Biamp VRAM User Manual
VRAM
Variable Resource
Automixer
Operation Manual
Biamp Systems, 10074 S.W. Arctic Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005 U.S.A. (503) 641-7287 www.biamp.com
an affiliate of Rauland Borg Corp.
blank
print update
September 7, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front & Rear Panel Features
Setup
Logic Inputs
Logic Outputs
RS-232 Control
Specifications & Block Diagram
Warranty
pgs. 2 & 3
pgs. 4~9
pgs. 10 & 11
pgs. 12 & 13
pgs. 14 & 15
pg. 16
VRAM
INTRODUCTION
The VRAM Variable Resource Automixer is a 10-in / 2-out programmable
automatic mixer, which is completely user tamper proof, providing no external
controls. All mixer parameters are under microprocessor control, and are
easily programmed via Windows
with an extensive set of features, and is designed to adapt to a variety of
applications. A second model, VRAMeq, includes 3-band channel
equalization, with variable mid-frequency. The VRAM is covered by a five-year
warranty.
VRAM features include:
♦ 8 balanced mic/line inputs on plug-in barrier strip connectors
♦ 2 balanced auxiliary line inputs on plug-in barrier connectors
♦ balanced main & aux outputs on plug-in barrier connectors
♦ phantom power, trim, HPF, level, & gating on channels 1~8
♦ model VRAMeq includes 3-band, variable-mid, channel EQ
♦ aux line inputs include mix-minus & teleconferencing mode
®
software. The VRAM is extremely versatile,
♦ independent mixing to main & aux outputs (pre/post gate)
♦ direct outputs from channels (programmable pre/post gate)
♦ eight logic outputs (programmable timing & pre/post gate)
♦ eight logic inputs (programmable for remote switch control)
♦ sixteen non-volatile memory presets store all mixer settings
♦ NOM attenuation, last mic, default mic, & hold time selectable
♦ selectable channel-off gating attenuation (-10dB to -80dB)
♦ expansion in & out for linking of units for more mixer inputs
♦ controls & indicators provided by software graphic interface
♦ software peak & level meters - front panel active indicators
®
♦ Windows
95/98/NT/2000/XP software & cable included
♦ remote control via RS-232 & programmable logic inputs
♦ incorporates AES recommended grounding practices
marked and UL / C-UL listed power source
♦
♦ covered by Biamp Systems' five-year warranty
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FRONT & REAR PANEL FEATURES
12345678
FRONT PANEL FEATURES
Channel Gate Indicators: These red LEDs normally indicate
when Channels 1~8 are active to Main Out (‘on’ or ‘auto’ gating).
NOTE: When a channel is assigned as ‘off’ to Main Out, but is
assigned as ‘auto’ to Aux Out, this indicator will light when the
channel is active (gated on) to Aux Out (see Setup on pg. 5).
On Indicator: When AC power is applied to the VRAM, this red
LED will light indicating power to the mixer is On. When power is
removed, all ‘current mix’ settings (levels, assignments, etc.) will
be stored in non-volatile memory and recalled when power is
restored. NOTE: During setup the VRAM may instead be set to
recall a special preset whenever power is turned on (see Setup on
pg. 9).
VRAM
on
REAR PANEL FEATURES
AC Power Cord: The power transformer provides 27 Volts AC to
the VRAM, and is detachable via a 5-pin DIN connector. The
VRAM has two internal ‘self-resetting’ fuses (there are no user
serviceable parts inside the unit). If the internal fuses blow, they
will attempt to re-set after a short period. However, this may be an
indication that the VRAM requires service.
Serial Port: This 9-pin Sub-D (male) connector provides an RS232 Serial Port for remote control via computer or third-party
controllers (see RS-232 Control on pg. 14). The Serial Port has
the following pin assignments (left-to-right & top-to-bottom): Pin 1)
not used; Pin 2) Receive Data (RxD) input; Pin 3) Transmit
Data (TxD) output; Pin 4) Data Terminal Ready (DTR) output;
Pin 5) Ground; Pin 6) not used; Pin 7) Request To Send (RTS)
output; Pin 8) not used; Pin 9) not used. BiampWin software
and a null-modem cable are provided for programming (see Setup
on pg. 4). NOTE: The Serial Port can also transmit commands
received via the Logic Inputs (see Setup on pg. 8).
Link Port: This 9-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides a Link
Port for RS-232 control of multiple BIAMP products (see RS-232
Control on pg. 14). The Link Port of one device simply connects to
the Serial Port of the next device (and so forth). Link cables are
available as an option (Biamp #909-0057-00). NOTE: All but the
final device in a system should have the Link Switch pressed in
(see below). The Link Port has the following pin assignments
(right-to-left & top-to-bottom): Pin 1) not used; Pin 2) Transmit
Data (TxD) output; Pin 3) Receive Data (RxD) input; Pin 4) not
used; Pin 5) Ground; Pin 6) not used; Pin 7) not used; Pin 8)
not used; Pin 9) not used. NOTE: The Link Port will also
transmit commands received via the Logic Inputs (see Setup on
pg. 8).
Link Switch: The Link Switch is used when connecting multiple
devices in a ‘Link Port to Serial Port’ configuration (see Link Port
above). From the factory, the Link Switch is released (out). When
connecting multiple devices, the Link Switch must be depressed
(in) on all devices except
the final device in the system (the device
with no Link Port connection).
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FRONT & REAR PANEL FEATURES
27V
~
50/60 Hz
27 watts
class 2 wiring
serial port
link port link expansion
logic outputs
Logic Outputs: This 9-pin Sub-D connector provides Logic
Outputs from Channels 1~8 (see Logic Outputs on pg. 12). If a
channel is assigned as ‘auto’ to either Main Out or Aux Out, the
corresponding Logic Output will turn on whenever the channel is
gated on. Logic Outputs may be used to control external switching
circuits, such as relays or other BIAMP products. These outputs
are typically used to turn off speakers or select cameras when
certain microphones are active. NOTE: Individual Logic Outputs
may be turned on/off via software or remote control. However, this
temporarily defeats their ability to follow the active channel, until
again assigned to ‘follow gate’ (see Setup on pg. 5).
Logic Inputs: This 9-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides eight
logic inputs for controlling the VRAM via contact-closures (see
Logic Inputs on pg. 10). Logic Inputs are programmed using the
BiampWin software and serial cable provided with the VRAM (see
Setup on pg. 8). NOTE: From the factory, Logic Inputs 1~8 have
no pre-programmed function.
Expansion In & Out: These 6-pin mini-DIN connectors are for
linking multiple mixers, to increase the number of input channels.
A 6-pin mini-DIN cable is provided with each mixer. To link mixers,
simply connect the cable from the Expansion Out jack of one mixer
to the Expansion In jack of the next mixer (and so forth). The final
mixer in the system (with no Expansion Out jack connection)
becomes the ‘master’. The ‘master’ collects audio signals &
control data from the other mixers, which become ‘slaves’. Main
Out & Aux Out signals, plus NOM attenuation, for the combined
system are provided by the ‘master’. The outputs from ‘slave’
mixers provide only signals from their own inputs, plus those of
any ‘slave’ mixers connected to them via Expansion In.
logic inputs
out
in
auxmain aux 2 aux 1
outputs auxiliary inputs
input
channel 8
d. out
input
channel 7
d. out
input
channel 6
d. out
input
channel 5
d. out
input
channel 4
d. out
input
channel 3
d. out
input
channel 2
d. out
input
channel 1
Main Out: This plug-in barrier strip provides the balanced Main
Out from the VRAM. For balanced output, wire high to (+), low to
(-), and ground to (
ground to (
d
). For unbalanced output, wire high to (+) and
d
), leaving (-) unconnected. Signal level will be
reduced by 6dB when outputs are unbalanced.
Aux Out: This plug-in barrier strip provides the balanced Aux Out
from the VRAM. For balanced output, wire high to (+), low to (-),
and ground to (
ground to (
d
). For unbalanced output, wire high to (+) and
d
), leaving (-) unconnected. Signal level will be
reduced by 6dB when outputs are unbalanced.
Aux 1 & Aux 2 Inputs: These plug-in barrier strips provide the
balanced auxiliary line inputs to the VRAM. For balanced input,
wire high to (+), low to (-), and ground to (
input, wire high to (+) and ground to both (-) & (
d
). For unbalanced
d
).
Channel Input & Direct Output: These plug-in barrier strips
provide the balanced mic/line input to the respective channels. For
balanced input, wire high to (+), low to (-), and ground to (
unbalanced input, wire high to (+) and ground to both (-) & (
Unbalanced Direct Outputs are also available from the channels
using (d out) & (
d
). NOTE: Inputs & Direct Outputs can be
assigned for ‘auto’ (gated) or on/off operation (see Setup on pg. 5).
d. out
d
). For
d
).
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SETUP
VRAM & VRAMeq parameters are all adjustable using the 'BiampWin
software provides programs for various BIAMP products, including the VRAM(eq). The VRAM program includes seven
which are described on the following pages. Once the software is started (and Comm Port Configuration is set), the control screens are
accessed via the drop-down menus at the top of the opening screen. The Mix
Settings, Automixer Settings, Button Definitions, Logic Input Definitions, Logic Output Polarity, & Configuration Options screens are then
available from the Configure VRAM
recalls the Comm Port Configuration screen. The Window
available adjustments. To install BiampWin software
System Requirements
: Windows® 95/98/NT/2000/XP with 8MB of available hard disk space (serial port required for ‘on-line’ operation).
menu. The File menu provides functions such as save, open, download, etc. The Settings menu
menu arranges the active product screens. The Help menu explains the
: Select ‘Run’ from ‘Start’ menu, and browse to 'BiampWin' on appropriate drive.
' software and null-modem cable provided with the unit. BiampWin
control screens,
screen appears whenever a VRAM file is opened. Channel
MIX SCREEN
The Mix Screen is used to adjust VRAM input/output levels, as well as to store/recall sixteen memory presets. All VRAM inputs may be
adjusted to each output independently. Each output is also independently adjusted. Adjustments are made with the computer mouse (or
keyboard). Input & output levels are adjusted by dragging the corresponding ‘faders
input/output signals, without changing the channel assignments (see next page). Mix Bus
respective outputs. Main Output & Aux Output
performance, adjust faders so the meters show occasional peaks in the yellow area, but never to the top (red). Peak
flash only on occasional peaks in signal level, as determined by input gain adjustments (see pg. 5). Logic Outputs
whenever the respective Logic Outputs are on (see pg. 5). Gate
outputs (see pg. 5). Channel Settings
screen for adjusting automatic mixing functions, which affect the entire mixer (see pg. 6). Preset
from non-volatile memory. Presets must first be created & stored by the user (no factory presets). The Store
storing current settings in any of the Presets 1~16. Each preset includes settings from the Mix screen, as well as from the Channel
Settings & Automixer Settings screens (see pgs. 5 & 6). The title bar across the top of the Main screen will indicate the Device #, the
custom Device Name, and the model of product being controlled. BiampWin software can operate ‘off-line’ (with no product connected) by
opening a ‘new’ file for the desired product. The Device # for ‘off-line’ files is assigned sequentially as a negative number.
selects a screen for adjusting individual input parameters (see pg. 5). Automixer Settings selects a
meters display ‘post-fader’ signal levels for the respective outputs. NOTE: For best
indicators will light whenever channels are active to the corresponding
’ up or down. Mute buttons turn off the respective
meters display ‘pre-fader’ signal levels for the
indicators will light
buttons recall the corresponding presets
button opens a menu for
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indicators should
SETUP
CHANNEL SETTINGS SCREEN
The Channel Settings screen appears as an overlay of the Mix screen, and is used to adjust individual input parameters. It is accessed via
the Configure VRAM menu, or from the Mix screen. Individual tabs are provided for Channels 1~8 and the Aux Inputs. Right-clicking the
blank area at the upper-left of a tab allows that input to be given a custom name. Gain
levels. Set Gain so the Peak indicator flashes only on occasional peaks in signal level. High Pass Filter
6dB/octave @ 110Hz. Phantom Power
input equalization, with variable mid frequency & bypass. Faders & Mute
Main & Aux faders may be Ganged
Main Out & Aux Out independently. NOTE: ‘Auto’ means automatic gating (signal activated). ‘On’ means not gated (always active). ‘Off’
means unassigned (never active). Direct Out
simultaneously with any channel gating (to Main Out or Aux Out). Logic Output
Turn On Delay
Turn Off Delay
NOTE: Logic Output delay times are typically used for proper timing in applications where camera switching circuits are being controlled.
The Aux Inputs
custom name. Aux 1 includes a Teleconference Mode
(Adaptive Threshold Sensing). In this mode Aux 1 provides the teleconference input, and Aux Out provides the teleconference output.
NOTE: Automixer Settings
selects the timing between when a channel becomes active (gate on) and when the corresponding Logic Output turns on.
selects the timing between when a channel becomes inactive (gate off) and when the corresponding Logic Output turns off.
tab provides two Gain settings (+6dB & -6dB), and faders for Main Out & Aux Out. Each of the Aux Inputs may be given a
, Presets, & output faders (on the Mix screen) are still available while using the Channel Settings screen.
turns on +36V power for condenser mics. Low, Mid, & High (model VRAMeq only) provide 3-band
provide the same functions as on the Mix screen, except that
for combined control. Channel Assignment allows the input to be assigned as ‘on’, ‘off’, or ‘auto’ to
provides ‘on’, ‘off’, or ‘follow gate’ assignment. NOTE: ‘Follow gate’ means to turn on & off
, which defeats the Aux Out fader (mix-minus), and enables a Threshold fader
adjusts the input to compensate for different signal
reduces low frequencies signals
provides the same ‘on’, ‘off’, or ‘follow gate’ assignment.
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