The INFRASONIC QUARTET is a multi-purpose pro audio interface card designed for home studio use, offering high-quality sound editing capabilities at a competitive price. It utilizes stable PCI bus technology, which is generally faster and more stable than Hot-plug systems like USB and FireWire. The QUARTET supports a 192 kHz ADC sample-rate with full 24-bit recording and features high-quality AD/DA converters with a 115dB S/N ratio. Its analog circuit components are designed to improve dynamic range by 10dB.

Key features of the QUARTET include a MIC preamp, direct instrument input, MIDI I/O, coaxial I/O, word clock I/O, and dual headphone amplifiers, aiming to provide professional-grade features, performance, and convenience to its users.

Cutting Edge Technology

The QUARTET incorporates "US-PSB class I" (Ultra Stable Power Supply Block) OP-AMP based discrete circuits, which are designed to reduce output noise and power noise by over 10dB compared to general regulator type ICs. This technology ensures a very stable power flow. Mass storage capacitors and protection circuits are included to effectively manage electronic shock and noise, with detailed monitoring available through the drivers and OP-AMP circuitry.

A "Slow slope ON" function is also integrated, which slowly raises the voltage when the PC is turned on. This feature protects monitor speakers and headphones from "pop-noise" damage.

The IS (InfraSonic) Microphone Preamplifier is a low-noise transistor buffer with a high-quality microphone preamplifier (E.I.N: Equivalent input noise -127dBu). It boasts an E.I.N value 20dB lower than similar products and superior CMRR and frequency response, delivering professional recording studio-grade audio quality. PAD/GAIN jumpers allow compatibility with various microphone types, from condenser to low-level dynamic microphones. Like professional MIC preamplifiers, the QUARTET supports a Low-cut function and +48V phantom power.

A Noise Guard Bracket is included to protect the QUARTET from high-frequency digital noise commonly found inside computers, especially when multiple PCI cards are in close proximity.

The IS (InfraSonic) Line / Headphone Drivers in the analog output circuit eliminate the need to differentiate between line output and headphone output. The output jacks automatically detect whether stereo headphones or line outputs to speakers/mixers are connected. A noise shaping filter and high-grade film-capacitors in the output ports effectively block "Quantization noise" from the DACs (Digital Audio Converters), providing sound playback as close to reality as possible with a wide frequency response.

Virtual I/O Channels and FREE Mixer

The QUARTET is equipped with 4x4 physical channels and supports virtual extended 4x4 channels, which can be easily mapped using the FREE (Flexible Routing Enhanced Engine) mixer. The FREE mixer allows connection between all parts of the hardware inputs/outputs, WDM, and ASIO drivers, enabling flexible mixing and routing. Depending on the setup, it can function as an input monitor, sub mixer, or a connection between drivers.

The V-Balanced I/O feature allows the QUARTET to be used as a balanced 2 In / 2 Out interface instead of an unbalanced 4 In / 4 Out. The I/O type can be selected with a simple click on the "VB IN" and/or "VB OUT" buttons in the driver's control panel. This driver offers not only an alternative I/O type but also provides easy control and flexibility over the number of I/O channels. Users can configure it for various setups, such as 4 unbalanced inputs x 2 balanced outputs, 2 balanced inputs x 4 unbalanced outputs, or 2 balanced inputs and outputs.

Hardware Installation

Before installing the QUARTET PCI card, users should ensure they meet the minimum system requirements: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon or equivalent CPU, a motherboard supporting Intel Pentium 4/AMD Athlon chipset, 1GB of RAM, one available PCI slot, and Microsoft Windows® XP, VISTA, or Windows 7 (32/64bit).

Preparation for hardware installation involves caution against electrical shock. The QUARTET PCI card is shipped in an anti-static plastic pouch and should not be opened until installation. Users should turn off the computer, remove the power cable, and open the computer cover. It is crucial to discharge static electricity by touching the computer case or a grounded object, or by using an anti-static wristband. When handling the card, only touch the guide or the edge, not the board or connector.

To install the PCI card, locate an empty PCI slot on the motherboard (typically white). If a faceplate or cover is present, remove it. Carefully pull the card from its package, grasp the edge, and firmly push it into the PCI slot until it is securely seated. Replace and tighten the screw. Finally, tighten the four screws and isolators of the I/O ports in a clockwise direction and close the computer case.

Driver Software Installation

After hardware installation, the driver software must be installed. Users should have their original Windows installation disc ready, as it may be needed. It is also recommended to install recent chipset drivers and patches from the main-board manufacturer.

Upon turning on the computer, Windows will automatically detect the new device, and the "Found New Hardware Wizard" window will appear. Users should insert the provided CD or download the latest driver from www.infra-sonic.com. Open the driver folder and run the setup file (ISQUARTET_v.***.exe), following the on-screen instructions. Once the installation is complete, confirm that the INFRASONIC icon is visible in the system tray.

Control Panel

The control panel comprises two main sections: the Control Mixer window and the Free Mixer window. Users can switch between these windows by clicking the respective buttons on the lower right side of the control panel.

Control Mixer:

LINE: Enables line level input for inputs 1/2 or 3/4 (orange when selected).
MIC: Enables microphone input for input 1/2 (orange when selected).
48V: Applies +48 volts phantom power to input 1/2 for condenser microphones (red when selected). Warning: Phantom power should only be enabled after plugging in the 1/4" TRS Jack cable to avoid damage to dynamic microphones or other devices.
Low Cut: Activates a high pass filter above 75Hz for the microphone input (red when selected).
INST: Enables instrument input for input 3/4, allowing connection of an electric or bass guitar.
OUT 1/2 & OUT 3/4: Monitors the input signal through output 1/2 or 3/4, respectively (blue when selected).
VB In: Enables Balanced Input for inputs 1/2 & 3/4 (green when selected).
M (mute): Mutes individual signal sources (red when selected).
Link: Connects input faders in pairs for simultaneous control (purple when selected).
Volume level faders: Adjusts the signal level of each input using the mouse, mouse wheel, or cursor keys.
GAIN: Provides additional +18dB gain for inputs.
Display panel: Shows the current status of the QUARTET.

Configuration Section:

Sample Rate: Selects the current sample rate (44.1, 48, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz). "AUTO" matches the source signal's sample rate, while "LOCK" allows manual setting.
Word Ratio: Choose between FS (standard word clock) or 256FS (super word clock).
Clock Source:
- Internal: Sets the QUARTET's internal clock.
- External: Sets the S/PDIF input as master clock (requires the connected device to be configured as clock master).
- Word Clock: Sets the Word Clock input as master clock (requires the connected device to be configured as clock master).
Latency bar: Adjusts latency (buffer size). Smaller buffer sizes provide faster latency, ideal for software synthesizers and timing-sensitive recording, but are limited by system performance. Recommended sample sizes for recording are 64-512, with 128 or 256 for Pentium 4 systems. 48, 1024, and 2048 are for specific circumstances, with 48 reserved for very fast ASIO environments. Default is 128.
Miscellaneous:
- On top: Keeps the QUARTET Control Panel visible over other windows.
- About: Displays copyright notes.
- Default: Resets the control panel to factory default settings.
3/4 Input Select:
- Analog: Selects analog input for channels 3/4, disabling digital S/PDIF.
- Digital: Selects digital input for channels 3/4, disabling analog input.
Stereo Mix (What you hear):
- ON: Creates new routing rules in Free Mixer, connecting WDM output channels to WDM inputs, allowing recording of WDM output.

FREE Mixer

The FREE Mixer, or Flexible Routing Enhanced Engine Mixer, provides a graphical user interface for connecting hardware inputs/outputs, WDM, and ASIO drivers to each other. It can be used as an input monitor, sub mixer, or for connecting drivers.

Matrix Window:

Signal Source: Represents signals routed to different applications.
- LINE IN: Quartet's hardware inputs.
- WDM OUT: WDM, MME, or Direct Sound application outputs (e.g., Winamp, Windows® Media Player). Provides two virtual channels in addition to two real output channels.
- ASIO OUT: ASIO application outputs (e.g., Cubase, Sonar). Allows 4 ASIO output channels.
Signal Destination: Represents the destination of routed signals.
- LINE OUT: Quartet's hardware outputs.
- WDM IN: WDM, MME, or Direct Sound application inputs (e.g., Sound Forge, Vegas). Provides two virtual input channels in addition to two real inputs.
- ASIO IN: ASIO application inputs (e.g., Cubase, Sonar). Allows 4 ASIO input channels.
Routing point: A colored square indicating a connection between Source and Destination. The color signifies the adjusted level, which can be decreased to -64dB.

How to use FREE Mixer:

Select a source signal from the "Signal Source" row and a destination in the "Signal Destination" column. Odd numbers are left channels, even numbers are right channels.
Left-click a grey square to create a connection.
Left-click an existing routing point to remove the connection.
Right-click an existing routing point to enable solo and mute functions, and adjust the level independently of the Master I/O sliders.
The routing point's color changes based on signal level: red (0dB), orange (-3dB), yellow (-6dB), light green (-12dB), green (-24dB), and blue (-64dB).
M: Mutes the corresponding signal.
S: Mutes all signals except the selected one.
SAVE: Stores current settings to a preset number for recall.
RESET: Resets control panel routing to factory default settings.

V-Balanced Link and FREE Mixer:

Balanced OUT: If enabled, only routings connected to Line Out 1/2 work; Line In channels 3/4 are disabled.
Balanced IN: If enabled, only routings connected to Line In 1/2 work; Line In channels 3/4 are disabled. Only line level signals are allowed for virtual balanced input.
Balanced IN and OUT: The same rules apply as above.

Application Setups

The manual provides basic configuration examples for popular software applications.

Cubase and Nuendo: After launching Cubase SX, navigate to Device → Device Setup → VST Multitrack. Select "ASIO 2.2 – QUARTET" as the ASIO device. Apply and OK the settings.

Samplitude Device Setup: From the Samplitude Menu, go to Options → System → Audio System → Driver System → ASIO Device. Select "ASIO 2.2 – QUARTET" and click "OK".

SONAR: For SONAR, which supports both WDM and ASIO APIs, go to Options → Audio tab after launching. Match input and output drivers and restart SONAR.

WDM/KS mode: Change settings under Input / Output Drivers.
ASIO mode: Change Driver Mode to ASIO under the Advanced tab of Audio Option, then restart SONAR. Change settings under Input / Output Drivers.

TRAKTOR 3 LE: QUARTET is bundled with TRAKTOR 3 LE. After launching TRAKTOR 3 LE, go to preferences → Audio setup → Soundcard → Audio Device and select "ASIO 2.2 – QUARTET".

Samplitude SE No. 9 on Windows 7: Requires a specific installation method. Insert the CD, right-click the CD-Drive name in "My computer," and click "open" to prevent "Auto Run." Right-click "start.exe," select "Troubleshoot compatibility," then "Try recommended settings," and "Start the program." Finally, click "Next" to begin the regular program setup.

End User Warranty

INFRASONIC and QUARTET are registered trademarks of SIMS Corp. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. SIMS Corp. warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, provided the product is owned by the original purchaser with proof of purchase from an authorized SIMS Corp. dealer. This warranty excludes power supplies and included cables that may become defective due to normal wear and tear.

For warranty service, the original purchaser or authorized dealer must fill out the support contact form at www.usbband.com. If repair is needed, shipment costs to and from SIMS Corp. and handling charges are borne by the purchaser. Returns without prepaid shipments are not accepted. A Return Authorization Number must be obtained from SIMS Corp. before shipping the unit back to SIMS Corp. headquarters in Seoul, Korea, in a protective package with a problem description and the RA number clearly written on the package.

If SIMS Corp. determines that repair is needed due to user misuse or regular wear, a fair repair or replacement fee will be assessed. The customer can choose to pay the fee and have the unit repaired or decline and have the unit returned un-repaired.

SIMS Corp. is not liable for consequential, special, indirect, or similar damages, including loss of profit or other commercial damage. SIMS Corp.'s liability for any damages will not exceed the price paid for the product. SIMS Corp. specifically disclaims all other expressed or implied warranties, including fitness for any particular purpose.

FCC and CE Regulation Warning

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, meaning it may not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received. Modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class A digital device limits, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial environment. If operated in a residential area, it may cause harmful interference, requiring the user to correct it at their own expense. Consult an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.

Infrasonic QUARTET - Page 28

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