Trick Technologies Oy Catchbox Pro User Manual

User´s Manual

Copyright 2014 Trick Technologies Oy

Catchbox Pro Module Catchbox Cover

1 Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................. 4-5

2 Quick Start ............................................................................................................................ 6-15

3 Product Description ......................................................................................................... 16-18

Overview ................................................................................................................................. 16

Compatibility .......................................................................................................................... 17

Proper Use and Working Environment .............................................................................18

4 System Overview ..................................................................................................................... 19

Catchbox Pro Module ...........................................................................................................20

Catchbox Cover ..................................................................................................................... 21

Catchbox PRO (Without 3rd Party Transmitter) ..............................................................22

5 Operations ................................................................................................................................. 23

Turning the Device On.......................................................................................................... 23

Locking the Transmitter to the Cover ................................................................................ 24

Opening the Catchbox ......................................................................................................... 25

Throwing the Catchbox ........................................................................................................ 26

Speaking into the Catchbox ................................................................................................27

Connecting Catchbox Pro Module with 3rd Party Belt-pack Transmitter ............ 28-30

6 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................... 31

7 Maintenance, Storage, and Disposal ................................................................................ 32

8 Notes ........................................................................................................................................... 33

Contents

4

Catchbox Pro

! NOTICE !

• Before using the product, read and understand the user manual and inform others
of proper usage.

• Follow all warnings and instructions on the product and in this manual.

• Keep these instructions and always include these instructions when passing the

apparatus on to third parties.

! WARNING !

• Not heeding these warnings might lead to serious injury or property damage.

• Do not throw at peoples’ heads and always make sure everyone is aware of the

situation before throwing.

• Do not use in situations with fragile objects, hot liquids, or people susceptible to
injury, like the very young or old.

• Do not throw long passes or hard passes.

• Properly lock the Pro Module into the cover before use. Always use the cover and

the foam cap on the Pro Module, when using the product.

• Do not swing or throw the product from its handle. This may cause the Pro Module
to detach from the cover.

• Only use compatible 3rd party transmitters, as specified by the manufacturer, with
the Pro Module. Using incompatible transmitters may result in damage to audio
equipment, an increase in overall product weight leading to an increased chance
of injury, and/or a failure of the locking mechanism causing the Pro Module or 3rd
party transmitter to fall out during use causing injury.

• Operating or storing this product at temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius or
122 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the locking mechanism to fail permanently.

• This product contains magnets which could affect the functioning of
pacemakers and other electronic implants. These could stop working or switch
into test mode, causing illness. If you wear these devices keep sufficient
distance to magnets. Warn others who wear these devices from getting too
close to magnets.

2 Safety Instructions

5

Catchbox Pro

! CAUTION !

• Magnets produce a far-reaching, strong magnetic field. Keep magnets
away from devices and objects that could be damaged by strong magnetic
fields, like laptops and other electrical equipment.

• Do not place the product near heat sources such as heating ducts or
radiators and do not expose it to direct sunlight, excessive dust, moisture,
rain, mechanical vibrations or shock.

• Do not use near water. Use equipment indoors only. If the equipment
comes into contact with a liquid, turn off the product and shut down the
sound system.

• Avoid excessive volume. Do not exceed 70dBa for airborne noise.

• Clean the equipment with a moistened (not wet) cloth only. Be sure to

turn off the device before cleaning the equipment, during lightning storms,
and/or when not in use.

• The equipment should be opened, serviced, and repaired by qualified
service personnel only.

• Do not attempt to modify this product or its accessories and use only
accessories and attachments, specified by the manufacturer.

• Use only AA (LR6) type alkaline batteries with the product.

• Be sure to dispose of dead batteries as required by local waste disposal

rules. Never throw batteries into a fire or a garbage bin

6

Catchbox Pro

3 Quick Start

Catchbox Pro uses 3rd party wireless transmitters to
function. For a list of compatible transmitters, see the
section on compatibility or visit the manufacturers website,
www.getcatchbox.com.

1.

Setup a compatible 3rd party transmitter and receiver pair,
syncing the two units and connecting the receiver to a
sound system. For specific instructions, see the relevant
user manual provided by the manufacturer of said system.

7

Catchbox Pro

2.

Choose an adapter cable based on
the brand and model of your 3rd
party transmitter and connect it to the
microphone input of said transmitter.

8

Catchbox Pro

3.

Remove the Catchbox
Pro Module from the
outer cover by twisting
the cylinder 90 degrees
and pulling upwards.

4.

Open the velcro strap
surrounding the device by
pulling it gently along the
surface of the module.

9

Catchbox Pro

5.

Install one AA battery into the back part of
the Catchbox Pro Module.

10

Catchbox Pro

6.

Connect the 3rd party transmitter to the
Catchbox Pro Module by plugging the RCA
male end of the adapter cable into the RCA
female connector, located inside the front
cavity of the Catchbox Pro Module.

11

Catchbox Pro

7.

Place the transmitter inside the
cavity of the Catchbox Pro Module
making sure no antennas or cables
are protruding outwards.

12

Catchbox Pro

8.

Turn on both the 3rd party transmitter
and the muting circuit located at the
back of the Catchbox Pro Module.

13

Catchbox Pro

9.

Secure the velcro strap tightly around the
Catchbox Pro Module, ensuring that both the
battery located at the back as well as the
frontal cavity are covered by the velcro strap.

14

Catchbox Pro

10.

Place the Catchbox Pro Module
inside the cover, making sure
to align the magnetic locking
mechanisms of both the cover
and the Catchbox Pro Module.
See visual marks for guidance.

15

Catchbox Pro

11.

Test the volume level by speaking into
the microphone and adjusting it using
the volume controls on the 3rd party
transmitter or receiver.

20 cm / 8 in

Avoid excessive volume. Do not exceed 70 dBa for airborne noise.
Before turning on the device, make sure the volume knob on your 3rd
party receiver is turned to zero, so as to ensure no unexpected loud
noises when starting.

! CAUTION !

16

Catchbox Pro

Overview

Catchbox Pro is the world’s first throwable microphone module, allowing audio professionals to convert
existing wireless microphone transmitters into soft, throwable microphones. These final assemblies, in
turn, can be quickly passed from one audience member to the next in crowded spaces, making it an
easy and fun way to get audience members to ask questions and make comments, whether it be in a
lecture, a meeting, a workshop, or even a conference. The module comes with an integrated professional
microphone element connected to the unique automute technology, which turns off the audio signal
when the microphone is in movement, ensuring the system doesn’t make any unwanted noises when
being passed around. The Catchbox Pro Module itself does not act as a transmitter. Instead, wireless
transmission is carried out entirely by the 3rd party wireless transmitter. This means no separate license
is required to operate the module as long as one has been obtained for the 3rd party wireless transmitter.

Included Components

• Catchbox Pro Module

• Catchbox Cover

• RCA to 3 pin mini XLR adapter cable

• RCA to 4 pin mini XLR adapter cable

• RCA to 3.5 mm plug adapter cable

Key Features

• Automute technology

• Integrated Microphone Element

• Compatible with industry leading

wireless microphone brands

Do not attempt to modify this product or its accessories and use only
accessories and attachments specified by the manufacturer.

4 Product Description

! CAUTION !

17

Catchbox Pro

The Catchbox Pro, wireless microphone module, allows audio professionals to convert 3rd party wireless
microphone transmitters into throwable microphones. The device comes with different adapter cables
which allow users to connect commonly used 3rd party transmitters to the integrated microphone
element and automatic muting circuit. Currently, the Catchbox Pro has been tested and verified to work
with the following models of transmitters from Shure ™ , AKG ™ and Sennheiser ™ :

Compatible Belt-pack Transmitters:

These transmitters have been tested to fit into the cavity inside the Catchbox Pro Module. It is important
not to use 3rd party transmitters, other than those mentioned above, as these can be too heavy or
oversized, making the device unsafe to throw.

To connect a compatible 3rd party transmitter to the Catchbox Pro, the device comes with three different
adapter cables. These cables have different pin layouts depending on the brand of the transmitter you
would like to use. Simply choose the adapter cable that matches the pin layout of your compatible belt­pack transmitter.

Compatibility

Shure AKG Sennheiser

ULX-D1
QLX-D1

UR1M

DPT 700

PT 470
PT 420

SK 500
SK 300
SK 100

1) 3 pin mini XLR (AKG)

2) 4 pin mini XLR (Shure)

3) 3.5 (1/8 in) (Sennheiser)

18

Catchbox Pro

Proper Use and Working Environment

Safety First

While the Catchbox PRO is a fun way to make events more engaging, improper use can lead to
personal injury and/or property damage. Please understand that the manufacturer accepts no
liability for damage or injuries arising from the misuse of this product. It is very important to read
the safety instructions before using the product. Specifically, make sure that the Catchbox Pro
Module, along with the 3rd party wireless transmitter, is securely locked inside the foam cover
before using the product. Remember to only use 3rd party wireless transmitters specified as
being compatible with the product by the manufacturer. Also, do not throw long or hard passes,
and avoid using the device in situations where there are glasses, fragile items, hot liquids,
unsuspecting people, or people susceptible to injury, like the very old or young. Also, avoid
swinging or throwing the device from its handle as this may cause the locking mechanism to fail,
releasing the inner part and potentially causing injury.

Things to Consider With Magnets

Since the product contains magnets, care should be taken when setting up the product for use.
Avoid placing the Pro Module on electrical devices, such as laptops, as these can be adversely
affected or damaged from the magnetic field. People with pacemakers or other electrical implants
should be especially careful, as these devices could stop working or switch into test mode if they
come into direct contact with a strong magnet.

19

Catchbox Pro

5 System Overview

Catchbox PRO

Module

Catchbox

Cover

NOTE: Catchbox Pro uses compatible 3rd party wireless transmitters
to work. Some specifications of the system are reliant on the make
and model of the 3rd party wireless transmitter that is used with
the product. These specifications include range of operation, radio
frequency, audio frequency response, and system latency.

20

Catchbox Pro

Catchbox Pro Module

Parts

1) Foam Cap

2) RCA Port

3) Velcro Straps

4) Microphone Element

5) Cavity for 3rd Party Transmitter

6) Magnetic Lock

7) Battery Compartment

8) Status LED

9) Power Switch

Specifications

Weight (without 3rd party transmitter) 130g / 4.6 oz

Battery type 1x AA (alkaline)

Battery life ≈ 20h

Status LED Meaning

Off

The Automatic Muting circuit and microphone
element are not powered.

Green

The Automatic Muting circuit and microphone
element are powered.

Red

The Automatic Muting circuit with integrated
microphone element has less than 2 hours of
battery life left.

21

Catchbox Pro

Catchbox Cover

Parts

1) Opening for Pro Module

2) Magnetic Lock

3) Handle

Specifications

Weight 200 g / 7 oz

Dimensions 18 x 18 x 18 cm / 7 x 7 x 7 in

22

Catchbox Pro

Catchbox Pro (Without 3rd Party Transmitter)

Specifications

Weight 330 g / 11.5 oz

Dimensions 18 x 18 x 18 cm / 7 x 7 x 7 in

23

Catchbox Pro

Turning the Device On

To turn on the device, place one AA battery in the muting circuit of the Catchbox Pro Module and
an appropriate battery into the 3rd party transmitter. Then turn on both the muting circuit and
3rd party transmitter. The LED on the back side of the Catchbox Pro Module should turn green.
Secure the AA battery and the 3rd party transmitter in place by tightening the velcro strap around
the device as shown in the picture.

6 Operations

24

Catchbox Pro

Always properly lock the Catchbox Pro Module, with the attached foam
cap, into the cover before use. Improperly locking the Catchbox Pro
Module, or a failed locking mechanism, will result in the unit coming out
during use, potentially leading to serious injury and/or property damage.

Locking the Pro Module Into the Cover

To lock the Catchbox Pro Module unit into the
cover, align the pictures located at the bottom of the
Catchbox Pro Module and bottom of the cover with
each other. The locking mechanism is composed of
two magnets that attract each other when correctly
aligned. To test whether the locking has been
successful, one can try to pull on the Catchbox
Pro Module and attempt to remove it with a vertical
force. If it does not come out with significant force,
the magnets are correctly aligned. To remove the
Catchbox Pro Module, simply twist it 90 degrees and
pull. This motion will misalign the magnets and allow
for easy removal of the inner part.

! WARNING !

25

Catchbox Pro

Opening the Catchbox

To remove the Catchbox Pro Module, simply twist it
90 degrees and pull upward. This motion will misalign
the magnets and allow for easy removal of the unit.

26

Catchbox Pro

Throwing the Catchbox

To throw the Catchbox microphone, find someone in the audience who wants to ask a question
or make a comment. Make sure that the person and those around him or her are aware of the
situation and are prepared to catch the microphone. Avoid throwing the Catchbox if there are
fragile electronics or hot liquids nearby, as these might spill or be damaged from the throw. Short,
underhand passes of around 5 meters distance are recommended. If someone farther away has
a question, try to get the entire audience involved by having members pass the Catchbox short
distances to the person who wants it. This is a great way to activate the crowd.

Improper throwing and use of the device can lead to serious injury
and/or property damage. Do not throw at peoples’ heads and always
make sure everyone is aware of the situation before throwing. Do not
use in situations with fragile objects, hot liquids, or people susceptible
to injury, like the very young or old. Do not throw long passes or hard
passes. Do not swing or throw this product from its handle as this may
cause the Catchbox Pro Module to detach from the cover.

! WARNING !

27

Catchbox Pro

Speaking Into the Catchbox

To use the Catchbox, simply speak into the foam cap located on top
of the product. It is advisable to inform audience members at what
distance to speak into the Catchbox. A distance of 20cm / 8in is ideal.
This will provide the clearest sound while not blocking the persons face
who is speaking. Avoid using the Catchbox near speakers as this can
cause audio feedback.

20 cm / 8 in

28

Catchbox Pro

Connecting Catchbox Pro Module With 3rd Party Belt-pack Transmitter

You can connect different 3rd party wireless transmitters into the Catchbox Pro Module. To do this, make
sure your transmitter is listed as being compatible by reviewing the section on compatibility. Afterwards,
choose the correct adapter cable and plug it into your transmitter’s microphone port. There are three
different adapter cables to choose from, each designed for a specific brand of wireless transmitter. Look
at the microphone input of your transmitter and choose an adapter cable with a proper pin layout. The
list below shows the connector types for the three brands currently supported.

1) 3 pin mini XLR (AKG)

2) 4 pin mini XLR (Shure)

3) 3.5 mm (1/8 in) (Sennheiser)

29

Catchbox Pro

Once you have connected the adapter cable, connect the 3rd party
transmitter to the Catchbox Pro Module by plugging the RCA male
end of the adapter cable into the RCA female connector, located
inside the front cavity of the Catchbox Pro Module.

30

Catchbox Pro

Afterwards, place the 3rd party transmitter inside
the cavity of the Catchbox Pro Module, making
sure no antennas or cables are protruding
outwards.

31

Catchbox Pro

7 Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution

No sound 1) Catchbox Pro Module is not turned on,

indicated by no light on the status LED.

2) 3rd party transmitter or receiver is not
turned on or these are not paired.

1) Turn on the Catchbox Pro Module using the
power switch located at the back of the device.
The LED status light should turn green. If it
doesn’t, you may need to replace the battery.

2) Make sure both the 3rd party wireless
transmitter and receiver are on and paired with
each other. See corresponding 3rd party user
manual for further assistance..

Audio signal
dropouts or
breaks

1) Wireless connection between 3rd party
transmitter and receiver is weak and
unreliable.

1) See 3rd party transmitter and receiver
user manual for more assistance. Common
causes for a weak unreliable signal are that
the receiver and the transmitter are located
too far away from each other, the signal is
being absorbed by objects between the two
devices, and/or other devices are operating
on the same frequency band, congesting the
frequency band.

Distorted sound 1) Adapter cable is broken or not properly

attached.

2) Volume too high.

1) Check the adapter cable connection to
the 3rd party transmitter as well as to the
Pro Module. If problem persists, replace the
adapter cable.

2) Reduce the output volume at the receiver by
using the volume knob.

Pro Module
falling out of
cover

1) The magnetic locks are misaligned.

2) Magnetic lock has been damaged or
magnets have lost strength.

1) Align the magnets by twisting the Catchbox
Pro Module inside the cover.

2) Get the product serviced.

Audio feedback 1) Catchbox microphone is situated too

close to the speaker system.

1) Move Catchbox microphone away from the
speakers.

For more technical assistance, contact us by email ([email protected]) or visit our website
(www.getcatchbox.com).

32

Catchbox Pro

Proper maintenance and storage of the Catchbox Pro will help ensure the product remains operational
and safe to use. Improper maintenance or storage, in turn, can lead to equipment failure which can
cause serious injury during use. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself. The equipment should be
opened, serviced, and repaired by authorized personnel only. Always refer to the user manual for proper
maintenance, storage, and disposal instructions and do not throw away the user manual. Always keep it
near the product for reference by other users.

Cleaning

To clean the equipment, use a moistened (not wet) cloth only. Be sure to turn off the device before
cleaning. To clean the outer cover, first remove the Catchbox Pro Module unit from the inside. Only
use dry cleaners and do not place the outer cover in a washing machine. Always remember to inform
cleaners that the device contains a magnet and should not be treated in temperatures in excess of 50
degrees Celsius, 122 degrees Fahrenheit, or near equipment sensitive to strong magnetic fields.

Storage

Magnets produce a far-reaching, strong magnetic field. Keep magnets away from devices and objects
that could be damaged by strong magnetic fields, like laptops and other electrical equipment. Operating
or storing this product above 50 degrees Celsius or 122 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the locking
mechanism to fail permanently. This, in turn, will cause the Catchbox Pro Module to fall out of the cover
during use, potentially leading to personal injury and/or property damage. Do not place the equipment
near heat sources such as heating ducts or radiators and do not expose it to direct sunlight, excessive
dust, moisture, rain, mechanical vibrations, or shock. Do not use or store near water. If the equipment
comes into contact with a liquid, turn off the device along with the 3rd party transmitter attached to it.

Disposal

To dispose of a broken or defective unit, send the unit back to the manufacturer or consult your local
waste management professional. Be sure to dispose of dead batteries as required by local waste disposal
rules. Never throw batteries into a fire or a garbage bin.

8 Maintenance, Storage, and Disposal

33

Catchbox Pro

9 Notes

www.getcatchbox.com