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Arrakis Systems ARC-15 Technical Manual

Broadcast console
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ARC-15
Arrakis Systems inc.
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Aud
Aud
Aud
Aud
Aud
Talk
Cue
Cue
Cue
Cue
Mic
R A D I O C O N S O L E P R O D U C T S
ARC-15
Broadcast Console
family
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Aud
Aud
Aud
Aud
Aud
Cue
Cue
Cue
Cue
Cue
Technical Manual
June 23, 2011
ARRAKIS
a d va n c e d
r a d i o
1.0
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Pgm
Aud
Aud
Aud
Aud
Aud
Cue
Cue
Cue
Cue
Cue
Phone
Advanced
Radio
Console
Cue
Talk to
Caller
Head
Monitor & Headphone
phone
Input Select
Air
Pgm
Aud
Arrakis Systems
Monitor

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Summary of Contents for Arrakis Systems ARC-15

  • Page 1 R A D I O C O N S O L E P R O D U C T S ARC-15 Broadcast Console family ARC-15 Arrakis Systems inc. Advanced Radio Console Talk Talk to Caller Head Monitor & Headphone phone...
  • Page 2 I N T R O D U C T I O N 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 20 years. Our prod- ucts are sold worldwide and are well known for leading edge technology, quality, and reliability.
  • Page 3 S A F E T Y S a f e t y I n s t r u c t i o n s 1. Read All Instructions. All safety and operating 16. A Product and Cart Combination should be the type of power supplied to your facility, instructions must be read before operating the consult your local power company.
  • Page 4 S A F E T Y 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.
  • Page 5 This console carries a manufacturer‘s warranty subject to the following guidelines and limitations: Except as expressly excluded herein, Arrakis Systems inc. (“Seller”) warrants equipment of its own man- ufacture against faulty workmanship or the use of defective materials for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment to Buyer.
  • Page 6 W A R R A N T Y Software End User License Agreement This product contains software licensed from Arrakis Systems inc. and possibly from other software companies. Own- ership 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 cus- tomer (hereinafter “End user”).
  • Page 7 W A R R A N T Y Table of Contents Section One Introduction Section Two Product Description Section Three Operation Instructions Section Four Installation Instructions Section Five Xtreme for the ARC-10 Section Six Service and Maintenance ARRAKIS a d va n c e d r a d i o...
  • Page 8 P R O D U C T D E S C R I P T I O N PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...

  • Page 9: Product Description

    Advanced Radio Console family The ARC-15 is a general purpose console that meets the needs for most On Air Radio & Radio Production studio applications. Channel One is a high performance mic channel while channels 2-5 are selectable as mic or line inputs. Channel 15 is an advanced telephone interface to an external hybrid for Live callers or an Off-line contest call.

  • Page 10: Operational Features

    On-off logic with tally is provided for the five mic channels. Talkback audio is sent to the studio from Mic 1 by pushing the ‘Talk’ switch. An audio input to the console cue system is used for the studio to talk back to the control room. The ARC-15 fully supports sophisticated...

  • Page 11: Key Features

    (such as CDs, DATS, MDs, MP3s, etc) found in the average modern studio. The Program bus has both a balanced +4dBu output and an unbalanced (-)10dBu output plus a mono mixdown of the stereo signal. The ARC-15 is a powerful, flexible, reliable, and low cost solution for your radio studio needs.

  • Page 12: Software Features

    & recording. Where satellite based automation selects between multiple satellite network audio feeds, Xtreme for the ARC-15 plays entirely from audio files stored on the hard disk. This makes Xtreme for the ARC-15 ideal for hard disk file based automa- tion for broadcast radio, internet radio, podcasting, and church applications.

  • Page 13: Technical Features

    Technical features The ARC-15 console by Arrakis Systems inc. is the culmination of > 25 years of leadership in the design of analog and digital Radio consoles and > 15 years as the leader in hard disk automation for Radio.

  • Page 14: Electronic Specifications

    P R O D U C T D E S C R I P T I O N Electronic specifications SPECIFICATIONS POWER SUPPLY Stereo Line Input 110vac - 220 VAC, Freq Response- +(-).5dB 20-20kHz 50-60 hz, autosensing S/N- -82dB typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out Certified: UL, CE, CS, CB THD- .01% typ, +8dBu in, +8 dBu out...

  • Page 15: Physical Specifications

    P R O D U C T D E S C R I P T I O N Physical specifications Depth - 15", Height - 6" Width- 33" Arrakis Systems inc. ARC-15 Arrakis Systems inc. Advanced Radio Console Talk Talk to...
  • Page 16 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...

  • Page 17: Quick Start

    Quick Start The ARC-15 console is designed to be very easy to use. The two sets of VU meters follow the Program and Audition buses. The single input source per channel reduces operator errors by eliminating the accidental selection of a wrong A/B source input.
  • Page 18 Production studio. The ARC-15 has an audio output from the control room microphone that can be connected into a console in another studio. The ARC- 15 has an audio input into the cue system for the other studio to talk to the ARC-15 console.
  • Page 19 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S Mono mic level Input Channel (channel2-5) Channels one is a dedicated mono microphone channel for the console operator. Channels 2-5 are selectable to be either mono mic level or stereo line level channels.
  • Page 20 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S Stereo Line Level Input Channels On the ARC-15, channels 6-13 are stereo line level channels. Channel 2-5 are internally selectable as mic or stereo line chan- nels.
  • Page 21 The Telephone Input Channel (channel 15) The ARC-15 supports a single phone caller for Live On Air or Off-line (contest caller, etc.) applications on channel 15 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, the switch will be lighted. To turn the channel off, simply push the red ON button again.
  • Page 22 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N 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 vol- ume level control.
  • Page 23 The Headphone system The Headphone (earphone) system in the ARC-15 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.
  • Page 24 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N 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.
  • Page 25 O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S The VU meters The ARC-15 console features a set of vue meters for both of the console mixing buses (Pgm and Aud). This sim- plifies operation and reduces operator error.
  • Page 26 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 27 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.

  • Page 28: Before You Start

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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.
  • Page 29 CONSUMER SOURCE EQUIPMENT The ARC-15 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.
  • Page 30 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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.
  • Page 31 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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.
  • Page 32 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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).

  • Page 33: Program Output

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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.

  • Page 34: Record Output

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Record Output STEP 7- CONSOLE RECORD OUTPUT The console AUDITION output (AUD) is usually the bus that is used for recording. By using the Audition bus for recording, a recording can be occurring at the same time as the Program bus is used On Air.
  • Page 35 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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 TEN on the console.
  • Page 36 INSTALLATION The ARC-15 has a talkback audio output to be sent to the remote studio and an audio input to the Cue system (with logic) to receive audio from the remote studio. All connections are made to the 15 pin, D-sub LOGIC connector on the rear of the console. On site installation requires the building of a custom cable to link the console to the studio at the other end.
  • Page 37 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S External Monitor Input STEP 10- OFF AIR MONITORING The Monitor Selector Switch has an External Input position (AIR). This position 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.
  • Page 38 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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 build an interface circuit for driving the On Air light that you have chosen.
  • Page 39 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N 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.
  • Page 40 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Console Logic IMPORTANT- improper connection to console logic can damage the console. The DB-15 connector on the rear panel of the console has the logic & audio signals required for support- ing a talk studio and controlling the starting &...
  • Page 41 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Console Logic IMPORTANT- improper connection to console logic can damage the console. Channel Logic Several channels on the console feature channel logic for use in talk studios or starting and stopping source devices. The logic requires an interface circuit to be built by a qualified broadcast technician.

  • Page 42: Balanced Inputs

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Balanced Inputs Input channels with balanced audio using RJ45 connectors as illustrated below. Pins 5,7,8 are not con- nected.
  • Page 43 PC Setup The ARC-15 console features a built in sound card on Channel Fourteen of the console. This enables the console to play audio directly from a Windows PC using Arrakis Digilink-Xtreme software. The console can play audio from the PC, record audio to the PC, and control the start and stop of play on the PC.
  • Page 44 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S ARC-16SW 16 in X 3 out Remote Selector for the ARC-10 Adding more Inputs to the ARC-10 Console For applications requiring more than the ten inputs supported by the ARC-10, the ARC-16SW provides up to 16 more stereo inputs that can be selectable to any 3 console channels.
  • Page 45 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S ARC-16SW Software Push button Array for Manual Control FEATURES Client/Server network control from ANY studio Manual Pushbutton control of 16 inputs & 3 outputs Customized Labeling of all Inputs &...
  • Page 46 I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S ARC-16SW 16 in X 3 out Remote Selector for the ARC-15 SWITCHER WIRING a) WHITE MOLEX CONNECTORS NOTE: As viewed looking down on the switcher .

  • Page 47: Basic Calibration

    I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S Basic Calibration The console has trim pot level adjustment for several inputs and outputs. WARNING The console has been calibrated at the factory to normal -10dBu and +4dBu levels and should not require field calibra- tion.
  • Page 48 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 XTREME FOR THE ARC CONSOLE...

  • Page 49: Customer Support

    The ARC-15 is a Windows compatible soundcard that supports most Windows Audio software The electronics in the ARC-15 emulates a USB HID compatible sound card. A Windows PC will recognize the card and most Windows compatible software will be able to play and record from the ARC console.

  • Page 50: Loading The Software

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Loading the Software The software is self-installing. Drag the ‘Install Xtreme.exe’ file from the CDROM to the PC desktop. Then simply double click on the ‘Install Xtreme.exe’...

  • Page 51: Software Setup

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Menu Menu The main MENU button is located in the upper left corner of the Xtreme screen. Click on the button to view the menu. NOTE: the SCHEDULER &...

  • Page 52: Setting The Com Port

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Browse to locate the Library folder Selecting the Library Folder All audio files must be located in a single audio directory (folder) for Xtreme to play from them.
  • Page 53 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Assigning Jingles (1) Click on a jingle but- Click to select the ton to prepare to load a Jingles window new file Xtreme has ten pages of thirty jingles per page.
  • Page 54 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Directory Click on this button to dis- Click on this button play the Directory for the to display the four audio library Sorting options The right side of the on air screen can be selected to display a direc- tory of all of the audio files in your library.
  • Page 55 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Song & Break events BREAK event SONG event There are two special non-audio events displayed in the directory. These are (1) BREAK, and (2) SONG. They can be added to and manipu- lated in the play list just as any audio file can be.

  • Page 56: Recording Audio

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Recording Audio Edit audio file click on the Recorder Player / editor window RECORDER button Xtreme for the ARC console has a built in recorder and single block editor for recording and quickly editing audio files.

  • Page 57: The Audio Library

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Audio Library All of the audio tracks that you will use with Digilink-Xtreme must be in a single directory. The Arrakis\Xtreme directory has a directory inside it titled ‘Library’.
  • Page 58 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Audio Library (continued) WHEN YOU FIRST START XTREME When you first open the software it will look to the library folder and attempt to load those files into the audio directory. If the files are not in the Arrakis naming format, then Xtreme will attempt to auto-rename them into the Arrakis format so that they can be placed into the directory.
  • Page 59 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Library Manager screen displays your audio Radio specific data must be assigned to every audio file in your library by TYPE library for many of Xtreme’s features to operate.

  • Page 60: Deleting Audio Files

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Setting Crossfade points In the play list, Xtreme will use the crossfade points to... (1) display the time to the voice at the start of the file & (2) start play of the next event at the EOM time at the end of the file.

  • Page 61: Creating Reports

    X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Play Log click on the OPEN button to open logs that have been automatically renamed and saved to file The play log displays all of the events played in Xtreme as well as important data such as when the program was started or closed for problem solving.
  • Page 62 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 The Exported Play Log Text Format Xtreme uses the standard Digilink file export format as shown below. FIELD SIZE TYPE DESCRIPTION Record type numeric 02-traffic, 03-music Cart #...
  • Page 63 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 5 Audio Glitches & Dropouts Initial Setup Problems If the audio on a play channel (or recording) glitches or drops out when another play channel is played (or recorded), then the PC is not setup properly.
  • Page 64 X T R E M E F O R T H E A R C - 1 0 User notes... 5.16...
  • Page 65 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E SERVICE & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 66 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E 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.

  • Page 67: Opening The Console

    When replacing the motherboard, be certain to replace all of the screws so that switches and faders will operate properly. ACCESSING THE INTERIOR OF THE VU METER PANEL The VU meter panel is opened by removing the screw at the left and right front of the panel. Arrakis Systems inc. ACCESS SCREWS...
  • Page 68 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E 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.
  • Page 69 LOCK nut. Unscrew the lock nut to remove To put a new rotary fader in place: the knob Reverse the removal procedure ARC-15 Arrakis Systems inc. Advanced Radio Console Talk Talk to Caller Head Monitor & Headphone...
  • Page 70 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Replacing ICs ICs must be replaced with care. Most ICs in the console are socketed so that they can be replaced. When replacing an IC, be careful to not bend legs under the IC or outside the socket.

  • Page 71: Electronic Block Diagram

    S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Electronic Block Diagram...
  • Page 72 S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Parts Layout (Ten Ch Main bd)

  • Page 73: Parts Layout

    S E R V I C E & M A I N T E N A N C E Parts Layout Stereo Line Channel Inputs Mono Mic Channel Inputs CH 7 CH 6 CH 5 CH 4 CH 3 CH 2 Mic 3 Mic 2 Mic 1...

  • Page 74: Factory Service

    Warranty Service Procedure for the ARC console hardware Arrakis Systems assumes that its customers have on staff (or access to) competent technical personnel and adequate test equipment. If a product fails, Arrakis will first seek to ascertain the problem over the phone and solve it at the modular replacement level where we find the specific part(s) that have failed and repair or replace them.
  • Page 75 Spare Parts (not provided with the ARC-15 console) A spare parts kit may be provided with the console. These parts are provided in case of emergency failure and normal infant mor- tality. These parts, when used to replace failures, are not replaced under warranty.

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