RA DIO CON S OLE P RODUCTS ARC-8 Radio Console Technical Manual January 20, 2015 ARRAKIS a d va n c e d r a d io 1.
IN TRODUCTION Thank you from Arrakis Systems inc. Thank you for purchasing this product by Arrakis Systems inc. Our company has provided professional audio equipment to the broadcast, commercial audio, and consumer audio markets for more than 30 years. Our products are sold worldwide and are well known for leading edge technology, quality, and reliability.
S A FETY Safety Instructions 1. Read All Instructions. All safety and operating instructions must be read before operating the product. 2. Retain All Instructions. All safety and operating instructions must be retained for future reference. 3. Heed All Warnings. All warnings on the product and those listed in the operating instructions must be adhered to. 4. Follow All Instructions. All operating and product usage instructions must be followed. 5. Heat.
S A FETY Hazard / Warning Label Identification C AU T I O N RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE ANY COVER OR PANEL. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. WARNING : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THE CONSOLE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
W A RRA N TY Warranty This console carries a manufacturer‘s warranty subject to the following guidelines and limitations: A) Except as expressly excluded herein, Arrakis Systems inc. (“Seller”) warrants equipment of its own manufacture against faulty workmanship or the use of defective materials for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment to Buyer.
W A RRA N TY Software End User License Agreement This product contains software licensed from Arrakis Systems inc. and possibly from other software companies. Ownership of this product constitutes acceptance of this agreement. 1- This product contains intellectual property (i.e. software programs) that are licensed for use by the end user customer (hereinafter “End user”).
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W A RRA N TY Table of Contents Section One Introduction Section Two Product Description Section Three Operation Instructions Section Four Installation Instructions Section Five DHD-Live Section Six Service and Maintenance Section Seven Bluetooth (optional) ARRAKIS a d va n c e d r a d io 1.
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P RODUCT DES CRIP TION PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 2.
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P RODUCT DES CRIP TION Product Description ARC-8 Advanced Radio Console 10 Source inputs total 2 mic, 7 stereo line, 1 PC USB 8 input channels 2 high quality Mic channels (with optional 48VDC phantom power) 5 stereo line input channels (with both unbalanced and balanced inputs) Channel 8 is selectable between a PC USB sound card input & a stereo line input Stereo Program Mixing bus (with both balanced and unbalanced outputs) PC USB output of the Program bus for recording in digital direct to your PC Moni
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION Operational Description CH 3 A/B switch VU Meters CH 8 A/B switch select between an unbalanced or balanced source input LED VU meters with accurate VU ballistics for the main Program bus select between a stereo line level input and an internal PC USB soundcard Monitor Input Selector Left ARC-8 Right CH 3 Program -20 -15 -10 -5 Talk Cue Cue -3-1 0 1 2 -20 -15 -10 -5 3 Cue Cue Arrakis Systems inc.
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION Back panel Diagram RCA unbalanced Monitor outputs 1/8" Headphone Jack ARC-8 +12V Main DC Power 12 VDC power HP Ch 7 Out Mix Minus Out Logic Mute L RCA unbalanced Program outputs Mon R Out L Ext R L Pgm XLR balanced Program outputs Pgm Left RCA unbalanced inputs USB PC Pgm Right Ch 8 Ch 7 Ch 6 Out PC USB Bal In Bal In Balanced Mute relay output Mix minus Output to Telephone Hybrid Out Ch 8 R R In L Out RCA unbalanced External Input to Monitor RJ45
P RODUCT DES CRIP TION Specifications Electronic Stereo Line Input Freq ResponseS/NTHDCMRRMax InputMono Mic Input Freq ResponseEINTHDCMRRImpedances Mic InputLine InputOutputsSystem Max OutputStereo SeparationCue to Pgm XTalkOn Air Light Logic: Source Start Logic: Mic Turret Logic: +(-).5dB 20-20kHz -82dB typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out .01% typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out -75dB typ 1kHz +23dBu, balanced +(-).5dB 20-20kHz -115dBu typ, -50dBu in, +8 dBu out .
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3.
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OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S Quick Start CH 3 A/B switch VU Meters CH 8 A/B switch select between an unbalanced or balanced source input LED VU meters with accurate VU ballistics for the main Program bus select between a stereo line level input and an internal PC USB soundcard Talk to the Phone hybrid output, Ch 7 will be heard in cue Cue switchs Monitor Input Selector Left ARC-8 Right CH 3 Program -20 -15 -10 -5 Talk Cue Cue -3-1 0 1 2 Cue Arrakis Systems inc.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S Mono mic level Input Channels (channels 1 & 2) Channels one and two are dedicated mono microphone channels. CHANNEL ON AND OFF To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, the LED indicator above the switch will light. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S Stereo Line Level Input Channels (channels 3-7) The ARC-8 has stereo line level channels on channel 3-7 (channel 7 can also be used with an external phone hybrid). CHANNEL ON AND OFF To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, the LED indicator above the switch will light. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S The Telephone Input Channel (channel 7) The ARC-8 supports a single phone caller for Live On Air or Off-line (contest caller, etc.) applications on channel 7 of the console. CHANNEL ON AND OFF To turn a channel on, simply push the red ON switch at the bottom of the fader. When the channel is on, an LED indicator above the switch will be lighted. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S The Control Room Monitor system The Control Room Monitor system is the main audio monitoring system for the studio. It features an input selector switch and a volume level control. The output of the monitor system is connected to an external audio power amplifier and speakers. The level control on the external amplifier should be set for the maximum sound level desired in the studio.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S The Headphone system The Headphone (earphone) system in the ARC-8 console is provided so that audio can be listened to while the microphone is active and the monitor speakers are muted. The Headphone system receives the same audio feed as the Monitor system but does not mute when the microphone channel is turned on. The Headphone system has a 1/8" headphone jack on the rear of the console.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S The Cue system The cue system is designed for monitoring an audio source without placing it on air. This feature is useful for listening to a network feed before bringing it to air, listening to a CD to be certain it is the correct song, etc. The cue system features ‘Auto-cue,’ where cue is heard in the Monitor speakers and separate Cue speakers are not required. ACTIVATING CUE To activate cue, click on the CUE button on an input source channel.
OP ERA TIN G IN S TRUCTION S The VU meters The ARC-8 console features a single set of fixed LED VU meters that monitor the stereo Program output of the console. The meters feature standard ‘VU’ ballistics. Left ARC-8 Program -20 -15 Talk Cue 1 Mic 1 Right CH 3 2 0 1 2 3 Cue Cue 3 -10-5 -3-1 4 Cue 5 3.8 -3-1 0 PC 1 2 3 Cue 6 Mic 2 Arrakis Systems inc.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 4.
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IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Unpacking a) PACKING SLIPS- do you have everything? Check the Packing Slips that come with the shipment to be certain that all packages have been received. b) CHECK FOR DAMAGE Check all packages and equipment for damage IMMEDIATELY upon receipt. If damage is found, contact Arrakis Systems immediately to report the damage. (refer to inside cover of this manual for contact information) c) CAREFULLY GO THROUGH EACH BOX Arrakis inspects every shipment for accuracy.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Before you start a) PHYSICAL SPACE It is important to install the console with sufficient space around it to operate and service the console easily. b) AREA IN FRONT OF THE CONSOLE It is normal to have 8-10" between the front of the console and the front of the table so that a piece of paper may be laid on the table in front of the console.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Getting started... a MUST Read ! a) CONSUMER SOURCE EQUIPMENT The ARC-8 console is designed to be used with balanced professional & unbalanced consumer type audio source equipment such as CD players, MDs, DAT machines, cassette machines, etc. Unbalanced consumer equipment is designed to perform well in compact studios where audio cables are short. Balanced audio is required when connecting multiple studios or with long audio cable runs ( > 10 feet).
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Step by Step Instructions IMPORTANT- Follow this STEP by STEP procedure. Each STEP has specific tests to determine if the console installation has been performed correctly to that point. a) STEP 1- POWER SUPPLY INSTALLATION The console power supply should be plugged into a surge protected outlet. First plug the power supply into the back of the console and then plug the power supply into the AC outlet. TEST- The console should now be on.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Monitor amp & Speakers STEP 4- MONITOR SPEAKER CONNECTION The console has a low level monitor audio output that is designed to connect to an external audio power amplifier. The console output will not directly drive speakers. Connect the audio amplifier input to the console Monitor Output on the back panel of the console. The monitor output of the console is unbalanced, consumer level and will use an RCA cable (usually supplied with the amplifier).
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Microphones STEP 5- CONNECT A MIC TO THE CONSOLE Using a mic to XLR cable, connect a mic to the Mic 1 input on the console. Turn Channel One on (the red LED should be on) and set the channel one fader to the in hand position (middle). If the mic itself has an on/off switch, then turn it on. TEST- Speak into the microphone and the console VU meters should follow your voice.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Program Output STEP 6- CONSOLE PROGRAM OUTPUT The console has both balanced and unbalanced Program bus outputs UNBALANCED PROGRAM OUTPUT The console program output (PGM) is located on the console back panel. It is an unbalanced (-10dBu) audio output on RCA connectors. BALANCED PROGRAM OUTPUT The console program output (PGM) is located on the console back panel. It is a balanced (+4dBu) audio output on XLR connectors.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Record Output STEP 7- CONSOLE RECORD OUTPUT The console may be connected to an audio recorder as well as the main audio on air signal chain. The availability of BOTH unbalanced and balanced program outputs makes it easy to connect the console output to on air and a recorder. CONNECTING TO AN AUDIO RECORDER Most audio recorders will directly connect to consumer type unbalanced sources. Connect to the recorder with the analog cable supplied with the recorder.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Telephone hybrids STEP 8- CONNECT A TELEPHONE HYBRID 1) CONSOLE PHONE INPUT- A telephone hybrid has an audio input and an audio output. The hybrid audio output is the callers voice and is connected to the source input channel SEVEN on the console. 2) CONSOLE MIX MINUS OUTPUT- The input to the hybrid is from the console MIX MINUS OUT connector on the back of the console.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Talkback to another Studio The ARC-8 does not have a talkback output or input for use as an intercom between studios. Many stations use the intercom system on their telephones for that purpose. Using Channel 7 as an Interstudio Intercom If a phone hybrid is NOT being used on channel 7 and it is desired to have a studio as an input to the console, it is possible to place that studio on console channel 7.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S External Monitor Input STEP 10- OFF AIR MONITORING The Monitor Selector Switch (EXT) is usually used to monitor the actual radio station on air signal from a radio tuner. NOTE: it is important to monitor the actual signal from the radio station and not just the output of the console. This is so as to monitor the entire radio chain from the console to the transmitter.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S The On Air Light STEP 11- CONNECT AN ON AIR LIGHT The console has a logic output for triggering an external On Air Light. This installation procedure requires a professional technician to select an interface for driving the On Air light that you have chosen. Some lights require low voltages (such as 24VDC) and others require 110VAC. Some have built in drivers, but most do not. MUTING LOGIC Sustained, dry reed relay closure. Maximum of 50 milliamps.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Factory built Cables The factory has a number of factory built cables available for purchase. These cables interface typical source and other equipment to the console. Contact the factory for a current listing of cables and supported equipment. 4.
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Balanced Inputs The ARC-8 has balanced audio inputs on channels 3-7 input. They use RJ45 connectors as illustrated below. Pins 5,7,8 are not connected. The cable used with these connectors is CAT5. This cable has 4 twisted pairs of wires. The twisted pairs are identified by color (ie: orange, orange... green,green... etc). Arrakis ARC consoles use 2 pairs for left and right audio [the two pairs used by ethernet as the transmit (green) and receive pairs (orange)] .
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S PC Setup The ARC-8 console features a built in sound card on Channel Eight ‘B’ of the console. This enables the console to play & record audio directly from a Windows PC using Arrakis DHD-Live software. Because the electronics is USB HID compliant, it will be recognized as a Windows soundcard by the Windows operating system and can be used with any Windows compliant audio software (such as Adobe Audition).
IN S TA LLA TION IN S TRUCTION S Basic Calibration The console has been calibrated at the factory to normal -10dBu and +4dBu levels and should not require field calibration. Because the console has BOTH -10dBu consumer AND +4dBu professional inputs and outputs for every feature, level adjustment is usually not required. Also, it is better to adjust the level out of the source device than to adjust the console levels.
DHD-LIVE FOR THE ARC CONSOLE 5.
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Getting Started Included with an ARC series console (with a USB channel) is a free copy of DHD-Live. This software is the ultimate live assist tool for anyone who wants to put on a dynamic and powerful live show. It includes features that give you unprecedented customization and flexibility. We are confident that you will love this software. This software is intended only for Live Assist. This means that it will not be capable of playing unattended such as with an Automation product like Digilink-HD.
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE SERVICE & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 6.
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S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE General Repair Considerations WARNING The console should be repaired by qualified, professional, & experienced, audio technicians ONLY. Before beginning any type of repair or opening the console CALL Arrakis customer support for recommendations. DESIGNED FOR MODULAR PART REPLACEMENT The ARC series console is designed for modular replacement rather than repair. The power supply is external and plug in.
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE Opening the Console WARNING The console should be repaired by qualified, professional, & experienced, audio technicians ONLY. Before beginning any type of repair or opening the console CALL Arrakis customer support for recommendations. ACCESSING THE MOTHERBOARD The motherboard is accessed from the bottom of the console. Four screws must be removed from the side panels (2 on each side) to have access to the console electronics for test and IC replacement.
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE Replacing Slide Faders, Switches and other parts Slide faders and switches are soldered onto the PC board and should be replaced at the factory if at all possible. The procedure requires proper tools, and it can be difficult to remove the parts without damaging traces or pads on the PC board. Also, the switches are very sensitive to temperature and duration during the soldering process and can be electronically damaged or destroyed when being soldered.
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE Replacing ICs ICs must be replaced with care. All but one IC in the console is socketed so that they can be replaced. When replacing an IC, be careful to not bend legs under the IC or outside the socket. Be extremely careful to not shock an IC or the motherboard with a static discharge. In some cases, you must use a grounded arm or anklet if there is a possibility of a static discharge. In all cases, retain the old IC because it may be found to not be damaged. 6.
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S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE Factory Service Technical Questions Arrakis Systems maintains a staff of friendly broadcast engineers, design engineers, and technicians who have many years of in depth field experience in broadcasting. All of our technical resources are available to you to answer installation questions, solve problems, and repair equipment. If you have a question or problem, please feel free to call us. We can not solve every problem, but our people are here to try.
S ERVICE & M A IN TEN A N CE Factory Service (continued) Warranty Replacement of Parts To have a part replaced under warranty, you must: 1) Provide a valid product serial number that is within the warranty period 2) Contact the Arrakis customer service department and describe what parts need replacement and the circumstances of the failure. (The customer service department may require on site test by your technician to confirm the part replacement is appropriate for your problem.
BLUETOOTH BLUETOOTH 7.
BLUETOOTH Congratulations on your purchase of an ARC series console. One possible feature with your console is the Bluetooth channel. This section of the manual will assist with the operation of the Bluetooth feature. Bluetooth is an optional feature for the ARC series consoles (ARC-8, ARC-10 series & ARC-15). The Part number in the order will specify ‘blue’ at the end, if you have purchased a Bluetooth version. For example, the ARC-10BP-blue has Bluetooth, but the ARC-10BP does not.
BLUETOOTH HOW TO CONNECT TO AN ANDROID DEVICE Here‘s an example using an Android cell phone with the Jellybean OS: 1. Go to Settings. 2. Turn on the Bluetooth feature. 3. Select Search for devices. 4. Find and select the ARRAKIS 1.1 (firmware number may be different) 5. It will now pair with the ARC console. These steps will vary based on the manufacturer of your device. Please see the device instructions on how to connect to a Bluetooth device (your ARC series console). 7.
BLUETOOTH HOW TO CONNECT TO A WINDOWS 8.1 DEVICE Under Windows 8.1 , the Bluetooth option has been moved to a new section: Press the Windows key + C to open the Charm Bar. Click on Settings and select PC settings. In the new window that opens, go to the PC and devices section. Activate the Bluetooth option. Connecting a Tablet to the Bluetooth. Go to your Bluetooth Manager menu. 1. In Windows 8.1 swipe from the right hand side. You will now see a menu. 2. Press the Settings button at the bottom. 3.
BLUETOOTH HOW TO CONNECT AND USE A CELL PHONE The Bluetooth feature of the ARC series console allows you connect your cell phone to the ARC series console. Thus, enabling you to take calls on your cell phone and either put them on air, or play them on the Cue output. To do this: 1. Pair your cell phone to the Bluetooth ARC console using the steps from the previous section. The red Drop LED will be lit if your cell phone is connected. 2. Turn on the Bluetooth channel on your board.
BLUETOOTH HOW TO STREAM AUDIO The Bluetooth feature for the ARC series console allows you to play music or audio from a Bluetooth enabled device, such as a Tablet, MP3 player, or recorder. To stream audio: 1. Pair your device using the instructions from the first section, HOW TO PAIR. The red Drop LED will now be lit if your device is connected. 2. Any audio played from your device will now play out the Bluetooth channel on the console.
BLUETOOTH RENAME A BLUETOOTH ARC CONSOLE ON YOUR DEVICE If you have multiple Bluetooth ARC consoles, then it may be necessary to rename the ARRAKIS 1.X. for easier identification. This way it will be easier to identify which Bluetooth console is which. You may accomplish this on your Bluetooth device. Here‘s an example using an Android (Jellybean OS) device: 1. Go into settings. 2. Select the Bluetooth settings. 3. Select the settings for the ARRAKIS 1.1. 4. Select the Rename option. 5.
BLUETOOTH QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE HOW TO PAIR YOUR DEVICE 1. Press and hold the blue Call button for 5 seconds to put into Pair mode. You have 10 minutes to connect. 2. Search for ARRAKIS 1.X. and connect. CELL PHONE MODE Call (blue) button (quick press) – Accepts call when call is coming in. Drop (blue) button (quick press) – Rejects call when call is coming in. Drop (blue) button (quick press) – Ends call if call has been taken. INACTIVE MODE Call (blue) button (5 second hold) – Set to Pair mode.
BLUETOOTH TROUBLESHOOTING & TIPS TROUBLE PAIRING A DEVICE If you are having trouble pairing a device. Try these steps: 1. Power down, and then power up your ARC console. 2. Press and hold the blue Call button for exactly 5 seconds, and then release. You will hear a beep on the Bluetooth channel. 3. You will notice the red Drop LED will now blink on your console. This means it is ready to connect. In your cell phone, tablet, or other device, turn on the Bluetooth option. You will have 10 minutes to pair.
