SABINE SW70-HD3 Handheld Microphone User Manual B1 SWM7000 OpGuide pmd

Sabine, Inc. Handheld Microphone B1 SWM7000 OpGuide pmd

users manual 1c

38Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)Multiple Systems Operation13. REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION13.1. OverviewIn many circumstances you will adjust and control your SabineSWM7000 wireless microphone system using the front panel controls,as outlined in previous sections of this operating guide. In circum-stances where an enhanced level of control over a single receiver isdesired, or to enable simultaneous computer-based control of multiplereceivers, you will need to install (on either a laptop or desktop com-puter) the free Sabine SWM Remote Control Software Software includedwith your system. Only receivers may be remotely controlled; handheldand belt pack transmitters cannot be remotely controlled.For online instructions for any function in the software, you may alsorefer to the Help menu.13.1.1. Single Receiver vs. Multiple ReceiverRemote ControlAll SWM7000 series receivers have an RS-232 jack on the back forserial connection to your computer. Thus, any single receiver can becontrolled remotely. Control over multiple receivers from a single com-puter is possible only for ND-series (SW51ND-R and SW52ND-R) re-ceivers. These units have additional RS-485 network connections (RJ-45 jacks) for daisy-chain connection from one receiver to the next. Upto 35 receivers (70 transmission channels if all receivers are 2-channel)may be connected in this network, all under the control of a singlecomputer. Single and dual channel receivers can be mixed in the samenetwork. The first receiver in such a network can be connected to thecomputer via an RS-232 or RS-485 serial cable; the remaining units willthen be connected via RS-485.It is not possible to upgrade/retrofit a standard receiver to make it anND-series unit.13.1.2 Features & Controls Added by SWMRemote SoftwareAll front panel controls and displays are duplicated in the software. Inaddition, a deeper level of software control over receiver operation isenabled. These new controls are complete and independent for eachtransmission/reception channel, meaning there are two sets of con-trols for dual channel receivers. These controls and displays include:•Parametric filter access and control. FBX filters can be changedto parametric filters, and their width, depth, and frequency can beadjusted. Changes can be made at any time, both before and afterFBX filters have been set. Parametric and FBX filters can be mixedin any combination, totaling 12 for each receiver channel.•Adjustable FBX parameter control. Maximum depth of FBX fil-ters can be adjusted globally; filter width can be adjusted globallyor individually. Two controls, Sensitivity and Persistence, can betweaked to tailor the operation of automatic FBX filter placement tomatch the audio program. Proper settings will optimize the bal-ance between false filtering and delayed response to feedback (thefactory default settings should operate excellently in the vast ma-jority of conditions and may never need to be changed).•Control over balance of FBX Fixed and Dynamic filters. AnyFBX filter can be set to be either fixed or dynamic.Tech TipFront Panel ControlLOCK 1 —All front panel controlsare locked.LOCK 2 —Programmable lock; youcan select which con-trols are locked.
39 Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)B3-SWM7000-OpGuide.pmd - 021022 - htoMultiple Systems Operation•Adjustable high and low cut filters. High Cut Filter, user-control-lable between 3 KHz and 20 KHz; 12dB/octave roll-off•Additional compressor controls. Aside from adjustments forratio, threshold, and attack (which duplicate front panel controls),the Remote Software provides control of compressor release timeand knee. The effect of compression on the output signal as afunction of input signal strength and parameter settings is displayedin Sabine’s unique dynamic ColorComp graph, in addition to thetraditional opposing-meter indicators.•RF Scan and Report, which measures strength for each of the 70transmission channels, and displays a hierarchical ordering of theclearest, strongest channels to use during system setup and op-eration. You can print a copy of the scan results.•Additional memory options. In addition to saving presets in re-ceiver memory, channel configuration settings can be saved to andrecalled from disc or hard drive. All parameter settings made withthe remote control, including adjustments that are not accessiblefrom front panel controls (e.g., compressor knee and release), aresaved with presets. All software settings stored for each of the 15presets, including settings not accessible from the front panel, willbe loaded whether presets are recalled by remote control or fromthe front panel. Note that all settings made in Off-line/Edit modecan be saved and applied in online operation..•Ability to print a report of all parameter settings, creating hardcopy documentation.•A receiver channel output mute button.•The ability to custom name each RF channel and receiver. Thisname will be displayed in both software operation, and on the re-ceiver front panel.•Display of important transmitter status information. In addi-tion to duplicating the battery charge status, battery warning mes-sage, and transmitter on/off/mute status from the front panel dis-play, the Remote Software displays the type of battery in use, thenumber of hours the battery has been in use, the frequency mid-point (in GHz) of the transmission channel chosen, the transmitterpad and low cut filter settings, and a warning indication in the caseof low RF signal strength. For handheld transmitters, the softwaredisplay also shows the type of mic capsule in use.•Improved and expanded operational displays. In addition toorganizing all front panel displays on a single computer screen, theRemote Software also displays the exact frequency, width, anddepth of FBX filters. The frequency response curve resulting fromcombined filter settings (including FBX, parametric, and high andlow cut) is graphically displayed in the software. Frequency re-sponse changes imposed by choosing various microphone modelsare also shown.•Customizable front panel lock settings. Software control allowsyou to program selective access to front panel controls to be madeavailable once the Remote Control is disconnected. Customizablefront panel lock settings are saved and recalled as part of eachreceiver’s settings. All software-only accessible settings are savedwith presets. Careful programming enables some powerful opera-tional features — for example, locking Program Save but enablingother front panel controls (including Program Load) will let front
40Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)Remote Control Operationpanel users update settings temporarily, yet reload the original set-tings at the push of a button. Such a temporary adjustment wouldnot permanently alter a setup designed to work in most situations,but would allow tweaking to address unusual situations.13.1.3. Multiple Unit Control by Remote SoftwareThe true extent of the power of the SWM Remote Software is realizedwhen it is used to control multiple wireless receivers. When ND-seriesreceivers are connected in a network, the additional controls offered bythe Remote Software over the entire system include:•Simultaneous multiple channel/system monitoring. The Re-mote Software “All Channel View” (figure 13g) shows all importantstatus conditions for up to 50 transmission channels. Color-codedwarnings and alerts draw attention to potential problems.•Detailed, quick access to a single set of controls. The “Com-mand View” (figure 13c) displays comprehensive information abouta single selected RF channel, and easy adjustment of all its con-trols. Command View channel is selected by clicking the appropri-ate All Channel View button. (NOTE: Each channel display in theAll Channel View also allows quick access to parameter adjust-ments, by using the right mouse button to popup a parameter con-trol menu.)•Quick, interactive control of wireless network channels. All orselected parameter settings for a given channel can be copied toone or more additional channels, using the Copy Parameters op-tion.13.2. Software Installation13.2.1. System Requirements/Recommendations•PC computer equipped with Pentium processor 100 MHz or faster•Hard disc with at least 10 MB of available space for program files.•Windows 95 or higher.•SVGA or greater resolution graphic card and monitor.•Recommended minimum monitor resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels (or800 x 600 pixels for 15 inch monitors). Select “small fonts” and 16bit color as defaults for monitor display.•One COM port for a serial connection, with a 16550 or faster COMchip.13.2.2. ConnectionsThere are two types of connections that are used in a remote controlledSabine SWM7000 system:•For connecting from the serial port on your computer to either asingle receiver, or to the first unit in a multiple receiver system, usea cable with standard 9-pin D-connectors (male on one end, femaleon the other). This plugs into the RS-232 jack on the receiver rearpanel. One connection is all that is necessary even if the receiveris a 2-channel unit.NOTE: for connections using a USB connector, a USB to RS-232adaptor is necessary (see Appendix).•For connecting to additional (ND-series only) receivers (beyond thefirst unit) in a multiple receiver system, use cable adhering to RS-
41 Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)B3-SWM7000-OpGuide.pmd - 021022 - hto485 standards, with RJ-45 connectors on either end. There are twosuch jacks on the back of all ND-series receivers. Either jack canconnect to another receiver either “upstream” or “downstream” fromthe computer remote control. As signals travel in both directions(from computer to receiver and back), it is not necessary to con-nect the last receiver in a network back to the computer (you donot need to make a “loop”). Up to 35 two-channel (or one-channel,or any combination) receivers (up to 70 transmission channels)can be connected in a single network.13.2.3. Installing the SoftwareFollow these simple instructions for installing the Sabine SWM Re-mote Software on your computer:1. Start Windows 95 or higher.2. Insert the Sabine software CD into your PC’s CD ROM drive andwait a few seconds for the auto-start software installer to open.Select the SWM7000 Remote Control Software installation iconand follow the instructions given in the dialog boxes that appear.NOTE: For best results, allow the installation program to install thesoftware within the default directories. If you choose to install inother than the default directories, be sure to remember programstorage location.13.3. Launching the softwareLaunching the software produces the Startup Screen (Fig. 13a).13.3.1. Off-Line Edit/DemoClicking the right button (“Off-Line Edit/Demo”) will open themain software screen regardless of whether any SWM re-ceivers are connected. The software functions in Off-Linemode are completely programmable, and may be saved anddownloaded to a connected receiver at a later time. Displaysettings (e.g., level, compression, transmitter settings) whichare dependent on the presence of actual signal are simu-lated, for demonstration only. You may turn the simulateddisplays on or off using the OPTIONS menu.13.3.2. Connecting Receivers.Clicking “Connect Receiver” will direct the software to pollthe bus on the designated COMM port to detect connected,powered-on receivers. If no receivers are detected, youmay change the designated COMM port by clicking theappropriate button. If this also proves ineffective, checkyour cables and connections, and make sure the connectedreceivers are powered on. In very rare instances you mayneed to reset your COMM port settings on your computer.Once polling is completed, the software will display all thereceivers detected, in sequence, and the model of eachreceiver (ND series or standard; 1 or 2-channel). (See fig-ure 13b for a sample opening display)Once you confirm that the information reported is correct,proceed to the main screen, and you may begin remotecontrol operation.Fig. 13a Control Software Startup windowRemote Control OperationFig. 13b - Connection Screen
42Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)13.4. Remote Control Operation13.4.1. Two Views, Two Sets of ControlsThe default main screen appearsas shown in figure 13c.The top portion of the screen(above the “Active Channels” barand two arrow buttons) is theCommand View, showing detailsand allowing parameter adjust-ments for a single receiver chan-nel at a time.The bottom portion (below “Ac-tive Channels”) is the All Chan-nel View, capable of simulta-neously showing the most im-portant (but less detailed) infor-mation for multiple channels.Each audio (RF) channel in thesystem has its own display box,arranged in rows of eight chan-nels each, organized in order tocorrespond to the string of receiv-ers in the serial bus.If you have 8 or fewer RF chan-nels, both View Modes will fit onyour monitor. For more than 8 channels, there are quick shortcuts foroptimizing your display and switching and mixing View Modes:•Click and drag the Active Channel bar to pull the All Channel Viewup or down, partially or completely covering the Command View.You cursor will change to a hand icon.•Use the up/down arrows flanking “Active Channel” to scroll the rowsdisplayed in the space allocated to the All Channel View.•Click on the Command View or All Channel View button in theupper left menu bar (or use F2 and F3), to immediately changefrom one to the other.•To select a channel to edit in either view, left click on a channel inAll Channel View (indicated by a red border around the selectedchannel). This displays that channel’s settings in the CommandView. A right mouse click on a single channel shown in the AllChannel View pops up a menu of parameters. The value of theparameter selected is displayed in the All Channel View for eachRF channel, and also pops up an adjustment screen for the se-lected channel. You can review and compare settings on all chan-nels, one parameter at a time, and adjust any setting on any unitfrom the All Channel View.•Parameter adjustments in the Command View can be made byclicking and turning any knob; or by a right-clicking on a parameterto pop up an adjustment window, and keying in a value.Fig. 13c - Control Software Command ViewRemote Control OperationFig. 13d - All Channel View (with right click onRatio).
43 Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)B3-SWM7000-OpGuide.pmd - 021022 - hto13.4.2. Menus and IconsQuick access to the features described above, plus someadditional software control, is available from four pull-downmenus (File, Select Receiver, Options, and RF Scan) andfive icons (FBX, Lock, Command View, All Channel View,and RF Scan) at the top of the screen. The controls asso-ciated with the five icons can also be accessed using func-tion keys F2 through F6, respectively. Figure 13e showsthe location of the menus and icons, and describes asso-ciated controls which are accessed.13.4.2.1. FBX Settings (F6)Allows global settings of FBX filter width and maximumallowed FBX filter depth. As filters are set, they will conform to theglobal width chosen at the time of setting. It is thus possible to mixfilter widths by changing the width value in between setting FBXfilters. Maximum depth will be common to all FBX filters, and thevalue will update if the global setting is changed.Sensitivity and Persistence are controls that allow the speed andanalysis of the FBX algorithm to match the type of audio program.Some audio programs, notably certain types ofclassical music, produce occasional waveformsthat are difficult to distinguish from acoustic feed-back. The factory default Sensitivity and Per-sistence values should work in almost all con-ditions; however, you may change them if nec-essary to prevent the possibility of triggering afalse filter, or to more quickly set the FBX fil-ters. There is a trade off between speed of filterplacement and how carefully the filter is placed.More demanding audio sources may requirehigher Sensitivity & Persistence settings, whichwill slightly slow down the speed of filter place-ment, but decrease any possibility of mistak-ing program audio for feedback.13.4.2.2. Lock (F5)2. Lock (F5)2. Lock (F5)2. Lock (F5)2. Lock (F5)You can customize the mix of functions thatwill be locked when choosing Front PanelLock 2 (figure 13g).13.4.2.3. All Channel View (F3)13.4.2.3. All Channel View (F3)13.4.2.3. All Channel View (F3)13.4.2.3. All Channel View (F3)13.4.2.3. All Channel View (F3)Shows the All Channel View as a (vertically)resizable window (figure 13h).13.4.2.4. Command View (F4)13.4.2.4. Command View (F4)13.4.2.4. Command View (F4)13.4.2.4. Command View (F4)13.4.2.4. Command View (F4)Shows the Command View on the screen (fig-ure 13c).Fig. 13h - Active Channels Window - All Channel ViewRemote Control OperationFie. 13f - FBX Parameters windowFIg. 13g - Front Panel Lock SetupRF Scan (F6)Front Panel Lock Control (F5)Set FBX Parameters (F4)All Channel View (F3)Command View (F2)Fig. 13e Menu Bar IconsRemote Control Operation
44Sabine 2.4 GHz Smart Spectrum Wireless (BETA)13.4.2.5. R13.4.2.5. R13.4.2.5. R13.4.2.5. R13.4.2.5. RF Scan (F6)F Scan (F6)F Scan (F6)F Scan (F6)F Scan (F6) Use the RF scan to get a “picture”of the potential RF interference inyour location. You should performa scan before every program so youcan see the ambient RF levels onall 70 channels of your system.Caution: The RF Scan mutes andtakes control of the selected re-ceiver. All other functions are dis-abled on the selected receiver. Donot perform an RF scan duringyour program!Select RF Scan by using thetoolbar button, the F6 hot key, orthe RF Scan menu tem. You will see the screen shown in Figure 13i.Select Single Scan or Continuous scan if you want to look at the RFlevels over time. The software will take control of the selected receiver,and will step through all 70 channels. You can control the speed of thescan using the Dwell Time adjustment.Scan results are shown in several ways. A green line indicates a Sabinetransmitter is active on the associated channel. A red line indicatesambient RF is present on the channel, at a level indicated by the scaleon the left side of the chart. A dotted red line indicates a previous RFlevel from an earlier scan, and a small yellow “T” indicates the peak RFlevel observed over the entire time. Left click on any line brings up awindow allowing you to disable the specific channel (figure 13J). If youchose Continuous Scan you can also choose to see the Channel De-tails (figure 13k) and a history of all RF activity on a particular channelfor the duration of the Continuous scan (figure 13L).Channels with very low RF signals (below -70 dBm) should be consid-ered open channels. We include this low level measurement so youcan see the activity in your location, but the Sabine transmitters willoverpower and ignore those very low signals.Fig. 13L RF Scan Channel HistoryRemote Control OperationFig. 13i RF Scanner results: one SabineTransmitter (will display as a green line) andsome low-level RF interference (will display asred lines)Fig. 13k RF Scan Channel InformationRF Scan CAUTIONDo not perform an RF scan during your program!Fig. 13J Delete Channel confirmation box

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