How it Works
Beyerdynamic
Loading...
Headzone PRO XT
User Manual
46 pgs3.79 Mb0
Table of contents
Loading...

Beyerdynamic Headzone PRO XT User Manual

Headzone®PRO XT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Mobile Headphone Monitoring System with virtual 5.1 Reproduction
Table of Contents
- 2 -
3.1 Supplied components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Optional accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. The Headzone®technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.1 The idea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.2 Surround on stereo headphones - how to trick your brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.3 Virtual loudspeakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.4 The virtual control room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.5 Why head tracking? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.1 Basic Principles of Hearing Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.2 Function of EarPatron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6. Headzone®hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1 Base station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.2 DT 770 PRO HT / DT 880 PRO HT Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.3 Headzone®rail and clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7. How to install the Headzone®software - Windows®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8. How to install the Headzone®software - Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9. How to use the Headzone®software control panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9.2 How to connect your hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9.3 Room set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9.3.1 Virtual speaker set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9.3.2 Room settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
9.4 Sound adaptation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.5 Volume controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.5.1 Input peak LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.5.2 Surround channel level meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.5.3 Surround channel volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.5.4 Muting channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.5 LFE filtering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.6 LFE phase reverse ø . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.7 Output level meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.8 Solo function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.9 To Center function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.10 Level indication Com channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.11 Limiter LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.5.12 Routing of the Com channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.6 Control / status panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
9.6.1 Bypass processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
9.6.2 Bypass head tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
9.6.3 Selecting an audio input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9.6.4 How to determine the headtracker mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9.6.5 Viewing the hardware status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9.6.6 Viewing and customising the head tracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9.6.7 Limiter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9.6.8 Com Channel Ducking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
9.7 Extended settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
9.7.1 Opening the ASIO driver control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
9.7.2 Checking version numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
9.7.3 Password protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.7.4 Firmware updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.8 Storing and loading set-ups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.8.1 Storing set-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.8.2 Loading set-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.8.3 How to save presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.9 Firmware updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
9.9.1 Updating the Headzone®software control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
9.9.2 Updating audio drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
9.9.3 Updating the DSP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Table of Contents
- 3 -
EC-Declaration of conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
FC Declaration of conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Contact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Safety Information
- 4 -
Thank you for selecting Headzone®, the mobile headphone monitoring system with 5.1 reproduction from beyerdynamic. Please take some time to read through this manual carefully before using this product.

1. Important safety information

Headzone®HBP 2 base station and HR 2 rail
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Exemption from liability
• beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG will not be liable if any damage, injury or accident occurs due to negligent, incorrect or inappropriate operation of the product.
Location
• The equipment must be set up so that the mains switch, mains plug and all connection on the rear of the device are easily accessible.
• If you transport the equipment to another location take care to ensure that it is adequately secured and can never be damaged by being dropped or by impacts on the equipment.
Fire hazard
• Never place naked flames near the equipment.
• Never expose the equipment to rain or a high level of humidity. For this reason do not install it in the immediate vicinity of swimming pools, showers, damp basement rooms or other areas with unusually high atmospheric humidity.
• Never place objects containing liquid (e.g. vases or drinking glasses) on the equipment. Liquids in the equipment could cause a short circuit.
Ventilation
• Do not insert objects into the ventilation grilles or other openings. You could damage the equipment and/or injure yourself.
Connection
• The equipment must be connected to a mains socket that has an earth contact.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Lay all connection cables so that they do not present a trip hazard.
• Whenever working on the equipment switch off all inputs and outputs to the power supply.
• Check whether the connection figures comply with the existing mains supply. Serious damage could occur due to connecting the system to the wrong power supply. An incorrect mains voltage could damage the equipment or cause an electric shock.
• Please note that different operating voltages require the use of different types of power cable and plugs. Please refer to the following table:
Voltage Power plug according to standard
110 - 125 V UL817 and CSA C 22.2 no 42.
220 - 230 V CEE 7 page VII, SR section 107-2-D1/IEC 83 page C4.
240 V BS 1363 (1984): “Specification for 13A fused plugs and
switched and un-switched socket outlets.”
The lightning flash within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the device that may be sufficient enough to constitute a risk of electric shock to users.
The exclamation mark within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Safety Information
- 5 -
• If the equipment causes a blown fuse or a short circuit, disconnect it from the mains and have it checked and repaired.
• Do not hold the mains cable with wet hands. There must be no water or dust on the contact pins. In both cases you could receive an electric shock.
• The mains cable must be firmly connected. If it is loose there is a fire hazard.
• Always pull out the mains cable from the mains and/or from the equipment by the plug – never by the cable. The cable could be damaged and cause an electric shock or fire.
• Do not use the equipment if the mains plug is damaged.
• If you connect defective or unsuitable accessories, the equipment could be damaged. Only use connection cables available from or recommended by beyerdynamic. If you use cables you have made up yourself, all claim to warranty is null and void.
Maintenance
• Only clean the equipment with a slightly damp or dry cloth. Never use solvents as these damage the surface.
Trouble shooting and servicing
• Do not open the equipment without authorisation. You could receive an electric shock. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Leave all service work to authorised expert personnel.
DT 770 PRO HT / DT 880 PRO HT headphone
• When connecting the headphone please ensure that the volume is turned down to minimum. Adjust the volume after putting on the headphone. Do not set the volume too high, as you could permanently damage your hearing.
• With wired headphones you should avoid sharp movements, which could cause the headphone to fall off your head. You could be seriously injured especially if you are wearing pierced earrings, spectacles etc. The cable could wind around your neck and cause strangulation.
Application / Supplied Components
- 6 -

3. Accessories

3.1 Supplied components

• Quick Installation Guide
• CD-ROM
• HBP 2 Headzone®Base PRO XT
Base station (9,5"), incl. external power supply, desk top frame and power cable. . . Order # 597.503
• HR 2 Headzone®Rail
Headzone®Headtracker receiver bracket with two ultrasound receivers,
incl. connecting cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 499.358
• HC 1 Headzone® Clip
Flexible clip to mount the Headzone® rail HR 2 receiver bracket on computer screens
or to use as stand or wall mounted adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 490.962
• Firewire cable 6/6 6-pin plug to 6-pin plug, 1.8 m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 491.772
• Firewire cable 4/6 4-pin plug to 6-pin plug, 1.8 m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 491.764

3.2 Optional accessories

• DT 770 PRO HT Studio Headphone
250 Ω, closed, integrated ultrasound exciters for Headzone® head tracker,
single-sided coiled cable with stereo mini jack, 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 492.752
• DT 880 PRO HT Studio Headphone
250 Ω, semi-open, integrated ultrasound exciters for Headzone®head tracker,
single-sided coiled cable with stereo mini jack, 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 499.463
• Multicore cable 25-pin Sub-D plug to 8 x XLR female, 5 m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 499.366
• Multicore cable 25-pin Sub-D plug to 8 x XLR female, 0.5 m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order # 499.730

2. Application

Headzone®PRO XT is a mobile headphones system for professional monitioring with a virtual 5.1 reproduction. Headzone®has been developed for use in mobile recording applications, broadcast vehicles or for surround studio monitoring. Headzone®is also ideal for game software sound design.
Headzone®Technology
- 7 -

4. The Headzone®technology

4.1 The idea

Headzone®emerged from the idea of remodelling the effective parameters of an ideal auditory space with a certain loudspeaker set-up (up to 5.1) as convincingly and exactly as possible and to make this available in a compact and lightweight transportable device like an external sound card. With the help of the lastest DSP-enabled signal processing, Headzone®processes the audio channels in such a way that they are heard in the headphones exactly as they would in an actual room: outside the head, in fixed positions and with a realistic sound
impression. In contrast to other surround simulations using headphones, which produce an impressive but very diffuse “spatial effect” due to stereoscopic image widening and reverberation effects, Headzone®performs just like a real 5.1 loudspeaker system in a high-quality control room. Each surround channel is reproduced as a separate, virtual loudspeaker and can be positioned exactly as required by the user. Headzone®places key emphasis on the maximum accuracy of reproduction.
4.3 Virtual loudspeakers
For example, if a mono audio signal is reproduced via a loudspeaker at a distance of 3 m and an angle of 30° to the left of the listener, this signal reaches the listener with the characteristics specific to each of the two ears (frequency response, run time, space component etc.). The brain evaluates this information and thereby determines the position of the loudspeaker. Headzone®imprints this information on the audio signal using digital signal processing and can thereby generate the same spatial impression with the headphones. This makes it possible to position an audio signal virtually anywhere in the space around the listener and thus generate a “virtual loudspeaker”.

4.2 Surround on stereo headphones… how to trick your brain

The Binaural Environment Modelling®technology, which is the heart of Headzone®, basically works on the principle that your perception is what you hear… and if you hear nothing else than the signals played through two speakers close to your head, i.e. headphones… why shouldn’t it be possible to generate any perception you like?
In fact, humans always hear in stereo – using the left ear and the right ear. The fact that with two ears we can also hear spatially is due to the ability of our brain to evaluate the available signals in relationship to each other. This not only creates the left/right information but also a genuine 3D effect. The actual processes are too complex to describe in a few sentences, but we would like to mention a few, but critical factors:
1. Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF): describes various parameters of the sound signals at both ears, via: a. Run time differences: sound arriving at the listener from the right will be heard first at the right-hand ear and will arrive at the
left-hand ear a short while later.
b. Differences in level: sound arriving first at the right-hand ear will travel around the human head and then be heard at the
left-hand ear with an attenuated level and a different frequency spectrum.
2. Relationship between direct sound and diffuse sound: a sound source close by will have a higher proportion of direct sound than
a distant sound source.
3. Typical patterns of early reflections in a room: a sound source that is very close typically generates different reflection patterns
(speed and angle of the reflection incidence) compared to one that is far away. Interestingly, for a human listener, some of these reflections are used to define the apparent sound source distance, while others will have a more prominent effect on the perceived room size of the surrounding room.
4. And finally head tracking: in a natural environment humans unconsciously use the ability to turn their head in order to find out
exactly where a sound source is located. These are just minute head movements, which nevertheless are extremely important for natural hearing. It is due to these head movements that we are able to distinguish clearly between front and back (particularly in spatial hearing). With Headzone®, this natural hearing has also been realised in the headphones, since Headzone®constantly tracks the head movements of the listener and incorporates them in the audio reproduction.
If we can succeed in replicating all these factors through digital signal processing (which we do), we can model any required room information that the human brain perceives as realistic. In other words: we can trick the brain!
Headzone®Technology
- 8 -

4.4 The virtual control room

After being able to create “virtual loudspeakers”, the next question will be how to place these loudspeakers in a room, as the actual sound image is composed by the loudspeaker itself and the acoustic characteristics that are added by the room it is standing in. With other words, your “virtual control room”.
For quite a long time the recording industry has been defining the characteristics of a listening control room. These are defined in today’s standards such as: OIRT E86/3, IEC 268-13, N 12-A, EBU 3276-2, ITU-R BS.1116, SMPTE 202M, ISO 2969,THX 1138, etc.
The main thing that we learn from of the different standards is that THE perfect control room does not exist, as everyone defines it a little bit differently. But we also learn what the qualities of a good reference listening room are, namely: :
• Reverberation time 250 – 400 ms
• Defined room geometry
• Low background noise level
• No strong reflections that alter the sound color
• Highly diffuse reverberation tail
When modelling a virtual control room for the Headzone®system, we could have measured out some “legendary” control rooms and put them into Headzone®, but what would the benefit be for you if you were able to work in the virtual “Abbey Road Studios” ? You have probably never worked there and perhaps never will in your lifetime… and even if you did… perhaps you would not like the sound of the control room at all.
For the “Headzone®Virtual Control Room” we decided to take a different approach: If THE perfect control room doesn’t exist, but we know the qualities of a good reference listening room... why not allow you to adjust the listening room and create your OWN perfect control room? In our opinion a good sounding control room is quite a personal thing and therefore flexible within certain limits. It is perfect when you feel at home and comfortable with the room response and the distance perception. In other words, when the room sounds plausible to you.
Most importantly, you should always be able to use the same listening conditions, even outside your studio, while recording, or during listening sessions while travelling. This gives you all the benefits of a true reference listening room, where a sound engineer can easily judge the quality of a recording. The more you work in that specific room, the easier you will be able to tell how this would sound in any other environment. In addition, with Headzone®, you are only a few mouse clicks away from listening to your production in different environments to double check that what you have mixed for “living-room” conditions will also sound right in a small car!
The Headzone®virtual control room is therefore based on the qualities of a good reference listening room as described above, but Headzone®also allows the user to custom-design the sound characteristics of a loudspeaker system in a control room with just a few mouse clicks. Adjustable parameters include all those effects that additionally affect the sound image in a real room and that are omitted in conventional stereo headphones: the size of the room, the distance of the loudspeaker to the listener and the characteristics of the control room.
We deliberately incorporated all parameters into just 3 sliders (Room Size, Distance and Ambience), which are easy to understand and operate within a range of 0 to 100. In fact, when adjusting your personal control room, we want to encourage you to do what you can do best: use your ears!
Just start playing around with the room parameters in your virtual control room. As soon as you feel that your setting sounds realistic and convenient, you’ve made it! You’ve created your own reference control room, which you can now take with you anywhere in the world.
Headzone®Technology
- 9 -

4.5 Why head tracking?

1. Loudspeakers do not move!
Loudspeakers are installed at fixed positions within a room and provide a sound impression that is spatially stable. The loudspeaker does not change its position with the listeners’ every movement, but will sometimes be in front of them, next to them or behind them, depending on their movements/position. In contrast, headphones are attached to the user’s head, which means that a signal coming from the right-hand earpiece of the headphones will always remain to the right of the user because the headphones also turn when the listener turns his head. Since we are not used to „moving loudspeakers“, our brain is constantly reminded of the fact that we are just wearing headphones.
Headzone®solves this problem with the development of new, patented technology. With the help of an ultrasonic head tracker, the system continuously tracks the head position of the listener and adjusts audio reproduction accordingly. For example, if the user places a virtual loudspeaker in the front right-hand corner of the room, it will always remain in that position. The user can turn towards or away from the loudspeaker… no matter how he moves, the loudspeaker does not move and remains at the same virtual location. This allows for a striking degree of reality in surround reproduction, which could not be achieved until now, as at a certain point the brain forgets that the person is wearing headphones. You feel as though your virtual listening control room is real, but even better, as you can easily take it with you.
2. Perfect out-of head localisation
As already mentioned above (see chapter 4.2 “Surround on stereo headphones… how to trick your brain”), we unconsciously turn our heads in order to localise a sound source. During this movement, headphones without head tracker will, of course, also turn the sound image by the same degree, whilst headphones with head tracker ensure that the brain will once again receive the additionally required space information – just as in real life.
Loudspeakers installed at fixed positions
Surround simulation without headtracking - loudspeakers follow the head movements
Surround simulation with head­tracking - Headzone®head tracker tracks the head position and adjusts the audio reproduction accordingly. The loudspeakers remain at fixed positions in the virtual room.
EarPatron Hearing Protection
- 10 -

5. EarPatron Hearing Protection

5.1 Basic Principles of Hearing Protection

Background
The human hearing is one of the most important and sensitive sense organs. Therefore, hearing protection is essential for people who are exposed to high sound pressure levels for a longer period of time. It is even of existential importance for people who need a good hearing for their profession such as musicians, sound engineers, interpreters or radio moderators.
Problem
Like a sunburn which is noticed when the skin has become red already, it is found out that the noise level was too high when the ears are already “ringing”. In both cases it is too late to think about protective measures.
State of the Art
The current offer of electronic hearing protection includes more or less the use of audio limiters only. For an extensive hearing protection the limiting of the electric output signal with a limiter is not sufficient. Instead of this the actual sound pressure the user is exposed to has to be registered, evaluated and regulated during the whole time of listening. The target is that the listener cannot reach a critical noise dose over a long period of time of listening.

5.2 Function of EarPatron

The EarPatron technology implemented in the Headzone®PRO XT system contains the following functions:
“Headphone-Adapt” Technology
Depending on the technical specifications, each headphone produces a different sound pressure with the same output level of the headphone amplifier. For this reason the “Headphone Adapt” technology has been developed. The measured electrical values are put into relation to the used headphone. After entering the technical specifications of the headphone, EarPatron is able to use the actual sound pressures as basis of all calculations, because electrical values are in direct relation to the acoustical impact.
“Noise Fuel Gauge”
As the “Headphone Adapt” algorithm is used to find out the actual sound pressure at any time, EarPatron is able to sum up the level of noise already arisen over an arbitrary period of time. This is converted into a percentage value of the rating sound level (maximum noise level) of 85 dB(A) for 8 hours. This threshold value means that a permanent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) is permitted for a maximum of 8 hours. A rise of the noise level by 3 dB results in a splitting of the permitted time (e.g. 88 dB(A) for 4 hours, 91 dB(A) for 2 hours etc.). This rating sound level must not be mixed up with the maximum sound pressure level that can be achieved (here 105 dB(A) at 1 kHz), as the effective sound pressure is regarded in proportion to the working time. A sound pressure of e.g. 119 dB(A) for 10 seconds results in the same noise level as an 8-hour sound pressure of 85 dB(A).
The Control Panel and the base station display how much percentage of this value has been achieved already. 10% means: „A lot of noise still may be given“, 100%, however, means: “You have already received the whole daily ration of noise”. The “noise fuel gauge” allows the user to check if his listening habits are “healthy”. A displayed value of more than 100% means: “The hearing volume has been too high for the duration of the work”. Furthermore, it is helpful to develop a feeling for the conse­quences of high listening levels, because an increase of the volume automatically increases the display of the “noise fuel gauge”. With Headzone®PRO XT the EarPatron technology does not actively intervene into the signal processing, it only acts as an indicating instrument.
The EarPatron algorithm works without automatic reset. This means that breaks of the user, when the hearing volume is set to “0”, are not evaluated as recreation phases for the hearing. EarPatron can be reset with “Reset” only. The reason why is that the noise level the user is exposed to during a break is unknown. It is unknown, if the hearing of the user really could recover or if it was exposed to a higher noise. This means the “noise fuel gauge” will not reduce, even when the hearing volume has been “0” for a longer period of time. EarPatron cannot take into account the whole daily routine of the user, but with EarPatron the stress of the hearing can be kept harmless.
Summary
The EarPatron technology includes the following functions:
• “Headphone Adapt” technology:
– Conversion of electrically measurable values in equivalent acoustic identification values – Calculation of actual sound pressures and noise levels – Calibration of the system according to the used headphone
• “Noise fuel gauge”:
– Display of the given noise level percentage of the maximum daily ration – Tool for information and self-control of the user
Headzone®Hardware
- 11 -

6. Headzone®hardware

6.1 Base station

Front
ON/OFF switch Switches power on or off when the device is connected to the mains. Connect the device to the mains before turning it on. Turn the device off before disconnecting it from the mains.
Preset buttons By using these buttons you can recall three different system configurations. The selected preset is confirmed by a short flashing of all three Preset LEDs. When the loading process is finished, the appropriate Preset LED will illuminate only. (Refer also to chapter 9.8.3 “How to save presets”.)
Preset LEDs The LED of the current preset will illuminate green. When the device is in the upload mode, all three Preset LEDs are slowly flas­hing (please refer to chapter 9.9.3 “Updating the DSP”).
Com volume control Control to set the volume of the Com channel . When working with the Com channel of the Headzone®system, always set the volume control to minimum and then slightly increase the volume to a decent value.
Headtracker button The head tracker is activated or deactivated with this button. Note: When two headphones are connected to the system, this button does not work.
Headtracker Status LED Off = Head tracker is not activated Green = Head tracker is activated Red = Head tracker is out of range
Bypass button Although Headzone®is designed to simulate a virtual 5.1 control room, there might be situations where you want Headzone®to operate like a “normal” headphone amplifier when checking a stereo mix or a CD. By pressing the “Bypass” button Headzone
®
will deactivate all processing (including head tracking) and put out a stereo downmix of all surround signals. Headzone®then works as a reference stereo headphone amplifier. In this mode, the “Bypass Status” LED on the front of the Headzone®base will turn red.
Note:
Although the surround processing is completely disabled in the “Bypass” mode, the playback volume will still be influenced by the ”Distance” and “Ambience” parameters as described in chapter 9.3.2 “Room settings”. This is because switching between processing and bypass could otherwise lead to a dramatic increase of volume and therefore damage your hearing. Locking the playback volume to the ”Distance” and “Ambience” parameters will always provide a convenient volume balance between bypass and processing mode.
Bypass Status LED Off = Headzone®processing activated Red = Bypass mode
Input Select button By pressing the “Input Select” button you can switch between the analogue Sub-D , the digital Firewire IEEE 1394 and AES/EBU audio inputs.
Input Select LEDs Analog LED green - Analogue inputs are activated Analog LED red - Analogue inputs are close to clipping FW LED green - Firewire inputs are activated FW LED red - Firewire inputs are close to clipping AES/EBU LED green - AES/EBU inputs are activated AES/EBU LED red - AES/EBU inputs are close to clipping
Note:
The appropriate “Input Select” LED will light up red when less than 6dB of headroom is left for at least one audio input (except Com channel). Separate “Peak” LEDs for every audio channel are displayed in the Headzone®software control panel.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
17
10
18
19
20
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15
Headzone®Hardware
- 12 -
Master volume control Master control for the headphone volume. When working with the Headzone®system, always set the master volume control to minimum and then slightly increase the volume to a decent value.
EarPatron noise level LEDs Seven LEDs display the achieved EarPatron noise level in per cent.
EarPatron noise level reset button With this button you can reset the EarPatron noise level to 0% (refer also to chapter 5. “EarPatron Hearing Protection“).
Limiter LED Limiter LED green – Limiter activated Limiter LED red – Limiter actively limits the output signal
Headphone sockets Headzone®PRO XT provides two 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack sockets to connect up to two headphones. As the head tracker does not operate properly when two headphones are simultaneously used, Headzone®automatically turns off the head tracker when two headphones are connected.
Note:
When connecting two headphones, the impedance changes from the device perspective. For calculating the EarPatron noise level, Headzone®assumes that two identical headphones are connected. If two different headphones are connected to the device, the displayed noise level is useless, as it does not represent the whole impedance of the system.
11
12
13
14
15
Rear view
Head tracker connector Connector for “Headzone
®
Rail” (head tracker receiver), balanced.
Com input Balanced XLR mono input for line level signals (6 dBu nominal, 15 dBu clip). This additional signal can be routed to the virtual L, R, LS and RS loudspeakers. The volume of the Com channel can be set with the Com Volume control on the front of the device.
Analogue inputs 6 balanced analogue inputs for Line level (6 dBu nominal, 15 dBU clip) via 25-pin Sub D socket (refer to chapter 15. “Sub-D pin assignment”).
AES/EBU In The AES/EBU connector provides 6 digital inputs according to the AES3 or EBU Tech-3250E standard, which are three XLR sockets each for two channels supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz.
Digital audio input (IEEE 1394) The digital IEEE 1394 (Firewire) connector provides 6 digital audio inputs with a sample rate of up to 96 kHz. Furthermore, the Firewire connector is used for exchanging configuration data between the Headzone®hardware and Headzone®software control panel. Headzone®utilizes a standard 6-pin Firewire connector and supports the IEEE 1394-A standard. Use an appropriate adapter cable to connect a 4-pin Firewire port (common on notebooks) or an 8-pin Firewire port (IEEE 1394-B Standard).
Note:
- The labelling of the Firewire connection can differ, e.g. it can also be “iLink” or “1394” etc.
- Headzone®unterstützt nicht die Stromversorgung über den Firewire 1394-Bus.
Power connector for 100 - 240 V, 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
19
20
21
16
17
18
4
16 17 18 19 20 21
Headzone®Hardware
- 13 -

6.2 DT 770 PRO HT / DT 880 PRO HT Headphones

• In addition to conventional headphones, the DT 770 PRO HT or DT 880 PRO HT is equipped with a head tracker exciter rail
containing the ultrasonic transmitters.
• The head tracker exciter rail has a small integrated button on the rear that resets the head tracker when defining a new “front”
position. To reset, press the reset button for about two seconds. During this time, do not move your head. Also make sure not to obscure the ultrasonic transmitters with your arm or hand.
• The reset button on the exciter rail is interactive with the “Reset” button in the Headzone®control panel. The control panel also
provides additional information regarding the current position of the head tracker and the “front” position (refer to chapter
9.6.6 “Viewing and customising the head tracker” for details).
• The DT 770 PRO HT or DT 880 PRO HT provides a gold-plated mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm) with a 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm) and can
also be used as normal stereo headphones.

6.3 Headzone®rail and clip

• The “Headzone®Rail” represents the counterpart to the exciter rail
of the DT 770 PRO HT or DT 880 PRO HT, i.e. it contains the ultrasonic receivers for the head tracker.
• The Headzone®rail comes with a 3/8" thread to be mounted on any
standard microphone stand.
• The aluminium hinge can be removed from the plastic rail for easier
transportation. Just slide the rail from the aluminium part.
• The “Headzone®Clip” allows versatile positioning of the Headzone
®
rail, e.g. placing on flat surfaces, TFT screens or wall-mounting. Use a coin or similar object to attach the Headzone®clip to the Headzone
®
rail with the provided screw.
• It is also possible to feed the connecting cable of the Headzone®rail
through the opening in the Headzone®clip (separate the Headzone
®
clip into its two plastic parts by removing the knurled screw, feed through the cable and reassemble the parts in reverse order). This is especially suitable for mounting the Headzone®rail on a wall.
Reset Button
for mounting onto TFT screens
for placing on flat surfaces or tube screens
Front View Back View
for wall mounting
Headzone®Software - Windows
®
- 14 -
7. How to install the Headzone®software - Windows
®
Important:
Before installing the Headzone®audio drivers, please check if your workstation meets the minimum system requirements for Headzone®(refer to chapter 12. “Technical specifications”).
Headzone®is delivered with a CD-ROM containing an installation package for the Headzone®software control panel, as well as appropriate ASIO and WDM drivers for Windows®XP, Windows®2000 and Windows®Vista (32-bit).
• Start Windows®, log on as Administrator.
• Insert the Headzone®CD-ROM in your drive, and select the “Headzone Pro XT Setup_XP_Vista.exe” file (when using Windows®XP
or Vista32) or the “Headzone Pro XT Setup_2k.exe” file (when using Windows®2000).
• Double-click on this to start the Headzone®set-up wizard.
1. Read carefully the instructions on the welcome screen. Continue by clicking “Next”. To cancel the installation, click “Cancel”.
Loading...
+ 32 hidden pages
Buy Points How it Works FAQ Contact Us Questions and Suggestions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use