User manual | xtreme for bd8-usb

S A FETY
Safety Instructions
1. Read All Instructions. All safety and operating
instructions must be read before operating the
product.
2. Retain All Instructions. All safety and
operating instructions must be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed All Warnings. All warnings on the
product and those listed in the operating
instructions must be adhered to.
4. Follow All Instructions. All operating and
product usage instructions must be followed.
5. Heat. This product must be situated away from
any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including
power amplifiers) that produce heat.
6. Ventilation. Slots and openings in the product
are provided for ventilation. They ensure reliable
operation of the product, keeping it from
overheating. These openings must not be
blocked nor covered during operation. This
product should not be placed into a rack unless
proper ventilation is provided through
following the manufacturer’s recommended
installation procedures.
7. Water and Moisture. Do not use this product
near water—for example; near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet
basement; or near a swimming pool or the like.
8. Attachments. Do not use any attachments not
recommended by the product manufacturer
as they may cause hazards.
9. Power Sources. This product must be
operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label and in the
installation instructions. If you are not sure of
the type of power supplied to your facility,
consult your local power company.
10. Grounding and Polarization. This product is
equipped with a polarized AC plug with integral
safety ground pin. Do not defeat the safety
ground in any manner.
11. Power Cord Protection. Power supply cords
must be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on nor pinched by items placed upon
or against them. Pay particular attention to the
cords at AC wall plugs and convenience
receptacles, and at the point where the cord
plugs into the product.
12. Lightning. For added protection for this
product during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the AC wall outlet. This will
prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power line surges.
13. Overloading. Do not overload AC wall outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience outlets
as this can result in a fire or electric shock hazard.
14. Object and Liquid Entry. Never push objects
of any kind into this product through openings
as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on
the product.
15. Accessories. Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious damage to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the
product. Any mounting of the product needs
to follow manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
1.2
16. A Product and Cart Combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces may cause the product and
the cart combination to overturn.
17. Servicing. Refer all servicing to qualified
servicing personnel.
18. Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this
product from the wall AC outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions:
a. When the AC cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or
water.
d. If the product does not operate normally
(following operating instructions).
e. If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change
in performance. This indicates a need for
service.
19. Replacement Parts. When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or that have the same
characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or
other hazards.
20. Safety Check. Upon completion of any repairs
to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the
product is in proper operating condition.
21. Cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning.
S A FETY
Hazard / Warning Label
Identification
C AU T I O N
RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
REMOVE ANY COVER OR PANEL. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THE CONSOLE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The Exclamation Point symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, alerts the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
product literature and instruction manuals.
The Lightning Flash With Arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, alerts the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock.
WARNING— This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions in this manual it may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device
(pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 FCC Rules), which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference when
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which
case the user, at his own expense, will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
1.3
W A RRA N TY
Warranty
This console carries a manufacturer‘s warranty subject to the following guidelines and limitations:
A)
Except as expressly excluded herein, Broadcast Depot (“Seller”) warrants equipment of its own manufacture against faulty workmanship or the use of defective materials for a period of one (1) year from date of
shipment to Buyer. The liability of the Seller under this Warranty is limited to replacing, repairing or issuing credit (at the Seller’s discretion) for any equipment, provided that Seller is promptly notified in writing within five (5)
days upon discovery of such defects by Buyer, and Seller‘s examination of such equipment shall disclose to its
satisfaction that such defects existed at the time shipment was originally made by Seller, and Buyer returns the
defective equipment to Seller’s place of business in Loveland, Colorado, packaging and transportation prepaid,
with return packaging and transport guaranteed.
B)
Equipment furnished by Seller, but manufactured by another, shall be warranted only to the extent provided by the other manufacturer.
C)
Thermal filament devices (such as lamps and fuses) are expressly excluded from this warranty.
D)
The warranty period on equipment or parts repaired or replaced under warranty shall expire upon the
expiration date of the original warranty.
E)
This Warranty is void for equipment which has been subject to abuse, improper installation, improper
operation, improper or omitted maintenance, alteration, accident, negligence (in use, storage, transportation or
handling), operation not in accordance with Seller‘s operation and service instructions, or operation outside of
the environmental conditions specified by Seller.
F)
This Warranty is the only warranty made by Seller, and is in lieu of all other warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, whether expressed or implied, except as to title and to the
expressed specifications contained in this manual. Seller’s sole liability for any equipment failure or any breach
of this Warranty is as set forth in subparagraph A) above; Seller shall not be liable or responsible for any business loss or interruption, or other consequential damages of any nature whatsoever, resulting from any equipment failure or breach of this warranty.
1.4
W A RRA N TY
Software End User License Agreement
This product contains software licensed from Arrakis Systems inc. and possibly from other software companies. Ownership of this product constitutes acceptance of this agreement.
1- This product contains intellectual property (i.e. software programs) that are licensed for use by the end user customer (hereinafter “End user”).
2- This is not a sale of such intellectual property
3- The End user shall not copy, disassemble, or reverse compile software programs
4- The software programs are provided to the End user “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, and fitness for particular purpose. The entire risk of
the quality and performance of the software program is borne by the End user.
5- Arrakis and its suppliers shall not be held to any liability for any damages suffered or incurred by the end user
(including, but not limited to, general, special, consequential, or incidental damages including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information and the like), arising from or in connection with the
delivery, use or performance of the software program.
1.5
This is a blank page
W A RRA N TY
Table of Contents
Section One
Introduction
Section Two
Product Description
Section Three
Operation Instructions
Section Four
Installation Instructions
Section Five
Xtreme for the ARC-10
Section Six
Service and Maintenance
1.6
This is a blank page
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION
PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION
2.0
This is a blank page
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION
Product Description
BD8-USB
10 Source inputs total
2 mic, 7 stereo line, 1 PC USB
8 input channels
2 high quality Mic channels (with optional 48VDC phantom power)
5 stereo line input channels (with both unbalanced and balanced inputs)
Channel 8 is selectable between a PC USB sound card input & a stereo line input
Stereo Program Mixing bus (with both balanced and unbalanced outputs)
PC USB output of the Program bus for recording in digital direct to your PC
Monitor, Headphone, and Cue system with External input for off air monitoring
Cue system autocues (with Program dimming) into the Monitor & Headphone systems
Mix minus Telephone output for interfacing with an external phone hybrid
Conductive plastic slide faders & LED switch lamps for long life
With a single stereo mix bus the BD8-USB is ideal for fast paced live on air, production, and
remote applications. Two mics supports a host and guest talk format. The mix minus bus (for
an external hybrid) supports Telephone talk formats or call ins. The ‘Talk’ button on mic channel one feeds the mic to the caller and the caller to the console cue system... fast and easy!
The BD8 even has a built in PC USB sound card on channel eight to play in digital directly
from your favorite PC audio software. At the same time, the Program output from the console
records in digital over the USB directly to your PC recording software. System even provides
‘Digilink-Xtreme (BD8 mode)’ software with the system to get you on air & doing production
immediately.The BD8-USB is also easy to install with BOTH professional balanced and consumer unbalanced input & output jacks. BD8-USB is ideal for any on air or production radio
application !
2.1
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION
Operational Description
CH 3 A/B switch
VU Meters
CH 8 A/B switch
select between an unbalanced or
balanced source input
LED VU meters with accurate VU ballistics
for the main Program bus
select between a stereo line level input and
an internal PC USB soundcard
Monitor Input
Selector
Left
Program
-20 -15 -10 -5
Talk
Cue
Cue
-3-1
selects an External
audio input (such as
off air) as the
source for the Monitor & Headphone
systems
Right
CH 3
0
1 2
3
CH 8
-20 -15 -10 -5
0
1 2
Cue
Cue
Cue
-3-1
PC
3
Cue
External
Monitor &
Headphone
Level Controls
1
Mic 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Monitor
Head
phone
Mic 2
Two Mic channels
For normal on air talent
or a Host and Guest talk
format.
Channel one features a
‘Talk’ button to talk to the
phone hybrid.
Channel On-off switches
Five line channels
For CD players, MP3 players, and other analog
sources.
Channels 3-7 have BOTH
unbalanced and balanced
stereo input jacks
PC channel
The ‘B’ input on channel 8 is an internal PC USB sound card for playing
directly in digital from a Windows PC.
The ‘A’ input is a stereo, RCA, unbalanced, -10dBu, consumer level input.
Auto-cue into the Monitor and Headphone systems
slide faders for control of monitoring
level
Phone channel Seven
Channel 7 can be used as a Telephone input and generates a Mixminus output to be connected to
an external phone hybrid. Turn
the Cue button on to listen offline to the caller. Push the Talk
switch on the Mic one channel to
use the Control room mic to talk
off-line to the caller. To place the
caller on air just turn the channel on.
The ARC-8 features a cue system that plays through the monitor and headphone systems. To cue a channel, depress the cue switch. The
Program audio in the Monitor speakers will dim and the Cue audio from the cue’d channel will play through the monitor speakers and
through the headphones.
2.2
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION
Back panel Diagram
+12V Main
DC Power
12 VDC
power
RCA
unbalanced
Program
outputs
RCA
unbalanced
Monitor
outputs
1/8"
Headphone
Jack
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
XLR
balanced
Program
outputs
Pgm Left
RCA
unbalanced
inputs
USB
PC
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Balanced Mute relay
output
Mix minus
Output
to Telephone
Hybrid
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
RCA
unbalanced
External
Input to
Monitor
RJ45
balanced
inputs
L
Ch 7
48VDC
phantom
power
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
RJ45
balanced
inputs
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
RCA
unbalanced
inputs
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic
Level
Trimpots
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
XLR
Mic
Inputs
Digilink-Xtreme Software for BD8-USB consoles
This software is provided standard with the BD8-USB Console. It is designed for Live On Air play, basic automation, & radio production. It
is specifically designed to be easy to use !
500 event Play List for assembling a show (play lists may be created, saved to file, and then reloaded for playback)
Cue audio files while playing On Air (uses PC sound card and external speakers for 2nd play)
Jingle box supports playing any 3 of up to 300 carts at the touch of a button
Set the fade parameters on Songs for perfect crossfades in the Play List
Record the BD8-USBconsole Program bus mix direct to the PC
Phoner recorder / editor for recording callers
much much, more...
2.3
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION
Specifications
Electronic
Stereo Line Input
Freq ResponseS/NTHDCMRRMax InputMono Mic Input
Freq ResponseEINTHDCMRRImpedances
Mic InputLine InputOutputsSystem
Max OutputStereo SeparationCue to Pgm XTalkOn Air Light Logic:
Source Start Logic:
Mic Turret Logic:
+(-).5dB 20-20kHz
-82dB typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out
.01% typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out
-75dB typ 1kHz
+23dBu, balanced
+(-).5dB 20-20kHz
-115dBu typ, -50dBu in, +8 dBu out
.05% typ , -50dBu in, +8 dBu out
-60dB typ 1kHz
> 2000 ohms
> 10000 ohms
< 100 ohms
+23dBu balanced
-75dB typ 1KHz
-90dB typ 1KHz
-75dB typ 20kHz
reed relay closure, 50mA max
none
none
Power Supply
110vac - 220 VAC, 50-60 hz, autosensing
Certified: UL, CE, CS, CB
External inline module: 3"W x 5 3/4"L x 1 3/4"D
Physical Specifications
Dimensions:
Depth - 11 1/2"
Height - 2"
Width- 18"
24
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
3.0
This is a blank page
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
Quick Start
CH 3 A/B switch
VU Meters
CH 8 A/B switch
select between an unbalanced or
balanced source input
LED VU meters with accurate VU ballistics
for the main Program bus
select between a stereo line level input and
an internal PC USB soundcard
Talk to the Phone
hybrid output, Ch 7
will be heard in cue
Cue
switchs
Monitor Input
Selector
Left
CH 3
Program
-20 -15 -10 -5
Talk
Cue
Cue
-3-1
selects an External
audio input (such as
off air) as the
source for the Monitor & Headphone
systems
Right
0
1 2
3
CH 8
-20 -15 -10 -5
Cue
Cue
-3-1
0
1 2
PC
3
Cue
Cue
External
Monitor &
Headphone
Level Controls
1
Mic 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Monitor
Head
phone
Mic 2
Two Mic channels
For normal on air talent
or a Host and Guest talk
format.
Channel one features a
‘Talk’ button to talk to the
phone hybrid.
Channel On-off switches
Five line channels
For CD players, MP3 players, and other analog
sources.
Channels 3-7 have BOTH
unbalanced and balanced
stereo input jacks
PC channel
The ‘B’ input on channel 8 is an internal PC USB sound card for playing
directly in digital from a Windows PC.
The ‘A’ input is a stereo, RCA, unbalanced, -10dBu, consumer level input.
Auto-cue into the Monitor and Headphone systems
slide faders for control of monitoring
level
Channel Seven Phone
Channel 7 can be used as a Telephone input and generates a Mixminus output to be connected to
an external phone hybrid. Turn
the Cue button on to listen offline to the caller. Push the Talk
switch on the Mic one channel to
use the Control room mic to talk
off-line to the caller (the caller is
auto-cued). To place the caller on
air just turn the channel on.
BD8-USB features a cue system that plays through the monitor and headphone systems. To cue a channel, depress the cue switch. The
Program audio in the Monitor speakers will dim and the Cue audio from the cue’d channel will play through the monitor speakers and
through the headphones.
3.1
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
Mono mic level Input Channels (channels 1 & 2)
Channels one and two are dedicated mono microphone channels.
CHANNEL ON AND OFF
To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, the LED indicator above the
switch will light. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
CHANNEL ON AND OFF LOGIC
Channels One and Two are assumed to be located in the control room and therefore do not require remote channel on/off logic.
TALK BUTTON ON CHANNEL ONE
This button activates a bi-directional off air talkback between mic one and the channel 7 phone input if an external hybrid is connected. The mic feeds the caller while the caller feeds the console cue system. The caller is heard on the monitor speakers and in the
headphones. The switch is a push-push interlocking type. Push once for on, push again for off.
Push to talk to the phone caller on channel seven (if an external phone hybrid is
used). The caller will be heard through
the cue system. Channel seven does not
need to be on.
CHANNELS 1 & 2 ARE
MONO MIC LEVEL CHANNELS
Slide fader
Level control
Channel
On switch
3.2
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
Stereo Line Level Input Channels (channels 3-7)
The BD8-USB as stereo line level channels on channel 3-7 (channel 7 can also be used with an external phone hybrid).
CHANNEL ON AND OFF
To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, the LED indicator above the switch will light. To turn the
channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
CHANNEL ON AND OFF LOGIC
The console does not have channel logic to start or stop audio source.
CUE
To activate cue, click on the CUE button above the fader. To exit the cue mode, click on the CUE button again. Cue audio will be heard in the monitor speakers and in
the headphones.
Slide fader
Level control
CHANNELS 3-7 ARE
STEREO LINE LEVEL
CHANNELS
Cue Bus
Assignment
Channel
On switch
3.3
CHANNEL 8 IS
STEREO LINE LEVEL OR
AN OPTIONAL PC INPUT
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
The Telephone Input Channel (channel 7)
The BD8-USB supportsa single phone caller for Live On Air or Off-line (contest caller, etc.) applications on channel 7 of the console.
CHANNEL ON AND OFF
To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, an LED indicator above the
switch will be lighted. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
CHANNEL ON AND OFF LOGIC (Hybrid control)
TheBD8-USBdoes not have external control of the hybrid. The hybrid must be activated manually from the front panel of the hybrid.
HYBRID AUDIO FEED
The output to the phone hybrid will be a mix of channels 1-6 and channel 8. The output to the phone hybrid will NOT include the channel
seven phone callers voice so that there will NOT be feedback.
TALKING TO THE CALLER (off line)
Push the ‘TALK’ button on the channel one mic to feed the control room mic to the caller. When the button is down, the program audio
fed to the caller is muted and only the control room mic audio is heard by the caller. The caller will be heard in the monitor and earphone systems (Program audio dimmed below the caller’s voice).
Push to Talk to the Caller
Push the CUE button to listen
to the caller off line.
Turn the channel on to place the caller onto the console Program bus for on-air or production.
3.4
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
The Control Room Monitor system
The Control Room Monitor system is the main audio monitoring system for the studio. It features an input selector switch and a volume level control. The output of the monitor system is connected to an external audio power amplifier and speakers. The level control
on the external amplifier should be set for the maximum sound level desired in the studio.
MONITOR MUTING
When a control room microphone is turned on (channels one or two), the monitor system will mute (audio turned off) so that there
will not be feedback from the speakers to the microphone.
MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH
This switch selects the audio source for the Monitor system. Push the switch down (LED will light) to select an external input to the
monitor speakers. This is usually an off-air source so that the final output of the station can be monitored. When the switch is up
(unlighted) the Program bus output of the console is being monitored.
MONITOR VOLUME FADER
Sets the monitor level into the external audio amplifier and speaker.
MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH
CONTROL ROOM
MONITOR LEVEL CONTROL
3.5
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
The Headphone system
The Headphone (earphone) system in the ARC-8 console is provided so that audio can be listened to while the microphone is active
and the monitor speakers are muted. The Headphone system receives the same audio feed as the Monitor system but does not mute
when the microphone channel is turned on. The Headphone system has a 1/8" headphone jack on the rear of the console. The headphone amplifier connected to the headphone jack is designed to work with high impedance (not 8 ohm) headphones.
CUE
The BD8-USBconsole features Autocue. Whenever a channel is placed into cue, the Program audio in the Headphone system will dim and
the Cue audio will play over the Program signal.
MUTING
The headphone system is not muted. When the control room microphone is turned on, the Monitor system will mute (audio is turned
off) so that there will not be feedback from the speakers to the microphone. The headphone system can not have audio feedback so
muting is not required.
MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH
This switch selects the audio source for the Monitor/Headphone system. Push the switch down (LED will light) to select an external
input to the monitor speakers and headphones. This is usually an off-air source so that the final output of the station can be monitored. When the switch is up (unlighted) the Program bus output of the console is being monitored.
HEADPHONE VOLUME FADER
Sets the headphone level to the internal headphone amplifier.
MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH
HEADPHONE
LEVEL
CONTROL
3.6
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
The Cue system
The cue system is designed for monitoring an audio source without placing it on air. This feature is useful for listening to a network
feed before bringing it to air, listening to a CD to be certain it is the correct song, etc. The cue system features ‘Auto-cue,’ where
cue is heard in the Monitor speakers and separate Cue speakers are not required.
ACTIVATING CUE
To activate cue, click on the CUE button on an input source channel. To exit the cue mode, click on the CUE button again. The cue signal
is PRE-fader and therefore the fader level and the channel ON-OFF status has no effect on the cue signal.
CUE AUDIO
Cue audio will be heard in the Monitor speakers and the Headphones. In the Monitor and Headphone system, Autocue will dim the Program in the headphones and play the cue audio over top of program audio.
3.7
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S
The VU meters
The BD8-USB consolefeatures a single set of fixed LED VU meters that monitor the stereo Program output of the
console. The meters feature standard ‘VU’ ballistics.
Left
Right
CH 3
Program
-20 -15
Talk
Cue
1
Mic 1
2
0
4
CH 8
-20 -15 -10 -5
1 2 3
Cue
Cue
3
-10-5 -3-1
Cue
5
3.8
0
PC
1 2 3
Cue
Cue
6
Mic 2
-3-1
7
External
8
Monitor
Head
phone
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
4.0
This is a blank page
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Unpacking
a) PACKING SLIPS- do you have everything?
Check the Packing Slips that come with the shipment to be
certain that all packages have been received.
b) CHECK FOR DAMAGE
Check all packages and equipment for damage IMMEDIATELY
upon receipt.
c) CAREFULLY GO THROUGH EACH BOX
Arrakis inspects every shipment for accuracy. You will
receive all of the appropriate documentation, install kit,
spare parts kit, and equipment. Be very careful to not throw
away anything if you decide to throw out the shipping materials.
d) KEEP ALL PACKING MATERIALS
Arrakis consoles are shipped in custom shipping containers.
Keep all containers at least until the installation is complete.
This is in case some piece of equipment may need to be
returned to the factory for service.
It is a good idea to keep the shipping materials for the life of
the product. Arrakis is not responsible for shipping damage
to products not shipped to the factory in the original packing
materials.
4.1
SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIAL
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Before you start
a) PHYSICAL SPACE
It is important to install the console with sufficient space around it to operate and service the console
easily.
b) AREA IN FRONT OF THE CONSOLE
It is normal to have 8-10" between the front of the console and the front of the table so that a piece of
paper may be laid on the table in front of the console.
c) SCRIPT OR COPY BOARD
Are you going to use a copy bridge that spans the top of the console for paper or other objects? A copy
bridge can allow the console to be placed close to the front of the table in tight rooms.
d) ADEQUATE VENTILATION
It is important to provide adequate ventilation to electronic equipment. High temperatures can reduce the
life of equipment.
e) 110V - 220VAC OPERATION
The console comes with a 110VAC-220VAC autosensing external power supply as standard equipment.
f) STATIC
Static discharge to electronic devices can cause damage, reduce performance, or cause noise in the system. Proper choice of carpet is an important consideration when building a studio.
g) THE CONSOLE POWER SUPPLY
The console is powered by an external, regulated power supply. The supply simply plugs into the back of
the console. There are no high voltages within the console
4.2
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Getting started... a MUST Read !
a) CONSUMER SOURCE EQUIPMENT
The BD8-USB console is designed to be used with balanced professional & unbalanced consumer type audio source equipment such as CD players,
MDs, DAT machines, cassette machines, etc. Unbalanced consumer equipment is designed to perform well in compact studios where audio cables
are short. Balanced audio is required when connecting multiple studios or with long audio cable runs ( > 10 feet). When choosing consumer audio
equipment, choose equipment that has 2 prong AC power plugs (not the 3 prong plugs).
b) AC POWER CONSIDERATIONS
Plug all of the equipment in your studio into a single AC power strip!
Unbalanced consumer source equipment is not designed to reject AC power line hum. This makes it important to put ALL of the equipment
in the studio on the same branch of the AC power and preferably on a single AC power outlet. A single power outlet will have a 1500-2000 watt
capacity. That is plenty of power for most studios. Simply plug a multi-outlet AC power strip into the single wall outlet and then all of your equipment into the power strip. If possible, the power strip should be the kind that has internal surge protection.
Because many buildings have as many as 8-12 duplex wall outlets on a single 1500-2000 watt branch, you must have NO other equipment
on any of those 8-12 other outlets. Make sure the branch your outlet is on does not also power the lights or any other building equipment.
c) SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT 60 CYCLE HUM (or some ideas about what to do if you get it)
The RCA audio cables used in consumer audio equipment connect the chassis ground and signal ground of all of the equipment in the studio together through the cable shield. All shield ground connections should be as tight and low impedance as possible. Use only high quality RCA (IHF) audio
cables.
Most consumer audio equipment will have a 2 prong AC power plug. Some equipment has a 3 prong AC power plug. The third prong on a 3
prong plug is a “Safety Ground” which grounds the chassis to reduce shock hazard. The 3rd prong must never be removed even though it creates
a 2nd ground path along with the audio cable shield ground. Two ground paths creates a “Ground loop” antenna which picks up 60 cycle AC hum. If
possible, use only equipment that has 2 prong AC power plugs. With stubborn hum, replace the equipment with 3 prong AC power plugs with equipment with 2 prong AC power plugs. This is often less expensive that making a custom audio cable with audio transformer isolation.
If there is NO other ground connected to the studio, a single piece of equipment with a 3 prong AC plug does not create a ground loop.
However, if there is another ground (such as from another studio) or a 2nd piece of equipment with a 3 prong AC power plug, then a ground loop is
completed. If you can not change to two prong equipment, it may be necessary to use an audio isolation transformer on the audio cable to break
the audio ground path. Contact a technician or the factory on how to build a transformer isolated audio cable.
In some stubborn cases of hum (or RF interference), the best solution is to make the ground resistance between ALL of the equipment
as low as possible. To do this, connect all of the equipment chassis’ together with #12 stranded, insulated wire. Each piece of equipment is to have
its own wire that returns in a star configuration to a single point in the studio. That single point should return by a single ground wire back to the
main station ground. A 2"-4" copper ground strap to station ground is best.
d) CONNECTING MULTIPLE STUDIOS
When connecting multiple studios, long audio cables are sometimes necessary. These long cables can introduce AC hum into your audio. Long audio
cables should always be balanced. If it is not possible to use a balanced output from the console, it may be necessary to use distribution amplifiers
with balanced inputs and outputs (or audio isolation transformers) to break the ground path and to cancel the AC hum.
e) STEP BY STEP INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
When building a studio, it is important to be able to isolate problems that may be causing noise, hum, or
even not passing audio. To do this properly, the studio should be assembled and tested one piece of equipment at a time. Each problem is detected and eliminated as it occurs. This manual provides a basic step by
step process to assemble and test your studio.
4.3
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Step by Step Instructions
IMPORTANT- Follow this STEP by STEP procedure. Each STEP has specific tests to determine if the console installation
has been performed correctly to that point.
a) STEP 1- POWER SUPPLY INSTALLATION
The console power supply should be plugged into a surge protected outlet. First plug the power supply into the back of the console and then plug the
power supply into the AC outlet.
TEST- The console should now be on. To test for power, simply push one of the console On/off switches to see that the Channel On LED lights.
b) STEP 2- CONNECT AN AUDIO SOURCE
Select a single audio source such as a CD player. Choose a console channel for the source (such as Channel 3), and connect the audio source to the
console with a stereo audio cable. An RCA audio cable is usually provided with the CD player.
On the channel that you have chosen for the source (such as
channel 3), turn the channel on by pushing the red on button(the red on LED
RCA AUDIO CABLE
should now be on), and bring the slide fader on that channel to the in hand
setting (0).
The White connector
Insert a CD into the CD player and push the Play button on the CD
is left and the Red
player to begin play.
connector is right
TEST- The VU meters on the console should move as the CD plays a song.
c) STEP 3- LISTEN TO AUDIO ON HEADPHONES
Plug the headphones into the headphone jack on the back right side of the console as illustrated. The console supports only high impedance (>20 ohm) headphones. On the console, the Monitor Selector switch should be off (assigned to the Program bus) and set the Headphone Volume control to 1/2. Play a CD as
in Step 2. Adjust the headphone level control on the console to a comfortable audio level.
TEST- You should hear the song on the CD clearly. There should be no audible hum or noise. If you hear no audio or there is hum or noise, then repeat Steps
1,2,&3.
STEP 2- CONNECT AN AUDIO SOURCE
STEP 3- PLUG IN
HEADPHONES TO LISTEN
Plug in a pair
of high impedance
headphones and listen
to the CD player
STEP 1- CONNECT THE
AC POWER SUPPLY
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Connect a CD player to
Channel 3 on the console
Out
4.4
L
Ch 7
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Monitor amp & Speakers
STEP 4- MONITOR SPEAKER CONNECTION
The console has a low level monitor audio output that is designed to connect to an external audio power amplifier. The console output will not directly drive
speakers.
Connect the audio amplifier input to the console Monitor Output on the back panel of the console. The monitor output of the console is unbalanced, consumer
level and will use an RCA cable (usually supplied with the amplifier). Follow the amplifier’s instructions and connect speakers to the amplifier.
Turn the console power on and the amplifier power on. On the console, the Monitor Selector switch should be off (assigned to the Program bus) and set the
Monitor Volume control to 1/2. Set the audio power amplifier level and front panel switches per the amplifier instruction manual.
WARNING- do NOT have all levels controls at maximum. Too much audio level through your speakers can damage the speakers.
There should be an audio source (such as CD player) connected to the console as described in Steps 1,2, & 3. Turn the console source channel on and play a
song. The VU meters should move with the audio and audio should be present at the headphone jack at the back of the console. Be certain that any mic channel is
turned off because it will mute the audio out of the speakers so that there is no feedback. Audio should now be audible through the monitor speakers.
TEST- The audio through the monitor speakers should be clear and without significant noise or hum.
RCA AUDIO CABLE
The White connector
is left and the Red
connector is right
STEP 4- CONNECT AN AMP & SPEAKERS
Connect an
audio power
amp and
speakers
to the MONITOR
output of
the console
If the amplifier uses
1/8" phone connectors, then a phone to
RCA cable will be
required
Audio power amp
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
4.5
L
Ch 7
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Microphones
STEP 5- CONNECT A MIC TO THE CONSOLE
Using a mic to XLR cable, connect a mic to the Mic 1 input on the console.
Turn Channel One on (the red LED should be on) and set the channel one fader to the in hand position (middle). If the mic itself has an on/off switch, then turn
it on.
TEST- Speak into the microphone and the console VU meters should follow your voice. There should be no audio out of the monitor speakers (they are muted
to eliminate feedback) but there should be audio in the Headphones.
If mic level is low, use a small screwdriver to adjust the 25 turn trimpot on the back of the console located next to the mic XLR connector.
STEP 5- CONNECT A MIC TO THE CONSOLE
MIC TWO
MIC ONE
Connect a mic to the
XLR mic inputs and
test the mic
into the headphones
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
Mic level
trimpots
(25 turn)
4.6
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Program Output
STEP 6- CONSOLE PROGRAM OUTPUT
The console has both balanced and unbalanced Program bus outputs
UNBALANCED PROGRAM OUTPUT
The console program output (PGM) is located on the console back panel. It is an unbalanced (-10dBu) audio output on RCA connectors.
BALANCED PROGRAM OUTPUT
The console program output (PGM) is located on the console back panel. It is a balanced (+4dBu) audio output on XLR connectors.
CONNECTING THE PROGRAM OUTPUT TO THE SIGNAL CHAIN
The console Program output is both unbalanced analog (-10dBu level) and balanced (+4dBu). The equipment that the Program output drives must accept one
of these input types and levels. You must refer to the product manual for that product. In some cases, it may be useful to connect the Program output of
the console to an audio distribution amplifier which is designed to connect analog audio products that are of different types and levels.
TEST- The Program output of the console is connected to additional equipment (processor, distribution amp, etc) to form a signal chain. Check for presence and quality of audio at each point along the signal chain.
STEP 6- connect the console Program output to the station’s Signal Chain
Unbalanced Pgm out (-10dBu)
Balanced Pgm out (+4dBu)
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.7
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Record Output
STEP 7- CONSOLE RECORD OUTPUT
The console may be connected to an audio recorder as well as the main audio on air signal chain. The availability of BOTH unbalanced and balanced program
outputs makes it easy to connect the console output to on air and a recorder.
CONNECTING TO AN AUDIO RECORDER
Most audio recorders will directly connect to consumer type unbalanced sources. Connect to the recorder with the analog cable supplied with the recorder.
TEST
Once connected, send audio from the console output to the recorder and view the input signal on the recorder. Refer to the recorder manual for more information.
EXAMPLE: MARANTZ CD RECORDER
RCA AUDIO CABLE
The White connector
is left and the Red
connector is right
STEP 7- ANALOG PROGRAM OUTPUT
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.8
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Telephone hybrids
STEP 8- CONNECT A TELEPHONE HYBRID
1) CONSOLE PHONE INPUT- A telephone hybrid has an audio input and an audio output. The hybrid audio output is the callers voice and is connected to the
source input channel SEVEN on the console.
2) CONSOLE MIX MINUS OUTPUT- The input to the hybrid is from the console MIX MINUS OUT connector on the back of the console. A mix minus bus is a special
audio mixing bus that contains all audio on the console program bus MINUS the callers voice. In this way the caller hears everything except himself. If he was not
“minused” from the mix, then the caller would feed back to himself. The mix minus output is balanced (+4dBu) located on a 1/8" TRS phone jack.
3) CONTROL LOGIC- The BD8-USB has no phone logic to turn the hybrid on and off. This should be done manually from the hybrid’s front panel.
4) LEVELS- The console PHONE IN and PHONE OUT connectors are set for +4dBu levels.
STEP 8- CONNECT A TELEPHONE HYBRID
Audio
Input
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
Audio
Output
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.9
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Talkback to another Studio
The BD8-USB does not have a talkback output or input for use as an intercom between studios. Many stations use the intercom system on their telephones for that purpose.
Using Channel 7 as an Interstudio Intercom
If a phone hybrid is NOT being used on channel 7 and it is desired to have a studio as an input to the console, it is possible
to place that studio on console channel 7. In that case, the ‘TALK’ switch on the mic one channel acts as an intercom with
the studio. Push the ‘TALK’ switch and mic one will feed the ‘Mix Minus’ console output (which would be wired to the
talkback input of the other studio). The program audio from the other studio would then be heard in the console
monitor/headphone system.
4.10
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
External Monitor Input
STEP 10- OFF AIR MONITORING
The Monitor Selector Switch (EXT) is usually used to monitor the actual radio station on air signal from a radio tuner.
NOTE: it is important to monitor the actual signal from the radio station and not just the output of the console. This is so as to monitor the entire radio chain
from the console to the transmitter.
INSTALLATION
Connect the output of a radio tuner or professional on air monitor to the EXT IN connector on the back of the console.
IMPORTANT: if using a consumer tuner, use a line level output and not the speaker output.
CALIBRATION
The EXTERNAL IN is calibrated to -10dBu input level.
TEST
Set up the tuner or monitor to your station’s frequency and switch the console control room monitor to the EXT position. You should hear the audio output of the
tuner. Audio quality should be high and there should be no objectionable audio hum.
RCA AUDIO CABLE
The White connector
is left and the Red
connector is right
STEP 10- OFF AIR MONITORING
RADIO RECEIVER
Tuner or Off Air
Monitor Output
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.11
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
The On Air Light
STEP 11- CONNECT AN ON AIR LIGHT
The console has a logic output for triggering an external On Air Light.
This installation procedure requires a professional technician to select an interface for driving the On Air
light that you have chosen. Some lights require low voltages (such as 24VDC) and others require 110VAC.
Some have built in drivers, but most do not.
MUTING LOGIC
Sustained, dry reed relay closure. Maximum of 50 milliamps.
IMPORTANT- The logic output will not directly drive an AC light bulb and will be destroyed if AC is applied to
any console logic pin.
TEST
Activating the On Air Light should not produce an audio pop in the console audio.
1/8" TRS phone connector with
On Air light (Muting) logic
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
4.12
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Factory built Cables
The factory has a number of factory built
cables available for purchase. These cables
interface typical source and other equipment
to the console.
Contact the factory for a current listing of
cables and supported equipment.
4.13
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Balanced Inputs
The BD8-USB has balanced audio inputs on channels 3-7 input. They use RJ45 connectors as illustrated
below. Pins 5,7,8 are not connected.
The cable used with these connectors is CAT5. This cable has 4 twisted pairs of wires. The twisted pairs
are identified by color (ie: orange, orange... green,green... etc). BD8-USB consoles use 2 pairs for left
and right audio [the two pairs used by ethernet as the transmit (green) and receive pairs (orange)] . Left
is the orange (ethernet transmit pair). Right is the green (ethernet receive) pair.
Arrakis supplies 20 foot CAT5 cables with RJ45 connectors on each end with the console. Cut the cables
in half (or to the length that you need). Then ttach the desired connector to the unterminated end of the
cable (XLR, TRS phone, RCA, etc)
The balanced inputs are >10,000 ohm input impedance and levels are set for +4dBu signals.
EIA/TIA 568B WIRING STANDARD COLORS
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Factory Cables:
optional cables are
available from the
factory with XLRs,
RCAs, TRS phone
connectors, etc.
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Wire Color
White w/Orange Stripe
Orange w/White Stripe
White w/Green Stripe
Blue w/White Stripe
White w/Blue Stripe
Green w/White Stripe
White w/Brown Stripe
Brown w/White Stripe
Audio
Left (+)
Left (-)
Right (+)
Ground
RJ45
Right (-)
RJ45 balanced audio connectors
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.14
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
PC Setup
TheBD8-USB console featuresa built in sound card on Channel Eight ‘B’ of the console. This enables the console to play & record
audio directly from a Windows PC using Arrakis Digilink-Xtreme software. Because the electronics is USB HID compliant, it will
be recognized as a Windows soundcard by the Windows operating system and can be used with any Windows compliant audio
software (such as Adobe Audition).
RECOMMENDED OPERATING SYSTEM
The minimum PC operating system is Windows XP or VISTA. Windows XP is currently the recommended operating system
CONNECTIONS
The PC is connected to the console by a standard USB cable (USB 1 or USB 2).
INSTALLING & OPERATING THE SOFTWARE
refer to the Section Five of this manual
LAPTOP OR DEKTOP PC
USB
cable
USB
PORT
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.15
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S
Basic Calibration
The console has been calibrated at the factory to normal -10dBu and +4dBu levels and should not require field calibration. Because the console has BOTH -10dBu consumer AND +4dBu professional inputs and outputs for every feature,
level adjustment is usually not required. Also, it is better to adjust the level out of the source device than to adjust the
console levels. In this way, a source device can be moved from one studio to another without requiring recalibration.
MIC GAIN ADJUSTMENT
The only user level adjustments are on the two mic channels. These trim pots are set at the factory for typical microphone gain levels. These trim pots can
be adjusted if different mic gains are required. To adjust, the simplest method is to speak into the mic and adjust the trim pot with a small straight edge
screwdriver until the desired level is reached.
MIC
trim pots
+12V Main
DC Power
HP
Ch 7
Out
Mix
Minus
Out Logic
Mute
L
Mon
R
Out
L
Ext
R
L
Pgm
Pgm Left
Pgm Right
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Out
PC
USB
Bal
In
Bal
In
Out
Ch 8
R
R
In
L
Out
L
Ch 7
4.16
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
Bal
In
R
R
In
L
In
L
Ch 5
R
L
Ch 4
R
In
L
Ch 3
R
In
In
48V
Mic
Pwr
Mic 2
Mic 1
In
In
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
XTREME FOR
BD8-USB
5.0
This is a blank page
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
‘Free’ Digilink-Xtreme (BD8 mode) software
Arrakis Systems and ‘Free’ Digilink software
Arrakis has a long history of providing free on air & production software to the radio industry as promotional and support products
for our core business: Digilink-Free, Xtreme-Studios, Xedit-pro, X-sched, and now Xtreme (ARC mode).
Xtreme for the BD8 console is designed to be Easy to Use
Xtreme for the ARC console is a powerful live on air, basic automation, and recording program that meets many station’s needs and
is a useful promotional tool for our ARC console line. It is specifically designed to be easy to use to reduce the operational learning
curve and eliminate customer service.
How Xtreme works with an BD8 console
Xtreme for the ARC console is actually the full current version of Arrakis Xtreme software. When a PC running Arrakis’ full version
Digilink-Xtreme software is connected by a USB cable to an BD8 console, the software recognizes the console
and self-configures for the features appropriate for the BD8 console.
Xtreme for the BD8 console will only function with an BD8 console
The Xtreme software provided with the BD8 console models will function only when connected to an BD8-USB console.
Because the software is actually the full version of Arrakis Xtreme automation software, it will run in the Xtreme-Studios
mode if the software is run without an BD8 console.
BD8-USB is a Windows compatible soundcard that supports most Windows Audio software
The electronics in the ARC-8 emulates a USB HID compatible sound card. A Windows PC will recognize the card and most Windows
compatible software will be able to play and record from the ARC console.
Customer Support
Digilink Xtreme (BD8 mode) software for the BD8 console is provided at no charge and does not include the cost of telephone support.
The software is specifically designed to be easy to use for people with average PC computer and radio industry experience.
Support is limited to the product manual and the on screen help system in the software itself. Refer to the Arrakis website at
www.arrakis-systems.com for updated training materials. In a case where telephone support is a necessity, Arrakis has per minute
and per incident support available that can be paid for by valid credit card. For comprehensive support and advanced automation
features, the ‘Xtreme Solutions’ program may be purchased. Refer to the website or contact the factory for details.
5.1
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Loading the Software
The software is a self-installing ZIP file. Copy the software from a CDROM or download it from the arrakis website to the desktop. .
Double click on the install file and it will install itself. Short cuts will be placed on the desktop, Start menu, and Programs menu.
Note: the software is extracted by default to the ‘C:\Arrakis’ directory
5.2
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Menu
Menu
The main MENU button is located in the upper left corner of the
Xtreme screen. Click on the button to view the menu.
NOTE: the SCHEDULER & RECORDER menu items are not active in
Digilink-Xtreme (basic ARC console mode). They are retained on the
menu because they are active in the Advanced mode option.
Click to open the Setup screen
Software Setup
Displays the Sound
cards on the PC
To open the Setup screen, click on MENU and then SETUP. There are
only four setup options in this software mode.
Setup the RS232
serial port (NA)
Click to place the
Random Song load
button on the
Air screen
1) Sound Cards
displays the sound cards in the Windows sound resources list. This is
a display only window.
2) Serial Ports
not used in the ARC-8.
3) Random List Play
enables the Random List play feature by placing a button in the bottom center of the On Air screen.
4) Change Audio Directory
by default, the audio library path is C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\Library. This
feature allows the user to select a different directory (folder) for the
audio library.
Note: refer to the following pages for specifics concerning these
options.
Browse to find
the path to the
Audio Library folder
5.3
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Browse to locate the Library folder
Selecting the Library Folder
All audio files must be located in a single audio directory (folder) for
Xtreme to play from them. By default, this folder is
C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\Library.
A different path from the default path can be selected by clicking on
the CHANGE AUDIO DIRECTORY button. A standard Windows Find File
dialog will open. Browse to your new library and click on an audio file
in that directory to select it. The new library will be loaded into the
Xtreme directory and the new path will be saved.
Setting the Com port
not used on the BD8-USB
Once the Com port has been selected
Select the Com port that
then click on the SET button
the BD8-USB console is connected to
Viewing the Sound cards
Displays the Sound cards that Windows recognizes
This is a display only window. It will display a list of all Sound cards
that Windows has detected. If the PC is properly connected to the
BD8 console by the USB cable and the console power is on, it should
show the BD8 console sound card in the list named ‘USB Audio
Codec’. Also, the ‘USB Audio Codec’ should be displayed as the ‘Program Sound Card.’ The ‘Cue Sound Card’ should be assigned as the
sound card in the PC computer itself.
Note: if the ‘USB Audio Codec ’is displayed as the ‘Program Sound
Card’, then program audio from the Xtreme software will play
through channel nine on the BD8 console. Cue audio from the Xtreme
software will play out the PC speaker or out the Cue speaker in the
console (if the line(speaker) out of the PC is wired to the Cue input on
the BD8 console).
5.4
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Assigning Jingles
(1) Click on a jingle button to prepare to load a
new file
Xtreme has ten pages of thirty jingles per page. To select the Jingles
window, click on the JINGLES button at the top right of the screen. To
assign jingles to the jingle array, click on the JINGLES button at the
bottom right of the screen. The screen will move the 30 button jingles window to the left of the screen and display the Directory wall on
the right. To assign an audio file to a jingle button, click on a jingle
button (which will turn blue) and then click on the desired audio file in
the directory on the right of the screen. The selected audio file will
then appear in the Jingle button. Repeat this process until you are
finished.
Click to select the
Jingles window
Important: once a jingle begins playing, the jingle page can not be
scrolled. Therefore, if it is desired to play more than one jingle at a
time then they must be assigned to the same page. This is important
to consider when assigning Jingles.
(2) Browse through the directory
and then click on the desired file
Click on the JINGLES button open
the jingles assignment window as
displayed here
Play up to 3 jingles
at the same time
Playing Jingles
Jingles are audio files that might occasionally be played as beds,
sound effects, etc. during a live show. Xtreme features ten pages of
thirty buttons for use as jingles.
Up to three jingles can be played at the same time if the play list is
not playing. If the play list is playing, only a single jingle can be played
since two plays are assigned to the play list. Click a button to play a
jingle and click again to stop play.
Important: once a jingle begins playing, the jingle page can not be
scrolled. Therefore, if it is desired to play more than one jingle at a
time then they must be assigned to the same page.
5.5
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Directory
Click on this button to display the Directory for the
audio library
Click on this button
to display the four
Sorting options
The right side of the on air screen can be selected to display a directory of all of the audio files in your library. The directory can be sorted by (1) cart number, (2) title, (3) text/artist, and (4) runtime. To
search for a specific file by the sort order, type into the text box at
the bottom right of the screen.
Playing in the Directory
A file can be played in the directory by clicking on it just like a jingle.
Click once to play, click again to stop play.
Cueing in the Directory
To cue the beginning or end of a file in the directory, click on the cue
button (turns grey) and then click on the button in the directory. The
audio will play out of the PC sound card and not on air.
To cue the beginning or end of a file in
the directory, click on the cue button
(turns grey) and then click on the button
in the directory.
Loading the Play List
The play list on the left side of the on air screen is a list of up to 500
audio events. The list is filled by clicking on a line in the play list
(turns brown) and then selecting on an audio file from the directory
on the right side of the screen. Events in the play list can be cleared
or cut and pasted. Once a list is created, it can be saved to a file for
later use.
5.6
Search box: type into this box
to search for a specific file in
the directory
(1) click on a line in the play
list (turns brown)
(2) click on an audio file in the Directory to load it into the play list
click to open a Windows
Save File dialog to save this
play list to a file for later
playback
click to open a Window Find File
dialog to load a saved play list to
the on air play list
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Song & Break events
BREAK event
There are two special non-audio events displayed in the directory.
These are (1) BREAK, and (2) SONG. They can be added to and manipulated in the play list just as any audio file can be.
BREAK event
Place this event into the play list wherever you would like the play list
to Stop play. The break event can be used to break up commercial
stopsets, insert a time when the live announcer may enter the news,
etc. Once the live event is completed, the operator must then click on
the AUTO button again to start the play of the play list.
SONG event
In Xtreme, audio files are assigned a single letter as a ‘TYPE’. Examples are ‘M’ for music, ‘S’ for commercials, ‘J’ for jingles. The SONG
event uses the type ‘M’ music audio files to automatically select a
song for play in the play list. All type ‘M’ audio files are treated as a
single large category. Songs are randomly selected out of the category but will not be played twice within a minimum back to back setting (usually 100 songs). The specific song is selected when the SONG
event is loaded into the top two lines in the play list for play.
The SONG event is particularly useful when you are saving a play list
as a template for repeated play on air.
Random List Play
Random List Play is a powerful feature for filling on air time between
live programs. It will play three songs in a row followed by a jingle
and then three songs again until the mode is turned off.
Activating Random Play
If the ‘Random List Play’ check box is check in the Setup screen, then
the ‘R’ button will appear in the bottom center of the on air screen.
Click on the button to activate random play (turns yellow). Click on it
again to stop random play.
How Random Play Schedules
If the ‘R’ button is on (yellow), then Xtreme will automatically fill the
play list if the number of files in the list is less than four. It will automatically and repeatedly schedule three type ‘M’ SONG events followed by a type ‘J’ jingle event. If there are no type ‘M’ or ‘J’ events,
then the mode will play randomly from the entire audio library.
Random List Play
button (yellow
when active)
5.7
SONG event
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Recording Audio
Recorder
Edit audio file
window
Player / editor
click on the
RECORDER button
Xtreme for the BD8 console has a built in recorder and single block
editor for recording and quickly editing audio files. The recorder
records from the Program audio bus from the BD8 console.
Record Format
The recorder records in uncompressed WAV format for ease of editing. The specific WAV format can be selected with the recorder
SETUP button.
Recording
Click on the red RECORD button to start recording. Click on the
PAUSE or STOP buttons to pause-stop recording. Once a recording
has been stopped, it will be displayed in the edit window.
Playing the File
Once a file has been recorded, click on the green PLAY button. The
audio will play out the cue sound card and not On Air.
click to save the
file with a name
ZTEMPREC
Editing a File
Sometimes it may be desire to edit the beginning and end of the audio
file before saving it. To do this, left mouse click on the window to set
the start point. Right mouse click at the end of the audio file to set
the stop point. Four buttons in the editor (<<|, etc) will loop scrub the
start and stop points to get an exact point. Once edited, save the
edited recording to a file.
Saving the Recording to a File
The audio file can be quick saved by clicking on the yellow ‘SAVE’ button to a file named ‘ZTEMPREC’ which will automatically appear at the
end of the audio directory to be easily found. (Note that ZTEMPREC
will be repeatedly recorded over). Click on the blue ‘SAVE AS’ button
to save the file to the library with the cart number and title in the
text boxes at the bottom of the recorder window. The file will appear
in the directory with the assigned cart number and title.
click to save the
file with a the Cart
# and Title box
information
click on the LOG
button
The On Air Play Log
The On Air screen play log displays recently played audio events since
the software was opened. This is useful for reviewing recently
played events.
5.8
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Audio Library
All of the audio tracks that you will use with Digilink-Xtreme must be in a single directory. The Arrakis\Xtreme directory has a
directory inside it titled ‘Library’. When first opened, Digilink-Xtreme will look to the ‘Library’ directory. If there are audio files there,
it will load them as your audio library. If you want to use a different directory as your audio library (perhaps on the network), you
must change the path to the audio directory in Menu\Setup
THE PATH TO THE AUDIO LIBRARY
Digilink-Xtreme can play audio from anywhere across the network. Click on the ‘Change Audio Directory’ button in the Setup window
and a Windows Find File dialog box will open. Browse the network and click on an audio file in the audio directory that you wish to
choose. Digilink-Xtreme will save the new path as the path for your audio directory.
AUDIO FORMATS THAT XTREME SUPPORTS (wav, mp2, mp3)
Digilink supports simultaneous play of any combination of uncompressed audio files (WAV), MPEG 1 Layer 2 (MP2) , and MPEG 1 Layer
3 (MP3) audio formats. WAV audio files are uncompressed while MP2 and MP3 audio files are compressed audio formats. For CD
quality audio, sampling rates should be 44.1kHz (the CD standard) which provides full 20-20kHz audio bandwidths. For CD quality in
compressed audio, MP2 files should be at least a 192k bit rate while MP3 files should be at least 128k bit rate. Lower bit rates will
result in higher compression ratios but listening tests indicate a lower than CD audio quality for most listeners.
SILENCE AT THE FRONT & BACK OF AN AUDIO FILE
It is important when producing audio files to NOT have silence at the front or back of the audio file. While overlap times can sometimes deal with silence, it is not possible to use overlaps to handle loose production if the adjacent audio files in the list are very
short. It is better to follow careful production rules and eliminate silence from the file. To facilitate converting problematic audio
files to tight files, Arrakis provides a waveform editor to trim the silence.
NAMING AUDIO FILES
Radio specific data must be assigned to every audio file in your library for many of Xtreme’s features to operate. Each file must
have a unique cart number to identify it, usually a title, artist, type of audio event such as ‘M’ for music, etc. This data can be easily
added in the ‘LIBRARY’ window accessible from the main MENU.
THE ARRAKIS NAMING FORMAT
In its simplest form, a filename must at least have a unique cart number followed by a plus (+) sign and the file extension.
Valid formated filenames are...
Cartno + .Ext
Cartno + Type + .Ext
Cartno + Artist + Type + .Ext
Cartno + Title + Artist + Type + .Ext
where:
Cartno: is a unique name with a maximum of 8 characters (example = ‘12345678')
Title: is the title of the audio file with a maximum of 26 characters (example = ‘Black Moon Rising’)
Artist: is the song artist or other text appropriate for the file (max length 20 characters) (example = ‘Credence’)
Type: a single character for the type of file (‘M’= music, ‘S’= spot, ‘J’= jingle, etc)
Ext:
the file extension (.wav, .mp2, .mp3)
+:
the plus (+) sign must separate the various audio fields as shown
5.9
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Audio Library (continued)
WHEN YOU FIRST START XTREME
When you first open the software it will look to the library folder and attempt to load those files into the audio directory. If the files
are not in the Arrakis naming format, then Xtreme will attempt to auto-rename them into the Arrakis format so that they can be
placed into the directory. If the file is locked and can not be renamed, is not an authorized audio format, or is not an audio file, then
Xtreme will ignore that file and not load it into the directory for play.
HOW XTREME WILL AUTO-RENAME FILES
Xtreme will automatically assign an unrecognized filename a unique cart number between 90000 and 99999 and enter the first characters of the old filename as the title so that it can be identified. If the audio file has an ID3V1 tag, as many music files do that have
been ripped by a CD ripper from a CD onto a hard drive, then Xtreme will use the title and artist information from the ID3V1 tag to
name the file. If the file is successfully renamed, it will be placed into the audio directory for play in Xtreme.
ADDING AUDIO FILES TO YOUR LIBRARY
When Xtreme is open, new audio files should not be placed into the Library folder. Xtreme will ignore new files in the Library folder.
Instead, new audio files should be placed into the C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\!!!Audio Update directory. Xtreme tests this directory every 30
seconds. When Xtreme finds a new file in the directory it tests the name, renames it if necessary, moves the file to the Library folder,
and then adds the file into the Xtreme directory for play. If the file is being recorded into this folder, Xtreme will not process the file
until the recording is complete.
DELETING AN AUDIO FILE WHILE XTREME IS OPEN
To delete an audio file from the library, In Xtreme go to MENU, LIBRARY, WINDOWS FILES. Select the file(s) that you want to delete and
click on the DELETE FILE button. The file will be permanently deleted (it is NOT in the Trash) and removed from the Xtreme audio directory. Do not use Windows to delete an audio file while Xtreme is open because Xtreme can not know that the file is gone.
RENAMING AN AUDIO FILE WHILE XTREME IS OPEN
To rename an audio file or change its data while Xtreme is open, go to MENU, LIBRARY and change the data. Xtreme will reflect those
changes in its internal directory. Do not use Windows to change data in an audio file while Xtreme is open because it can not know that
the file data has been changed.
Notes about Filepaths...
1) MAX PATH OF 255 CHARACTERS FOR PLAYING AUDIO FILES
The Windows operating system has a maximum total path length of 255 characters. This includes the network path. This can be important when selecting an
audio path. The shortest path to the audio files is typically: ‘C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\Library\.’ This is 26 characters. The max filename for an Arrakis audio file is
120 characters. This leaves 109 characters for the network path.
2) MAX PATH OF 129 CHARACTERS FOR RECORDING AUDIO FILES
Digilink-Xtreme has a max total path length of 129 characters when recording audio. This includes the network path. This easily supports the normal library
path of ‘C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\Library\’ which is where it is extracted to during installation. Selecting an audio library folder on the desktop however may play
audio files but not record audio files due to the long path lengths.
The normal ‘C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\Library\.’ path is 26 characters. In the worst case, the a file has a max filename length of 94 characters. This sets a max
path length to the audio library of 35 characters (129 - 94). A PC in another room recording files to the on air library can then only have a 9 character network path. This is sufficient if path names are kept short. If a longer path is required, place the on air library in a folder such as ‘C:\Lib\’ which lengthens
the network path to a minimum of 28 characters.
5.10
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Library Manager screen
displays your audio
library by TYPE
Radio specific data must be assigned to every audio file in your
library for many of Xtreme’s features to operate. Cross fading files
in the play list and autoscheduling music are only two examples. The
Library Manager screen is designed to make it fast and easy to manage the radio specific data for your audio files.
Setting Audio File data
Audio file data is stored in the actual filename of the audio file. To edit
this data easily, double-click on a line in the library manager list so
that the Edit Audio File Data window opens. Enter a unique cart number, title, artist (or just text), and Type into the window.
Edit Audio File Data
Window
Use the audio Type designations in the Library manager. ‘M’ for music,
‘S’ for spot/commercial, ‘J’ for jingle, etc.
The ‘In Time to Voice’ and ‘EOM’ times can be manually entered but are
more easily set by listening to the actual audio file. To set those
times, click on the button next to the SAVE button which will open the
player. The player’s operation is discussed on the next page. Once the
changes are complete, click on the SAVE Button to save the changes
to the file.
5.11
ALWAYS click on the SAVE button to save
your changes
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Setting Crossfade points
In the play list, Xtreme will use the crossfade points to...
(1) display the time to the voice at the start of the file &
(2) start play of the next event at the EOM time at the end of the file.
The time to voice timer is useful because it tells a live announcer how
long he can talk over the beginning of the audio file. The EOM time is
the time from the end of the file when the next event will start playing. This creates a professional sound as music segues properly and
audio events don’t unpleasantly play over each other.
Using the Player
The player is a quick and easy way to set the overlap points based on
listening to the actual audio event. The audio will start playing when
the player is opened. Click on the VOICE button when voice begins in
the file. Click on the EOM button at the point at the end of the file
where the audio is low enough to start the next event. Notice that the
time in the data panel changes to match the point where you clicked
the button.
The green PLAY and red STOP buttons start and stop play. The <<<
button will start play at the beginning of the file while the >>> button
will start play at the end of the file minus the time in the text edit box
(default is 10 seconds).
click to set TIME TO
VOICE at the beginning of the file
Important: always click on the SAVE button in the edit data window to
save your times.
click to set EOM
(crossfade) time
at the end of the
file
Click on a line to select a file
for delting
Deleting Audio Files
This window displays the actual audio file with the Windows filename.
To delete a file (permanently delete), select an audio file in the list and
click on the DELETE FILE button.
IMPORTANT: this deletes the file immediately. It is NOT placed in the
trash bin where it could be recovered !!!!!
click to delete
the audio file
5.12
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Play Log
click on the OPEN button to open logs that have
been automatically renamed and saved to file
The play log displays all of the events played in Xtreme as well as
important data such as when the program was started or closed for
problem solving.
Recent Events
The recent events log displays all events since the Xtreme program
was last opened.
Total Log
This displays all of the events since the play log was last rolled over.
Spot Log
This displays a log of only the type ‘S’ audio events which is typically
the station’s billable commercial inventory.
Automatically Saved Logs
The play log is renamed and saved when it reaches approximately
19,000 events in the log. For an active radio station, this is approximately one week of activity. When renamed, the log is dated and
placed in the C:\Arrakis\Xtreme\DigilinkLogs directory. To view an
old saved log, click on the OPEN button at the top right of the screen.
Creating Reports
Select a range of events in the
list to create a report
The SPOT log
Both the TOTAL LOG and the SPOT LOG have the feature where a
selected portion of the log can be exported in the Digilink Reporting
format for reconciliation with all popular Traffic and Billing software
programs.
To export a log, select a portion of the list, click on the VIEW SELECTION button, click on the red EXPORT SELECTION button, and then give
the report a filename to be saved to disk.
click to save the selected log to
a text file
5.13
click to view the selected events
in the log format
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
The Exported Play Log Text Format
Xtreme uses the standard Digilink file export format as shown below.
FIELD
Record type
Cart #
Title
Runtime
na
Air month
Air day
Air year
Air hour
Air minute
Air second
na
na
na
Cross in time
Cross out time
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
CRLF
COL
1
4
13
38
43
45
48
51
54
57
60
63
66
69
72
75
78
80
89
98
119
122
125
127
SIZE
2
8
24
4
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
8
8
20
2
2
2
1
TYPE
numeric
alpha-numeric
alpha-numeric
numeric
na
numeric
numeric
numeric
numeric
numeric
numeric
na
na
na
numeric
numeric
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
CRLF
DESCRIPTION
02-traffic, 03-music
0-3600 seconds
1-12
1-31
0-99
0-23
0-59
0-59
0-9
0-9
Notes:
a) Each record is 128 bytes long beginning with column 1.
b) Records must be in sequential order by date and time
c) Time is 24 hour format
d) All fields are ASCII characters
e) Unused fields and columns must be blank
f) Alpha-numeric fields must be left justified
5.14
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
Audio Glitches & Dropouts
Initial Setup Problems
If the audio on a play channel (or recording) glitches or drops out when another play channel is played (or recorded), then the PC is
not setup properly. An example would be for the main Program output to have a half second of silence whenever an audio file is cued.
This kind of problem is created when the PC does not have sufficient resources available to do two things at once without a pause
between them. This can be caused by:
1) too little RAM memory in the PC for both the operating system and Xtreme application
2) too many background processes running and using up CPU power
3) too many programs in the START menu so that they run all of the time in the background
4) certain system programs such as FIND FAST, or Windows updates automatically running while Xtreme is running
5) power setup features on the PC such as the screen saver that slows the PC down if there is no user input
6) other audio programs running in the background reassigning Windows audio resources
7) virus protection (and other security) programs running in the background
8) scheduled events on the PC such as automatic updates
9) other background programs having a higher Windows priority than Xtreme
10) etc.
Problems that occur over Time
A PC can have no audio problems out of the box but begin having audio glitches after a period of time. This can be caused by:
1) same problems as listed above
2) Windows software updates that have changed security settings
3) viruses and other damaging programs getting onto the PC
4) new programs, network settings, etc that you may have added or changed
Resolving these Problems
These problems are specific to and different for every PC. If they occur, they will require time and effort to resolve. The Windows Task
Manager program is helpful in seeing what unnecessary programs are open and using resources.
It is important to remember that PCs create these types of audio problems for all audio programs. However, the symptoms may be
different for different programs due to their different features. As an example, Windows Media Player only plays one thing at a time
while Xtreme (1) decompresses and mixes up to 3 audio files to the Program output, (2) plays a second audio file out the cue output,
and (3) simultaneously executes up to two records at the same time.
5.15
X T R E M E F O R T H E BD8-USB
User notes...
5.16
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
6.0
This is a blank page
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
General Repair Considerations
WARNING
The console should be repaired by qualified, professional, & experienced, audio technicians ONLY.
DESIGNED FOR MODULAR PART REPLACEMENT
The console is designed for modular replacement rather than repair. The power supply is external and plug in. All but one IC is plug in. A small amount of
disassembly is required to reach most parts. If the repair requires soldering to the motherboard, then the repair should be performed at the factory. Diagrams on the following pages explain the required disassembly.
POWER SUPPLY
The power supply is a sealed module that must be replaced in whole if there is a problem.
REPEATED EQUIPMENT FAILURES
If a specific part of the console is failing regularly, it is likely that it is being subject to unusual stresses.
Examples are;
(1) Switch or fader failure(2) Mic channel IC failure(3) Input op amp failure(4) Output op amp failure(5) Power Supply failure-
rough physical treatment
static discharge to mic
lightning, power surge, or other transient on this cable
lightning, power surge, or other transient on this cable
lightening, power surge, or other transient on the AC power line
SUGGESTED REPAIR PROCEDURES
(1) NO AUDIO OUT OF ONE INPUT CHANNEL- (Swap Cables) Be certain that the problem is in the console itself. If mic channel two doesn’t function but mic
channel one functions properly, then plug the cable from the good mic into the channel that you suspect to be bad. If the channel that you suspect to be bad
now functions, then the problem is external to the console and is in the source or the wiring. This is a very fast and easy way to test your system.
(2) VU METERS MOVE BUT NO AUDIO OUT OF THE CONSOLE- The VU meters measure the actual output of the console itself. If the meters move but no audio
is present, the problem is after the console output and is in the following signal chain. Plug a set of headphones into the output of the console and listen to the
Program output to confirm this.
(3) LOUD LOW FREQUENCY HUM IN AUDIO- Many years ago this would mean a power supply failure. In today’s electronics, this is an installation problem such
as a ground loop. To confirm the problem is not in the console, remove ALL wiring from the console and connect a pair of headphones to the output you are
testing. The hum should be absent. All wiring must be removed and headphones only used. A very common problem is for an audio power amp and speakers to
create the ground loop with the console.
(4) NO AUDIO OUT OF THE MONITORS- Be certain that the monitor system is not muted due to a mic channel being on or talkback being activated.
6.1
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
Opening the Console
WARNING
The console should be repaired by qualified, professional, & experienced, audio technicians ONLY.
ACCESSING THE MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard is accessed from the bottom of the console. Four screws must be removed from the side panels (2 on each side) to have
access to the console electronics for test and IC replacement. Be careful to not scratch the console when turning the console over.
REMOVING THE MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard is attached to the front panel with screws on the bottom of the motherboard. This requires access to the inside of the console. When replacing the motherboard, be certain to replace all of the screws so that switches and faders will operate properly.
6.2
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
Replacing Slide Faders
Slide faders are soldered into the motherboard and are factory replacement only.
Left
Right
CH 3
Program
-20 -15
Talk
Cue
1
Mic 1
2
-3-1
0
4
CH 8
-20 -15 -10 -5 -3-1
1 2 3
Cue
Cue
3
-10-5
6
Mic 2
6.3
12
Cue
Cue
5
0
PC
3
Cue
7
External
8
Monitor
Head
phone
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
Replacing ICs
ICs must be replaced with care. All but one IC in the console is socketed so that they can be replaced.
When replacing an IC, be careful to not bend legs under the IC or outside the socket. Be extremely careful to not shock
an IC or the motherboard with a static discharge. In some cases, you must use a grounded arm or anklet if there is a
possibility of a static discharge.
In all cases, retain the old IC because it may be found to not be damaged.
6.4
6.5
2N3906 transistor
Muting relay driver
Muting
Relay
2N2907
Inverter transistor
Mix minus
Balanced R
Output amp
L R
L
Monitor
Earphone
Preamp
R
L
Headphone
Output Amp
R
TL497A
-12VDC
Inverter
L
Ch 7 (Phone)
Pgm Summing amp
R
L
USB
Record
Amp
R
R
R
L
USB
Play
Amp
L
Ch 1-6 & 8
L Program
Summing amp
L R
L
Program
(-) Output
driver
Program
Unbalanced
Output driver
R
L
PCM2900
USB
LM7805 Five
Volt Regulator
CTS5-CB3 USB
12MHz oscillator
Program
(+) Output
driver
R
Monitor
L
Output Amp
R
External
Input amp
for Monitor
R
Channel 7
Input
preamp
L
R
L
VU Amp
Channel 6
Input
preamp
2N3906 transistor
Right VU amp
LM3916 Right VU driver
L
Channel 5
Input
preamp
R
R
L
Channel 4
Input
preamp
2N3906 transistor
Left VU amp
LM3916 Left VU driver
L
Channel 3
Input
preamp
R
Cue
Sum
SSM2019
Mic Preamp
Mic
#2
Talk
Out
SSM2019
Mic Preamp
Mic
#1
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
Motherboard Parts Layout
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE
Factory Service
Technical Questions
Broadcast Depot maintains a staff of friendly broadcast engineers, design engineers, and technicians who have many
years of in depth field experience in broadcasting. All of our technical resources are available to you to answer installation questions, solve problems, and repair equipment. If you have a question or problem, please feel free to call us. We
can not solve every problem, but our people are here to try.
Our customer support department is open from:
Voice:
Fax:
email:
IMPORTANT:
9AM - 5:30PM, Monday -Friday (except for Holidays)
305-599-3100
305-599-3908
[email protected]
Collect calls will not be accepted
Technical Questions for the ‘Free’ Xtreme software included with the BD8-USB
Digilink Xtreme (ARC mode) software for the console is provided at no charge and does not include the cost of telephone support.
The software is specifically designed to be easy to use for people with average PC computer and radio industry experience.
Support is limited to the product manual and the on screen help system in the software itself. Refer to the Arrakis website at
www.arrakis-systems.com for updated training materials. In a case where telephone support is a necessity, Arrakis has per minute
and per incident support available that can be paid for by valid credit card. For comprehensive support and advanced automation
features, the ‘Xtreme Solutions’ program may be purchased. Refer to the website or contact the factory for details.
Warranty Service for the BD8-USB
Broadcast Depot will replace parts that fail due to defects in material or workmanship during the warranty period of the product. This warranty is extended
to the original owner only.
Broadcast Depot does not warranty equipment that has failed due to improper installation, abuse, or acts of nature. It is solely at the discretion of Broadcast
Depot as to whether a part is defective under warranty conditions.
Warranty Service Procedure for the BD8-USB console hardware
Broadcast Depot assumes that its customers have on staff (or access to) competent technical personnel and adequate test equipment.
If a product fails, Arrakis will first seek to ascertain the problem over the phone and solve it at the modular replacement level where we find the specific
part(s) that have failed and repair or replace them. This is the least expensive and time consuming solution for you. Depending on the circumstances and at
our discretion,B. Depotwill replace the specific PC board suspected to be at fault. If replacing PC boards does not resolve the problem, then the console is to
be returned to the factory where it will we repaired and returned to you. Repair time at the factory is normally two week days.
Shipping- The customer is responsible for payment for shipping to the factory. Parts returned to the factory freight collect will be refused. Return shipping
over and above the cost of UPS ground will be born by the customer. In the case of international shipments, all cost of shipping and duties are born by the
customer, both to and from the factory.
Under no circumstances will B.Depot replace a defective console with a replacement console.
IMPORTANT- Under no circumstances does B.Depot take any responsibility for non-factory technical expenses.
6.6

* Your assessment is very important for improving the work of artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project