Antex Electronics DMX8 User Manual
DMX8 USB Mixer
Installation Guide
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FTR-InstallationGuide-DMX8.doc 20051222
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Safety Notices
Please read the following instructions and safety notices before installing this equipment.
Voltage Selection
Depending on the equipment you purchased it may be necessary to change the operating
voltage for your region. The power connector on the rear panel of the equipment may
have a voltage selection switch. Check the voltage setting and change if required. If no
voltage selection switch is available then the power supply is auto-sensing and you do not
need to select an operating voltage.
Warning This equipment is designed to operate while connected to a grounded
!
wall outlet. Always use a power cable with a properly grounded plug such as the
one provided with this equipment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, never
disable this important safety feature.
Canadian Deviations clause 1.1.1
All equipment installations are required to be in accordance with the Canadian Electrical
Code (CEC), Part 1, CAN/CSA C22.1
US Deviations clause 1.1.1
All equipment installations are required to be in accordance with the National Electrical
Code (NEC) ANSI/NFPA 70, and, unless marked or otherwise identified, the Standard for
the Protection of Electronic Computer/Data-Processing Equipment, ANSI/NFPA 75.
Warning Only qualified technical service personnel should open the case of
!
this equipment. All user accessible connections and controls are located on the
front or rear panels of the equipment. Opening the case may also void your
warranty. If you need to make changes that require the case to be opened, contact
your authorized FTR service center.
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Table of Contents
Safety Notices .........................................................................................................................................iii
DMX8 USB Mixer................................................................................................................................... 1
Product Outline ....................................................................................................................................1
System Requirements........................................................................................................................... 1
Installing the DMX8 USB Mixer ........................................................................................................... 2
Voltage Selection.................................................................................................................................2
Location ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Environment......................................................................................................................................... 3
Connections.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Installing the DMX8 USB Mixer ........................................................................................................... 5
Installation............................................................................................................................................ 5
Configuring Windows® Multimedia Settings .................................................................................... 10
Completing the Installation.................................................................................................................. 11
TheRecord Recorder .......................................................................................................................... 11
FTR Reporter ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Configuring the DMX8 USB Mixer..................................................................................................... 13
Controls.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Adjusting Levels ................................................................................................................................15
Scenes ................................................................................................................................................ 17
About DMX8 Configuration................................................................................................................ 19
DMX8 Meter ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................... 22
Specifications......................................................................................................................................... 24
Appendix A............................................................................................................................................ 26
Diagram 1 – DMX8 Front and Rear Panels....................................................................................... 26
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DMX8 USB Mixer
This guide provides general information for the installation and configuration of the
DMX8 USB Mixer.
Product Outline
The DMX8 USB Mixer is a general purpose automatic audio mixer allowing eight
microphone or line inputs to be connected and mixed to one to four digital recording
outputs. The recording outputs are delivered to a computer through a Hi-Speed USB port
connection. Additionally, the DMX8 USB Mixer has four monitor outputs allowing the
inputs to be routed to the outputs in any combination required. A further Mono output
provides a mixdown of all eight inputs.
The simplicity of the USB connection mechanism and the excellent audio performance of
the DMX8 USB Mixer ensure it is compatible with a wide variety of digital recording
environments.
System Requirements
Windows® 2000 SP4 -or-
Windows® XP Home SP1 or greater, -or-
Windows® XP Professional SP1 or greater
Computer with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Interface
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Installing the DMX8 USB Mixer
Before commencing an installation make sure you have the following:
DMX8 USB Mixer
DMX8 USB Mixer CD or Software downloaded from www.fortherecord.com
DMX8 USB Mixer Installation Guide (this guide)
Hi-Speed rated USB cable to connect DMX8 USB Mixer to computer (supplied)
Power cable suitable for your region (supplied)
Microphones
Microphone cables wired correctly for the DMX8 XLR connectors
Voltage Selection
Before connecting the equipment to mains power, be sure to select the correct
operating voltage for your region.
1. Remove the power cable from the equipment.
2. Slide the voltage selector switch located under the power inlet socket to the correct
setting.
3. Check that the required voltage is now visible on the voltage selector switch.
4. Re-insert the power cable.
Location
The DMX8 USB Mixer can be mounted on a tray in a 19” rack or placed on a shelf or
table. All connections are from the rear panel (see Appendix A Diagram 1).
Ideally the DMX8 USB Mixer should be located inside the room where recording will
take place however it can be located outside if due consideration is given to microphone
and output cable lengths and electrical interference.
The DMX8 USB Mixer must be located close to the computer it is connected to. HiSpeed USB has a connection length limit of 16 feet (5 meters).
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Environment
The DMX8 USB Mixer should be installed in a clean, dust free, location that will allow
free air to circulate around it for cooling purposes. Overly hot, closely enclosed, humid,
dirty or dusty environments should be avoided. Having decided on a suitable location for
the DMX8 USB Mixer, read the following section when installing and connecting
equipment.
Connections
Connecting the equipment involves the placement and connection of microphones or other
input devices and cables, connection to a computer and any monitoring equipment and the
testing of the complete system.
Microphones
Place microphones as close as practical to the users but avoid restricting their view of the
room. Be aware of the need for space to place papers and books without knocking or
covering the microphone.
Ensure microphones are a minimum of 3 feet (1 meter) from sources of electronic
interference such as the DMX8 USB Mixer, computer and lighting.
Microphone Cables
Connect the cabling between the microphones and the DMX8 USB Mixer. If possible
conceal and secure the cables to prevent them from being damaged or entangled by users.
Avoid placing cables near possible sources of interference such as power cables, lights,
monitors and computers. When connecting microphone cables do not lay the cables under
or over the DMX8 USB Mixer. They must lead directly away.
Recording Equipment
Connect the USB output of the DMX8 USB Mixer directly to an available Hi-Speed USB
interface on your computer. Do not connect the DMX8 USB Mixer to the computer via a
hub or repeater. You will require a Hi-Speed rated USB cable like the one supplied with
the DMX8 USB Mixer to make this connection.
Monitoring Equipment
The Monitor outputs on the DMX8 USB Mixer may be used for a range of different
purposes including telephone and/or video conferencing, public address via an amplifier
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and/or powered speakers or for an analog audio feed for backup or other archival
requirements.
Testing
Have another person speak into each microphone at normal to loud levels. Watch the
corresponding Input Level LED on the front panel of the DMX8 USB Mixer. As each
microphone is tested the LED should flash green. It is acceptable for the LED to flash red
occasionally with loud speech. If the microphones are placed close together the voice test
should be accompanied by a “scratch” test. Before speaking, lightly scratch each
microphone and observe which LED on the front panel lights. This ensures the correct
microphone is being tested. If devices other than microphones are connected to the inputs
of the DMX8 USB Mixer, perform a similar test on these devices.
After the drivers and the DMX8 Configuration are installed use the configuration program
to adjust the recording and monitoring levels. See the Configuring the DMX8 USB Mixer
section later in this guide.
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Installing the DMX8 USB Mixer
Note:
!
When you insert the DMX8 USB Mixer CD, the Setup program will determine if
your system meets the minimum software requirements for this product.
If your system does not meet these requirements, the Setup program will provide onscreen
instructions advising which software or upgrades are required. Make sure to print out the
instructions, as you may need to use these as a reference during the installation procedure.
Installation
The DMX8 USB Mixer is supplied with a CD containing drivers, a configuration
program, a meter program and an electronic version of this guide. The following steps
detail the procedures for installing the software.
Please Note: It is important to turn the mixer off before commencing
installation.
Installing the DMX8 USB Mixer software
1. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. If the autorun does not start,
double-click DMX8Setup.exe
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From the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard dialog box click Next.
2. From the Destination Folder dialog box click Next to continue, or click Change
to install to a different folder.
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