UniFace Owner’s Manual V2k8.1 CE © 2008 ARX Systems®
UniFace Owner’s Manual V2k8.1 CE © 2008 ARX Systems®
6
3
Introduction
Thank you for choosing this
Uni
Face
Transforrmer Isolated AGC Podcast Interface As
with all ARX equipment, it has undergone extensive factory calibration and ‘burn in’
before shipping. To ensure continued trouble free use, please familiarise yourself with
the contents of this manual before using the
Uni
Face
.
About the UniFace
These days, more and more educational institutions such as colleges, universities and
high schools are expected to provide downloadable recordings - podcasts - of lectures
and classes, for students to access at all times on the local area network. These
recordings are typically taken from the classroom/lecture theatre sound system and
saved to a computer in real time.
Problem 1:
Getting the correct level is hard, given that the level requirements are
different to those of speakers.
Problem 2:
Maintaining a steady input level to the computer requires continual monitor-
ing to prevent digital overload.
The solution to this is the new
Uni
Face
from ARX: A user-friendly way of adapting
existing systems to be ‘podcast-ready’ by simply inserting it into the existing signal
chain.
Two Balanced XLR Line input channels feeding into the Automatic Gain Control circuitry
taken from our unique UniMIX. Specially tailored parameters ensure that levels remain
constant, irrespective of Mic placement and user technique.
The result is a consistent level for the recording, removing the need for fulltime monitor-
ing and the risk of overloading and distortion.
The Recording Outputs are stereo balanced XLR connectors, transformer isolated to
prevent ground loops and associated noise.
For the room system, the UniFace has 2 Balanced XLR outputs, looped from the
Balanced Inputs. The Input and loop Output XLRs are hardwired so there is no interac-
tion with the existing room system.
Industry standard connections ensure that the UniFace neatly and compatibly interfaces
with existing systems with no wiring modifications being required
Internally, careful attention to the signal path design, using precision components found
in high-end mixing consoles, has resulted in a unit with very wide dynamic range. The
UniFace has enough headroom to cope with the hottest line signal, and better than
digital noise specifications
AC power range is a universal 100 to 120V or 220 to 240V AC, and is connected to the
unit via a standard three pin IEC connector, with built-in fuse and voltage change switch.
Other applications include Boardroom/Annual General Meeting recording, Courtroom,
Houses of Worship, and much more.
Connecting the Uni
Face
Like so many good ideas, setting up your
Uni
Face
is very straightforward.
1. Firstly,
connect the unit to AC power.
Please Note:
This is a dual voltage unit. It is essential that you check that the voltage
on the fuseholder cover below the AC connector on the rear of the chassis is set
correctly before connecting it to AC power. See Page 2 for more details.
2. Typically the
Uni
Face
will connect between the existing audio mixer and the the rest
of the existing audio system, so connect the Left and Right Outputs of the Mixer to
the Left and Right Inputs of the
Uni
Face
.
3. Connect the Left and Right Outputs of the
Uni
Face
to the Left and Right Inputs of
the equipment that the audio mixer was originally connected to. Typically this would
be an Equalizer, or the Inputs of a power amplifier.
4. The
Uni
Face
has now been inserted into the existing signal chain, which should
operate exactly as it did before.
5. The dual Balanced Male XLR Outputs on the rear of the
Uni
Face
are the Recording
Outputs, and these connect to the audio inputs of the computer sound card. These
are transformer isolated to avoid ground loop hums and other noises being trans-
ferred to the recording. A rear panel switch will sum the outputs to Mono if required.
6. The Level is controlled by the Output Level control on the front panel. The Threshold
of the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) should be adjusted until audio peaks stay under
0dB on the recording software. A status LED on the front panel indicates when the
AGC is active.
Any LED illuminated on the front panel acts as an indicator that the unit is connected to
AC mains power.