OMNITRONIC AN-31 XL Audio Analyzer User Manual

: June 17, 2024
: OMNITRONIC

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3. OPERATING DETERMINATIONS
4. DESCRIPTION
- 4.1 Features
- 4.2 Operating elements and connections
5 INSTALLATION
6 OPERATION
- 6.1 Realtime analysis of audio signals
- 6.2 Noise generator
7 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
- 7.1 Replacing the fuse
8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

OMNITRONIC AN-31 XL Audio Analyzer User Manual

CAUTION!
Keep this device away from rain and moisture! Unplug mains lead before opening the housing!
For your own safety, please read this user manual carefully before you initially start-up.
Every person involved with the installation, operation and maintenance of this device has to
– be qualified
– follow the instructions of this manual
– consider this manual to be part of the total product
– keep this manual for the entire service life of the product
– pass this manual on to every further owner or user of the product
– download the latest version of the user manual from the Internet

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for having chosen the OMNITRONIC audio analyzer AN-31 XL. You have acquired a reliable and powerful device. If you follow the instructions given in this manual, we can assure you that you will enjoy this device for many years.
Unpack your device.

2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION!
Be careful with your operations. With a dangerous voltage you can suffer a dangerous electric shock when touching the wires!
This device has left our premises in absolutely perfect condition. In order to maintain this condition and to ensure a safe operation, it is absolutely necessary for the user to follow the safety instructions and warning notes written in this user manual.

Important: Damages caused by the disregard of this user manual are not subject to warranty. The dealer will not accept liability for any resulting defects or problems.

If the device has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not switch it on immediately. The arising condensation water might damage your device. Leave the device switched off until it has reached room temperature.

Please make sure that there are no obvious transport damages. Should you notice any damages on the A/C connection cable or on the casing, do not take the device into operation and immediately consult your local dealer.

This device falls under protection-class I. The power plug must only be plugged into a protection class I outlet. The voltage and frequency must exactly be the same as stated on the device. Wrong voltages or power outlets can lead to the destruction of the device and to mortal electrical shock.

Always plug in the power plug least. The power plug must always be inserted without force. Make sure that the plug is tightly connected with the outlet.

Never let the power cord come into contact with other cables! Handle the power cord and all connections with the mains with particular caution! Never touch them with wet hands, as this could lead to mortal electrical shock.

Never modify, bend, strain mechanically, put pressure on, pull or heat up the power cord. Never operate next to sources of heat or cold. Disregard can lead to power cord damages, fire or mortal electrical shock.

The cable insert or the female part in the device must never be strained. There must always be sufficient cable to the device. Otherwise, the cable may be damaged which may lead to mortal damage.

Make sure that the power cord is never crimped or damaged by sharp edges. Check the device and the power cord from time to time.

If extension cords are used, make sure that the core diameter is sufficient for the required power consumption of the device. All warnings concerning the power cords are also valid for possible extension cords.

Always disconnect from the mains, when the device is not in use or before cleaning it. Only handle the power cord by the plug.

Never pull out the plug by tugging the power cord. Otherwise, the cable or plug can be damaged leading to mortal electrical shock. If the power plug or the power switch is not accessible, the device must be disconnected via the mains.

If the power plug or the device is dusty, the device must be taken out of operation, disconnected and then be cleaned with a dry cloth. Dust can reduce the insulation which may lead to mortal electrical shock. More severe dirt in and at the device should only be removed by a specialist.

There must never enter any liquid into power outlets, extension cords or any holes in the housing of the device. If you suppose that also a minimal amount of liquid may have entered the device, it must immediately be disconnected. This is also valid, if the device was exposed to high humidity. Also if the device is still running, the device must be checked by a specialist if the liquid has reduced any insulation. Reduced insulation can cause mortal electrical shock.

There must never be any objects entering into the device. This is especially valid for metal parts. If any metal parts like staples or coarse metal chips enter into the device, the device must be taken out of operation and disconnected immediately.

Malfunction or short-circuits caused by metal parts may cause mortal injuries.
Before the device is switched on all faders and volume controls have to be set to “0” or “min” position.

CAUTION: Turn the amplifier on last and off first!

Please note that damages caused by manual modifications on the device or unauthorized operation by unqualified persons are not subject to warranty.
Keep away children and amateurs!

There are no serviceable parts inside the device. Maintenance and service operations are only to be carried out by authorized dealers.

3. OPERATING DETERMINATIONS

The AN-31 XL serves for realtime analysis of acoustic signals received through either the supplied measurement microphone with cardioid characteristics or any other microphone or line in connection. The analyzer divides the frequency spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz into 31 bands at 1/3 octave intervals and displays the decibel level of each band of sound via LEDs. By utilizing the integrated noise generator, an adjustable test signal (pink noise) can be created that can be used e.g. in connection with an equalizer to match a PA system to room acoustics.

This product is allowed to be operated with an alternating current of 230 V AC, 50 Hz and was designed for indoor use only.

Do not shake the device. Avoid brute force when installing or operating the device.

When choosing the installation spot, please make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat, moisture or dust. There should not be any cables lying around. You endanger your own and the safety of others!

This device must never be operated or stockpiled in surroundings where splash water, rain, moisture or fog may harm the device. Moisture or very high humidity can reduce the insulation and lead to mortal electrical shocks. When using smoke machines, make sure that the device is never exposed to the direct smoke jet and is installed in a distance of 0.5 meters between smoke machine and device.

The ambient temperature must always be between -5° C and +45° C. Keep away from direct insulation (particularly in cars) and heaters.

The relative humidity must not exceed 50 % with an ambient temperature of 45° C.

This device must only be operated in an altitude between -20 and 2000 m over NN.

Operate the device only after having familiarized with its functions. Do not permit operation by persons not qualified for operating the device. Most damages are the result of unprofessional operation!

Never use solvents or aggressive detergents in order to clean the device! Rather use a soft and damp cloth.

Please use the original packaging if the device is to be transported.

If this device will be operated in any way different to the one described in this manual, the product may suffer damages and the guarantee becomes void. Furthermore, any other operation may lead to dangers like short-circuit, burns, electric shock, etc.

4. DESCRIPTION

4.1 Features

31-band analyzer for audio signals

Realtime analysis of audio signals
31 bands with 1/3 octave steps
Pink noise generator, adjustable
Measurement microphone included
Gain control
Analysis meter with 12 LEDs per frequency band
dB level meter with 12 LEDs
Additional line and microphone input, switchable
Compatible with 31-band equalizers
19″ dimensions for rack installation, 2 U

4.2 Operating elements and connections

Power switch with indicator Turns power to the unit on and off. When powered on, the indicator lights up.
LED analyzer meter The analyzer divides the frequency spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz into 31 bands at 1/3 ocatve intervals and displays the decible level of each band of sound via 12 x 31 LEDs. When response is too high in a band, the red LEDs light up.
LED level meter Level indication with 12 LEDs for the audio signal within the range of -38 dB to +10 dB.
Gain control Adjusts the input amplification for the signal source.
Microphone input 6.3 mm jack for connecting the supplied measurement microphone or any other microphone.
Control PINK NOISE Adjusts the volume of the pink noise.
Microphone input 6.3 mm jack for connecting the supplied measurement microphone or any other microphone.
Input selector switch MIC/LINE Selects the signal source which is to be analysed:
· left position MIC: the microphone inputs are selected via the 6.3 mm jacks
· left position LINE: the line input is selected via the RCA jacks
Line input Stereo input (RCA) for connecting units with line level which are to be analyzed, as an alternative to the microphone inputs.
Output PINK NOISE Stereo input (RCA) of the pink noise generator for connecting subsequent units with line level output (e.g. mixer, power amplifier).
AC input with fuseholder Used to plug the supplied power cord in. Only replace the fuse when the device is disconnected from mains. Only use fuses of the same rating and power. The correct fuse value is specified on the rear panel.

5 INSTALLATION

5.1 Rack installation

Install the unit on a plane surface or in your rack. For 19″ (483 mm) rack installation, 2 units are required. When mounting the unit into the rack, please make sure that there is enough space around the device so that the heated air can be passed on. Steady overheating will damage your device. You can fix the unit with four screws M6 in the rack.

5.2 Connecting audio devices

Switch off the AN-31 XL prior to connecting any units or to changing any existing connections.

Connect the supplied measurement microphone or another microphone to one of the 6.3 mm jacks.
As an alternative to measurements with a microphone, a unit with line level can also be analysed. For this purpose connect the unit to the line input. Make sure that the right/left occupation (plug color red/white) is the same at both units.
To feed the noise signal to a subsequent unit with line level (e.g. mixer, equalizer or amplifier), connect it to the output PINK NOISE. Make sure that the right/left occupation (plug color red/white) is the same at both units.

5.3 Connection with the mains

Connect the device to the mains with the supplied power supply cable. The occupation of the connection cables is as follows:

Attention! The earth has to be connected! If the device will be directly connected with the local power supply network, a disconnection switch with a minimum opening of 3 mm at every pole has to be included in the permanent electrical installation. The device must only be connected with an electric installation carried out in compliance with the IEC standards. The electric installation must be equipped with a Residual Current Device (RCD) with a maximum fault current of 30 mA.

6 OPERATION

Prior to switching on, turn the gain and pink noise control to minimum to avoid a possible switching-on noise.
Switch on the unit with the power switch. The red power indicator lights up. Switch on the connected units. Always switch on the power amplifier for the speakers last of all. When switching off the system, always switch off the power amplifier first.

6.1 Realtime analysis of audio signals

For measurements with the supplied measurement microphone or another microphone set the rear input selector switch MIC/LINE to position MIC and set up the microphone for operation.
For analysing a unit connected to the line input, set the input selector switch MIC/LINE to position LINE.
Feed audio signals to the unit and read the signal levels on the LED meters.
The input sensitivity can be adjusted with the gain control.

6.2 Noise generator

By utilizing the integrated noise generator, a test signal (pink noise) can be created that can be used e.g. in connection with an equalizer to match a PA system to room acoustics (see connection example in section 5.2).

Adjust the input sensitivity with the gain control so that none of the LEDs light while the control PINK NOISE is set to minimum.
Run pink noise through the equalizer and turn up the control PINK NOISE until the noise signal just overcomes ambient noise (e.g. from air conditioners or traffic). The LEDs of the analyzer display will show a curve with the different frequency band levels.
Adjust extreme levels via your equalizer until a curve as flat as possible is indicated on the analyzer meter. For this purpose, lower more pronounced frequencies and increase those frequencies that are not so prominently featured, thus approximately achieving linear reproduction. Try to orient yourself on a frequency whose signal level lies in the 0 dB to -3 dB range in order to avoid overdriving the subsequent units.

7 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

DANGER TO LIFE!
Disconnect from mains before starting maintenance operation!
We recommend a frequent cleaning of the device. Please use a soft lint-free and moistened cloth. Never use alcohol or solvents! There are no serviceable parts inside the device except for the fuse. Maintenance and service operations are only to be carried out by authorized dealers.

7.1 Replacing the fuse

If the fine-wire fuse of the device fuses, only replace the fuse by a fuse of same type and rating.
Before replacing the fuse, unplug mains lead.
Procedure:
Step 1: Open the fuse holder on the rear panel with a fitting screwdriver.
Step 2: Remove the old fuse from the fuse holder.
Step 3: Install the new fuse in the fuse holder.
Step 4: Replace the fuse holder in the housing.

Should you need any spare parts, please use genuine parts. If the power supply cable of this device becomes damaged, it has to be replaced by a special power supply cable available at your dealer.
Should you have further questions, please contact your dealer.