Preferred Settings:
The preferred setting for any sound device used with Zone is 16 bit with 44.1K sample rate.
There are situations where a station's hardware may require something different, but for the purposes of this manual we will assume these default settings.
We are also assuming you have Windows 10 Pro.
NOTE: Zone requires both an input and output device to be present to run.
If you don't have an input device you will need to plug in a cable to an input on the computer or activate the normally disabled Stereo Mix.
More info on enabling the Stereo Mix is in the next section:
Recording Tab.If you don't have a Stereo Mix or an input jack, you can install a virtual sound device to fool Windows.
Windows Quirks:
UPDATES:
Whenever Windows installs an update you might find that your sample rate and bit depth change mysteriously.
Anytime you update Windows, you should double-check the settings and ensure they are set correctly.
As a rule, DJB Support will disable the automatic installation of Windows Updates.
DEVICES:
Another facet of the interaction between Zone and Windows is that Zone checks with Windows for the current list of sound devices.
This ensures maximum compatibility with the widest range of sound cards. Basically if Windows can see it, Zone can see it.
This also means that if a device is added or removed, that list changes and the new order of the sound cards may cause Zone to play audio on channels you are not expecting.
You should get into the habit of checking the Zone OnAir and Production Settings anytime a device is added, removed or updated.
Future Proofing:
After you have verified your bit depth, sample rate, and channel assignments it is a good idea to take note of the settings.
A screenshot is worth a thousand words if you have to talk someone through resetting your channel assignments.
