D AND R Broadcast AIRMATE-USB Studio Remote User Manual

D AND R Broadcast AIRMATE-USB Studio Remote

Product Information

Specifications:

• Model: AIRMATE-USB
• Version: 2.22 smd (Studio remote)
• Input Modules: Four types available
• Compatibility: Windows & Macintosh computers
• Features: Telephone Hybrid, VoIP, Bluetooth modules

FAQ

• Q: How do I connect the AIRMATE-USB to my computer for live streaming?
  • A: Use the digital USB input and output on input modules 5&6/9&10 to easily interface with your PC for live streaming.
• Q: Can I use a standard microphone with the AIRMATE-USB?
  • A: Yes, you can use balanced microphones with XLR connectors. Make sure to use standard balanced Mic cables available at pro audio dealers or music stores.

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing the D&R AIRMATE-8-USB or AIRMATE-12-USB version mixer. The AIRMATE-USB was designed by Radio Broadcast professionals along with the D&R design team and is intended to be used 24 hours per day as an “On-Air” mixer and/or a production console in the most demanding production room. We are confident that you will be using the AIRMATE-USB for many years to come, and wish you much success. We value suggestions from our clients and would be grateful if you could email us with your comments at sales@d-r.nl when you are familiar with the AIRMATE-USB mixer. We learn from the ideas and suggestions of customers like you and appreciate your time. This manual applies to both versions of the AIRMATE-USB With kind regards, Duco de Rijk

INTRODUCTION

The AIRMATE-USB has Four types of modules to choose from

Triple Input Modules (positions 1-4/8) have the following features

• Professional low noise balanced Mic pre-amp with 48 volt phantom powering.
• Two pairs of line inputs with optional R.I.A.A. equalized pre-amp on line-B for turntables.
• Gain control
• Three-band stereo equalizer
• Start (ON) switch
• Stereo CUE switch for pre fade listening
• 100mm smooth professional faders

Input modules 5&6/9&10 are identical to triple input modules 1 thru 4/8 except for the line-B inputs have been converted into digital USB input and output to allow easy interface with PC’s (Windows & Macintosh computers). This feature will allow you to connect to the Internet via your computer for “Live” streaming of audio to the Internet. Input modules 7 & 8/11&12 have a high quality built-in Telephone Hybrid in each module which are switchable to stereo line inputs when only one or no Telephone Hybrid is needed in your live broadcast studio. There is a choice out of Telco modules, VoIP modules and Bluetooth modules or any combination of these modules.

TRIPLE INPUT MODULES 1-4/8

The input modules switches & controls have the following functions: Each of Modules 1 thru 4/8 has three selectable inputs. The three types of inputs consist of a Mic input and two pairs of stereo line inputs. In the Mic switch position, the module is a normal mono module. When the Mic is switched out, you have the choice of Line A or B stereo inputs which allows for the module to become a stereo module with both left & right signals to feed the stereo mix buss.

GAIN

With the gain control, the source input level can be adjusted to the required internal mixer level. This control adjusts both the Mic input and the two pairs of line inputs with the same control depending on the switch positions. Mic gain can be increased by 20dB by internal jumper settings (if needed).

STEREO LINE (A B)

The stereo line inputs (A or B) pairs are high impedance inputs for connecting the stereo line level outputs of devices such as CD players.

MIC

The Mic input has a balanced XLR input connector with 48volt phantom powering for condenser mikes. The Mic-pre circuitry uses the latest technology studio- class components. The low-noise design and excellent phase spec that D&R is known for is integrated throughout the AIRMATE-USB.

• Using balanced microphones & cables allows for the quietest and high quality audio signals throughout your Airmate-USB mixer. You can use standard balanced Mic cables available at any pro audio dealer or music store.
• The Airmate uses chassis-mount female XLR type Mic input connectors. Any standard pro audio Mic cable will have the mating male XLR connector.

EQUALIZER

Each module has a stereo three band equalizer to control the high, mid, and low frequencies individually. The D&R designers used carefully chosen frequencies in the equalizer circuitry to enhance the Mic input as well as the stereo A & B line inputs.

AUX SEND

The next control is a stereo Aux send that sends stereo source signals to the stereo Aux send buss Master and then to the output connectors on the Master back panel. The stereo Aux send is for external effects such as reverb, echo, or headphone amplifiers. Each Aux send can be set pre or post fader by changing jumper settings on the circuit board of each module. The factory default is post fader.

CUE

Below the AUX SEND is the stereo CUE switch (Pre Fade Listening), this switch allows you to check the signal before you raise your channel fader up and mix it with other signals in the mixer.

ON

The ON switch is used to activate the module and generate a start signal for turntables, CD players, and jingle or cart machines. This switch sends out a momentary pulse or shortens continuously two pins of the Start connector on the back panel of the console.

FADER

Final control is the high-quality, 100mm long throw K-Alps stereo channel fader with integrated fader start switch. At the beginning of the fader movement you will feel integrated start switch that is activated when you bring up the fader. This switch activates the start circuitry that is connected to the Start Connector on the module back panel as described above. A Red light is activated if the SELF OP switch in the master section is activated. Control Room monitoring will be muted when a Mic is opened (DJ setting).

INPUT CONNECTORS

On the back of modules 1 thru 4/8, you find seven connectors for each module. The Mic input is a balanced female XLR type connector. The two pairs of stereo line inputs use Cinch pro RCA female type connectors. If you use turn tables and need phono type R.I.A.A. equalized pre-amps, D&R offers an optional plug- in R.I.A.A. pre-amp for Line inputs B at a nominal price. The level can be set with the gain control to match any available phono cartridge. Both Line inputs A & B are identical with the exception of the optional phono pre-amp. Being unbalanced, the shield and (-) or common need to be connected together during installation. In order to use the START switch, it requires two pins in the ¼” stereo connector located on the back panel to be wired. The tip and ring are shorted (continuously or momentary by jumper selection) when the ON switch or fader switch is activated. Once you have done this, you can start a turntable with the ON switch (if the START connector is wired on the back panel).

NEVER CONNECT AC POWER VOLTAGE TO THIS REMOTE-JACK

The START jack switches “quick start turntables” through the remote jack via a shorted contact action in the ¼” stereo connector on the back of the mixer. If your turntable only needs a pulse to start, ask your dealer to modify the internal circuitry to change it into a momentary action, so it can be used as a pulse start switch. This done on jumper J17 It is also possible to use this START jack for local ON-AIR signaling, you need to change jumper setting J11 Connections on the START connector can only be made with a maximum of 24 Volts 50 mA. Please contact your dealer if you are uncertain.

NEVER CONNECT AC POWER VOLTAGE TO THIS REMOTE JACK

INSERT

This ring/tip/sleeve stereo jack socket let’s you insert signal processors such as compressors/gates or special voice processing units to “improve” your voice to be the ultimate announcer/DJ sound. The Ring of the stereo jack sends the channel signal and the Tip accepts the return signal. On the next page you see the type of cable you need

If you are going to make a cable yourself, do it like this. Connect the tip from the stereo cable to the tip of one of the mono jacks and the ring of the stereo cable to the tip of the other mono jack. Now insert the stereo jack into the Airmate’s insert and connect the mono jack that produces a hum when the tip is touched by your finger (and the related channel fader is open) into the processor’s output. The other mono jack should be inserted into the processor’s input. In case your processor has XLR inputs connect the tip of the stereo jack to pin 2 of the Female XLR and short pin 1 and 3 with each other and connect to the ground (sleeve) This also goes for the other Male XLR, connect the ring of the stereo jack (which sends signals) to a male XLR pin2. Short here pin 1 and 3 and ty to ground (sleeve). This has to be done because the insert is not balanced. See below the cable you need.

SPECIAL OPTIONS FOR MODULES 1 – 4/8

Located on the input channel circuit boards are several jumpers that can be changed to enable different configurations of the channel settings. If changes are required, we advise you to contact your local dealer to have these changes performed. The following 7 jumper settings can be changed to adjust the Airmate-USB to your needs.

Jumper J12 and J13. Underneath the small pcb you look at.
2| J3| Low cut ON| Low cut filter on Mic input done by shorting all 4 pins on Jumper J3.9
3| J15| Phantom ON| 48 volt phantom power on/off via Jumper J15.
4| J6/16| POST| Stereo Aux send pre or post selectable via Jumper J6/16

5

|

J7

|

Channel 7-8 ON

| Clean-Feed (CLN-FEED) jumper (J7) to select whether the stereo audio signal(summed to mono) is sent to the clean-feed bus that is available in the master section for connecting external Hybrids.
6| J17| Continuously| Pulse/Continuously Jumper J17 to change the start pulse from latching (continuously) to pulse.
7| J5| 20dB| Mic gain ( Jumper J5) can be set to change the Mic pre from 20dB to 40dB of gain.
8| J10| MIC ON with Line input (OFF)| This jumper enables you to mute the control room monitor when the line input is selected. (in case a mic processor is connected to the line input)

9

|

J11

| FDR Start with Mic input (OFF)| You can use the START jack to individually switch on an ON-AIR light that shows that this channel MIC is active. The main ON-AIR jack in the mas- ter section will also be activated. Reposition JUmper J11 from off to ON
10| J9/J18/ J19| Faderstart or Studio Remote| On all three jumpers set 1+2= Faderstart (default) or 2+3=Studio Re- mote
11| J120| GPO| 1+2=GPO no jumper is no GPO

USB-LINE MODULES 5/9 AND 6/10 CONNECTORS, CONTROLS, & FUNCTIONS

• Low noise balanced Mic pre-amp with 48 volt phantom powering.
• One pair stereo line inputs (left & right)
• One USB connector (stereo in & out)
• Gain control
• Three band equalizer
• Stereo CUE switch for pre fade listening
• Start (ON) switch
• 100mm Ultra-Smooth Professional fader.

Input modules 5/9 & 6/10 are identical to triple input modules 1 thru 4/8 except for line-B input is replaced with a USB (stereo input and output circuit) connector on the back panel.

GAIN

With the gain control, the source level is adjusted to the required internal mixer level. This is for both Mic/Line inputs as well as the USB inputs.

LINE – USB

The stereo line input is a high impedance input for connecting any stereo line level device such as CD players, iPods, tape decks etc. The USB switch changes the module into a USB in and out module. The USB connector will communicate with play-record devices such as computers using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), Windows Media Player, and/or CD players using a USB output connector. It is an input that can be connected to any standard USB connector on PC’s to make an easy interface with music programs running on the PC. When the USB connection is made between the Airmate-USB and your PC, your computer will recognizes the USB device as new hardware. A small green led lights when data is sent over the USB cable. In Windows Media Player, you can change settings to allow it to work as a player or recorder.

The controls of the input modules have the following functions.

MIC

The Mic input is a professional balanced input circuit with 48volt phantom powering for condenser mikes which delivers studio-class microphone quality to your announcer/ DJ channel.

EQUALIZER

Each input module has a three band equalizer to control the high, mid, and low frequencies individually at carefully chosen frequencies.

AUX SEND

Below the Equalizer is the stereo Aux send control that can send mono Mic or stereo source signals (pre or post fader via PCB jumper settings) to the stereo Aux Send buss. The factory default is post fader.

CUE

Below the Aux send is the stereo CUE switch (Pre Fader Listening), this switch allows you to check the signal before you mix it with the other signals in the Airmate-USB.

ON

The ON switch is used to make a connection that can start turntables and CD players as well as jingle or cart machines. This switch sends out a momentary pulse or switches continuously inside the Start connector on the module back plate at the rear of the mixer. See “Start switch”

FADER

Final control of the channel is the 100mm long throw K-Alps stereo channel fader with integrated fader start switch. The channel fader sends the amount of signal from the associated channel to the master mix buss. At the beginning of the fader movement you will feel an internally built in start switch that is activated when you bring up the fader. This switch activates the start circuitry and controls externally connected devices such as CD players etc (via the Start connector on the back).

INPUT CONNECTORS

On the back of your AIRMATE-USB modules 5/9 and 6/10 you will find the following five connectors. Two unbalanced line input RCA Cinch connectors (stereo input) for connecting CD players or any play-back devices such as cart machines, cassette players, or iPods. Any line level equipment can be connected here. The level can be set using the gain control to match most source levels. The left RCA Cinch connector is the left input and the right RCA Cinch connector is the right input. The shield is to be connected to the ground or case of the RCA Cinch connector. The USB connector is wired according to International standards and is a stereo USB 2 Codec (HID Interface) digital input, as well as an output. The START switch has two active connections to be wired. The tip and ring are shorted when the ON switch or fader switch is activated. Once you have done this, you can start a turntable or other devise with the ON switch via the START connector on the back panel. The START switches quick start turntables through the remote jack by a continuous contact action at the back of the mixer. If your turntable only needs a pulse to start, ask your dealer to modify the internal circuitry to change it to a momentary action, so it can be used as a pulse start switch.

NEVER CONNECT THE MAINS TO THIS REMOTE JACK

Connections on the START connector can only be made with a maximum of 24 Volts by 50 mA. Please contact your dealer in case of doubt. The balanced Mic input is on XLR and can provide 48volt phantom powering.

SPECIAL AVAILABLE OPTIONS IN YOUR AIRMATE-USB MODULE

On the input PCB of your AIRMATE-USB module there are several jumpers that can be changed to enable different configurations of the channel settings. This should be done by a D&R dealer or service center. The following 8 jumper settings can be changed to adjust the Airmate-USB to fit your needs.

default).
5| J7| Clean-Feed (CLN-FEED) jumper (J7) to select whether the audio stereo signal

(summed to mono) is send to the clean-feed bus that is available in the master section for external Hybrids.

6| J17| Pulse/continuous Jumper J17 to change the start pulse from latching (continuously) to pulse.
7| J5| Mic gain ( Jumper J5) can be set to amplify an extra 20dB or 40dB.
8| J28-32| USB output selection to select pre-or post master fader. (if your mixer has a with a master- fader)

SETTING UP THE USB MODULES

Above pictured you see a section of the USB pcb where you can decide which output signal is sent to the USB connector. The default setting is a post master stereo fader signal that is sent to the USB connector. You can change this by moving both yellow jumpers to the mid positions, now you have a pre- fader signal going to your PC. A mix is also possible of course. The level is set by the master faders of the mixer when post is selected. But you also have left and right of the jumper settings two trimmers (VR1 and VR2) that adjust the level that is sent to the USB chip in the Airmate and thus adjust the outgoing level to your PC for left and right signal pre or post master faders. This is especially important for Windows 7 that recognizes the Airmate-USB chips we use as mic level signals. A lower output level coming from the Airmate-USB will greatly improve performance. Also imbalances between left and right could be corrected by these trimmers. An audio application needs to run on your PC to be able to see the levels. Or else trial and error is the only way. A free downloadable tool is to be found here https://www.darkwooddesigns.co.uk/pc2/testgen.html To be able to adjust this level you need to remove the bottom plate of the Airmate to access the trimmers. The return signal coming from the PC is fixed but can be adjusted with the Gain control of the Airmate-USB channel.

Previous discussions about modules 1 thru 4/8 is also applicable for modules 5/9 and 6/10 except in these modules line B is replaced by a USB interface circuit and connector. In order to set up a connection between your computer and AIRMATE-USB mixer, use a standard USB cable from any local computer shop. (See picture).

Standard USB cable

When connecting the Airmate-USB to your computer, the computer (PC or Mac) will recognize the Airmate as new hardware and will establish a connection to any audio programs needing audio hardware. After establishing a connection, there is no need to download drivers or perform complicated setup routines, just plug in the USB cable to your Windows or Mac computer and start tracking! If you want to know more about USB try this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_Stream_Input/Output If you are already familiar with digital audio recording, the latest versions of Kristal Audio Engine and Audacity are available free of charge via the Internet. Use this link https://www.asio4all.org/ for third party downloads.

UNDERSTANDING INTERNET RADIO

One of the key features of the AIRMATE-USB is you can set up your own Internet radio station from your home or office and have your friends listen to your broadcasts, be it music, Talk, political, or religious programming.

For more information on the Internet, follow the web links below.

NOTE: D&R does not accept responsibility for the content of the following links or sites.

• How it works: https://www.shoutcast.com/
• Winamp : https://www.winamp.com/
• Shoutcast server: https://www.shoutcast.com/

The following paragraphs concerning the Internet might give you a better understanding about Internet radio. If you wish to set up a broadcast and you are a do-it-yourself kind of person – you might do well creating your own online radio station by using your own personal computer to create a dedicated server for doing the job. Some of the software options for getting this done include:

SHOUTcast:

SHOUTcast is one of the original free Internet radio software solutions for streaming audio. You can start your own station fairly easily and the software is free to download.  https://realnetworks.com/realplayer-page

Helix Server Basic

Free streaming media server software which can distribute live and on-demand video and other media. Realnetworks. com describes it as: “Simple 5-stream server. This free media server is a great solution if you are getting started with streaming media and want to experiment before rolling it out to a large audience.” The Helix Server Basic is free to download. https://realnetworks.com/realplayer-page

Quicktime Streaming Server

Apple.com says: “Whether you are looking to add streaming media to your web site, deliver distance learning or provide rich content for your mobile subscribers, Mac OS X Server has all of the tools you need. QuickTime Streaming Server lets you deliver live or prerecorded content in real time over the Internet.” You can find out more at apple.com. https://www.apple.com/

Quicktime Broadcaster

Apple.com writes: “Combining the power of QuickTime with Apple’s ease of use, QuickTime Broadcaster allows just about anyone to produce a live broadcast event.” Download this software from apple.com http://www.apple.com

Peercast

Peercast.org is a non-profit website that provides free peer-to-peer broadcasting software. “PeerCast is a simple, free way to listen to radio and watch video on the Internet. It uses P2P technology to let anyone become a broadcaster without the costs of traditional streaming,” according to the peercast.org website. http://peercast.sourceforge.net/

Icecast

Icecast is “free server software for streaming multimedia.” Download a copy from icecast.org. https://www.icecast.org/

TELCO-LINE MODULE 7/11 and 8/12 CONNECTORS, CONTROLS, & FUNCTIONS
Input modules 7/11 & 8/12 have integrated Hybrid circuitry with built in high quality Telephone Hybrids
as well as stereo line inputs in case only one Hybrid is needed.
Highlights are:

• High quality Telephone Hybrid circuit to directly connect to phone lines
• Stereo line input
• Gain control
• Telco send Control
• Direct access CONNect and TB (Talk Back) switches
• Stereo Aux send
• Stereo CUE switch for pre fade listening
• Start (ON) switch
• 100mm smooth professional faders
  WHAT IS A TELEPHONE HYBRID?
  Telephone hybrids are hardware interfaces between professional audio equipment and public
  telephone networks. They provide protection for your equipment and the public telephone
  lines, allowing for various line signals and line conditions. Automatically canceling out the unwanted
  signal, they facilitate two-way communication when using a single 2 wire telephone
  line.
  Each Airmate-USB hybrid module has a Telephone line (WALL) connection and a handset connection.
  Thousands of D&R Telephone Hybrids (also built into this Airmate-USB) are used in radio and
  television broadcasting facilities around the World allowing external callers to be connected to
  the studio mixer for live broadcast. Many of the D&R Telephone Hybrids are supplied to radio
  stations allowing extremely effective conversion between 4-wire audio circuits and standard 2
  wire telephone lines.
  Specs:
  Output : Internally connected in the Airmate.
  Input : Line level 0 dBu balanced, internally connected in the Airmate.
  R/C balance : fully adjustable.
  Separation : more than 30dB.
  The controls of the Hybrid/Line modules have the following functions.
  TELCO SEND
  With this control you adjust the level of the outgoing signal to the telephone line.
  TELEPHONE HYBRID / STEREO LINE INPUT SWITCH
  When switched to the stereo line input, you have a high impedance line level input for connecting
  cart machines, iPods, tape machines, or CD players.
  The up position of this switch changes this module into a full blown telephone Hybrid module.
  It is a Hybrid that can be connected to any standard telephone line.
  R-BALANCE
  Internal potentiometer (screwdriver control) to adjust for maximum side tone attenuation via
  top panel hole.
  C-BALANCE
  16 position rotary switch to select the optimum side tone attenuation.

GAIN

With the GAIN control, the source level is adjusted to the internal mixer level. This is for both the Telephone Line input and the Stereo Line inputs.

CONNect

This switch (when pushed) picks up the phone line when a call comes in. Note: the incoming call will not be heard until the CUE is pressed or the ON switch and the fader are activated which brings the signal to the mixer.

References

• Audio Stream Input/Output - Wikipedia
• ASIO4ALL Official Home – Universal Windows ASIO Driver
• D&R On-Air Light for Broadcast Studios
• D&R Broadcast Mixing Consoles | radio console
• Skype | Stay connected with free video calls worldwide
• Audio Stream Input/Output - Wikipedia
• RealPlayer Page | RealNetworks
• ASIO4ALL Official Home – Universal Windows ASIO Driver
• D&R Broadcast Mixing Consoles | radio console
• Home Page - Shoutcast
• Winamp

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