Vaddio EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE User Manual

Installation and User Guide

Vaddio™ EasyUSB™ AudioBRIDGE™

Analog Audio to USB 2.0 Audio Converter for UC Conferencing Applications

Part Numbers:

999-8536-000: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE (North America) 999-8536-001: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE (International)

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE

Table of Contents

Overview .................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Unpacking .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Equipment Descriptions and Call-outs ...................................................................................................................... 4

Image: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Front Panel .................................................................................................. 4

Image: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Rear Panel Connections .............................................................................. 4

PC-based USB Conferencing Application ............................................................................................................. 5

Diagram: PC with USB 2.0 Basic Conferencing Connection Diagram ............................................................. 5

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 5

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Installation ..................................................................................................................... 5

System Configuration and Programming................................................................................................................... 6

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Table: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Dip Switch Configuration Settings ................................................................ 6

Mixing Modes ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Table: AudioBRIDGE Routing Table ................................................................................................................ 7

Advanced Audio Operational Functions .................................................................................................................... 7

User Operations ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Connecting to a PC ................................................................................................................................................ 8

The Mixer in the PC ............................................................................................................................................. 10

A Note about Working with Unified Communications Soft Clients ...................................................................... 10

Firmware Updates ................................................................................................................................................... 10

Warranty Information ............................................................................................................................................... 11

Compliance and CE Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................................................... 12

Technical Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Appendix 1: Connector Pin-outs ............................................................................................................................. 14

Table: RS-232 Port on EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE ........................................................................................... 14

Table: RS-232 DE-9 to RJ-45 Control Adapter Pins ...................................................................................... 14

Appendix 2: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Serial Commands (ASCII) ......................................................................... 14

Table: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Commands .................................................................................................. 15

Easy USB AudioBRIDGE - Document Number 342-0769 Rev B Page 2 of 16

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE

Overview

The EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE is an elegant solution to enable existing professional audio equipment to go digital by converting the analog audio signals to USB 2.0 for use with Unified Communication soft clients like Microsoft Lync, Cisco Jabber, Google+ WebEx, GoToMeeting and more!

Professional audio equipment can connect to the AudioBRIDGE with balanced line level inputs and outputs on a 3-pin Euro terminal block connector or unbalanced, consumer level inputs and outputs on RCA connectors. The AudioBRIDGE converts the analog audio to a USB microphone and loudspeaker channel for connection to a PC application.

The AudioBRIDGE is optimized for use with many UC clients including Microsoft Lync. A unique feature of the AudioBRIDGE is the user configuration of USB terminal type. The AudioBRIDGE is configurable as a USB speakerphone (Type 403) or a USB echo canceling speakerphone (Type 405). Use Type 405 when connecting to professional audio conferencing DSP mixers with echo cancellation. Use Type 403 when connecting to audio equipment that does not have internal echo cancellation. This feature improves performance with Microsoft Lync and other soft client’s internal echo canceling routines.

The AudioBRIDGE includes independent USB and analog gain stages. Gain structures can be configured between the pro audio equipment without being impacted by PC volume controls. Additionally, the AudioBRIDGE even includes a serial control (RS-232) port for use with external control systems.

While the EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE is a simple idea, execution of the idea is one of the most important aspects of selecting an analog audio to USB 2.0 converter. This solution offers many desirable features specifically included to perform flawlessly for mission critical UC applications using new or existing audio systems.

Intended Use:

Before operating the device, please read the entire manual thoroughly. The system was designed, built and tested for use indoors, and with the provided power supply and cabling. The use of a power supply other than the one provided or outdoor operation has not been tested and could damage the device and/or create a potentially unsafe operating condition.

Important Safeguards:

Read and understand all instructions before using. Do not operate any device if it has been dropped or damaged. In this case, a Vaddio technician must examine the product before operating. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse in water or other liquids and avoid extremely humid conditions. Do not connect Ethernet or Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables directly to the RJ-45 ports on the device as damage may result.

Use only the power supply provided with the system. Use of any unauthorized or extended power supply will void any and all warranties.

Please do not use “pass-thru” type RJ-45 connectors. These pass-thru type connectors do not w ork well for professional installations and can be the cause o f intermittent connections which can result in the RS-232 control line failing and locking up. For best results please use standard RJ-45 co nnectors and test all cables for proper pin-outs prior to use.

Save These Instructions:

The information contained in this manual will help you install and operate your product. If these instructions are misplaced, Vaddio keeps copies of Specifications, Installation and User Guides and most pertinent product drawings for the Vaddio product line on the Vaddio website. These documents can be downloaded from

www.vaddio.com free of charge.

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EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE

Unpacking

Open the box and carefully remove the product and all of the included parts from the packaging. Identify the following parts for each AudioBRIDGE:

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE: 999-8536-000: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE - North Americ a 999-8536-001: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE - International*

Pack-out includes:

 One (1) EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE  One (1) 18 VDC, 1.0 Amp Switching Power Supply with AC Clips*  One (1) 6’ (1.83m) USB Type-A to Type-B Cable (Black)  One (1) 998-1001-232 Control Adapter (DE-9-F to RJ-45-F) for serial updating or external control systems  Four (4) Rubber Feet (used if AudioBRIDGE is not rack mounted

* International AudioBRIDGE Kits get Euro, UK and AUS AC Clips.

Equipment Descriptions and Call-outs

Image: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Front Panel

➋

1) Power LED: Blue LED indicates system is powered and operational. Flashing blue indicates a system error.

2) RCLB: Really cool logo badge

Image: EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Rear Panel Connections

1) Power Connector: 5.5mm OD x 2.5mm ID, positive center coaxial connector for 18 VDC, 1.0 Amp

Switching Power Supply.

2) Settings: 8-position dip switches for configuration of advanced operational modes.

3) USB: USB Type B-Female connector for interface with Host PC. This connector allows for Streaming audio

to and from the EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE. It emulates a standard USB Audio Class (UAC) device and eliminates need for customer drivers.

4) RS-232: RJ-45 connector with RS-232 functionality (see appendix for pin-out) .Control port for use with third

party control systems (AMX and Crestron). This port supports Vaddio ASCII command protocol.

5) Unbalanced Line Input & Line Output: Unbalanced RCA line level input and output port for connection to

external A/V devices such as video conferencing codec, external amplifier, or recorder. It supports a nominal level of -10dBV.

6) Balanced Line Input & Line Output: Balanced line level input and output port on 3-pin Euro terminal

connectors for interface with external A/V equipment. It supports a nominal level of +4dBu.

➊

➋

➌

➍

➎

➏

➊

Easy USB

AudioBRIDGE - Document Number 342-0769 Rev B Page 4 of 16

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE

Switc

PC-based USB Conferencing Application

The diagram below depicts a typical AudioBRIDGE connection diagram when used with PC soft-clients (Jabber, Skype, Lync, etc…) for the group audio system. Simply connect the AudioBRIDGE to the room’s existing professional A/V equipment. Send local microphone (near-end) audio to the Line Input of the AudioBRIDGE. Connect the AudioBRIDGE Line Output to the room’s sound system for playback of USB audio from the far-end.

Use type 405 when connecting to professional audio conferencing DSP mixers with echo cancellation.

Diagram: PC with USB 2.0 Basic Conferencing Connection Diagram

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Rear Panel

18 VDC

Power

Supply

PC with UC Client Software

(Turn off internal echo canceler)

❺

❶

❹

AudioBRIDGE uses UAC (Universal Audio Class) Drivers

❷

Local Near-end Mic Audio to Line Input

❸

Far-end Audio (from USB connection) to Pro Mixer

Supplied

6’ (1.83M)

USB 2.0

Cable

Room’s Pro

DSP Mixer

with AEC

Balanced

Line Output

Balanced

Line Input

Ethernet

Network

Line Level Audio

PRO Amplifier

Network

Room Microphones

Room Speakers

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE Installation

Position the EasyUSB AudioBRIDGE in a centralized location within the conference room, 6’ (1.83m) from the PC. Follow steps below to install devices:

STEP 1: Plug in the 18 VDC power supply into the AudioBRIDGE power connector, but don’t plug in the AC side yet.

STEP 2:

into the PC USB port. STEP 3: Connect the balanced line output on the room’s DSP mixer into the balanced line input 3-pin phoenix-type wire

terminals of the AudioBRIDGE. Connect the AudioBRIDGE’s balanced line output cable on the 3-pin phoenix-type wire terminals and connect the other end of the cable to a line input on the room’s DSP mixer.

NOTE: Maintain the positive, negative and ground terminals between the AudioBRIDGE and the room’s Pro DSP mixer.

STEP 4: Set the dip switches to the appropriate USB Terminal mode (see table on the next page). STEP 5: Plug in the AC for the AudioBRIDGE and a blue power LED will light on the front panel (a flashing blue LED

indicates a fault condition). Once the AudioBRIDGE has power and is connected to the PC, the PC will recognize the AudioBRIDGE as both a USB Microphone and USB Speaker device in the operating system. With the PC connected to the network, launch the UC application.

Plug USB Type-B Male connector of the USB 2.0 cable into the AudioBRIDGE. Plug the Type-A Male connector

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