Vaddio 999-8520-000 EasyUSB Pro Mic I/O Microphone Interface User Guide
OVERVIEW
The PRO MIC I/O expands the available echo canceling microphone device that can be used with the EasyUSB solution. The PRO MIC I/O expands the installation flexibility by providing an interface device that connects to quality 3rd party, professional microphones. Now room designs can use custom mic configuration options using boundary, button, or goose neck mics with the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp solution. Use the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp to transform your PC into a meeting room using Unified Communication soft-clients such as Skype, Microsoft Lync, Jabber, Polycom, Vidyo, and others. The USB tools within the EasyUSB solution include:
EasyUSB Mixer/Amp:
This device is an integrated audio mixer that emulates a single microphone and speaker to the PC. It includes a 2 x 20 Watt amplifier and line level audio input and output for connection to other AV equipment within the room. Up to two EasyMic devices interface directly to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp using a standard Cat-5 cable.
EasyUSB PRO MIC I/O :
The PRO MIC I/O is a four channel echo cancelling, microphone input device that connects to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp. It includes front panel level controls of the microphone pre-amp allowing installer to gain match with an attached 3rd party microphone. Each mic channel offers 48 VDC phantom power (on/off) with dip switch settings to enable high pass and low pass filters. The PRO MIC I/O connects to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp with single home run of Cat -5 cable.
EasyMic MicPOD:
The EasyMic MicPOD is an attractive echo canceling table microphone with 360 degree audio coverage pattern. The user control buttons such as Mute and Volume are incorporated on top of the device. The EasyMic MicPOD connects to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp with single home run of Cat-5 cable providing audio, control, and power.
EasyMic Ceiling MicPOD:
The Ceiling MicPOD is an Echo Canceling Ceiling microphone array with 360 degree audio pick-up pattern. It includes a plenum rated electronics module with an adjustable 36” (0.914 m) plenum drop cable to a small 2.5”
(63.5 mm) diameter Trio 3 mic head. The Ceiling MicPODs are offered in both black and white versions.
Easy Talk Sound Bar:
The Easy Talk Sound Bar is a high definition, 40” long, low profile sound bar loudspeaker. The sound bar includes installation options for table stand or wall mounting below a LCD display.
Easy Talk Ceiling Speakers:
The Easy Talk speakers are full range Bose DS16 ceiling speakers with tile support braces and plenum rated back cans – Sold in pairs.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTIONS AND CALL-OUTS
Image: PRO MIC I/O Front Panel
The EasyUSB Mixer/Amp is the master audio device within an Easy Talk USB solution providing the only method
to interface to PC or external A/V equipment. Every EasyUSB PRO MIC I/O solution must be used with the
EasyUSB Mixer/Amp.
1-4) Mic Gain Controls: Gain controls for setting level on microphone pre-amp input.
5) Mute LED: Red indicates that all PRO MIC I/O channels are muted. An unlit red LED shows that the microphones are not muted.
6) Power LED: Blue indicates system is powered and operational. Flashing blue indicates a system error.
Image: PRO MIC I/O Rear Panel Connections
- System Settings: 2-position dip switch associated with system settings. Switch 1 locks out front panel again
control knobs. Switch 2 places PRO MIC I/O in firmware upgrade mode up on reboot. - GPIO: Mute Control and Status pins for use with external indicators and controls. Inputs are logic low. Outputs are open collectors. The GPIO Includes a ground and +5 volt power pin to drive external circuits (if
desired). - EasyMic Port & Serial Port: Top RJ-45 connector is for connection to the EasyMic Mixer/Amp providing
audio, power, and control over Cat-5. The bottom RJ-45 is an RS-232 port dedicated for firmware updates to
the PRO MIC I/O. - XLR Inputs: The XLR inputs are Mic/Line level, balanced with Pin 2 hot.
- 3-Position DIP Switch: The dip switches are for audio settings for each input channel. The settings include
enable and disable of the 48 VDC Phantom Power, Low Pass filter, and High Pass Filter. The Low Pass filter
has center frequency at 14 kHz and High Pass filter is at 120 Hz.
EasyUSB Solution using PRO MIC I/O
The diagram below depicts a typical deployment of the PRO MIC I/O in a PC conferencing application. Microphones are plugged into the PRO MIC I/O XLR inputs. The PRO MIC I/Os are then connected to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp with Cat-5 cable and speaker outputs are connected to the Bose ceiling speakers. The USB connection to the PC is a UAC device allowing selection of EasyUSB Mixer/Amp as the playback and recording device within the operating system.
Diagram: PC Conferencing Connection Diagram with PRO MIC I/O:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
EasyUSB Mixer/Amp Installation:
Locate the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp in a centralized location within the conference room within 6 feet of the PC. Follow steps below to install the devices:
Diagram: Basic System Connections
- STEP 1: Connect the Cat-5 cable between the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp and the PRO MIC I/O using the RJ-45 EasyMic Ports.
- STEP 2: Plug the microphones into the XLR-F connectors on the back panel of the PRO MIC I/O.
- STEP 3: Set the desired microphone pre-amp gain for each microphone input from the front panel of the PRO MIC I/O. Enable/Disable Phantom Power and Filters as Required.
Rack Mounting Kit:
The rack kit provides a method for a single PRO MIC I/O to be installed in a 1-RU space, providing space for adequate cooling and room for cabling within the rack. The Rack Kit includes two rack ears (one long and one short). The rack ears are mounted on the sides of the PRO MIC I/O using the existing screws included on the device.
System Configuration and Programming
PRO MIC I/O:
The PRO MIC I/O has a rear dip switch for setting system wide parameters, to include front panel lockout and a
firmware update mode. In addition, each audio input channel has a 3-position dip switch for enabling phantom
power and high/low cut filters. Gain on the microphones can be set from the front panel rotary knobs for each
channel. Default position for the dip switches on the PRO MIC I/O is down.
Table 1: PRO MIC I/O System Dip Switch Configuration Settings
Set the Microphone Input Gain:
Setting up the microphone input gain on the PRO MIC I/O is critical for the proper operation of the EasyUSB audio solution during Unified Communications (UC) sessions. Excessive gain can lead to clipping reducing the audio quality on the USB Record channel. Likewise, inadequate gain will produce low levels on the USB Record channel resulting in difficult to hear audio to the far end. In addition, normalized speech levels for each microphone channel will yield optimal automatic microphone mixing performance within the PRO MIC I/O. The recommended method for setting the gain levels for each channel is as follows:
- STEP 1: Connect the PRO MIC I/O to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp with a Cat-5 cable. Connect the EasyUSB
Mixer/Amp to the PC with a USB cable. - STEP 2: Select the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp as the default Recording and Playback device within sound manager of the PC.
- STEP 3: Connect the 3rd party pro microphone to the PRO MIC I/O to input channel 1. Enable Phantom Power if required for the microphone (see Alternate Step 3).
- STEP 4: Computer Settings
- Open the Sound device panel within Windows.
- Select the Recording tab.
- While monitoring the meter for the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp, adjust the microphone gain using the front panel control on the PRO MIC I/O (Use normal speech into the microphone as an audio source. The talker’s position relative to microphone placement should be similar to what will be used in conferencing application. Microphone gain should be increased or decreased until recording meter is ½ to ¾ of full scale (see letter C below).
Image: Setting Microphone Levels
FIRMWARE UPDATES
The PRO MIC I/O can be upgraded in the field with the use of the Vaddio Loader software application. The Audio is updated using the Vaddio Loader connected to the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp in the same method used for the EasyMic devices. The process for firmware updates follows:
UPDATING PRO MIC I/O (Audio):
- Step 1: If uncertain about updating or upgrading the equipment, please contact Vaddio Technical Support first. There is a possibility that any device can be turned into a brick, so please give Tech Support a call first to get the “real” dos and don’ts of updating.
- Step 2: Place DIP Switch 8 in the UP position on the EasyUSB Mixer/Amp. This places the system in firmware
update mode. Power Cycle the unit after enabling DIP switch. Make sure the PRO MIC I/O is connected to
EasyUSB Mixer/Amp. - Step 3: Launch Vaddio Loader and select Audio as Product Type. In the drop down list go to PRO MIC I/O
(Audio). Select desired firmware file to be updated and then press start. - Step 4: The Vaddio Loader will notify when the firmware update is complete. Upon completion, place the EasyUSB Mixer/AMP DIP 8 to the down position and reboot the unit. The Firmware update will be complete after rebooting.
Care and Cleaning
Do not attempt to take this product apart at any time. There are no user-serviceable component s inside.
- Do not spill liquids in the product
- Keep this device away from food and liquid, as well as ice cream
- For smears or smudges on the product, wipe with a clean, soft cloth
- Do not use any abrasive chemicals.
Operating and Storage Conditions
Do not store or operate the device under the following conditions:
- Temperatures above 40°C (104°F) or temperatures below 0°C (32°F)
- High humidity, condensing or wet environments
- In hotel swimming pools or natural gas mine
- In inclement weather
- Dry environments with an excess of static discharge
- In a motorcycle saddlebag
- Under severe vibration
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Hardware* Warranty:
Two (2) year limited warranty on all parts and labor for Vaddio manufactured products. Vaddio warrants its manufactured products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the day of purchase, to the original purchaser, if Vaddio receives notice of such defects during the warranty. Vaddio , at its
option, will repair or replace products that prove to be defective. Vaddio manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry standard practices.
Exclusions:
The above warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the customer, customers applied software or interfacing, unauthorized modifications or misuse, mishandling, operation outside the normal environmental specifications for the product, use of the incorrect power supply, modified power supply or improper site operation and maintenance. OEM products and products manufactured by other companies are excluded and are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Vaddio Customer Service:
Vaddio will test, repair, or replace the product or products without charge if the unit is under warranty. If the product is out of warranty, Vaddio will test then repair the product or products. The cost o f parts and labor charge will be estimated by a technician and confirmed by the customer prior to repair. All components must be returned for testing as a complete unit. Vaddio will not accept responsibility for shipment after it has left the premises.
