Support Report:UA's Digital Xpander
By James Cigler
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We are proud to announce that within the next month, we will begin shipping the UAD-Xpander to your local Universal Audio retailers. In addition to the UAD-Xpander, the UAD-Xtenda, which allows the UAD-Xpander to interface with a PCIe-based desktop computer, will be available exclusively on the UA web store. The UAD-Xtenda is the UA-tested and -approved solution for using your new UAD-Xpander with a desktop-based DAW.
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Following are brief descriptions of how to install a UAD-Xpander on a laptop and how to install the UAD-Xpander on a desktop computer using the UAD-Xtenda package. The examples here are using an Apple MacBook Pro laptop and a Mac Pro desktop, but the process for a Windows-based PC is the same.
Laptops
The UAD-Xpander uses a ExpressCard/34 format card, so any laptop with an ExpressCard slot will accept the UAD-Xpander's ExpressCard connection. Start by installing the UAD-1 Software on the CD-ROM that was included with your UAD-Xpander, or check our web site to see if there is a newer version already available. Once the software is installed, ignore the request to restart the computer and instead shut down.
Now connect the UAD-Link Cable into both the Xpander and its included ExpressCard card. Also, take the time now to plug in the Xpander's AC adapter. Once those are connected, turn on the power to the Xpander and insert the ExpressCard card into your laptop's ExpressCard slot. The UA Logo should glow red, indicating that the unit is receiving power, but not yet "linked." Now, power on your laptop.
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Once the laptop has powered on, the UA Logo on the front of the Xpander will glow blue, indicating that the Xpander has successfully "linked" with the ExpressCard bus. On Windows, the Plug and Play wizard will install the drivers, and after that you're ready to go. On the Mac, it will be ready once the OS has completely booted.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the UAD-Xpander and Laptops
• Is the Xpander "hot-swappable?"
Currently "hot-swap" or "hot-plugging" the Xpander while your laptop is on is not officially supported. We are working on adding this feature on both the Windows and Mac platform. However, for the time being, only connect and disconnect the Xpander from your laptop when it is fully shut down to ensure stability.
• Are Windows XP and Vista supported?
Unfortunately due to specific memory allocation behavior with ExpressCard in Windows XP, the Xpander may not work in many laptops running Windows XP and is not officially supported. Windows Vista, however, does not have this behavior and is officially supported for use with Xpander (in fact, laptops running XP that do not work with Xpander will work running Vista). We are working with Microsoft to resolve this, but at this time we don't know if that will be possible. Xpander will work on XP desktops using the Xtenda kit. Please read the Desktops section for further information.
• Is the Xpander noisy?
No. The Xpander is a silent, fanless enclosure.
• The UAD-Link cable looks like a regular HDMI cable ...
It is, actually. However, because not all HDMI cables are manufactured the same, some models do not work as well as the UAD-Link Cable branded ones, and cannot be guaranteed to work reliably with the Xpander. Because of this, we only officially support the use of the UAD-Link Cable to ensure optimal signal integrity. Additional cables can be purchased from the UA web store. Oh yeah, and do not plug the Xpander into your HDTV, Playstation 3, Blu-Ray player, etc! :D
Desktops
The UAD-Xtenda package is a 1x PCIe to ExpressCard adapter card for desktop computers, as well as a 15-foot UAD-Link cable, in case you need a longer run than the UAD-Link cable included with your UAD-Xpander. It can be used with any desktop PC that has a spare 1x or higher PCIe slot that is not specifically designed for use by a graphics card. (A few PC motherboards have a PCIe slot dedicated only for use by a graphics card. Please consult your motherboard's documentation if you are unsure which type of slot yours has.)
To install, open your desktop and insert the Xtenda PCIe card in a spare PCIe slot as you would any other PCIe card (such as a UAD-1e card). Once secure in the slot, close up the desktop and power up the machine.
Although the Xtenda itself does not require any drivers, you will need to have the UAD-1 software installed on the desktop for when the Xpander is connected. Using either the CD-ROM included with the Xpander or the latest version from our web site, install the UAD-1 software and shut down your machine when finished.
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Plug the Xpander's ExpressCard card into the Xtenda's ExpressCard slot as shown above, power up the Xpander and startup your desktop. On Windows, the Plug and Play wizard will install the drivers, and after that you're ready to go. On the Mac, it will be ready once the OS has completely booted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the UAD-Xtenda
• Is the Xpander "hot-swappable" when used with the Xtenda?
No. When the Xpander is used with the Xtenda, the desktop sees the Xpander as if it were an actual PCIe card. PCIe devices cannot be safely removed while the desktop is running. Only connect and disconnect the Xpander from the Xtenda when the desktop is fully shut down.
• Are Windows XP and Vista supported?
Yes. Because the Xpander is seen as a PCIe device when used with the Xtenda, it is not subject to the same memory allocation behavior that exists with ExpressCard and some Windows XP based laptops.
• Do I have to buy additional plug-in authorizations for use on my desktop with the Xpander + Xtenda?
No. You can use the same plug-in authorizations with the Xpander on your desktop and your laptop. Simply load your authorization file on both your laptop and desktop with the Xpander connected.
• Does the Xtenda work with any Xpander?
Yes, the Xtenda is designed to be used with any of the Xpander models: Xpress, Xpert, and Xtreme.