1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Soniclear Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. HA6
  6. Operation manual

Soniclear HA6 Operation Manual

Hybrid audio kit with the focusrite 18i20 gen 3
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
HA6 Hybrid Audio Kit
with the Focusrite 18i20 Gen 3
OPERATION GUIDE

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the HA6 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Soniclear HA6

Summary of Contents for Soniclear HA6

  • Page 1 HA6 Hybrid Audio Kit with the Focusrite 18i20 Gen 3 OPERATION GUIDE...

  • Page 2: About This Manual

    About This Manual This manual covers the installation and usage of the SoniClear Hybrid 4 Audio Kit, based on the Focusrite 18i20. This kit is designed for use with all SoniClear digital recording software products. Revision Date: 10/21/24 Printed in the United States.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Using a Backup Recorder ........................10 Playback from Windows Software ..................... 10 Additional Usage Notes ........................10 Preparation Before Each Meeting ....................... 11 SoniClear Recording Channel Layout ....................12 Resetting All Controls ......................... 13 Focusrite 18i20 Loopback Kit Installation ....................15 Hardware Installation ..........................15 Overview .............................
  • Page 4 Expose Windows Channels ......................... 38 Windows Sound Settings ........................39 Default Playback Device ........................39 Default Recording Device ........................40 SoniClear Software Preferences......................41 Overview ............................. 41 Recording Options Tab - Sound Quality ..................... 41 Hardware Tab – Audio Device Selection.................... 43 Transcriber Live Software Preferences ....................
  • Page 5 Software Updates ..........................57 Other Communication Software Configuration ..................58 Windows App Software Playback Configuration ................... 58...

  • Page 7: Ha6 Operation

    HA6 Operation Overview The SoniClear HA6 Hybrid Audio Kit uses the Focusrite 18i20 3 Generation USB audio interface to make it easy to record in-person meetings, computer-based teleconferences, and hybrid meetings with high audio quality. It will work with any conferencing software, such as Zoom, Cisco WebEx, or Microsoft Teams.

  • Page 8: Using Microphones

    Using Microphones When working in-person, plug in up to six microphones. The first two microphone channels are located on the front of the 18i20. Microphone inputs for channels 3-6 are located on the back. Position the microphones in the meeting room to pick up all the participants. When working remotely, place one microphone so that it is close to where you are sitting without being in the way of your work.

  • Page 9: Adjusting Remote Participant Volume

    A typical microphone and participant will require the level to be set between 12 and 4 O’clock on the GAIN knob. The level of the audio being captured is shown in the level meter section on the front of the 18i20.

  • Page 10: Listening Using Headphones

    Unlike the Stereo Mix recording in SoniClear the backup audio output on the headphone jack has the same audio as heard on the first headphone jack, including the monitor audio.

  • Page 11: Preparation Before Each Meeting

    Preparation Before Each Meeting Before recording, follow these steps in preparation: • Start the computer from a cold start or Reboot it if still running. • Make sure Windows Update is not running in the background, and if it is, select the Pause option. •...

  • Page 12: Soniclear Recording Channel Layout

    SoniClear Recording Channel Layout The SoniClear recordings created with this kit will have the following channels: SoniClear Channel Audio Recorded on Channel Stereo Mix Microphones 1 - 6 Remote Conference or Softphone Participants SoniClear Readback Audio (Left/Right) Windows Program Playback (Left/Right)

  • Page 13: Resetting All Controls

    Resetting All Controls If any of the required Focusrite 18i20 settings are accidentally changed, the default settings can be restored with the following steps: Left click on in the “Windows System Tray”. This is the little up-arrow icon in the lower right corner of the computer screen (next to the Time and Date): Then left click on the Focusrite control icon This will display the list of options for controlling the Focusrite interface.
  • Page 14 Click on the File pulldown menu and select “Load Snapshot” to open the preset selection dialog. Select the presets file. The default preset file is located in the SoniClear program directory and is specific to the instructions in this manual as of the time of publication: C:\Program Files (x86)\SoniClear10\Presets\HA6Kit_Focusrite18i20_RevE.ff...

  • Page 15: Focusrite 18I20 Loopback Kit Installation

    Connect at least one microphone or a headset to the 18i20 microphone inputs. This microphone or headset is used to record the local participant in the SoniClear software and is also used as the microphone for the online conferencing software, such as Zoom.

  • Page 16: Headphone Connection

    front of the 18i20, with the remainder on the back. Any of the microphone jacks can be used to plug in line-level audio using a ¼” TRS balanced signal cable. This would be useful in cases where an audio feed is provided from a sound system in the meeting room.
  • Page 18 Loopback Cables Note: Color of cables is irrelevant and may vary from what is shown.
  • Page 19 S/PDIF Loopback Cable...
  • Page 20 ¼” TRS Loopback Cables...

  • Page 21: Focusrite 18I20 Software Installation

    The Focusrite 18i20 requires configuration through the device control panel for compatibility with SoniClear. To simplify setting up the mixer a default set of presets for use with SoniClear are provided, located in the SoniClear program directory. The instructions in this manual are specific to the preset file provided at the time of publication: C:\Program Files (x86)\SoniClear10\Presets\HA6Kit_Focusrite18i20_RevE.ff...
  • Page 22 Then left click on the Focusrite control icon This will display the list of options for controlling the Focusrite 18i20. Select “Mixing / Routing” to display the Focusrite control panel:...

  • Page 23: Saving Presets

    Then save these customized settings in a custom preset file for future use. It is important to save these customized presets so that the SoniClear user can restore the correct settings, in case they pressed one of the setting buttons by accident.

  • Page 24: Focusrite 18I20 Manual Configuration

    Windows applications. Software and Hardware Loopback Signals To accomplish all of the functions of the HA6 kit, the Focusrite 18i20 is configured with three loopback signals. SoniClear uses the loopback audio channel built-in 18i20 audio drivers for recording a mix of the local microphone(s), combined with the audio from the remote participants.

  • Page 25: How To Open Focusrite Control Panels

    How to Open Focusrite Control Panels Left click on in the “Windows System Tray”. This is the little up-arrow icon in the lower right corner of the computer screen (next to the Time and Date): Then left click on the Focusrite control icon This will display the list of options for controlling the Focusrite interface, which are explained in the following instructions.

  • Page 26: Mixer Settings

    Mixer Settings Open the Focusrite 18i20 Mixer control panel from the Focusrite menu in the Windows System Tray by selecting the “Mixing / Routing” control panel. There are six mixers to configure: • Monitor Output 1-2 To speakers • Analogue Outputs 3-4 Mix Minus loopback to conference software •...

  • Page 27: Monitor Outputs 1-2

    Monitor Outputs 1-2 The Monitor Outputs 1-2 mix is sent to the Line-Out 1-2 jacks on the back of the 18i20 unit. This is the signal that can be connected to speakers. The microphone inputs must be excluded from this mix, with just computer playback being sent to the speaker output.

  • Page 28: Analogue Outputs 3-4

    Analogue Outputs 3-4 The Analogue 3-4 mix is sent to the Line-Out 3-4 jacks. This provides the “Mix-Minus” signal of the audio to be sent to the remote participants. These jacks are connected back to the 18i20 hardware line inputs on the back of the 18i20 unit (Analog 7-8) using the two ¼” TRS loopback cables. This creates, in effect, a hardware loopback of the audio, making the signal available for the conference software.

  • Page 29: Analogue Outputs 5-6

    Analogue Outputs 5-6 The Analogue 5-6 mix is sent to the Line-Out 5-6 jacks. This provides the same output as is sent to the headphones, and can be used optionally as an audio feed for a video recording system.

  • Page 30: Headphone 1

    The Headphone 1 mix is sent to the first headphone jack on the front of the 18i20 unit, and to Line Out 7- 8 on the back of the unit. This is the signal that allows the SoniClear user to hear everything in the conference call, as well as for monitoring through the headphones from SoniClear.

  • Page 31: Headphone 2

    Headphone 2 The Headphone 2 output is used to connect the Focusrite to a backup recorder, and to Line Out 9-10 on the back of the unit. The audio included on the custom mix for this output includes all audio heard by the participants, and excludes audio heard by the court reporter headphone for monitoring.

  • Page 32: S/Pdif

    S/PDIF This mix is for the S/PDIF output. It is used to provide hardware loopback of the conference all audio, making it possible to record the remoted participants in a separate track in SoniClear. Playback 7-8 (Conference Call Participants) On (set to Playback 7-8)

  • Page 33: Adat Channels

    ADAT Channels The ADAT channels provided by the 18i20 are not use for this kit. Skip over all the ADAT mixer items.

  • Page 34: Loopback

    Loopback The loopback mix contains the audio being recorded in SoniClear. Mic 1-6 Line-In 7-8 (conference call mic feed) Mute S/PDIF (conference call participants) Mute Playback 1-2 (Windows App Playback) Playback 3-4 (Readback Playback) Playback 5-6 (Headphone Monitor) Playback 7-8 (Conference Call Participants)

  • Page 35: Hardware Input Settings

    Hardware Input Settings While in the Focusrite Mixing / Routing Control panel, click on the Input Settings button (in the top middle of the panel). This will open the hardware settings buttons to adjust the input signal hardware behavior. Set these as follows: Analogue 1 and 2 Line - On Air - Off...

  • Page 36: Additional Settings

    Additional Settings While in the Focusrite Mixing / Routing Control panel, click on the Settings gear button (at the top left of the control panel). This will display several additional driver hardware controls. Set these control options as follows: Sample Rate = 44.1 kHz Internal Clock S/PDIF = RCA Retain 48V = Enable...

  • Page 37: Focusrite Driver Settings

    Focusrite Driver Settings In addition to the mixer settings, the driver settings must be configured from the Focusrite control panels. Access the control panels by clicking on the system tray up-arrow icon, then left click on the Focusrite icon Streaming Settings Select the “Scarlett 18i20 (3 Gen) settings”...

  • Page 38: Expose Windows Channels

    Expose Windows Channels Select the “Expose / Hide Windows Channels” option from the Focusrite control icon in the system tray. This will display the Windows driver channels control panel. Enable (check) all inputs and outputs shown.

  • Page 39: Windows Sound Settings

    Windows Sound Settings Default Playback Device Select the “Windows Sound Panel” option from the Focusrite control icon in the system tray. This will display the Windows Playback settings control panel: Set the Focusrite 18i20 Playback 1-2 audio to be the default playback device for Windows. Select the Focusrite Usb Audio and click the Set Default button.

  • Page 40: Default Recording Device

    Default Recording Device Set the Windows Sound Recording defaults by clicking on the Recording tab of the Sound panel: Set the Analogue 7 + 8 device as the default recording device for Windows programs by clicking on that driver and then clicking the Set Default button.

  • Page 41: Soniclear Software Preferences

    SoniClear Software Preferences Overview The SoniClear software preferences must be configured to work with the Focusrite 18i20 interface. To do this, start SoniClear and select Edit/Preferences from the pulldown menu. The recordings created with this configuration will have the following channels:...

  • Page 43: Hardware Tab - Audio Device Selection

    Hardware Tab – Audio Device Selection Select the Hardware tab and modify the settings according to the following instructions.
  • Page 44 Recording Device Setup The Recording Device Selection side of the Hardware tab controls the usage of the sound cards in the computer during recording. Default Recording Device This is the sound card input for recording the stereo mix of all the participants. It should be set to “Loopback L+R”.
  • Page 45 Click on the Edit button next to the “First Recording Array Device” field to display the setup dialog for the individual microphone channels. This set of options controls how the individual inputs are recorded separately in SoniClear. Set each of the recording array devices to the corresponding stereo pair device in the 18i20: 1.
  • Page 46 Live monitoring should be enabled and the headphone device set to “Playback 5 + 6”. Advanced Playback Options These options control how playback is processed. These fields should only be changed in the event of problems with playback using the default settings. Consult SoniClear support for assistance. Monitor Delay Monitor Delay should be set to the default of 3 seconds.

  • Page 47: Transcriber Live Software Preferences

    Transcriber Live Software Preferences When Transcriber Live is used with SoniClear Court Recorder 9, the Focusrite 18i20 headphone can be used to monitor audio, and readbacks can be played so that the readback audio is heard by the teleconference participants.

  • Page 48: Playback Device Selection

    Enable live monitoring by checking this option. Set the Headphone device to “Playback 5 + 6”. Advanced Playback Options These options control how playback is processed. These fields should only be changed in the event of problems with playback using the default settings. Consult SoniClear support for assistance if this happens. Monitor Delay Monitor Delay should be set to the default of 3 seconds.

  • Page 49: Zoom Conferencing Software Configuration

    Zoom Conferencing Software Configuration The Zoom conferencing application must be manually set to the correct configuration to work with the Focusrite 18i20 interface. Disable Auto Startup The Zoom Settings General tab allows for disabling loading at startup. Make sure the “Start Zoom when I Start Windows”...

  • Page 50: Configure Audio Devices

    At the same time, be aware that when Zoom changes, it may result in the program changing how it works with SoniClear. Always thoroughly test SoniClear with new versions of Zoom before using in production.

  • Page 51: Gotomeeting Conferencing Software Configuration

    GoToMeeting Conferencing Software Configuration The GoToMeeting conferencing application must be manually set to the correct configuration to work with the Focusrite 18i20 interface. Disable Auto Startup The Preferences Start Up tab allows for disabling loading at startup. Make sure the “Automatically after I log in to Windows”...

  • Page 52: Configure Audio Devices

    GoToMeeting is not getting out of date. At the same time, be aware that when GoToMeeting changes, it may result in the program changing how it works with SoniClear. Always thoroughly test SoniClear with new versions of GoToMeeting before using in production.

  • Page 53: Teams Conferencing Software Configuration

    Teams Conferencing Software Configuration The Microsoft Teams conferencing application must be manually set to the correct configuration to work with the Focusrite 18i20 interface. Disable Auto Startup The Teams Settings General tab allows for disabling loading at startup. Make sure the “Auto- start application”...

  • Page 54: Configure Audio Devices

    Configure Audio Devices In the Settings Devices tab, select the audio devices: • Set the Speaker device to “Playback 7 + 8”. • Set the Microphone device to “Analogue 7 + 8”.

  • Page 55: Software Updates

    Teams is not getting out of date. At the same time, be aware that when Teams changes, it may result in the program changing how it works with SoniClear. Always thoroughly test SoniClear with new versions of Teams before using in production.

  • Page 56: Webex Conferencing Software Configuration

    WebEx Conferencing Software Configuration The Cisco WebEx conferencing application must be manually set to the correct configuration to work with the Focusrite 18i20 interface. Disable Auto Startup The Webex Options General tab allows for disabling loading at startup. Make sure the “Start Webex when my computer starts”...

  • Page 57: Configure Audio Devices

    At the same time, be aware that when Webex changes, it may result in the program changing how it works with SoniClear. Always thoroughly test SoniClear with new versions of Webex before using in production.
  • Page 58 With this configuration the audio being played back can be heard by the conference call participants and on the 18i20 monitoring headphones. The playback audio will also be recorded in SoniClear. A typical application would be to play a video file on the computer for conference participants to...

Table of Contents