the song as
DEF.ALL if you want the OMS MIDI
setup to load automatically.

You should now be ready to use

Cubase 4.1.

39
8.3 Nuendo - Windows and
MacOS

The US-428 is fully supported under If youre running Nuendo for the first
Nuendo v1.xx for Windows and Mac, time, youll need to create a new project.
including ASIO 16 and 24 bit drivers and Select FILE/NEW PROJECT, and choose
control surface mapping. We suggest EMPTY PROJECT.
you make sure youve got the most
current update. Youll then need to add tracks to the
project. Select the PROJECT/ADD
Before setting up the US-428 to work TRACKS menu. This can be done one-
with Nuendo, please install the US-428 at-a-time by choosing the type of track
v3.0 drivers. (Refer to the document on (AUDIO, MIDI or GROUP), or by selecting
installing the US-428 drivers with either MULTIPLE.
Win98SE/ME or Win2000.) Begin the
setup procedure below with the US-428 Once youve created Audio tracks, you
plugged in and power on. If you have can open the VST Mixer (DEVICES/VST
not already done so, install Nuendo. MIXER, or press F1 on the US-428 or F3
on your computer keyboard). You
Installing the US-428 under Nuendo: should have control of Nuendos faders,
mutes, transports and other basic
Open the Nuendo application functions, as well as EQ and Aux sends.
From the DEVICES menu, choose The controller mapping for the US-428
DEVICE SETUP. within Nuendo largely follows the same
Select the ADD/REMOVE tab. Select protocols as Cubase and Cubasis.
TASCAM US-428 from the device menu Refer to the US-428 manual for more
and click ADD. TASCAM US-428 should info on these functions. Refer to the
appear on the list of loaded devices on Nuendo manual for more info on basic
the left side of the window. operations of the program.
Highlight US-428 and click the SETUP
tab. Select US-428 CONTROL PORT for
MIDI INPUT and MIDI OUTPUT.
Highlight VST MULTITRACK. In the ASIO
DRIVER pull-down menu, select ASIO
US-428 (16- or 24-bit) driver.
Highlight DEFAULT MIDI PORTS. Select
US-428 MIDI 1 or 2 from the INPUT and
OUTPUT drop-down menus.
From the DEVICES menu, choose VST
INPUTS. Make sure at least one pair of
inputs for the US-428 are set to active.

40
8.4 ProTools Windows and
MacOS

The US-428 can control Digidesign's Tools Free download. Make sure that
Pro Tools software application on both Pro Tools Free is working using your
the MacOS and the PC. Digidesign computer's built-in speaker before
offers a free version, ProTools Free, that proceeding further. You can use the
is an attractive application for use with sample project provided with Pro Tools
the US-428. On the Macintosh it uses Free to test it.
SoundManager for audio, and Windows
Multimedia (MME) on the PC. You can To use the US-428 in this set-up, you
see compatibility details and can order a must have version 2.00 or later of the
free CD-ROM of Pro Tools Free at US-428 driver installed on your system.
www.digidesign.com. Before using this set-up document, first
read the documentation on installing the
Note: At the time of this writing, the US-428 drivers.
downloadable MacOS version (5.0.1)
supports the use of remote control
hardware, but the Windows version SETTING UP THE US-428
does not. The CD-ROM version of
ProTools Free, however, contains Pro Tools Free can only use Sound
control hardware support in both MacOS Manager input and output on the Mac or
and Windows versions, and thus should Windows MME input and output on the
be quite compatible with the US-428. If PC. Note that this is not required
you have the downloaded Windows though. For example, you can use the
version, you can download the US-428 to control Pro Tools while
additional files necessary for control sending Pro Tools audio I/O through a
hardware support. As of this writing, different device, even the Macs built-in
this file is located at: sound system.
http://download.digidesign.com/support/
digi/windows/pt/MIDIControllers501.zip . Version 2.00 and later of the US-428
driver includes special emulation
software to let the US-428 act like a JL
Pro Tools Free: This free software Cooper CS-10 attached to Pro Tools.
application offers eight tracks of digital This is different than the normal CS-10
audio and 48 tracks of MIDI. You can emulation mode since Pro Tools uses it
record up to two inputs simultaneously, in some special ways. In the US-428
and use the US-428 control surface to control panel, select Pro Tools CS-10
control mixing, plug-ins, automation, and for the control protocol.
more.
You might need to adjust the audio
Before using the set-up information latency for your system. Do this in the
provided in this chapter, first install Pro System tab of the US-428 control panel.
Tools Free (and OMS if youre on a Using a smaller setting will reduce the
Mac) as described in the ProTools audio input to output latency through
document "PT FREE Quick Start Pro Tools Free, but also increases the
Guide.pdf" that comes with the Pro chance of audio drop outs. A setting of

41
1024 works well on many computers. If Pro Tools CS-10 protocol emulates a
you get an error message when playing CS-10 while communicating with Pro
that says Youre running out of CPU Tools.
power. Take out some plug-ins to free
up CPU power then you should first try
increasing your latency setting. You INPUT MONITORING
might also adjust your CPU usage limit
under the Setups/Hardware menu With Pro Tools Free, you can monitor
item. For advice on low-latency input your inputs using on-screen controls,
monitoring, see the Input Monitoring including listening to plug-in effects
section below. applied to input in real time. As an
engineer, this can be quite handy, but
as a performer it is less than ideal since
SETTING PRO TOOLS TO USE THE US-428 the input to output latency (time delay
CONTROL SURFACE from input to output signal) is tens of
milliseconds long. That's long enough to

Start Pro Tools and load or start a ruin your timing if you are trying to
new session, then do the following: record while listening to previously

Open the US-428 Control Panel. recorded tracks (overdubbing).
Select CS-10 PROTOOLS from the
pulldown menu. For ultra-low latency monitoring (<

Under MIDI/Input Devices make 1.5msec), you can instead use the US-
sure that US-428 Control Port is 428's hardware input monitoring feature.
checked Using this technique, you won't hear

Choose Setups/Peripherals and plug-in effects being applied to your
select the MIDI Controllers button inputs, but your timing will be rock solid.

On line #1 select CS-10 under Here's how to do it:
Type

Select US-428 Control Port under
For record enabled tracks, assign
Receive From and Send To their output to an unused bus. This

Select 8 under # Chs way, you won't hear Pro Tools high

Click OK in the Peripherals window latency monitor output.

To test the set-up, you should be able to
Push the "INPUT MONITOR" key on
move a fader or press a transport key the US-428. Now the first 4 channel
and see that Pro Tools is responding. strips control the input monitor level
of the 4 inputs.

HOW TO USE THE US-428 WITH PRO
Adjust the mute, level, and pan
TOOLS settings for the 4 inputs.

The original CS-10 has 8 faders, a row
Push "INPUT MONITOR" again to
of 8 keys and LEDs above these keys, a exit this mode.
data wheel with a button on each side of
it, left/right keys, up/down keys with
LEDs, transport keys, 6 potentiometer You can adjust your hardware input
knobs, and 10 general purpose keys. monitor settings at any time, even in the
The Pro Tools interface for this device middle of a recording pass.
maps all these controls onto Pro Tools
features. Since the US-428 has a
different (but similar) set of controls, the

42
 If "Audio During Fast Forward/Rewind"
is not selected under
Setups/Preferences.../Operation, then
you can tap the REW or FFWD keys to
move backward or forward in steps.
(The step size depends on your
selected time display mode.) Or you can
hold down the REW or FFWD keys to
move the time line continuously.

"PASS THROUGH NULL" CONTROLS

In using the US-428 with Pro Tools, the

physical faders and rotary control
positions at times will not match their
on-screen counterparts. When you
Illustration 8.01 Pro Tools Keys move a control, like a level fader, pan
control, or effect parameter knob, it will
not affect the on-screen control until it
has moved past the on-screen position,
called the null point. The on-screen
MODIFIER KEYS control will then stay locked to the
physical control after this. Once you
Modifier keys are held down to alter the have stopped moving the control, it will
action of a knob or other key. The Shift, still stay locked until the Touch Timeout
Control, Option, Alt and/or Command time has passed. Then, once again, you
keys found on your keyboard are also have to pass through the null point to
mapped to US-428 keys, and either the regain control. (You can adjust the
keyboard or US-428 key gives the same Touch Timeout setting in
behavior. In the key summary on the Setups/Preferences.../Automation.)
last page, a listing like SET+PLAY
means hold down the SET key and then
press the PLAY key. This is the same as CHANNEL STRIPS
holding the keyboard SHIFT and
pressing PLAY. Each channel strip has controls for level,
mute, solo, select, and record enable.
The channel strip fader controls the
TRANSPORT CONTROLS corresponding on-screen level fader, but
remember that you must move it
The five transport keys on the US-428 through the on-screen position before it
operate exactly like the on-screen takes effect. As you start to move a
transport buttons. This includes some fader that is not locked to its on-screen
special behaviors. You can hold the counterpart, either the HI-MID or LO-
SET key and press PLAY to play in half- MID LED will light up to show you which
speed mode. You can hold the ASGN direction you need to move the fader to
key and press RECORD to cycle reach the null point.
through the different record modes
(Normal, Destructive, Loop, You can press the MUTE keys to
QuickPunch). mute/unmute a channel. The MUTE light
displays the current MUTE state for that

43
channel. If you press the SOLO key, the the SET button while moving a knob for
SOLO LED will light up and you are in finer control.
SOLO mode. Now the MUTE keys
become SOLO keys for the 8 channels, On screen you can select any plug-in
and the MUTE lights become SOLO and display its settings. The track for the
lights. Press the SOLO key again, and plug-in, if it is different than the selected
you are back in MUTE mode. track, will have its name highlighted in
red. Load the "4-band EQ II" plug-in in
Pressing a SELECT key selects a track an insert. Now press the LOW button
for panning, send level, or plug-in several times. As you do, a set of plug-
parameter control, and deselects other in parameters is highlighted (up to 6 at a
tracks. Once selected, its on-screen time for a plug-in). The set goes to the
name will be highlighted in green. Hold bottom then cycles back to the top. Now
the SET key and press SELECT to try turning an EQ knob back and forth.
toggle the selection of a track for editing, Once it moves through the parameter's
deleting, etc. Its on-screen track name null point, you can control it with the US-
will get a white background. knob. All six plug-in parameters selected
can be controlled (only 4 are used per
You can move to different banks of 8 set for this EQ). See the summary at the
channel strips by using the BANK keys end for details, and for more on using
(<BANK and BANK>). Pressing these plug-ins with Pro Tools, see "DigiRack
will move the selection by 8 to the right Plug-Ins Guide.pdf" that came with Pro
or left (or as far as possible) and the Tools.
MUTE and REC lights will be updated
for the currently active channel strips.
The currently selected track for panning, SCRUBBING AND SHUTTLING
etc. will also move (and the same green
LED will stay lit). The data wheel on the US-428 can be
use to scrub and shuttle audio in Pro
Tools, and to create selections of data
CHANGING PARAMETERS for editing. Here's a brief example of
how to use these features to select
When a track is selected, you can use some audio. Please refer to the CS-10
the four rotary knobs in different ways to chapter of the MIDI Controller Guide
control the track's pan setting, send (listed below) for lots of details.
levels, and plug-in parameters. There
are different sets of parameters for a This description assumes that "Edit
track that these four knobs can control. Insertion Follows Scrub/Shuttle" is
The "top" set includes pan, and five disabled under
send levels. With a track selected, you Setups/Preferences.../Operation. Press
get to its top parameter set by holding F3 to go into shuttle mode, and move
LOCATE> and pressing the HIGH key. the data wheel to shuttle the cursor near
The HIGH LED lights to show that the your desired start point. Press F2 to go
top set is selected. into scrub mode. Scrub the audio with
the data wheel to find your approximate
Now you can move the PAN knob start point. Now hold down SET and
(through the null point!) to change the scrub towards the end point. Hey, you're
pan setting for the selected track. You creating a selection. Press <BANK to go
can also change the send level for all to the start of the selection, hold down
five sends, A through E. (See the SET and F1, and scrub more finely,
summary at the end for details.) Hold adjusting the exact selection start point.

44
Press BANK> to do the same to trim the
end point. Now press F2 or STOP to exit
scrub mode.

You can switch between scrub and

shuttle modes at any time, and can
leave scrub or shuttle mode by pressing
the button with the lit up LED or STOP.
Note that the normal transport controls,
and much else, are disabled when in
scrub or shuttle mode. Again, the Pro
Tools documentation has much more
details about using a MIDI controller for
such functions. Check it out.

ZOOM/SCROLL/EDIT

Several key commands, listed in the

Summary, exist to perform various
zooming, scrolling, and editing
functions.

FIND OUT MORE

More information about how Pro Tools

uses external MIDI controllers, and the
CS-10 in particular, can be found on
Digidesigns web site. Their guide can
be found at:
www.digidesign/support/docs/MIDI_Con
trollers_Guide.pdf.

45
8.4.1 Setting up SoundManager
Support

The Macintosh Sound Manager is a

standard 2-channel software interface
for playing and recording sound on a
Mac. The audio inputs and outputs
(speakers) that are built into any
Macintosh use the Sound Manager
interface, and essentially every Mac
application that uses sound supports it.
When an application is using the Sound
This includes not only audio recording
Manager inputs, this Input Source field
and editing programs, but also games,
is grayed out, displaying the current
video editors, web browsers, MP3
inputs but preventing you from changing
players, and even Macintosh beeps and
them here. You can still change the
system sounds. Even some audio-
input pair without quitting your program,
oriented program only support Sound
however. To do this, bring up the US-
Manager I/O, such as Digidesigns Pro
428 control panel and go to the System
Tools Free. The Sound Manager input
tab. You will find a selection there
and output sources are selected by
labeled Sound Manager Input. Here
control panels. The control panels used
you can change the input pair at any
are different in MacOS 8.6 and 9.0, and
time, even when an audio program is
are explained separately below.
active. The grayed out Input Source
field in the Sound control panel Input
section will display any input changes
you make.
MacOS 9.0

The Sound control panel in MacOS 9.0

MacOS 8.6
is used to select Sound Manager inputs
and outputs. With this control panel
The Monitors and Sound control panel
active, click on the left of the window
in MacOS 8.6 has a Sound section. It
where it says Output to display the
displays the currently selected Sound
possible Sound Manager output
Manager output and lets you select
devices. On the right, click on US-428
among several Built In input sources. It
to select it as the Sound Manager
cannot be used to select the US-428 as
output. The US-428 has its own output
the Sound Manger input or output.
volume controls, so the output volume
slider can only be able to mute or
The Sound control panel has a
enable sound output. Moving the
selection line at the top to let you
volume slider to the right or clicking on it
choose among Alert Sound, Sound
will send a system beep out the US-428
In, Sound Out, and Volume
outputs.
windows. (Note: If your Sound control
panel does not have all these options,
When you click Input on the left, the
you should use the alternate Sound
available input devices appear on the
control panel found in Apple
right. Click on US-428 to select it as
Extras/Sound Control Panel.) With
the Sound Manager input device. Below
Output selected, you can choose US-
it are two choices for Input Source:
428 as the Sound Manager output.
either A:B or C:D. You can select either
Since the US-428 has its own output
as the enabled input pair.

46
volume control, its slider under Volume
in this control panel is only used to
enable or mute the US-428 output.

Under Sound In you can select the

US-428 instead of the Macs Built-in
sources, but it doesnt let you select
between the US-428s A:B and C:D
input pairs. To do this, go to the US-
428 control panels System tab. There
you will find a field labeled Sound
Manager Input that selects between the
two input pairs. You can change this
setting at any time, even while a
program is using the Sound Manager
I/O.

47
8.5 Digital Performer (MacOS)

The US-428 is supported in Digital Open Digital Performer. Select an

Performer v2.7 and later. Before setting existing project, or open a new one.
up the US-428 to work with Digital
Performer, please install the US-428 From the BASICS / MOTU AUDIO SYSTEM
MacOS v3 drivers, and set up either OPTIONS menu, select CONFIGURE
OMS or FreeMIDI. (Refer to the HARDWARE DRIVER. From the pulldown
chapters on setting up both the drivers menu that appears, select the ASIO
and OMS. Information on setting up device option, and then select one of the
FreeMIDI may be found in the Digital US-428s ASIO drivers.
Performer documentation)
Select the BASICS / CONTROL SURFACE
Begin the setup procedure below with SETUP menu. From the HARDWARE
the US-428 plugged in and powered on. pulldown menu, select the US-428 as
the Control Surface. Select US-428
Locate the Digital Performer Control CONTROL PORT from the MIDI
Surface Plugin on the US-428 CD-ROM. COMMUNICATION drop down menu. If
(If youve downloaded the driver from you wish to use the MIDI ports on the
our website, locate the folder on your US-428, you must go to the BASICS /
hard drive.) Drag it into the PLUGINS SET INPUT FILTER menu and check the
folder within the DIGITAL PERFORMER box marked ACCEPT INPUT FROM MMC
folder. DEVICE.
IMPORTANT: The Control Surface Plugin
must be in the PLUGINS folder within the Controller Surface Mapping
DIGITAL PERFORMER folder, along with
the Digital Performer application itself. Note: The SET and REC ENABLE buttons
Failure to use the correct folder will act as shift keys, and should be held
result in non-performance. down while pressing other buttons to
modify their behavior.
Next, verify that the ASIO drivers are
installed correctly. Open the ASIO
DRIVERS folder within the DIGITAL Transport Controls:
PERFORMER folder. Verify that this folder
contains both the US-428s 16 bit and STOP Stop, or rewind if already stopped
24 bit ASIO drivers. (If not you can copy PLAY Play toggle
REC Record toggle and one-touch recording
them from the US-428 folder on the REW Fast rewind (REW LED lit)
Desktop, which was created during FFWD Fast forward (FFWD LED lit)
installation.) SET + REW Slow rewind (REW LED
flashing)
Open the US-428 Control Panel (Apple SET + FFWD Slow forward (FFWD LED
flashing)
menu). Select US-428 NATIVE from the
pulldown menu. (If you select Fast or Slow Forward
mode while playing, Digital Performer
will play at double or half speed.)

48
 record enable state for that track. SET +
<<LOCATE Go to beginning of song REC clears all record-enabled tracks.
LOCATE>> Go to end of song
SET + <<LOCATE Set Memory Start to current
time The MUTE buttons control both mute and
SET + LOCATE>> Set Memory End to current solo status of a track. When the SOLO
time LED is unlit, pressing a MUTE button
toggles the mute status of a track, and
the MUTE LEDs reflect the mute status of
the track. Pressing the SOLO button
Channel Controls:
toggles the Global Solo State, indicated
by the lit SOLO LED. When the SOLO led
The US-428 has 8 channel strips and a
is lit, pressing a MUTE button toggles the
master fader. The master fader controls
solo state of the track, and the MUTE LED
the volume for any and all tracks that
reflects the solo status of the track.
contain master faders. Regular channel
(When the last tracks SOLO is cleared,
strip faders never affect a master fader
the Global Solo Status is automatically
track.
cleared by Digital Performer, and the
tracks mute status is once again
Each channel strip contains a fader, a
shown.) SET + SOLO clears all mutes
SELECT button, a SELECT LED, a
when the SOLO led is not lit, or clears all
RECORD LED, a MUTE button, and a
solos when the SOLO LED is lit.
MUTE LED. The eight channel strips
affect a bank of eight contiguous tracks
within Digital Performers Mixing Board
window. The set of tracks being
Aux Send Controls:
controlled may be changed as described
in the Bank Selection section below.
Audio tracks have four aux send levels
and aux send mutes. (To see them,
The channel fader directly controls the
display the send field in the track
volume of a track (unless its a master
window.) To change these controls,
fader track). Select a track by pressing
select a track(s) and press the AUX1,
the SELECT button. The corresponding
AUX2, AUX3 or AUX4 button. Its LED will
SELECT LED will light. Pressing a SELECT
light, indicating that the DATA WHEEL
button will deselect any previously
now controls that function. Moving the
selected track(s). With the TRACK
DATA WHEEL will now control the
window active, the currently selected
selected Aux Send level for the selected
track is highlighted.
track(s). Holding SET while moving the
DATA WHEEL allows for finer control.
Pressing SET + SELECT will toggle the
Pressing the currently selected AUX
select state of a track. This may be
button will turn off the AUX LED and the
used to select or deselect multiple
DATA WHEEL will resume normal
tracks, or to change the set of selected
operation. Pressing a different AUX
tracks.
button will select a different Aux Send to
be controlled. Pressing SET + an AUX
The PAN knob will control the panning
button will toggle the corresponding
for the selected track(s). Holding SET
send mute status for the selected
while panning gives you finer control.
track(s).
The REC button acts like a shift key with
the SELECT buttons. Holding REC and
pressing a SELECT button toggles the

49
Bank Selection:
GAIN Scroll window right/left
<<BANK Shift 8 tracks to the left
FREQ Scroll window up/down
BANK>> Shift 8 tracks to the right
Q Zoom window horizontally
SET + <<BANK Shift 1 track to the left
SET + BANK>> Shift 1 track to the right in/out
SET +Q Zoom window vertically in/out

If less than 8 tracks remain to the left or

right, the bank buttons will shift as many
EQ Controls
tracks as available. The <<BANK LED is
lit if you can shift further left, and the
If you place a PARAEQ 4-BAND effect in
BANK>> LED is lit if you can shift further
the topmost insert slot for an audio
right. Performing any banking operation
track, the US-428 can directly control
will automatically bring the Mixing Board
that EQ. Pressing the LO, LOMID, HIMID
window to the front.
or HI buttons will activate the EQ
controls for the first (leftmost) selected
Note that banking actions are disabled if
track. When the EQ controls are active,
the REC button or any SELECT button is
one of the LO, LOMID, HIMID or HI LEDs
being held down. This is to prevent
will be lit. Pressing the button below
banking during a possible updating of
that led will deactivate the EQ controls
tracks' automation data.
(which is different from deactivating the
EQ inserted effect).

With the EQ controls active, the

Fader Nulling:
following controllers are functional:
When changing banks, a physical fader
position might not match the GAIN Change filter gain for selected EQ band
corresponding channels on-screen
faders position. Pressing the NULL SET + GAIN Fine filter gain adjust
button places the US-428 into Null mode
FREQ Change filter frequency for selected EQ
and lights the NULL LED. In this mode, band
the fader strips red REC and green SEL
LEDS display whether the fader is too SET + FREQ Fine filter frequency adjust
high (REC LED on) or too low (SEL LED
on). When both are lit, the physical Q Change filter bandwidth for selected EQ
fader matches the on-screen faders SET + Q Fine filter bandwidth adjust
position. Press NULL again to return to SET + Lo, LoMid, HiMid or Hi Cycles
normal operational mode. through various filters (and bypass) for selected
EQ

SET + NULL Toggle EQ bypass switch

status
Window Navigation

F1 Toggle Mixer window to front/back You can also use the PARAEQ 2-BAND
F2 Toggle Track Overview window to effect in the top insert position, in which
front/back case only the LO and LOMID bands are
F3 Cycle through the open windows
available.
SET + F1 Enter Insert Parameter mode
SET + F2 Save open file
SET +F3 Close the front window

50
Insert Parameter Controls

Pressing SET + F1 lights the F1 LED You can exit insert parameter control
indicating that insert parameter control mode by pressing F1 or any AUX button.
mode is active. In this mode you can
control parameters for insert B, C, D or You can also press any of the EQ
E for the leftmost selected track. The buttons to change which effect on a
topmost insert slot (A) is reserved for track youre controlling. You can also
the PARAEQ 4-BAND insert and direct select a different track and parameter
control by the normal EQ functions slot.
described in the previous section:

Select a track (when multiple tracks

are selected, the leftmost/lowest is Automation Controls
used)
SET + RECORD Cycle selected

Insert an effect in one of the lower tracks through automation record modes
four slots for that track
SET + PLAY Cycle selected tracks

Press SET + F1 (F1 led will light) through automation play modes

Press LO, LOMID, HIMID, or HI to SET + STOP Turn automation off for
select an insert slot. The effects selected tracks.
window will appear for the selected
insert. To change the automation state for a
master fader, hold the REC button down
Now the Data Wheel will to select it before pressing the above
increment/decrement parameter 1 for buttons.
the selected effect. Holding Set while
turning the data wheel will change the In Latch modes, the movement of a
parameter faster. Press F3 to move up control (fader, pan, knob, wheel) starts
a parameter number, or press F2 to updating that parameter. In Touch
move down a parameter number. This mode, the SELECT button acts as the
will allow you to access any effect touch sensor for that track. Holding a
parameter. SELECT button touches that tracks
parameters and begins updating;
The Q knob controls the parameter one releasing SELECT stops the updating.
above the DATA WHEEL. FREQ controls The REC buttons act as touch sensors
the parameter two above it, and GAIN for the master fader.
controls the parameter three above it.
This gives you simultaneous access to The BANK, EQ and DATA WHEEL
four consecutive parameters. These buttons (AUX 1-4, ASGN and F1-3) are
knobs also respond to holding the SET disabled when any SELECT button is
button for faster changes. being held down. This prevents
disruptions while automation data is
Pressing SET + NULL will toggle the being used.
bypass for the selected insert effect.

51
Two notes related to using the US-428
for automation and the BASICS /
AUTOMATION SET-UP dialog box:

If you wish to disable a Global

Automation Enable type (e.g., Pan), you
must do it for both Audio and MIDI.
The Enable Automation Types under
Track Automation Configuration should
be set to All. It is not possible to
enable/disable automation on a track-
by-track basis.

Note that using the SELECT button when

in a touch mode touches all the tracks
automation types. If you have
automation data recorded for a track
and want to update just the pan, for
example, latch mode may be easier.
Also, Send Level and Mute automation
moves are only made visible on the
mixing board screen if the sends output
is assigned.

52
8.6 Cakewalk and Sonar 8.7 eMagic Logic

As of this writing, Cakewalk have not yet eMagic have supplied an environment
completed their support for the US-428 for the US-428, which is included on the
in either Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 or CD. They have also been supplying
Sonar. They have assured us and their regular updates to this environment, so
users that they intend to do so soon. we suggest you check the TASCAM and
For information on the current status of eMagic websites for current info.
official support, please contact
Cakewalk directly. For specific information on using the
US-428 with the Logic environment,
You will, however, find StudioWare please refer to the accompanying
panels created by Doctor Dale, a US- documentation.
428 owner and long-time
Cakewalk/Sonar user. While these
StudioWare panels are not officially
supported by TASCAM, they have been
an overwhelmingly popular download on
the US-428 Users Page, and we have
included them on the CD with the
authors permission. You can also find
them on our website (and we suggest
you check there for available updates),
and Doctor Dale is available to support
them directly. Documentation is also
included.

53
8.8 Propellerheads Reason

This chapter will show you how to use

the TASCAM US-428 as the audio
output and control input for
Propellerheads Reason software If you intend to control Reasons master
synthesizer. It assumes that you have mixer fader from the US-428 (using the
version 3 drivers (or newer) for the US- 428s master fader, or any other
428 installed, and is based on version continuous control), the select Master
1.0.1 of Reason. For more on Reason, fader sends MIDI only. Otherwise
please go to www.propellerheads.se. select Master fader affects application
The screenshots used here are from a output and sends MIDI.
PC, but the Mac versions are essentially
identical. Next, go to the System tab of the
control panel. In most computer set-ups,
Mac Only Note: To use the US-428 for you will be able to run at the lowest
Reasons audio output, make sure you latency with Reason. This depends on
have copied your current US-428 ASIO your computer, and on the complexity of
drivers into the ASIO Driver folder your Reason performance. If you notice
where the Reason program is located. any click-like distortion in your output
from Reason, you should try quitting
Bring up the US-428s control panel, Reason, increasing the latency setting in
and select Four Control Banks (Pots) the control panel, and then restarting
under Control Surface/Protocol. This Reason.
protocol is recommended since it gives
you lots of virtual controls that Reason
can understand, namely 33 faders, 96
knobs, and 71 buttons. Please see
separate documentation on this control
protocol for details on its use.

Illustration 8.04 US-428 Control Panel (System Page)

Start Reason and select the

Edit/Preferences menu item. Now
Illustration 8.03 US-428 Control Panel (Main Page) select the Audio page. Under Audio

54
Driver select ASIO US-428 ASIO
Driver either the 24-bit or 16-bit
version. Also set your sample rate.

Now go to the Advanced MIDI page of

the Preferences, and select US-428
Control Port under Remote Control.
This tells Reason to receive US-428
control surface input to control Reason
knobs, faders, and buttons. You can
now close the Preferences window.

Illustration 8.06 Reason (Advanced MIDI Page)

Under the Options menu, make sure

that Enable MIDI Remote Mapping is
checked, or select it once if it isnt. This
lets control surface input affect the
Reason controls. To set-up the mapping
between US-428 buttons, faders, and
knobs, and the virtual Reason controls,
make sure that Edit MIDI Remote
Mapping under the Options menu is
also checked.
Illustration 8.05 Reason (Audio Page)

Illustration 8.07 Reason (MIDI Remote Page)

To map a US-428 control to a particular

Reason control, first use your mouse to
click on the control. The MIDI Remote

55
window will pop up. The first time you do
this in a session, you will need to check
the Learn from MIDI box. Now simply
move the US-428 control you want to
use (fader, knob, button) and Reason
will automatically identify it and map it to
the Reason control the you previously
selected. You can select OK and now
Reasons screen will show the channel
number and controller/note number over
the newly-mapped screen control.

Once we have set-up all the controls,

you can uncheck Options/Edit MIDI
Remote Mapping (which will leave the
screen cleaner). You can also save this
set-up file and use it as a template for
other projects.

56
8.9 Native Instruments B4

The US-428 Control Panel now includes MIDI SETUP:

the addition of another Control Surface
Protocol in the drop-down box: "Native
Instruments B4", for mapping the US- Under "MIDI Settings" make sure
428's control surface to Native that you've selected the proper MIDI
Instruments' B4 virtual organ. (NOTE: A IN ports. (For example, if you're
demo version of the B4 can be feeding a keyboard into US-428
downloaded from the Native Instruments MIDI In 1, choose:
website at o US-428 Port 1
www.native-instruments.com). o US-428 Control

NOTE: The following setup procedures

must be done with the B4 running as a (You MUST include "US-428 Control"
standalone application, rather than in port, or the faders and other surface
VST Instrument mode. control will not work)

AUDIO SETUP: Also in this dialog, select

o Upper manual = Channel 1
In the B4 system menu: o Lower manual = Channel 2
o Pedal = Channel 3
Under "Audio Port" choose ASIO o Leave MIDI Input filtering
Under "Audio Settings" choose disabled.
"ASIO US-428 (24 bit)"
Also under "Audio Settings" use
the buffer size slider to set a
value that is EQUAL TO the Control Surface Mapping:
value chosen in the US-428
Control Panel. Ideally, best TIP: If you click on the characters B4
results will be achieved with a at the upper right of the B4 program,
buffer size setting of 256 to 512. you can rapidly switch between
Note that if you change the Keyboard and Control views.
setting in the US-428, you will
have to update the setting in the
B4 the next time you start the Keyboard View: Here you can access
program. Failure to do this will the drawbars, rockers, expression
result in noise. pedal, and Leslie speed. There are
Under "Audio Routing" click the three banks, accessible with the BANK
Audio In "All Off" button, and L and BANK R buttons on the US-428.
click the Audio Out "Default"
button.

57
 (Similar to Bank 1 except):
Bank 1:
Faders 1-8 + master =
Faders 1-8 + master = DRAWBARS 1-9 ON THE LOWER MANUAL
DRAWBARS 1-9 ON THE UPPER MANUAL
Mute 1 = VIB LOW ON/OFF Bank 3:
Mute 2 = VIB UP ON/OFF (Similar to Bank 1 except):
Mute 3 = ROTATOR SPEED Faders 1-6 =
FAST/SLOW DRAWBARS 1-6 ON THE PEDAL MANUAL
Mute 4 = PERC ON/OFF
Mute 5 = DRIVE ON/OFF
Mute 6 = ROTATOR ON/OFF Control View: All the previous controls
Mute 7 = VELOCITY ON/OFF operate as before, and the EQ switches
Data Wheel = EXPRESSION and controls also allow these settings:
PEDAL

Bank 2:
With EQ High activated:
GAIN = TREBLE SLOW
FREQ = TREBLE FAST
Q = TREBLE ACCEL
PAN = TREBLE TONE

With EQ Hi Mid activated:

GAIN = TUBE AMP DRIVE
FREQ = TUBE AMP VOL
Q = TUBE AMP BODY
PAN = TUBE AMP BRIGHT

With EQ Lo Mid activated:

GAIN = MIC BALANCE
FREQ = MIC PAN
Q = MIC SPREAD
PAN = MIC DISTANCE

With EQ Low activated:

GAIN = BASS SLOW
FREQ = BASS FAST
Q = BASS ACCEL
PAN = BASS TONE

With Aux 1 activated:

GAIN = PERC VOLUME
FREQ = PERC DELAY
Q = PERC HARMONIC
PAN = KEYCLICK AMT

With Aux 2 activated:

GAIN = VIBRATO MIX
FREQ = VIBRATO DEPTH
Q = PERC HARMONIC
PAN = KEYCLICK AMT

58
8.10 Syntrillium Cool Edit

As this manual is being completed, the

current version of Cool Edit is 1.2a.
While there is no controller surface
support for the US-428 in this version,
Syntrillium has confirmed that the
version 2.0 update will contain full
support for the US-428.

If you are a Cool Edit user, you can still

run the US-428 as a high-quality audio
and MIDI interface even now. And since
Syntrillium expects to release the next
update very soon, chances are by the
time you read this support for the US-
428 will have been implemented. Check
with Syntrillium for current information
on the status of US-428 support. When
it is available, we will also post
information and setup documentation on
our website.

59
8.11 Notes on Other
Applications

The US-428s functionality can be 8.11.2 Four Control Banks Mode

expanded even further in a number of
ways. Section 8.11.1 details the US-
428s Four Control Banks Mode this These two control protocols are
special mapping of the US-428s control intended to provide better control of
protocol allows it to send out a software synthesizers and samplers by
significantly increased number of allowing the US-428 to generate scores
controller messages by creating four of MIDI controller messages, not just a
distinct layers of controls, switchable dozen or so. It does this in several
with a single modifier key. This is very ways, most importantly by supporting
useful for controlling such complex four independent banks of control
multi-layered applications as surfaces.
Propellerheads Reason (detailed in
section 8.8), as well as many of the The two protocols, which are listed in
currently-available virtual synths. the US-428 control panel as Four
Control Banks (Pots) and Four Control
Section 8.11.2 details using the US-428 Banks (Encoders), are almost identical.
with keystroke emulation to address They only differ in how the rotary
applications which do not support encoders are interpreted. Each protocol
standard MIDI controller commands. is described in detail below. There is
While these applications are not also a .GIF file included which
officially supported by the US-428, many summarizes controller and note
additional uses for the US-428 have numbers, and gives a graphical
been developed by creative users representation of the control banks.
worldwide. We have set up an area on
the TASCAM website, the US-428 The purpose of this protocol is to
Users Page, where users can share provide an operational mode in which
resources and information on new and users can program the US-428 to work
creative uses for the US-428. with software synths and other
applications requiring the mapping of a
Please note that the applications large number of messages. The ability
described in Section 8.11.2 and on the of the US-428 to work in this mode will
US-428 Users Page are not officially enable users to create their own
supported by TASCAM. Support is templates for use with virtual synths and
offered by the individuals who have other applications.
created these individual controller maps.
Please bear in mind that these are
private individuals, sharing their Banks
knowledge and creativity voluntarily if
you need to contact any of the There are four banks, or sets, of
individuals listed here or on the Users controls. Think of each bank as a
Page, be considerate of their time and layer.the US-428s control surface
their generosity, and reasonable in your sends out a different set of messages
requests. for each bank. The active bank is

60
indicated by its associated AUX LED button acts like a shift/modifier key for
(e.g., AUX1 is lit for Bank1; AUX2 is lit the MUTE buttons. Pressing the SOLO
for Bank2, etc.). Banks can be selected button (SOLO LED is lit) causes the
directly by pressing one of the AUX MUTE buttons to transmit a different
buttons; they can also be selected note than when the SOLO LED is not lit.
sequentially with the BANK button.

(When you first select the Banks When SOLO LED is off:
protocol, it opens with Bank1 active.)
MUTE 1 button sends MIDI note (0 + 32*B)
MUTE 2 button sends MIDI note (1 + 32*B)
MUTE 3 button sends MIDI note (2 + 32*B)
MIDI Notes and Controllers - MUTE 4 button sends MIDI note (3 + 32*B)
Nomenclature used in this document MUTE 5 button sends MIDI note (4 + 32*B)
MUTE 6 button sends MIDI note (5 + 32*B)
MUTE 7 button sends MIDI note (6 + 32*B)
Some button presses result in the US- MUTE 8 button sends MIDI note (7 + 32*B)
428 sending a MIDI Note On message
to the application via the US-428 Control
Port, while other actions may send a When SOLO LED is on:
MIDI Controller message. The note or
controller number sent depends, in most MUTE 1 button sends MIDI note (8 + 32*B)
cases, on the currently active bank. For MUTE 2 button sends MIDI note (9 + 32*B)
MUTE 3 button sends MIDI note (10 + 32*B)
example, Fader 1 is listed as: MUTE 4 button sends MIDI note (11 + 32*B)
MUTE 5 button sends MIDI note (12 + 32*B)
Fader 1 MIDI Controller (0 + 32*B) MUTE 6 button sends MIDI note (13 + 32*B)
MUTE 7 button sends MIDI note (14 + 32*B)
The B here means the Bank number MUTE 8 button sends MIDI note (15 + 32*B)
minus 1. When Bank 1 is active, B = 0;
when Bank 4 is active, B = 3. This
means that moving Fader 1 sends the SELECT Buttons
current fader position as a MIDI
controller message (a value of In much the same manner as with the
0..127), with the MIDI controller MUTE and SOLO buttons, the SELECT
number being 0 in Bank1, 32 in Bank2, buttons can also send one of two
64 in Bank3, and 96 in Bank4. This possible MIDI note messages. The REC
allows the single physical Fader 1 to act button acts like a shift/modifier key for
as four different controllers, one in each the SELECT buttons. The note sent
bank. depends on whether the REC button is
lit or not.
MIDI messages are always sent and
received on channel 1 of the US-428
Control Port, except for Global
Controls (described below), which are When REC LED is off:
sent and received on channel 2.
SELECT 1 button sends MIDI note (16 + 32*B)
SELECT 2 button sends MIDI note (17 + 32*B)
SELECT 3 button sends MIDI note (18 + 32*B)
MUTE Buttons SELECT 4 button sends MIDI note (19 + 32*B)
SELECT 5 button sends MIDI note (20 + 32*B)
Pressing a MUTE button sends a MIDI SELECT 6 button sends MIDI note (21 + 32*B)
Note On message with a velocity of 127. SELECT 7 button sends MIDI note (22 + 32*B)
SELECT 8 button sends MIDI note (23 + 32*B)
Releasing the button sends a Note On
message with a velocity of 0. The SOLO

61
 SELECT LED. If S represents the
When REC LED is on: currently lit SELECT LED number, then
the PAN knob sends:
SELECT 1 button sends MIDI note (24 + 32*B)
SELECT 2 button sends MIDI note (25 + 32*B)
MIDI controller (7 + S + 32*B)
SELECT 3 button sends MIDI note (26 + 32*B)
SELECT 4 button sends MIDI note (27 + 32*B)
SELECT 5 button sends MIDI note (28 + 32*B)
SELECT 6 button sends MIDI note (29 + 32*B) Again, the B here means the Bank
SELECT 7 button sends MIDI note (30 + 32*B) number minus 1. This means that
SELECT 8 button sends MIDI note (31 + 32*B) moving the PAN with SELECT LED 1 lit
sends a MIDI controller message (a
value of 0..127), with the MIDI
controller number being 8 in Bank1, 40
In any given bank, the last active
in Bank2, etc.
SELECT button will be remembered. If
you last used SELECT 3 in Bank 1, and
then changed to Bank 4, when you PAN/SELECT 1 sends MIDI controller (8 + 32*B)
return to Bank 1 SELECT 3 will be PAN/SELECT 2 sends MIDI controller (9 + 32*B)
active. PAN/SELECT 3 sends MIDI controller (10 + 32*B)
PAN/SELECT 4 sends MIDI controller (11 + 32*B)
PAN/SELECT 5 sends MIDI controller (12 + 32*B)
PAN/SELECT 6 sends MIDI controller (13 + 32*B)
PAN/SELECT 7 sends MIDI controller (14 + 32*B)
Channel Faders PAN/SELECT 8 sends MIDI controller (15 + 32*B)

Moving any of the 8 channel faders Each bank simulates 8 fixed-position

sends the current fader position as a pan pots initially centered at MIDI value
MIDI controller message: 64. Turning the PAN knob one click left
decreases the value by 8, down to 0;
turning it to the right increases the value
FADER 1 sends MIDI controller (0 + 32*B) by 8, up to 127.
FADER 2 sends MIDI controller (1 + 32*B)
FADER 3 sends MIDI controller (2 + 32*B)
FADER 4 sends MIDI controller (3 + 32*B) Holding the SET button places the PAN
FADER 5 sends MIDI controller (4 + 32*B) knob in fine mode, and the increments
FADER 6 sends MIDI controller (5 + 32*B) increase and decrease in values of 1.
FADER 7 sends MIDI controller (6 + 32*B) (Note that once SET is released and
FADER 8 sends MIDI controller (7 + 32*B)
PAN returns to coarse mode, the values
will re-align to multiples of 8. For
In any given bank, the last known fader example, if the current value is 60 when
positions for all 8 channel faders will be SET is released, the next two clicks will
remembered. When switching between be 64 and 72.)
banks, the FADER NULL function may
be used to align the fader positions just
as it is in Native Mode. EQ Knobs

Much like the PAN knob, the EQ knobs

The Pan Knob simulate fixed-position pan pots. In each
of the four banks, each of the three EQ
Turning the PAN knob sends a knobs sends a different MIDI controller
controller message. The MIDI controller message depending on which EQ band
number used depends on the selected LED is lit. (Three EQ knobs times four
bank, but also on the currently lit EQ bands times four banks.) Pressing

62
an EQ bank button lights the associated these global controls are transmitted on
LED, and the last selected EQ band for MIDI channel 2 of the US-428 control
each of the four banks is remembered. port (as opposed to all the bank-related
controls, which transmit on channel 1 of
To describe the MIDI controller numbers the control port).
used for the EQ knobs, we will number
the EQ bands from bottom to top; LO=0, MASTER fader sends MIDI controller 7
LO MID=1, HI MID=2, HI=3. E REW button sends MIDI note 0
FFWD button sends MIDI note 1
represents the currently-active EQ STOP button sends MIDI note 2
band/LED: PLAY button sends MIDI note 3
RECORD button sends MIDI note 4
GAIN knob sends <LOCATE button sends MIDI note 5
MIDI controller (18 + 3*E + 32*B) LOCATE> button sends MIDI note 6
FREQ knob sends
MIDI controller (17 + 3*E + 32*B)
Q knob sends
MIDI controller (16 + 3*E + 32*B)
Controlling LEDs
The values sent follow the same rules
as described for the PAN knob, Some LED's may be controlled by the
including coarse and fine control with application. LED's are turned on with a
the SET button. Note On message with a velocity of 127,
and turned off with a Note On message
with a velocity of 0. Four banks of MUTE
Data Wheel and REC LED's can be controlled by
sending messages to channel 1 of the
The DATA wheel will also send 4 Control port. Transport LED's can be
different MIDI controller number controlled by sending messages to
messages in each of the four banks. channel 2.
The controller number sent depends on
whether the ASN, F1, F2 or F3 LED is
lit. MUTE 1 LED MIDI note (0 + 32*B)
MUTE 2 LED MIDI note (1 + 32*B)
MUTE 3 LED MIDI note (2 + 32*B)
If we label the currently-lit LED as"F", MUTE 4 LED MIDI note (3 + 32*B)
and number the buttons as ASN=0; MUTE 5 LED MIDI note (4 + 32*B)
F1=1; F2=2; and F3=3, then the DATA MUTE 6 LED MIDI note (5 + 32*B)
MUTE 7 LED MIDI note (6 + 32*B)
wheel sends MIDI controller number: MUTE 8 LED MIDI note (7 + 32*B)
DATA Wheel sends REC 1 LED MIDI note (8 + 32*B)
MIDI controller (28 + F + 32*B) REC 2 LED MIDI note (9 + 32*B)
REC 3 LED MIDI note (10 + 32*B)
Again, the same rules apply as with the REC 4 LED MIDI note (11 + 32*B)
PAN and EQ knobs, including the REC 5 LED MIDI note (12 + 32*B)
coarse and fine increment modes as REC 6 LED MIDI note (13 + 32*B)
REC 7 LED MIDI note (14 + 32*B)
modified by the SET button. REC 8 LED MIDI note (15 + 32*B)

REW LED MIDI note 0

Global Controls FFWD LED MIDI note 1
PLAY LED MIDI note 3
RECORD LED MIDI note 4
Some of the US-428 controls have the
same behavior in all four banks. These
include the MASTER fader, LOCATE
buttons, and transport buttons. All of

63
Four Controller Banks (Encoders)

This protocol is nearly identical to the

"Four Controller Banks (Pots)" protocol.
The only difference is the treatment of
the rotary encoders (GAIN, FREQ, Q,
PAN and DATA Wheel).

Instead of emulating potentiometers, a

turn one click to the right would send a
MIDI value of 68 (or 65 if SET is held
down). A turn one click to the left would
send a MIDI value of 60 (or 63 is SET is
held down). The result makes changing
banks "seamless" to the user.

Initialization

When one of these protocols is first

selected, SEL 1, LO and ASN are
selected in all four banks, and BANK1
(AUX1) is selected. In "Four Controller
Banks (Pots)" mode, all rotary controls in all
four banks are set to the physical fader
positions. The channel faders in the other
three banks are set to 0 value.

Illustration 8.02 US-428 Four Controller Layers

64
8.11.2 Keystroke Emulation

As weve mentioned throughout this created these controller maps. Please

manual, the US-428 is a very versatile bear in mind that these are private
device, capable of controlling a wide individuals, sharing their knowledge and
variety of software applications. The list creativity voluntarily if you need to
of applications that have been tested by contact any of the individuals listed here
TASCAM and approved for use with the or on the Users Page, be considerate of
US-428 can be found on the US-428 their time and their generosity, and
News area of the TASCAM web site. reasonable in your requests.

But beyond these approved software

applications, the US-428 can also be Some Info On Keystroke Emulation
used for slightly less comprehensive
control of a number of other In its Native mode, the US-428
applications, by utilizing keystroke communicates with the host application
emulation. by sending MIDI controller messages to
the program's GUI (Graphic User
IMPORTANT NOTE: The files and Interface). While this is certainly the
documents in this section have not preferred method of communication, a
undergone full TASCAM quality control number of software applications still do
testing. Use these resources at your not recognize MIDI controller
own risk. TASCAM assumes no liability commands. The US-428 can still
for any damage to the US-428, your communicate with many of these
computer, peripheral devices or stored programs though, by means of
files of any variety as a result of your keystroke emulation. Essentially, this
use of files or documents that are involves the host computer using a
referenced on this page. Also, TASCAM small applet to translate the US-428's
does not assume any responsibility for incoming MIDI controller commands to
other content that may be viewable or keystrokes, which are then recognized
downloadable from any of the links on by the software.
the US-428 Users Page.
This applet, Florian Bome's MIDI
Many of these files and documents have Translator, is available from the authors
been created by US-428 users. While website, www.bome.com; we
TASCAM has made every effort to recommend you check there to obtain
check their reliability, the support of the current version and additional
these applications is not guaranteed. information. With the authors
our primary source for questions and permission, the current version has
general support will be the individuals been included on the US-428 driver CD-
supplying the applications. Many of ROM. The author has also been kind
these applications may be under enough to provide documentation, which
continuing development, so we you will also find on the CD-ROM.
recommend you check the US-428
Users Page on a regular basis. You will also need an application to
route the MIDI signal within your PC. (If
Once again, an important reminder: youre running any DAW software and
Support for the following applications is using virtual synths, chances are youve
offered by the individuals who have already got one installed.) With the
authors permission, weve included Jim

65
Johnsons MIDI Thruway can share their own custom controller
(www.technotoys.com), a MIDI maps for various applications.
merge/thru/filtering/channelization utility.
There are several other good virtual The Users Page is located at:
MIDI port emulators available on the http://www.tascam.com/products/us428/
web, such as: DAW_page.cfm, or linked from the main
US-428 downloads page. We
Hubis Loopback Device recommend you check the Users Page
(http://members.nextra.at/hubwin//midi.h for the current list of submissions.
tml)
MIDI Yoke (http://www.midi-ox.com ) Important note: TASCAM makes no
guarantees for the support of these
applications. Your primary source for
questions and general support will be
A Word About Backup: The world of the people supplying the applications.
computer recording is a complex one. We recommend you check their
Particularly on the Windows platform, websites for information, and that you
the sheer number of possible email the authors directly with any
configurations of hardware and software questions. Be sure to read the
almost guarantee inconsistent results accompanying documentation before
between users of the same products. asking for help.

It is with this in mind that we repeat the On the Users Page youll find mapping
time-honored adage: "If it matters, back protocols, created by US-428 Users,
it up." Backup programs come in many which utilize Bomes MIDI Translator.
shapes and sizes. Especially in systems As this manual goes to press, support
optimized for audio, we recommend exists for such applications as Adobe
drive imaging software as the best Premier, Win Amp, Sonic Foundrys
backup solution. Drive imaging software Vegas and Acid, Windows Media
creates an actual image of your hard Player, and several others. As this list is
drive; in the event of a crash (or if, for updated regularly, we recommend you
example, you've installed a new driver check the Users Page for current
which is conflicting with your existing information and updates.
setup), a disk imaging application will
allow you restore your system to the last
(presumably working) configuration
you've saved.

The US-428 Users Page

As weve said, your best and most

current source of information on the US-
428 is the TASCAM website. Linked to
the US-428 Downloads page, youll find
driver updates, compatibility information,
troubleshooting documents, and our
Online Users Forums. Youll also find
the Users Page, where US-428 owners

66
9. Technical Support

9.1 Troubleshooting

In CONTROL PANEL / MULTIMEDIA, select

When installing the US-428 for the first
the DEVICES tab. Under AUDIO DEVICES,
time, if you experience any unusual
you should see:
behavior, here are some things to
check:

Audio for US-428
Audio Drivers
Under MIDI DEVICES AND INSTRUMENTS
you should see:
In CONTROL PANEL / SYSTEM / DEVICE
MANAGER (Win98SE/ME) or CONTROL
MIDI for US-428. Expand by clicking
PANEL / SYSTEM / HARDWARE / DEVICE
on the plus (+) sign and you should
MANAGER (Win2000), find the Audio
see:
control panel. It's called SOUND, VIDEO
o US-428 Port 1
AND GAME CONTROLLERS in Win98SE,
o US-428 Port 2
or SOUND & MULTIMEDIA in W98ME and
o US-428 Control
Win2K. You should see two entries for
the US-428:
(Ports 1 and 2 correspond to the US-
428's physical MIDI I/O ports. US-428

TASCAM US-428
Control is the "virtual" USB MIDI port

US-428 WDM Interface
with which the US-428 and its control
surface communicate with your
application.)
In CONTROL PANEL / MULTIMEDIA, select
the AUDIO tab.
BEFORE CONTACTING US

Under PLAYBACK, US-428 OUT
should appear in the drop down
If you're unable to solve an installation
menu
problem, you've got several options for

Under RECORDING, US-428 A:B and
help.
C:D should appear in the drop down
menu
First, we recommend you visit our
website at www.tascam.com, and
check for any updates, FAQ or
MIDI Drivers: breaking news.
Also on our website, you'll find our
In CONTROL PANEL / MULTIMEDIA, select always lively Online User Forums,
the MIDI tab. When SINGLE INSTRUMENT where you can read posts from other
is selected, you should see: users and get answers from other
users and TASCAM moderators.

US-428 Port 1 You can also email us at

US-428 Port 2 US428team@tascam.com, or

US-428 Control contact our telephone support.

67
 9.1 Troubleshooting FAQs

Please see the Contact page of our NOTE: While this manual contains some
website for worldwide contact basic FAQs, you will find a much more
information. detailed FAQ document on the US-428
CD-ROM. The FAQ is also updated on
Before contacting us with your query, a regular basis, so we suggest you
please have the following information check the TASCAM website for the
available: current version.

Type of Computer (PC or Mac), Q. I dont see the US-428 in Cubasis

processor type and speed, and (if Audio Control Panel.
possible) motherboard A. Check to see if the US-428 is
Type of USB Host controller (see the installed correctly within your OS. In
US-428 manual for details) Windows, go to the Device Manager
Installed RAM, type of hard drive(s) (My Computer/Control Panel/Setup),
Type of graphic card and click on the Sound, video and
Game controllers tab to make sure the
What OS are you running?
US-428 is installed and operating
If running Windows98SE, have you
correctly. Also check to see that your
installed the HotFix?
USB cable is connected securely, and
What other hardware is installed in that the unit is powered up before
this computer? SoundBlaster or booting Cubasis.
other audio cards? Other USB
devices/hubs? Scanner, CD burners, Q. Ive connected audio to the US-
WinModem, etc? 428, but cant hear anything.
What application(s) are you running? A. Make sure your input levels are
If running the bundled Cubasis sufficient. The green INPUT LEDs
application, is/was another version should light to indicate the presence of
of Cubase or Cubasis installed? analog audio signal at the inputs. Make
What plugins to you have installed? sure your monitor or headphone levels
are turned up, and connected correctly.
Please provide us with full details of
your problem, including: Q. My audio is distorted.
A. Check to see if the signal is
Any errors or oddities encountered overloading. The red OL LEDs should
during setup and installation only occasionally flicker. In the case of
Items listed above that do not a digital input, try reducing the output
appear level of the source.
Any error messages encountered.
Please try to copy or quote them in Q. I can see a response on screen
full. from Cubasis to the US-428, but I
Any behavior that may cause errors, dont hear any audio.
especially repeatable ones. A. Make sure your audio signal path is
correctly routed. Make sure the
channels youre trying to monitor are
not in Input mode. Make sure your
output level is turned up. Make sure

68
that the US-428 ASIO driver (16 or 24 9.3 Software Downloads
bit) is selected.

Q. I can hear audio, but I see no Since US-428 support is continually

response to the US-428 on screen. expanding, the chances are good that
A. Make sure youve got the US-428 by the time you read this there will be
selected in the VST Remote menu. updates available. We strongly
Make sure youre looking at the correct recommend you check back regularly at
BANK of faders on screen. www.tascam.com for news, driver
updates and other important
TE information.

9.2 Tech Support Contacts

9.4 Programming the US-428
If youve got questions on the US-428,
your best source of help is to post them
to our US-428 Online Users Forum, The US-428 has been one of
located on our website at TASCAMs most popular new products,
www.tascam.com. TASCAM Product and has built up a tremendous base of
Specialists are on line to field questions, users since its release. Many of these
but dont be surprised if your question is users have helped to push the
answered by another user. The BBS is envelope and create an ever-growing
also a forum for discussion, comments list of uses for the US-428. And while
and ideas on the US-428. Youll find programming MIDI controller information
users of a variety of software platforms, isnt for everyone, weve felt certain
so someones likely to be familiar with since its release that the development of
your program of choice. new and different applications for the
US-428 is of interest to many users. In
Also, since many of the situations youre an effort to foster the creative
likely to encounter will be related to the development of the US-428s application
software youre using, its a good idea to base, TASCAM has made the
check not only our website, but the programming specifications for the US-
websites and resources of the software 428 publicly available. Youll find basic
programs manufacturer as well. information on the US-428s Control
Protocol on the TASCAM website. It is
If youve got a hardware or other also included in the appendices of this
problem and need to speak to us, youll manual.
find a full list of contacts for TASCAM
worldwide on our website.

69
Appendix A - MIDI Implementation Chart

Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks

Basic Channel Default Changed X X Through
X X
Mode Default X X Through
Messages X X
Altered
Note X X Through
Number True Voice
Velocity Note ON X X Through
Note OFF X X
After Touch Keys X X Through
Channels X X
Pitch Bender X X Through
Control Change X X Through
Program Change X X Through
True #
System Exclusive X X Through

System Common :Song Pos X X Through

:Song Sel X X
:Tune X X
System :Clock X X Through
Real Time :Commands X X
Aux Messages :Local ON/OFF X X Through
:All Notes OFF X X
:Active Sense X X
:Reset X X

Mode 1 : OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO O:Yes

Mode 3 : OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4 : OMNI OFF, MONO X: No

70
Appendix B Control Protocol

Purpose

Provide simple, effective integration between the US-428 and host software applications.

Introduction

The US-428 provides digital audio I/O, MIDI, and control surface functions in a single affordable
USB-based product. While the audio and MIDI I/O follow established which are easily interfaced
with host applications, full integration of the control surface aspects of the US-428 requires a set
of messages to be defined which permits two-way communication of control information between
the host application and US-428.

Functional Groups

The US-428's control surface are divided into several major functional groups:

a) Transport and Locate switches and status LED's

b) Per-channel controls (faders, switches, and LED's)
c) Bank switching buttons and LED's
d) EQ switches, continuous EQ and pan knobs, and associated status LED's
e) Function switches, LED's and continuous "data wheel"

Communication model

Standard MIDI controller and sysex messages will be used to communicate between the host and
US-428. In many cases, the commands transmitted by the US-428 are identical to those
generated by the JL Cooper CS-10 controller. In general, it is desired that overall system "state
information" be maintained by the host application, rather than in the US-428. As an example,
here is how a change in transport state from STOP to PLAY might be communicated:

1. User presses PLAY button on US-428.

2. Play-button command is sent via USB to host application as MIDI .
3. Application receives Play message from the "US-428 Control" Midi input device.
4. Application switches to PLAY mode, just as if user had performed the operation with a
mouse-click.
5. Application sends Transport Update message to "US-428 Control" Midi output device,
which is sent via USB to the US-428.
6. US-428 interprets transport-update command, and responds by activating the PLAY LED.

In this example, the US-428 doesn't "know" the state of the transport. It has simply sent
command indicating the button-press, and responded to the transport-update command from the
host by lighting the appropriate transport LED.

71
Transport/Locate command set

The US-428 contains a set of standard transport switches: REW, FFWD, STOP, PLAY, and REC.
In addition, dedicated status LED's are used to communicate the current transport state to the
user. The LED's indicate REW, FFWD, PLAY, and REC. (Note that there is no LED to indicate
STOP.) Additionally, there are three locate switches, which can be used to set and locate to
markers established on the host application's timeline. SET is intended to be used as a SHIFT
key, along with either the < or > button to drop a marker at the application's current time.

US-428 to Host Messages (transmitted at button-down):

TRANSPORT_REWIND
o Button-down: BF 13 7F
o Button-up: BF 13 00
TRANSPORT_FFWD
o Button-down: BF 14 7F
o Button-up: BF 14 00
TRANSPORT_STOP
o Button-down: BF 15 7F
o Button-up: BF 15 00
TRANSPORT_PLAY
o Button-down: BF 16 7F
o Button-up: BF 16 00
TRANSPORT_REC
o Button-down: BF 17 7F
o Button-up: BF 17 00
LOCATE_LEFT (non CS-10)
o Button-down: BF 18 7F
o Button-up: BF 18 00 7.
LOCATE_RIGHT (non CS-10)
o Button-down: BF 19 7F
o Button-up: BF 19 00
SET_LOCATE (non CS-10)
o Button-down: BF 1A 7F
o Button-up: BF 1A 00

Host to US-428 Messages (transmitted when host transport-state changes:

UPDATE_TRANSPORT_LED:

o State is REWIND: F0 4E <UNIT> 12 01 13 <STATE> F7

o State is FFWD: F0 4E <UNIT> 12 01 14 <STATE> F7
o State is STOP: F0 4E <UNIT> 12 01 15 <STATE> F7
(Note: US-428 has no STOP LED: message is defined for future devices)
o State is PLAY: F0 4E <UNIT> 12 01 16 <STATE> F7
o State is REC: F0 4E <UNIT> 12 01 17 <STATE> F7

Where:
<UNIT> is device ID. Should be transmitted as 0 for now.
<STATE> == 0 turns LED OFF
<STATE> == 7F turns LED ON

72
Per-channel Control command set

The US-428 includes a set of 8 channel-strip controls and LED's. Each channel-strip includes the
following controls:

a. linear fader for gain control

b. Mute/Solo switch and LED
c. Record-enable LED
d. Select switch and LED

Three modifier switches affect the channel strip indicators:

a. A momentary NULL switch and LED (to aid the user in matching the fader sliders with the
"virtual" value maintained by the application software). When the application receives a
NULL button-down message, it compares its internal fader values with the most recently-
received physical fader positions for the currently- active bank of eight channels, and
sends out messages which light the REC and SELECT LED's to indicate the direction the
user needs to move each of the faders to agree with the application's virtual fader levels.
When the user releases NULL, the application sends REC and SELECT LED update
messages which will cause them to revert to their "native" function (indicating record and
channel-select status).

b. A REC (record) button which acts as a "shift" key, enabling the track select switches to
affect the record-enable status of the corresponding track in the application software.

c. A MUTE/SOLO mode button, which toggles the function of the mute buttons and
indicators, making them activate a SOLO function on their associated track.

US-428 to Host Commands:

1. FADER_POSITION: BF 4x vv x = [0..7], vv = [0..7F]

2. MUTE_SWITCH:
a. Button-down: BF 0x 7F
b. Button-up: BF 0x 0 x=[0..7]
3. SELECT_SWITCH:
a. Button-down: BF 2x 7F
b. Button-up: BF 2x 00 x=[0..7]
4. NULL_SWITCH
a. Button-down: BF 28 7F
b. Button-up: BF 28 00
5. REC_EN_SWITCH:
a. Button-down: BF 29 7F
b. Button-up: BF 29 00
6. SOLO_SWITCH:
a. Button-down: BF 2A 7F
b. Button-up: BF 2A 00

73
Host to US-428 Messages:

Note: In these messages, <STRIP #>is a number in the range [0..7], corresponding to the
channel-strip #, and <STATE>is either 0x00 (LED OFF) or 0x7F (LED ON) . Transmit<UNIT> as
0 for now.

1. UPDATE_MUTE_LED: F0 4E<UNIT>12 02<STRIP #> <STATE> F7

2. UPDATE_SEL_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 03<STRIP #> <STATE> F7
3. UPDATE_REC_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 04<STRIP #> <STATE>F7
4. UPDATE_NULL_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 05 <STATE> F7
5. UPDATE_SOLOMODE_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 06 <STATE> F7

Note: following message forces US-428 to send current fader position messages to host via the
Us-428 Control Port

6. DUMP_FADER_POS: F0 4E<UNIT>12 10 <STRIP #> <STATE>F7

Bank-Switching Command Set

The US-428 has two switches that allow the user to select the bank of application channels that is
addressed by the eight channel-strips. For example, an application with 32 virtual tracks would
define 4 banks of eight channel strips each. The Bank-L and Bank-R switches let the user quickly
shift the control surface to address any bank of eight channels. There are two LED's adjacent to
the Bank-L and Bank-R switches, which indicate that pressing the button will cause the
application software to switch to the next lower or higher bank, respectively. It is OFF when there
are no further virtual fader banks available in that direction.

US-428 to Host Commands

BANK_LEFT:
o Button-down: BF 10 7F
o Button-up: BF 10 00
BANK_RIGHT:
o Button-down: BF 11 7F
o Button-up: BF 11 00

Host to US-428 Messages:

1. UPDATE_BANK_LEFT_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 07<STATE> F7

2. UPDATE_BANK_RIGHT_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 08<STATE> F7

where<STATE> is either 0x00 (LED OFF) or 0x7F (LED ON) <UNIT>is device ID. Should be
transmitted as 0 for now.

EQ Knobs and Band Selection Command Set

Three continuous-turn rotary encoders allow the user to set the Gain, Frequency, and Bandwidth
of a band of parametric EQ. The controller numbers used are the same as the JL Cooper CS-10,
however instead of an absolute 0..7F value, the increment/decrement of the encoder is
transmitted. The application must understand when the logical limit of the EQ control has been
reached, and provide on-screen feedback to let the user know that he is at the minimum or

74
maximum setting for the control. This prevents "wrapping" and discontinuous changes in the
values of the parameters being sent. A pan encoder knob is also defined; its operation is similar
to the EQ encoders.

US-428 To Host Commands:

1. SELECT_EQ_HI
a. Button-down: BF 2C 7F
b. Button-up: BF 2C 00
2. SELECT_EQ_HIMID
a. Button-down: BF 2D 7F
b. Button-up: BF 2D 00
3. SELECT_EQ_LOMID
a. Button-down: BF 2E 7F
b. Button-up: BF 2E 00
4. SELECT_EQ_LO
a. Button-down: BF 2F 7F
b. Button-up: BF 2F 00
5. EQ_GAIN_CHANGE:
a. BF 48 vv, vv = 2's complement using 7 data bits
6. EQ_FREQ_CHANGE
a. BF 49 vv, vv = 2's complement using 7 data bits
7. EQ_BW_CHANGE
a. BF 4A vv, vv = 2's complement using 7 data bits
8. MASTER_FADER
a. BF 4B vv, vv=2's complement using 7 data bits
9. PAN_CHANGE
a. BF 4D vv, vv = 2's complement using 7 data bits

Host to US-428 Messages:

1. UPDATE_EQ_HI_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 09<STATE> F7

2. UPDATE_EQ_HIMID_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 0A<STATE> F7
3. UPDATE_EQ_LOMID_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 0B<STATE> F7
4. UPDATE_EQ_LO_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 0C<STATE> F7

where <STATE>is either 0x00 (LED OFF) or 0x7F (LED ON)<UNIT> is device ID. Should be
transmitted as 0 for now.

Function switches, LED's, and continuous data wheel

A row of four AUX buttons is used to select an effect (aux-send) level for the selected channel(s).
When the user selects and AUX1-4 button, this fact is transmitted to the host, indicating that
future movements of the data wheel will affect that parameter.

Another row of four switches includes an ASN (track-source assign) button, and three application-
definable function buttons. A typical use of the function buttons would be to enable/disable
effects, or to mimic the function of the computer's arrow keys, to allow the user to switch from
track to track, switch between controls in a dialog, etc. The ASN button is intended to allow the
user to quickly determine the input-source for a track, by selecting this button and then using the
data wheel to cycle through the possible input-sources for the selected track.

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A data wheel is provided for general-purpose parameter modification. In addition to the aux-send
level setting described above, the data could be used for scrubbing, locating, or any other
purpose the application programmer desires.

US-428 to Host Commands:

1. AUX_SWITCH
a. Button-down: BF 3x 7F
b. Button-up: BF 3x 00, where x=[0..3] (for AUX1, AUX2, AUX3, AUX4)
2. ASN_SWITCH
a. Button-down: BF 34 7F
b. Button-up: BF 34 00
3. FN_SWITCH
a. Button-down: BF 3x 7F
b. Button-up: BF 3x 7F, where x=[5..7] (for FN1, FN2, FN3)
4. DATA_WHEEL (identical to JL Cooper CS-10)
a. BF 60 vv, vv = 2's complement using 7 data bits

Host to US-428 Messages:

1. UPDATE_AUX_FN_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 0D<AUX#> <STATE> F7

2. UPDATE_FN_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 0E <FN#> <STATE>F7
3. UPDATE_ASN_LED: F0 4E<UNIT> 12 0F<STATE> F7

where

<AUX> is in the range [0...3] corresponding to LED's [AUX1AUX4]

<FN#> is in the range [0...2] corresponding to LED's [FN1FN3]
<UNIT> Transmit as 0 for now.
<STATE> is either 0x00 (LED OFF) or 0x7F (LED ON)
.

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Appendix C - US-428 Technical Specifications

General

Frequency Response Nominal Input Level (Trim max.): -63 dBu

20 Hz - 20KHz, /0.5 dB / -0.3 dB Nominal Input Level (TRIM min.): -16 dBu
LINE A/B to LINE OUT Maximum Input Level: 0 dBu (TRIM min)
LINE TRIM max, -28dBu input
LINE OUT Level -10dB position LINE INPUT A/B (Analog)
Connector: 1/4" TRS
Noise Level (Tip:Hot; Ring:Cold, Sleeve:GND)
Better than -82dBu Din Audio Input Impedance: 22kOhm
Better than -88dBu A Weight Nominal Input Level (Trim max.) -43 dBu
MIC A/B to LINE OUT Nominal Input Level(TRIM min.): +4 dBu
LINE TRIM min, 150 ohm terminated Maximum Input level: +20 dBu (TRIM min)
LINE OUT Level -10dB position
LINE INPUT C/D (Analog)
Signal Processing Delay Connector: 1/4"
Less than 2 ms (Tip:Hot; Ring:GND; Sleeve:GND) Unbalanced
MIC/LINE to LINE OUT Cue Monitor Input Impedance 47Kohm at MIC/LINE
Fs = 44.1KHz 680Kohm at GUITAR
Nominal Input Level (Trim max.): -46 dBu
THD Nominal Input Level(TRIM min.): -10 dBV (-7.8
Within 0.07% dBu)
MIC A/B to LINE OUT Maximum Input Level: +6 dBV (+8.2 dBu)
(TRIM min)
LINE TRIM max, -28dBu input
LINE OUT Level -10dB position LINE OUTPUT (Analog)
Crosstalk: Better than -80 dB at 1KHz Connector: RCA pin jack, Unbalanced
LINE TRIM max, -28dBu input Output Impedance: 100ohm
LINE OUT Level -10dB position Nominal Output Level: -10 dBV (-7.8 dBu)
Click: Less than -35 dBu (LINE LEVEL -10dB)
Fader Attenuation: Better than -90 dB at 1 KHz Maximum Output Level: +16 dBV (+18.2 dBu)
Mute Level: Better than -90 dB at 1 KHz (LINE LEVEL max)

Dimensions: PHONES OUTPUT (Analog)

14" x 11.5" x 3.25" (35.5 x 29.5 x 8 cm) Connector: 1/4" TRS Stereo
Weight: 2.05 Kg (4.5 lbs) (Tip:L, Ring:R, Sleeve:GND)
(when nominal impedance 40 Ohms loaded)
Power Consumption:
DIGITAL IN
Version Voltage Hz Power Consumption Connector: RCA pin jack
DM 100 50/60 7.5 (50Hz) Format: IEC958 TYPE2
T/C 120 60 7.5 (60Hz) Input impedance: 75ohm
EUR 230 50 7.5 (50Hz) Input Level: 0.5Vp-p
UK 240 50 7.5 (50Hz)
AUS 240 50 7.5 (50Hz) DIGITAL OUT
Connector: RCA pin jack
Format: IEC958 Type 2
Input / Output Connectors Output Impedance: 75 ohm
Output Level: 0.5Vp-p
MIC INPUT A/B (Analog) MIDI IN 1,2
Connector: XLR-3-31 Connector: 5P DIN
( 1:= GND, 2:= Hot, 3:= Cold ) : Balanced Format: Standard MIDI Format
Input Impedance: 2200 ohm MIDI Out 1,2

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Connector: 5P DIN 20 Hz - 20KHz, + 0.1dB / -2dB
Format: Standard MIDI Format TRIM min, 0dBu input
USB LINE Input (C,D Analog Input to Digital Output)
Connector: USB Down stream connector Nominal Level (TRIM max.)
Format: USB -46.6dBu, +1.5dB / -1.5dB
TRIM max, 1KHz, (-30dBu input)
Nominal Level (TRIM min.)
ADC / DAC 7.09dBu, +0.3dB / -0.3dB
TRIM min, 1KHz, (9dBu input)
A/D Converter Frequency Response
24Bit, 64 times oversampling 20 Hz - 20KHz, + 0 .5dB / - 2dB
Delay: 30 samples TRIM max, -30dBu input
D/A Converter 20 Hz - 20KHz, + 0.3dB / -0.3dB
24Bit, 128 times oversampling TRIM min, 9dBu input
Delay: 30 samples Noise Level
Within -82dBFs Din Audio
Audio Performance Within -83dBFs A Weight
TRIM max, 150 ohm terminated
MIC Input (A,B XLR Analog Input to Digital Within -95dBFs Typical -97dB Din Audio
Output) Within -98dBFs Typical -99dB A Weight
Nominal Level (TRIM max.) TRIM min, 150 ohm terminated
-65.2dBu +1dB / -1dB T.H.D
TRIM max, 1KHz, (-48dBu input) Better than 0.03% Typical 0.01% at 1KHz
Nominal Level (TRIM min.) TRIM max,-30dBu :
-16.2dBu +0.5dB / -0.5dB Better than 0.04% Typical 0.03% at 1KHz
TRIM min, 1KHz, (9dBu input) TRIM min, 8dBu
Frequency Response LINE OUT (Digital Input to LINE OUT)
20 Hz - 20KHz + 0.2dB / - 3dB Nominal Output: 6dBV, +1.2dB / -1dB
TRIM max, -48dBu input D IN 0dBFs input, LINE OUT Level -10dB
20 Hz - 20KHz + 0.1dB / -2dB position
TRIM min, 0dBu input Frequency Response:
Noise Level 20 Hz - 20KHz, + 0.2 dB / -0.4 dB
Within -81dBFs Din Audio D IN 0dBFs input, LINE OUT Level -10dB
Within -83dBFs A Weight position
TRIM max, 150 ohm terminated T.H.D.: Better than 0.003% Typical 0.0025% at
Within -95dBFs Din Audio 1KHz
Within -98dBFs A Weight D IN 0dBFs input, LINE OUT Level -10dB
TRIM min, 150 ohm position
T.H.D. Noise Level:
Typical 0.04% at 1KHz Within -95dBV Din Audio
TRIM max, -48dBu : Within -99dBV A Weight
Better than 0.005% Typical 0.003% at 1KHz D IN 0dBFs input, LINE OUT Level -10dB
TRIM min, 0dBu position
LINE Input (A,B 1/4" Analog Input to Digital PHONES Output
Output) Maximum Output: More then 28mW + 28mW
Nominal Level (TRIM max.) Typical 32mW + 32mW
-45.7dBu, +1dB / -1dB Within 1% distortion, at 1KHz, 40 ohm loaded
TRIM max, 1KHz, (-28dBu input) T.H.D.: Within 1 %
Nominal Level (TRIM min.) 1KHz, Output 25mW + 25mW, 40 ohm loaded
-16.2dBu, +0.5dB / -0.5dB Frequency Response:
TRIM min, 1KHz, (9dBu input) 100 Hz - 20KHz, + 0.5dB / - 0.5 dB
Nominal level, 40 ohm loaded
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 100 Hz, +0.5dB / - 5dB
20 Hz - 20KHz, + 0.2dB / - 3dB Nominal level, 40 ohm loaded
TRIM max, -28dBu input

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