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Gentner XAP 800 White Paper

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  • Page 1 XAP 800 ™ White Paper...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    11. Programming ........48 12. XAP 800 Connections ....... .50 13.

  • Page 3: Introduction

    With a properly configured XAP 800, participants and observers do not become fatigued by reverberated audio, which reduces sound clarity. For ease of use, the XAP 800 facilitates local and remote PC setup, control, and diagnostics; compatibility with custom control panels; integration with popular control systems; logic outputs, and gated microphone operation.
  • Page 4 Adaptability to a variety of sound applications Expandability Ease of design and installation For more information about installing and configuring the XAP 800, refer to the XAP 800 Installation and Operation Manual. This document outlines the features, functions, applications and technical details of the XAP 800.

  • Page 5: Product Description

    Product Description Introduction The XAP 800 is a highly-advanced audioconferencing system with a twelve-by-twelve digital matrix mixer Distributed Echo Cancellation , noise cancellation, and audio processing. It utilizes an internal macro language and 32 user-definable presets to quickly adapt to a variety of sound reinforcement and room-combining applications in courtrooms, multimedia centers, hotel/convention centers, conference rooms, training rooms, and boardrooms.
  • Page 6 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION • XAP 800 BLOCK DIAGRAM TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 7 3. LED Meter - This LED bar meter is used to display the audio level of an input, output, or processing channel of the XAP 800. 4. Meter - Takes you directly to the Meter branch of the XAP 800’s LCD programming tree.
  • Page 8 8. Expansion Bus In/Out - Used for passing audio and control information between XAP 800 units. 9. RS-232 - This DB9 serial port is for interconnection between the XAP 800 and a PC, modem, or popular custom remote control system.
  • Page 9 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION • INSTALL ATION Equipment Placement The XAP 800 is designed for mounting in a 19" equipment rack. Do not block any of the ventilation holes. With a desktop kit, it can be modified for tabletop placement. Environmental Requirements The XAP 800 can safely operate in temperature environments between 32°—110°F.

  • Page 10: Echo And Noise Cancellation

    ECHO AND NOISE CANCELL ATION • ECHO CANCELL ATION Echo and Noise Cancellation Echo Cancellation Acoustic echo is a significant challenge to overcome in virtually any teleconferencing environment. The effects of acoustic echo can destroy a teleconference because it impairs participants’ abilities to understand and communicate.
  • Page 11 Microphone Mixer Echo Cancelled Audio Figure 5. Single Echo Canceller The XAP 800’s Distributed Echo Sample Sample Audio from Cancellation places an echo Distant room canceller on each mic input for dramatically improved echo cancellation (see Figure 6).
  • Page 12 ECHO AND NOISE CANCELL ATION • NOISE CANCELL ATION The XAP 800 Advantage The XAP 800 overcomes acoustic echo cancellation challenges through the use of Gentner’s proprietary Distributed Echo Cancellation technology. Unlike older systems, which use a single echo canceller across all audio sources in the system, Distributed Echo Cancellation dedicates an echo canceller to each mic input.
  • Page 13 Gentner’s XAP 800 features a revolutionary new algorithm that actively eliminates background noise within the vocal range on each mic input. Unlike other noise canceling devices, the XAP 800 does not simply gate audio off when a mic input drops below a specified level. Gentner’s noise cancellation actively separates and attenuates ambient noise from the speech signal, leaving speech audio virtually untouched.

  • Page 14: Filters

    FILTERS • PROCESSING BLOCKS Filters Processing Blocks The XAP 800 features the power of eight processing blocks, which are dedicated signal processing resources that can be applied to any mic or line input routed to it. Within each processing block, compression, delay, gain adjustments, and up to 15 different filters may be applied to any mic and/or line input routed to the block.
  • Page 15 XAP 800 Feedback Control System The XAP 800 includes a number of highly customizable filters that are excellent tools for feedback control. These filters boost or attenuate certain audio ranges, compensate for poor acoustical environments, and generally fine-tune your sound system.
  • Page 16 Notch Filter: A band-stop filter that can remove a select range of frequencies. Commonly used for removing specific resonant frequencies from a system. Filters for the XAP 800 are configured in G-Ware software. Refer to page 42 to see the filter configuration window in G-Ware.
  • Page 17 2nd-order Butterworth low-pass filter, and is considered the de facto standard for professional active audio crossovers. The XAP 800 also has an intuitive filter display, which shows the aggregate filter response in a particular processing block. This display can also overlay the filter responses of other processing blocks, which is useful in designing active crossovers.

  • Page 18: Inputs And Outputs

    Inputs and Outputs Input and Output Level Control The XAP 800 has 12 inputs consisting of eight mic/line inputs and four line inputs. The unit has 12 line outputs. All inputs and outputs are actively balanced. Inputs 1-8 have 4kOhms of terminating impedance while line-level inputs 9-12 provide >20kOhms of termination.
  • Page 19 INPUTS AND OUTPUTS • INPUTS 1-8 PARAMETERS Noise Echo AGC/SL Channel Mute Cancellation Cancellation Notch EC Ref On/Off NC Depth Selectable Selectable On/Off Selectable Figure 7. Inputs 1-8 Parameters different microphones to sound similar, filter out unwanted hum, etc. You can increase or decrease each band up to 15dB, in increments of .5dB on each input.
  • Page 20 This reduces the possibility of feedback occurring. A feature of the XAP 800 is its ability to provide NOM at every output. Most automixers have a single master NOM output. NOM is used to maintain a constant acoustic gain in the room, permitting the system to optimize its gain before feedback status.

  • Page 21: Automatic Mic Mixing

    AUTOMATIC MIC MIXING • INTELLIGIBLE, RELIABLE AUDIO Automatic Mic Mixing Intelligible, Reliable Audio Conferencing systems are in constant use in conference rooms, boardrooms, training rooms, and many other applications. Systems that produce intelligible and reliable audio are key to facilitating effective communication. Quality conferencing systems meet the following objectives: The audio must be transparent.
  • Page 22 Typically, an automixer would activate at least one microphone, as if that audio were a voice in the room. This false activation will not occur with the XAP 800 (see Figure 11) because the unit can determine that this audio is coming from the loudspeaker.
  • Page 23 Microphone to distant site The XAP 800 has a variety of automixing functions that are implemented on both a per-channel basis and across the entire automatic mixer. These functions are described on the following page. Each XAP 800 can have up to four separate automatic mixers working independently within a single unit, and up to four independent global mixers across multiple units.
  • Page 24 AUTOMATIC MIC MIXING • MICROPHONE PARAMETERS AND MODES The following parameters and modes are used on the XAP 800 to provide high precision and reliability in microphone mixing: Mixer Mode. The XAP 800 can be set in two different mixer modes to accommodate a variety of installation needs: master or slave.
  • Page 25 Time Figure 13. XAP 800 Automixing Gate Functions Automatic microphone mixing is a key part of the XAP 800 solution set. Because all decisions regarding automixing are made by the same digital engine, better decisions in automixing can be made.
  • Page 26 AUTOMATIC MIC MIXING • MIC MIXING PARAMETERS System, Mixing Parameter Mixer, or Range Description Channel Mixer Mode System-wide Master, Slave Selects mixer mode of operation. Microphone Activation Input Auto Gate, Manual Gate On/Off Sets the method of microphone gating. channel 1-8 When a chairman override Chairman Override Input...

  • Page 27: Audio Routing

    CD player, video codec, XAP TH1 telephone interface, and other auxiliary audio sources. In typical applications, this audio must be heard in the local PA system (as well as networked XAP 800 units). In the default routing, audio is routed to every other device except itself.
  • Page 28 Any audio placed on the bus for a particular unit is not fed back to that unit when audio is taken off that bus. Audio on any networked XAP 800 can be placed on a bus or audio can be taken off a bus and routed to any destination within the unit.
  • Page 29 There is level control at each crosspoint. Room Preset/Configuration Worksheet The Room Preset/Configuration Worksheet (see page 64) is used for recording preset information such as description, command list, port usage, and other parameters. The XAP 800 has 32 configurable presets. TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 30 The Input/Output Parameters Worksheet (Figure 17) details each configurable input, output, and processing channel parameter and provides space to record settings for each. Default settings appear in bold. XAP 800 Input/Output Parameters Worksheet Input Channel Program Parameter Selection Range Mic 55dB, Mic 25dB, Line...

  • Page 31: Applications

    APPLICATIONS • DISTANCE LEARNING Applications Introduction The sophistication and adaptability of the XAP 800 allow it to control and enhance many conferencing applications. Following are four applications where the XAP 800 forms the centerpiece of a high-quality conferencing system. Distance Learning Installation In a typical distance learning application, the primary source of audio comes from the instructor’s wireless microphone.
  • Page 32 Ceiling Speakers—Zone 2 Video Projector Mic 4 Desk Ceiling Speakers—Zone 3 Mic 5 Desk Figure 18. Distance Learning Room XAP 800 Distance Learning Room Installation (basic example) PC (for set up; not necessary for Microphones Control system operation) Panel (optional) XAP 800...
  • Page 33 By configuring the presets on the XAP 800, the system can be quickly reconfigured in a way that accommodates the changing of room configurations in some meeting areas without disturbing meetings in other rooms where no room configuration changes are necessary.
  • Page 34 APPLICATIONS • HOTEL/CONVENTION CENTER XAP 800 Hotel/Convention Center Installation (basic example) Control Panels (optional) PC (for set up; Mics not necessary for system control) XAP 800 AP 8 0 Logic Out En Enter er Esc sc Met eter er Mic On...
  • Page 35 Everything that transpires in the courtroom must be recorded. You can configure the XAP 800 to accommodate this requirement by routing all outputs to the court recorder–without gating.
  • Page 36 Defense Gallery Evidence AP 8 0 Enter Enter Meter Meter Mic On Mic On -4 -4 -4 -4 8 Outputs XAP 800 Control Panel (optional) AP T 1 Transmit Transmit Receive Receive XAP TH1 Telephone Interface APV200-IP Videoconferencing Codec Figure 23. Courtroom Installation...
  • Page 37 XAP TH1 is used for bringing in phone line audio, and an APV200-IP is used for videoconferencing. The XAP 800 allows you to integrate both simultaneously. Figure 24 shows how audio from the videoconference will come from the front left and right speakers, which directs participants’...
  • Page 38 APPLICATIONS • BOARDROOM XAP 800 Boardroom Installation (basic example) Left Speaker Ceiling Speakers Right Speaker Control Panel PA870 (optional) PC (for set up; not necessary for system operation) Mics XAP 800 Logic Out AP 8 0 Met eter er Mic On...
  • Page 39 Virtually all of the XAP 800’s functions are configured with G-Ware software. The software windows depicted here show how you might configure some of G-Ware’s functions for this application. Complete instructions for using G-Ware are provided in the XAP 800 Installation and Operation Manual.
  • Page 40 APPLICATIONS • BOARDROOM EXAMPLE Next, click the In 1-8 button near the upper-left corner of the matrix. This opens the Inputs 1-8 window (see Figure 27 below). Figure 27. Inputs 1- 8 Window In this example, notice that the minimum and maximum gain limiters (yellow and green arrows) on the Fine gain adjustment are set to 10dB and -20dB.
  • Page 41 APPLICATIONS • BOARDROOM EXAMPLE Notice that Enable Acoustic Echo Canceller (AEC) is checkmarked. Also, notice that Speaker 1 is selected as the PA Adapt and AEC Reference. In Figure 24 (the Boardroom, page 36), notice that Speaker 1 and Mic 1 are in immediate proximity to each other, and are used exclusively by the same participant.
  • Page 42 APPLICATIONS • BOARDROOM EXAMPLE Next, click the Gate button to open the Gate window (see Figure 30). This is where you set up the gating characteristics of individual mics. Note that PA Adaptive mode is on and that Speaker 1 is selected as the PA Adapt and AEC Reference.
  • Page 43 The outputs are assigned as indicated in the matrix; no further output configuration is necessary for this example. For more information about configuring G-Ware functions, see the XAP 800 Installation and Operation Manual. Figure 33. Processing Filters Window TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...

  • Page 44: Remote Control And Status

    Control and Status Configuration To allow many different control configurations, the XAP 800 can be controlled serially via the RS-232 port; directly through the two control/status A or B labeled connectors on the rear panel; or through a combination of the above. Also, a few functions can be controlled from the front panel.
  • Page 45 Any valid function of all XAP 800s connected to the Expansion Bus is capable of being controlled from the control/status pins of any connected XAP 800. These functions include volume up, volume down, mute, etc. In addition, pins can be programmed to call up to 32 preprogrammed presets (each preset representing a programmed configuration).
  • Page 46 REMOTE CONTROL AND STATUS • CONTROL STATUS PINS Control Status Connector A Control Status Connector B DEFAULT DEFAULT DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Preset select bit 0 Lock front panel toggle Status bit 0 Status of front panel lock Preset select bit 1 Mute all mics toggle Status bit 1 Status of mute all mics...
  • Page 47 A macro is a command consisting of a list of other commands. When a macro is sent to the XAP 800, it executes the macro, or list of commands. Upon completion of each macro, the XAP 800 issues a macro-completed response which is used to keep all connected system devices synchronized with the state of the system.

  • Page 48: Serial Remote Control

    The RS-232 serial port was generally intended to be used as follows: 1. Set up and programming - During installation, a PC is connected to the XAP 800, and the unit is programmed for the application gain structure, routing, equalization, etc.

  • Page 49: Programming

    G-Ware takes advantage of a DSP infrastructure to accomplish this task. It uses the Expansion Bus, a high-speed network protocol, to allow up to eight XAP 800 units to be networked together. The Expansion Bus provides two primary system functions: 1) communications among units, and 2) audio linking.
  • Page 50 Front Panel Using G-Ware software on a connected PC is the only method for programming all the features of the XAP 800, but a few parameters can also be adjusted through the front panel buttons and displays. The front panel consists of an LCD display, five parameter adjustment buttons, an LED VU meter, and eight mic LEDs.

  • Page 51: Xap 800 Connections

    Meters The XAP 800 has an LED meter and an LCD. Whenever the input, output, or room loss menus are accessed, the meter displays the level of the parameter selected. When not in the input, output, or room loss menus, the default meter is shown.
  • Page 52 1) communication among units, and 2) audio linking. All functions of the XAP 800 are available across a system of linked XAP 800 units, which allows automixing of up to eight XAP 800 units, 64 microphones, and 32 line inputs.
  • Page 53 Connecting to the Expansion Bus Each XAP 800 comes standard with one Expansion Bus cable. The maximum (cable) distance allowed between any two XAP 800 units on an Expansion Bus network is 80 feet. Gentner Communications recommends that category five twisted-pair (10BaseT LAN) cable be used.

  • Page 54: Xap Th1 Telephone Interface

    It continually filters low and high frequency noise to provide pure sound. The XAP TH1 connects to the XAP 800 via the RS-232 port on each unit. A XAP 800/XAP TH1 system can also be controlled with a remote controller such as a Panja (AMX) or Crestron.

  • Page 55: Appendices

    APPENDICES • SPECIFICATIONS Appendices Appendix A: Specifications DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) Outputs A: Open collector, 20V max, 40mA each ” x 1 ⁄ ” x 10 ⁄ ” (43.8 x 4.5 x 26.0 cm) Control/Status B: DB25 female WEIGHT Inputs B: active low (pull to ground) 7 lb/4.5 kg dry Outputs B: Open collector, 20V max, 40mA each (2) 12 lb/5.9 kg shipping...
  • Page 56 Automatic Gating Automatically gates microphones on or off based on input levels and other parameters programmed into the XAP 800. Bandwidth The difference between the lower and upper 3dB endpoints of an audio band. Also, the range or differences between the limiting frequencies of a continuous frequency band.
  • Page 57 It is useful in custom crossover applications to compensate for speaker driver deficiencies. Filter Display A group of nodes plotted on a logarithmic scale. The XAP 800’s filter display can be accessed through the Inputs 1-8, From Processing, or To Processing windows.
  • Page 58 Gain The amount a signal is increased over a given reference, typically 0. Normally specified in dB (decibels). On the XAP 800, gain is adjustable from -60 to 20dB in .5dB increments. Gain Structure The configuration of parameters which define gain adjustment of a signal.
  • Page 59 Phantom Power Power supplied by the XAP 800 to power most condenser microphones. The XAP 800 provides 24 volts of phantom power. This feature can be switched off for devices not requiring phantom power.
  • Page 60 Pink Noise An audio test signal containing all the frequencies in a given audio spectrum, with equal energy in each octave. Preset One of 32 configurable memories in the XAP 800. A preset can be programmed with a variety of routing, level, gating, delay, filter, and equalizer settings to meet specific application requirements.
  • Page 61 APPENDICES • WORKSHEETS Gentner XAP 800 TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 62 APPENDICES • WORKSHEETS Gentner XAP 800 TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 63 APPENDICES • WORKSHEETS Gentner XAP 800 TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 64 APPENDICES • WORKSHEETS Gentner XAP 800 TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 65 APPENDICES • WORKSHEETS TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...
  • Page 66 APPENDICES • WORKSHEETS TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 1.800.283.5936 (USA) OR 1.801.974.3760...

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